paramedic school

[mooersy21]

I am in Massachusetts and just finished up the EMT-B certification process, just waiting for the mail! I planned and got into medic school for this fall 2004, should I wait longer than six months for gaining experience to attend medic school? I have heard mixed reviews, any opinions?

thanks, meri

[JimSpoor]

I have seen and/or been involved with many different medic schools over the years I've been involed with EMS. I can't remember one that did not require a year as an EMT-B. Even if you found one, I would not recommend it. Do some time on the street and improve your skills, especially patient assessment.

I am not aware of what EMS education possibilities there are in MA but nation-wide the times they are a changing. Many, many paramedic programs are evolving into A.A.S or B.S. degree programs. If the ones you are interested don't offer the option I would recommend looking elsewhere. The degree is already the standard in some areas and this will only increase. Good luck with your new career.

BTW: It usually is not the best idea to revive a thread that is more than 2 or 3 weeks old. Usually the question has been answered or is no longer relevant. Of course there are exceptions. Just a heads up. Stay Safe.

[CPD-Dispatcher]

Originally posted by mooersy21
should I wait longer than six months for gaining experience to attend medic school?

I agree with Jim, I would wait at least a Year if not longer to go into medic school. First off it will help you out in class having that time under your belt on the streets. Patient assessment is a big part of your job, and the time on the street will help you as a medic when you have the extra responsibility for the patient. I am not from Massachusetts however I don't think in Ohio you can go from emt school to medic school without a year or so on the streets. I could be wrong I have been out of ems for about 4 years now. Plus if you are paying your way I would think you want to find out if you are really going to like this field. Why pay all that money for medic school, hit the streets and find out you hate it.


Plus as an EMT-B working on an ALS Squad you will work next to a Medic and can see first hand what is done, how it is done, learn a little and also see if a medic is what you want to be.


Then if all else fails, become a Dispatcher. The best job in the world :D


Lood luck with what you decide to do, and good luck in school.

[mooersy21]

CPD-dispatcher,

thanks for the advice, but the medics I have trained with cannot talk me out of it yet, I am good at getting out the way of vomit and the street characters and frequent flyers were an eye opener, but I love it. A desk job is not for me and I personal train,bartend and teach aerobics...I am bored and need a change. I got very sick this past summer and was close to almost dying and I told the medics (in my semi-conciousness) that I would pay them back and I feel this is a good start. but i may wait on medic school, i need a new vehicle!

meri

[Rick]

JMHO ... I obtained my EMT-B in May 2003 and began medic school August 2003. One think I can tell you is that within 1 month, I became highly aware of the gap between what I would need to know as a medic and what I "thought" I knew as an EMT.

My class has 28 individuals or varied backgrounds: those like me without experience, firefighters who have worked as EMTs (with and without variances), police who are sent to medic school by their departments, and ERTs /EMTs who currently work as such. I have no problem keeping up with these indivicuals. To tell the truth, I am at the top of my class (tho I do have a BS in Biology from 1972). The only "downside" may be when I apply for jobs as employers like experience along with the certificate. Of course, you could work 20 hrs or so while you're in school (which would satisfy the experience desired by employers). Good Luck!

Rick