State-to-state EMS

[CarpeIanBaby]

Hello everyone,

After I graduate college i am looking to goto paramedic school and then hopefully move down to the NY/NJ area. I currently live in NH. Would it be a good idea to work and live in NH until I have my paramedic certification or instead to move to whereever I eventually want to go first and take my paramedic once I get there. How hard is it to go from state-to-state in EMS... Will EMS agencies hire out of staters?

These are just a few of my questions... any answers would be much appreciated!!! :)

[JimSpoor]

Standards can vary quite a lot from one state to another. Even WITHIN a state, protocols and levels of training differ.

The fight for reciprocity is ongoing, and has been for decades. Some states recognize training received in other states. Some do not. Some states recognize those who pass the National Registry exams. Some don't.

The quick answer is move to the state you would like to work and receive your training there. Then you are safe. Another option is to contact the DOH EMS dept. of each state and ask specific questions.

When I get a chance I will try to find a answer to your specific circumstance.

Good Luck

BTW: As far as I know nowhere lets you go directly into paramedic school. You have to be an Emergency Medical Technician first. Usually for a year. EMT is much shorter. Usually 110 hours or so.

[JimSpoor]

This is what I was able to dig up.

One other note: To enroll in a NJ paramedic program or to gain "reciprocity" you must be sponsored or employed by a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in the state.

Reciprocity. Valid DOT-approved EMT training from other states is recognized.
Those holding EMT certification from New York, Pennsylvania and National
Registry are to practice without becoming dually certified. Paramedics must have
been trained in a program which utilized the National Standard Curriculum and
which meets or exceeds New Jersey's minimum hours of training, and need to
do an internship with a sponsoring New Jersey MICU hospital, as well as pass
National Registry written and practical examinations within 1 year.
Salary ranges. Basic EMT: $15,000–$25,000/yr; Paramedic:
$25,000–$35,000/yr.

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions don't hesitate.

Good Luck

[CarpeIanBaby]

Thanks Jim. I am currently an EMT-B and have been for over a year now. I will be in class for my EMT-I during the summer. So once I am in a position to graduate and leave college I will have hopefully been an EMT-I for a year and if not then a EMT-B for over 2 years. Do you have any idea if there are any vollie services in NJ? Is it not possible to move to NJ with my paramedic and work on a vollie squad?
Thanks again for all the info! I really appreciate it!

[JimSpoor]

There is NO vollie ALS in NJ. As far as I know all ALS is hospital based; either a ground MICU or med-evac helicopter. Even interfacilty ALS transports are handled by hospital based teams. I do know that to get into paramedic school in NJ you have to be "sponsored" by a MICU. When I was still doing ALS in NY I looked at Jersey and had to have proof of employment with a MICU as part of my reciprocity paperwork.

As for volunteer BLS squads, yes there are quite a few. More in some areas, less in others. One option is to gain employment in a urban system, such as Newark as an EMT. You could also apply to the hospitals. Many teams include EMT-Bs' on their squads. Once involved with EMS in NJ the ins and outs should be clearer.

Good Luck.

[medicman]

Most states offer reciprocity... my advise be sure to get your National Registry- while this dosen't always guarentee state certification it helps make the process smoother. Check with the states Health Dept, they can provide info.

[CarpeIanBaby]

Thanks guys! All this info was much appreciated :D