Posted on Oct 14, 2018
What are the pros and cons of getting my EMT-B Certification prior to enlisting as a 68W?
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I've been told that if I get my NREMT-B prior to enlisting I can enlist at a higher rank (E2/E3) and also save some time at Ft.Sam.
Is the above true and also what are some of the advantages and disadvantages attached to getting my certification before I ship?
Is the above true and also what are some of the advantages and disadvantages attached to getting my certification before I ship?
Posted in these groups: 
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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You actually get E4 and get to skip the first 8 weeks of EMT phase. Honestly I wouldn’t do it, emt phase is very good and it’s nice to stick with a class the whole way through. A lot of expectations come with the E4 rank as a medic too. Also just because you don’t have to do emt phase if you’re already certified doesn’t mean you won’t sit around as a holdunder for weeks until a company starts whiskey phase. Save your money and have the army pay for your certification.
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It seems this is what people with more experience are saying. (The guy that told me this was actually just out of AIT so about 18-20 years old)
Just for clarification are you saying that E4 would be a overwhelming for someone not accustomed to the Army and the responsibilities of a medic at that paygrade? That definitely makes a ton of sense and if that's the case I am okay with taking a lower amount of pay for a period of time. Peoples lives could (God forbid) be on the line after all.
Also, you say save my money but enlisting as an E4 wouldn't that in the long run increase my earnings?
Just for clarification are you saying that E4 would be a overwhelming for someone not accustomed to the Army and the responsibilities of a medic at that paygrade? That definitely makes a ton of sense and if that's the case I am okay with taking a lower amount of pay for a period of time. Peoples lives could (God forbid) be on the line after all.
Also, you say save my money but enlisting as an E4 wouldn't that in the long run increase my earnings?
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SGT (Join to see)
I came in with a degree so I started at E4. I just graduated last April (2018). I say from experience that I have to work harder/make up for a lot of expectations that come with being an E4 medic.
Not sure on how much EMT class costs, but I assume it’s expensive so E4 salary would take a while to make it worth while. But I definitely had a few friends that had the class prior to joining that seemed to like that way. In the end it’s what you think is best for you. (Join to see)
Not sure on how much EMT class costs, but I assume it’s expensive so E4 salary would take a while to make it worth while. But I definitely had a few friends that had the class prior to joining that seemed to like that way. In the end it’s what you think is best for you. (Join to see)
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SGT (Join to see) - Appreciate the insight a bunch, I do agree that I should make a choice that's best for me but I also want to keep the well being of the unit I'll be assigned to in my regards. I'd hate to not be able to fulfill the needs of someone in my unit because I was trying to cash grab and save 8 weeks (which in comparison to my contract isn't a huge amount of time)
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SFC (Join to see)
You do not enlist as a SPC if you have your EMT B. You can only get the rank if you have a bachelor's degree. You will be able to skip the EMT portion of AIT.
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You need to worry about training and very first; rank may come with certain perks; but as a medic you only get the title of “Doc” if you know your “crap”, and you gain the trust of who you are attached to; regardless of your rank. I know because I had highly trained soldiers I lead downrange that had higher level certain from the civilian sector; total different ball of wax when bullets and IEDs are trying to kill you. So, concentrate on the AIT, use that time you may be given by the cadre or drill sergeants to use as a refresher, so you can stay on top of the game; watch out for being complacent; overall good luck; hopefully with hard work you will be squared away before your first permanent duty station.
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Thank you for the advice, the learning experience is what excites me the most. I'm sure there's other perks to being to start out at a higher rank but money is the first that comes to mind and right now I'm not too concerned about money. I will after all be an 18 year old moving from training location to training for about a year there's not much I need money for. Just trying to learn as much as possible and put myself in the best position possible to do my job and make some lifelong friends.
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SSG Shawn Nelson
I joined at 17 in 94; just listen to your leadership Be, know, do your job to the best ability you can , be professional at all times. Joining young like many of us did helps you grow and mature, as long as you don’t get ahead of yourself ( team player). Remember; Duty, Honor, Country, warm the trust of those who entrust you and your skills. Friends will be made, but as I can say with confidence; Brotherhoods ( having earned it) lasts a lifetime.(Join to see)
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