F.N.G. ________ New Guy

[ViperDriverWill]

Hello Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday evening. I have several questions regarding EMS and for starters its what I plan on making my career! I graduated college but decided I wanted to do the more emotionally rewarding career path as opposed to fiscally rewarding. Could someone please elaborate on the process from EMT B to EMT P? Are there any other certifications above Paramedic? I would greatly appreciate anyone's advice and I look forward to hearing from you!
-Will

 

[Akulahawk]

The process of becoming a Paramedic from EMT is relatively straightforward. Generally it's a good idea to get some experience as an EMT before starting Paramedic school because you can get a feel for the working conditions as well as get some time working with patients, getting vitals, doing assessments, and the like, all while in a similar environment you'd be working in as a Paramedic. By "some experience" I mean approximately 6 months to a year.

You then attend Paramedic school for 1-2 years, completing didactic, clinical, and field internship sections and then you're (hopefully) ready to take the NREMT-P exam. Once you pass that, you can then get seriously looking for a job as a Paramedic. Paramedic is basically a terminal certificate. You can become a Critical Care Transport Paramedic or a Flight Paramedic but if you're afforded an additional/expanded scope of practice, it's generally going to be while you're functioning in a non-911 role.

Some states have Prehospital RNs (PHRN) and they generally function like Paramedics. RNs working as prehospital providers is, however, generally rare as those nurses are typically flight program nurses.

Depending upon your plans, I would suggest taking the "typical" RN prerequiste courses before you go to Paramedic school. At the minimum, at least get A&P out of the way. It'll make Paramedic school a lot easier for you while affording you a broader knowledge base from which to make patient care decisions.

 

[ViperDriverWill]

Thank you!

Thank you!
I've debating going back for my R.N. I'm going to without question have to get a tutor for the A+P...but it does look pretty fun none the less. I looked into a Paramedic program up here and all you need is your general eds (Which I have, I have a BS) and an A+P. Best of luck to you.