jlmontgomery3
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I'm ready for a career change,i am concern about my age emt is the path i would like to go. Puckett ems school start in june 1 austall ga. Age 45? !:<() !:<() thanks
Age ?
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Age doesn't have to be an issue -- it might even be an advantage, to the extent that you probably know better than you did 25 years ago about what you want to do. Also, you probably have "life skills" -- e.g. communication, empathy, big-picture awareness -- that weren't as developed when you were 20.
On the other hand, it might be harder for you to live on an EMT's salary now, and the job's physical requirements might be a problem.
Consider why you want to change careers, and whether EMS could help you resolve that dissatisfaction. If it's about money, benefits, bosses, politics, hours, or appreciation, EMS probably isn't the answer.
On the other hand, it might be harder for you to live on an EMT's salary now, and the job's physical requirements might be a problem.
Consider why you want to change careers, and whether EMS could help you resolve that dissatisfaction. If it's about money, benefits, bosses, politics, hours, or appreciation, EMS probably isn't the answer.
As long as you're healthy, have a good driving record, no criminal background, have above average intelligence, and dont have back problems, you can do it. The only thing that could be a problem is your financial situation.
You will need to become a paramedic in order to make a living. As an EMT its not really possible any more. Becoming a paramedic takes a couple years starting from scratch, and will run you several grand at least.
I know a couple outstanding paramedics who were in their 40s when they began their training, but both of them had already raised their kids who were out of the house, and they were financially stable when they made the career change.
You will need to become a paramedic in order to make a living. As an EMT its not really possible any more. Becoming a paramedic takes a couple years starting from scratch, and will run you several grand at least.
I know a couple outstanding paramedics who were in their 40s when they began their training, but both of them had already raised their kids who were out of the house, and they were financially stable when they made the career change.
I was 36 when I started. Health is more important than age with a physical job. Good luck and have a great time!
Sssssssssh don' tell the Houston Fire Department 12 week medic school :unsure:
I can't speak to the industrial realities of EMS in your parts however I will say that I perfer people who are a little bit older and actually done something rather than left school and rolled up to the Paramedic degree.
Generally speaking the people who have done something and are a little older have a better outlook, can communicate with a range of people more effectively and are just "less green".
Perhaps they subscribe to the Joseph Stalin theory:
"Quantity is a quality all of its own."
Stephanie.
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Young
Being young has it's dissadvantages, such as not enough experiance.
But it also has it's advantages, so a EMS can mold you into the EMT they want you to be.
Being older has its disadvantages , with health issues, and its hard to live on and emt's salary.
Being young has it's dissadvantages, such as not enough experiance.
But it also has it's advantages, so a EMS can mold you into the EMT they want you to be.
Being older has its disadvantages , with health issues, and its hard to live on and emt's salary.
I too have decided to make a career change into EMS at a late stage. I will be 43 in May. This will be my third, maybe fourth career
I wanted to do something tangible this time around... Kudos on your choice or at least thinking about making the change.
My story... I finished my EMT class in December, passed the NREMT in January and received my EMT and ambulance license in February. I am now taking Anatomy & Physiology and start Medic school in July. With all that, I second or third what other people have said... You will bring something that younger folks, for the most part, do not have. Life experience. I also found that I was a little more focused than other people. On the other side, it took me a while to get into the stride of being back at school and studying having not been in school for 20 years. I do owe a lot of my success to my wife, an emergency doc. She has been invaluable in her knowledge and her contacts.
In terms of schools be very selective. I went to a community college and was not impressed, though it was cheap. About $100... I did hear good things about another community college though so don't write them off, just talk to people about their experiences in your area.
I also follow on what people say about the money. I am lucky enough to have a wife to support us and what I make will be gravy. If you need to support your family as an EMT, it will be difficult. In the Bay Area, it would be impossible. Even as a Medic, the money isn't great and suggest if this is a concern to look at emergency department nursing. You will still be doing great things and making more money.
Also, as mentioned, if you are not in good shape, I would start getting there. This an area where age won't help you. If you're not in shape and start now, by the time you finish EMT school you'll be in a good place.
Happy to share any info or help in any way on your new journey. Congrats again and good luck!
I wanted to do something tangible this time around... Kudos on your choice or at least thinking about making the change.My story... I finished my EMT class in December, passed the NREMT in January and received my EMT and ambulance license in February. I am now taking Anatomy & Physiology and start Medic school in July. With all that, I second or third what other people have said... You will bring something that younger folks, for the most part, do not have. Life experience. I also found that I was a little more focused than other people. On the other side, it took me a while to get into the stride of being back at school and studying having not been in school for 20 years. I do owe a lot of my success to my wife, an emergency doc. She has been invaluable in her knowledge and her contacts.
In terms of schools be very selective. I went to a community college and was not impressed, though it was cheap. About $100... I did hear good things about another community college though so don't write them off, just talk to people about their experiences in your area.
I also follow on what people say about the money. I am lucky enough to have a wife to support us and what I make will be gravy. If you need to support your family as an EMT, it will be difficult. In the Bay Area, it would be impossible. Even as a Medic, the money isn't great and suggest if this is a concern to look at emergency department nursing. You will still be doing great things and making more money.
Also, as mentioned, if you are not in good shape, I would start getting there. This an area where age won't help you. If you're not in shape and start now, by the time you finish EMT school you'll be in a good place.
Happy to share any info or help in any way on your new journey. Congrats again and good luck!
jerm
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As everyone else has stated, don't let your age discourage you from getting into this field. I'm 31 and have just completed my EMT-B course. There were a few guys in my class that were in their 40's. Good luck in your adventures!