I decided to review AFTER completing the course myself, as I wanted to experience the course from start to finish BEFORE writing my review, and also to respond to a previous post.
I am a middle age woman who is transitioning into a new career. I found myself in a class full of teens and 20-somethings, and was nervous for weeks that I could not keep up with "those kids". (Sorry.... there were a few older-than-20s gentlemen in the class as well, I cannot forget to mention you guys.) I do want to point out that I am a highly educated woman with a masters degree, and quite qualified in many ways to write this review from beyond the perspective of "a customer" but as a professional who is qualified to evaluate business systems.
The class began with an outline of very strict guidelines for study and attendance habits. These "rules" were made very clear to the entire class on the very first day. We were also informed of milestone grade points where we would be required to maintain an 80% grade point average. This standard by the way was put in place as a national standard and criteria to complete the course. Completing the course with an 80% grade is just step 1 in a three step process to become EMT certified. The other two steps are a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam happens to be the most difficult exam I have ever had to study for and take.
A few weeks into the course we received a project where we were to take vital signs on our classmates. The goal of this project is two-fold. First, an EMT must be able to take vital signs, and two this project forced the class to get to know each other so it basically broke the ice. It was during the end of this project that I approached this pair of teens and asked if I could gather their vitals. They agreed and I noticed that one student only had 3 or 4 recorded and the other had not even started the project. I asked him/her why he/she was not doing it and he/she said, "Oh, I am not going to do this project, but you can take my vitals." It is at this time in my review that I want to make it clear to those who read Yelp reviews, that it is obvious to me that the mother of one of these teens who wrote that very negative and very unethical review.
It is my opinion that it is completely wrong to review ANY business if you are NOT the actual customer. The reviewer was NOT the student, her child was. The reviewer was NOT one of the many wonderful and hard-working people actually taking the class, she was the parent of a "student" who clearly did not want to be there and who was not even completing the assignments, so after mid-term with a low grade I can only assume that is why he/she did not return. So, please read that review with a bit more information so you can make a decision based on more than the rant of an angry parent.
As for what I actually think about my experience at NHCPR. There were days when I left that school frustrated and confused. I studied harder. There were days when I was so tired I could drop, I studied anyway. There were days when I did not want to go. I got in my car, with my assignments completed and went anyway. THAT determined spirit is what you need to complete this course. The reviewer stated that the course does not prepare people for the national written exam. Well, then why did I pass? Why did every single student that made it to the end of this course pass? We all passed because in order to pass that exam you have to be a good EMT. Chris prepared us to be good EMTs, so all of us passed. That is 100% of those who completed the course. 100% pass rate when the national average hovers around 60%. ALL of us passed the practical state of NH exam as well. We all passed because we went into each station perfectly confident in our abilities, and that is because Chris guided us through the learning process in such a way that when we entered those rooms we KNEW we could do the skills.
100% Pass rate. 100% of the class can now serve in the field of EMS.
I want to thank that person who wrote that negative review. As a result of your review many of us formed friendships and studied harder. We began to work in groups, determined to reach the finish line as a team. We became determined NOT to leave anyone behind. I have some advice for those who are interested in any class at NHCPR. If you must use social media, post on FaceBook and ask to speak with a past student. Call the State of NH and ask them what they think. Contact the EMS service in your town and ask them what they think. And lastly do not look to Yelp for your decision, this is not a restaurant it is a school.
Thank you Chris Malley, nicely done. :) read more