Alberta EMT Schools - AHASTI or Emergency Services Academy?

[derelique]

Ok, so we have decided that we aren't going to move to Northern Alberta and now need to figure out where to apply to go to school for my EMT learning. We have crossed out distance education programs as full time face to face is preferred. Now, we have come down to the top two contenders (in our opinion) but I need to know some inside info. Does anyone out here have any experience with either Calgary based Alberta Health and Safety Training Institute - EMT Program, or Sherwood Park based Emergency Services Academy - EMT Program?

We have decided that money is not something that one should 'cheap out' on when it comes to an education, so I am looking for 'content'.

Anyone?

[deville]

Well, I have work buddies from both ESA and AHASTI so I cant really steer ya to one in particular, but saying that I have a backround in fire services so I lean towards ESA. It all depends on what you want for discipline/atmosphere as ESA's delivery is given by instructors that are integrated fire/ems employees with Strathcona Fire/EMS. I have one buddy enrolled @ ESA as we speak and he's lovin it. The AHASTI programme is talked highly about as well. Do as much research on both programmes as Im sure you will before enrolling. Hope this helps.


Cheers!

[jasperfire]

ESA....

By the numbers:
6 year CMA accreditation, Renewed July 2010
ESA EMT Graduation Rate: 92.1% of the students accepted into the EMT Program at ESA successfully completed the program.
ESA Job Placement Rate: 94.7% of the graduates from the EMT Program at ESA were successful in obtaining training related employment.
ESA Places top three at ACP registration exams out of all the Alberta schools consistently

My Experience:
Very structured, very demanding. They expect alot but so should you. ESA teaches fire as well and a fire background never hurts but as long as you can work hard and be dedicated you will do fine regardless of your background. Your instructors are excellent and have a wide variety of backgrounds. You can be taught by and ex militray medic in the morning and a fire captain in the afternoon. The field trips are awesome and they will always make time for you. They don't like excuses and your ego will be dismantled (at least mine was!).

Any more info PM me. I'm sure you can tell which way I am leaning.....

All the best, take care and be safe.

[Inspir]

ESA Places top three at ACP registration exams out of all the Alberta schools consistently

Is there some kind of list out there that ranks school ACP success rates. I've asked ACP about getting the list but I've been told:

1. ACP is not in the school recruiting business; and
2. various FOIPP issues.

From talking around it seems the the more bigger public institutions (e.g. NAIT, SAIT, Portage, etc) are not as good as the private institutions (e.g. ESA, AHSTI, PMA).

I'm in the same boat as Derelique and want the make sure I get 'my bang for my buck' if I'm going to cash out $6,000 +.