thulegreen1101 Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 Hi, I’m a new grad and very interested in working in the ER. I have my ACLS and BLS and have noticed that some companies require only those. I have a few colleagues who got ER positions right away with only those certs, but I was wondering if it might be helpful to get as many certs as possible (NRP, PALS, CALS/ATLS) prior to getting a job vs waiting for a job that may help pay for these. The current total cost for NRP + PALS + CALS is over $2000. I definitely want to take these courses and willing to pay for them on my own if they may help in getting that first job. Are there are certs that are helpful? Most of the ER’s where I live have satellite ER’s in more rural areas. (but NOT solo practice)Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beattie228 Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 I'd hold off on dropping money on those courses as long as you have the required certifications for the positions you're applying for. If you're not getting bites on your applications, then maybe consider beefing up your credentials otherwise I'd recommend waiting for your CME funds for your upcoming job to help cushion the blow. Most hospitals conduct that training throughout the year at either no cost to FT providers or at a significant discount that you can tap into your CME money for. If you're bored/antsy to do one of the ones you mentioned, I'd recommend doing ATLS. Outstanding course. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiovolffemtp Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 I'd recommend waiting for several reasons: 1) CME funds - let the employer pay for the course, 2) having experience with patients who need advanced assessment and/or interventions gives you a context that really helps you get much more out of classes like ATLS and PALS. I'd vote for those 2 over NRP. In 35+ years in the field and the ED, I've only had to resuscitate 2 neonates (2 too many - worst moments ever). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted August 24, 2019 Moderator Share Posted August 24, 2019 I took NRP once and did not think it was a good course. PALS and APLS are much better. At some point I think every em pa should take acls, atls, pals/apls, a difficult airway course, FCCS, ALSO(ob), and ABLS(burns). the big ones are acls/atls/pals/difficult airway, which also happen to be the ones needed for the em caq exam. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedicinePower Posted August 26, 2019 Share Posted August 26, 2019 CALS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thulegreen1101 Posted August 26, 2019 Author Share Posted August 26, 2019 4 hours ago, MedicinePower said: CALS? Comprehensive Advanced Life Support for Rural ER, with a trauma module. It’s regarded as the same thing as ATLS for most rural ER’s where I live in the upper Midwest. (Atleast that’s what I’ve been told by the places I’ve applied to). CALS Has an excellent reputation and well regarded by many of the ER providers in my area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted August 27, 2019 Moderator Share Posted August 27, 2019 On 8/26/2019 at 4:38 AM, thulegreen1101 said: Comprehensive Advanced Life Support for Rural ER, with a trauma module. It’s regarded as the same thing as ATLS for most rural ER’s where I live in the upper Midwest. (Atleast that’s what I’ve been told by the places I’ve applied to). CALS Has an excellent reputation and well regarded by many of the ER providers in my area. unfortunately it is only taught at a very limited number of centers, mostly in the Midwest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winter_is_coming Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 I was lucky to land in an ED where others didn't want to work and they where in need of PAs. Timing just worked out. Now I'm moving to AZ (wife is AD Army) and have a job there in an ED. I just finished my FCCS today and have ATLS scheduled for late January in Baltimore. I'm not sure about this whole Physician Extender thing on the ACS website. I emailed my POC there and am making sure I can get a Cert/Card at the end as its required for my next job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdDogPA Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 On 11/15/2019 at 6:46 PM, Winter_is_coming said: I was lucky to land in an ED where others didn't want to work and they where in need of PAs. Timing just worked out. Now I'm moving to AZ (wife is AD Army) and have a job there in an ED. I just finished my FCCS today and have ATLS scheduled for late January in Baltimore. I'm not sure about this whole Physician Extender thing on the ACS website. I emailed my POC there and am making sure I can get a Cert/Card at the end as its required for my next job. I got a certificate for ATLS the same as physicians did. But it’s my understanding this varies from testing sites. Would definitely verify. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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