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MariaCatEMT posted in this thread:
And I thought it was worth discussing, as it's a big issue in EMS. Hopefully she doesn't mind.
In Michigan they don't require any field experience or reference letters in order to move on to higer levels of training.
As an EMT-B student, I was sure I wanted to be a paramedic. I got my EMTB license in the summer two years ago, and intended to get my medic license a year from now, with no "real" experience.
Then I realized that I would love to have a part-time job in EMS, to have some actual field experience. I was hired by a company on a contingent basis. I'm required to work three shifts a month, but in reality could pick up an open shift every day if I wanted.
My experience as an EMT-B has been a great one, I see EMS in my future. After working a while, I personally don't feel being a Paramedic is the best move for me, though I really enjoy my job and EMS. I wouldn't have known that if I didn't have the experience though.
That said, several of my EMT-B classmates went right on to the paramedic course, and I'm sure they love what they do.
Your tuition for EMT-B absolutely was not a waste! I can't tell you how often I use my training outside of work. In addition, I'm not sure why you can't work as an EMT-B for a private company. Do none exist in your area? What about ERs and such that need ER techs? I think it would be easy to get a job as an EMT if you looked around. Even if you only worked a few ****s a month, that would be the experience you need to move on to the next level.
I think you'll find most forum members are supportive of your desire to be an EMT-P, but you have to stick with it. If there is something you want to do, do it. I'm not one for excuses, I can't tell you how many time I've been told "We're sorry, that isn't possible" by different colleges. Whether it took me calling the deans office on a daily basis, writing letters, or even more, I always did it, and it always worked.
Keep us updated. If you want help searching for a job, let us know, and I'm sure some people may be able to offer suggestions. DONT GIVE UP!
Well, I owe you an apology, that was uncalled for on my part. I am FRUSTRATED. Regarding advice I received on this board I contacted the necessary folks about going to intermediate school.....and found out I can't go. Here in this community, unless you have written recommendations from "a professional service" you can't upgrade to intermediate, even if you pay out of pocket. Here's the catch-22. I can't get a recommendation unless I have verifiable "street experience" which I can't get unless I'm "hired". The vollie agency I belong to gets very few calls in the way of EMS, usually by the time we respond to the station and get enroute, one of the other services is already there (which I understand). Thanks for over-looking my rudeness, I'm sorry. It just doesn't look like things are going to work out, and that my tuition for EMT-B was a waste. And boy to I HATE wasting my time and money!
And I thought it was worth discussing, as it's a big issue in EMS. Hopefully she doesn't mind.
In Michigan they don't require any field experience or reference letters in order to move on to higer levels of training.
As an EMT-B student, I was sure I wanted to be a paramedic. I got my EMTB license in the summer two years ago, and intended to get my medic license a year from now, with no "real" experience.
Then I realized that I would love to have a part-time job in EMS, to have some actual field experience. I was hired by a company on a contingent basis. I'm required to work three shifts a month, but in reality could pick up an open shift every day if I wanted.
My experience as an EMT-B has been a great one, I see EMS in my future. After working a while, I personally don't feel being a Paramedic is the best move for me, though I really enjoy my job and EMS. I wouldn't have known that if I didn't have the experience though.
That said, several of my EMT-B classmates went right on to the paramedic course, and I'm sure they love what they do.
Your tuition for EMT-B absolutely was not a waste! I can't tell you how often I use my training outside of work. In addition, I'm not sure why you can't work as an EMT-B for a private company. Do none exist in your area? What about ERs and such that need ER techs? I think it would be easy to get a job as an EMT if you looked around. Even if you only worked a few ****s a month, that would be the experience you need to move on to the next level.
I think you'll find most forum members are supportive of your desire to be an EMT-P, but you have to stick with it. If there is something you want to do, do it. I'm not one for excuses, I can't tell you how many time I've been told "We're sorry, that isn't possible" by different colleges. Whether it took me calling the deans office on a daily basis, writing letters, or even more, I always did it, and it always worked.
Keep us updated. If you want help searching for a job, let us know, and I'm sure some people may be able to offer suggestions. DONT GIVE UP!