Mobile County, Alabama

sjlamb77

Forum Probie
11
0
1
Hey, is anyone familiar with Mobile/Baldwin County? I'm looking to get my EMT-B license this summer here.

Here are a couple generic questions maybe anyone could answer:

Are there big differences between EMT programs? We have a CC offering one, and a university with a big medical school. Obviously, one is cheaper. Will I get the same education?

This may be more location oriented. I'm still in college, so do companies hire EMT-Bs part time? Does anyone have an idea about pay (I know it's low)? Also, how much down time does one have on a typical shift in a not so big city? Can I do homework and study during parts of my shifts?

Thanks guys!
 

shfd739

Forum Deputy Chief
1,374
22
38
Hey, is anyone familiar with Mobile/Baldwin County? I'm looking to get my EMT-B license this summer here.

Here are a couple generic questions maybe anyone could answer:

Are there big differences between EMT programs? We have a CC offering one, and a university with a big medical school. Obviously, one is cheaper. Will I get the same education?

This may be more location oriented. I'm still in college, so do companies hire EMT-Bs part time? Does anyone have an idea about pay (I know it's low)? Also, how much down time does one have on a typical shift in a not so big city? Can I do homework and study during parts of my shifts?

Thanks guys!

My suggestion is to go to USA's summer EMTB class. Awesome program and the education is much better. Most of the companies around there hire part time. I have no idea what basic pay is-been way too long since I was a basic in Mobile. If the shifts are the same as when I worked around there down time is decent.
 
OP
OP
sjlamb77

sjlamb77

Forum Probie
11
0
1
Thanks! I just saw that the USA program is at Brookley kinda south of downtown, which is perfect since I'll be living in Fairhope, so at least I don't have to drive all the way across Mobile. Living in Fairhope, with most of my classes and ties in Mobile, do you think it would be best to put in at North Baldwin County or somewhere in Mobile? I heard the Foley area has good EMS, but that's kinda the opposite direction I wanna travel.
 

shfd739

Forum Deputy Chief
1,374
22
38
It's up to you. Just keep in mind what the drive into mobile could be like and dealing with the bay way or causeway.

I've heard good stuff about North Baldwin EMS and have old friends there. Medstar in the southern part of the county is also a good one.

You could wind up driving just as far into Baldwin as you would Mobile so it's up to you.

My initial thought is stay in Baldwin since both of those services run 911 plus the transfers. Only one in Mobile doing 911 is Mobile County EMS or Mobile Fire. But I didn't count them.
 
OP
OP
sjlamb77

sjlamb77

Forum Probie
11
0
1
Is full-time usually 40 hours? It would be pushing it, but I'd try to do 40 hours a week to be able to get benefits, but if it's 50-60 hours, there's no way I could do that.
 

shfd739

Forum Deputy Chief
1,374
22
38
Depends on the service and shift. From what I remember most all the ones I mentioned are 24/48.
 

Altered Mental Status

Forum Crew Member
65
14
8
Hey, I don't know if this is pertinent anymore but Faulkner's program is inexpensive and excellent. They're located in Gulf Shores though. The drive distance is about the same from Fairhope but the traffic is significantly less stressful.

I got my Basic and AEMT at Bishop. I wouldn't recommend them anymore because the EXCELLENT Program Director there (Gene Rader) quit and the EMS program got absorbed by the nursing program.

PM me if you'd like to chill in Meat space sometime.
 
OP
OP
sjlamb77

sjlamb77

Forum Probie
11
0
1
I wanted to revive my old thread. I did not get to take classes last summer because I couldn't afford them, but I'm going to give it another shot next semester. I've moved from Fairhope to Saraland, for those of you who know the area.
Firstly, my goal is med school, but I have a lot of pre-requisites left to take. I would love to be a full time EMT in the meantime, as it will be 3-4 years before I matriculate.
Does anyone have anymore insights about companies around here? I even heard someone say it might be worth the drive over to MS for a private company like Acadian. What are the benefits of a private company over something like Mobile County?
Also, if I take the spring to get my EMT-B license, would it be worth it to work part time over the summer and go ahead and get my EMT-I license? Is the pay/work worth it if I'm going to work for 2-3 years and I'm not going toward being a paramedic?
I appreciate any insight!
 
Top