FL to VA Transfer

[MedicSqrl]

Disclaimer: Other than the similar recent post by chrissy, I check all 200 post that had the word "virginia" in it for info on this. I do like the fact that the site attempts to help you out on this, but no luck there either.

Greetings all,

I am EMT-B from Orlando, FL trying to move to somewhere in the east half of Virginia. (Richmond going east.) I am inquiring about how hard it is to transfer over. Also if EMT-E or EMT-I is worth going through, or just go straight to EMT-P. We don't have E or I, so I don't know the demand for them and pay wage.

Also if anyone could offer suggestions on some good or not good companies to be aware of. I saw RAA, eagle transport, and Lifestar.

Do EMS only companies run IFT's and 911 or just IFT's?

How is the pay for EMT-B in comparison to the living cost in VA?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[alphatrauma]

1. Get your National Registry and it's just a matter of paperwork (no testing or fees). With just a state cert, you will be subject to written/practical testing and fees... that's if FL is even recognized by Virginia.

2. Richmond area has both fire-based EMS and 3rd party/private. Richmond Ambulance Authority serves the greater metropolitan area (911/IFT) and is completely independent of the fire service. I hear the pay is decent, but not great... experience will be your friend when determining your salary.

3. The Tidewater (Hampton Roads) area (Newport News/Hampton/Suffolk/Chesapeake/Portsmouth/Norfolk/Virginia Beach are pretty much controlled by the fire departments... Virginia Beach being the exception with a massive 700+ volunteer force, supplemented by 28 or so paid medics. :glare:

My opinion, is that Enhanced and Intermediate are not worth the time/effort, as they will be COMPLETELY phased out by 2012... go straight to Paramedic. Of course, if you want to become a firefighter, getting your EMT-I will make you a shoe-in. The fire departments in this area are aggressively recruiting minorities and medics (Intermediate included), and are paying handsomely. Just keep in mind that you will be required to go through the respective fire academies. I would not recommend the fire service, but to each his/her own.

Not quite familiar the Eagle or Lifestar (which are IFT only), but I do know that Medical Transport is very competitive, even at the basic level. Your lifestyle will dictate what will be "enough" in terms of pay. Medical Transport is primarily IFT, with very limited 911 involvement.

I'm sure I've missed some key points, so let me know if you have any questions that I haven't addressed.

Here's the number to the VDH Office of EMS

(804)-864-7600

Virginia Dept of Health Office of EMS

 

[MedicSqrl]

2. Richmond area has both fire-based EMS and 3rd party/private. Richmond Ambulance Authority serves the greater metropolitan area (911/IFT) and is completely independent of the fire service. I hear the pay is decent, but not great... experience will be your friend when determining your salary.

In Orlando, the 911 3rd parties get paid worse than the IFT's which is rubbish but true. I work for Florida hospital EMS and all we do is hospital IFT and I make around 14/hr with night/wknd differential. The 911 company here makes 9/hr.

I know I won't make 14/hr in VA, but something I can afford an apartment with would be nice. I have to support a wife through her PhD so I can retire as she makes the 100k+....lol. As you said before, I do have 2yrs exp. so that will help in the rate decision.

3. The Tidewater (Hampton Roads) area (Newport News/Hampton/Suffolk/Chesapeake/Portsmouth/Norfolk/Virginia Beach are pretty much controlled by the fire departments... Virginia Beach being the exception with a massive 700+ volunteer force, supplemented by 28 or so paid medics. :glare:

It really amazes me at the grand scale of your vol. force. I wish FL had something like that. I would definitely do that for the 911 exp. if hired on a IFT company. I think its great that you have so many people willing to volunteer their time like that.

My opinion, is that Enhanced and Intermediate are not worth the time/effort, as they will be COMPLETELY phased out by 2012... go straight to Paramedic. Of course, if you want to become a firefighter, getting your EMT-I will make you a shoe-in. The fire departments in this area are aggressively recruiting minorities and medics (Intermediate included), and are paying handsomely. Just keep in mind that you will be required to go through the respective fire academies. I would not recommend the fire service, but to each his/her own.

If you are an EMT-I is it a shorter course to pick up the extra skill for paramedic or do you have to go through a whole new program?

Not quite familiar the Eagle or Lifestar (which are IFT only), but I do know that Medical Transport is very competitive, even at the basic level. Your lifestyle will dictate what will be "enough" in terms of pay. Medical Transport is primarily IFT, with very limited 911 involvement.

Va EMS said I either had to be living in VA or be affiliated with a company. Do you hear about companies "sponsoring" someone before they move as to have a job before they get there?

 

[VentMedic]

It really amazes me at the grand scale of your vol. force. I wish FL had something like that. I would definitely do that for the 911 exp. if hired on a IFT company. I think its great that you have so many people willing to volunteer their time like that.

Absolutely not!

Florida had its share of volunteer agencies over 20 years ago and has now established legislation through tax amendments to ensure that every resident in this state gets ALS for its 911 service.

 

[EMSLaw]

If you are an EMT-I is it a shorter course to pick up the extra skill for paramedic or do you have to go through a whole new program?

Virginia, IIRC, has multiple "bridge" programs between their different levels. So you could, theoretically, go EMT-B > EMT-E > EMT-I Bridge > EMT-P Bridge. Or something.

Honestly, that many levels confuse me, and I leave the wisdom of such a course to someone who might actually know something about it. But the conventional wisdom here is to just go for the P.

 

[MedicSqrl]

Absolutely not!

Florida had its share of volunteer agencies over 20 years ago and has now established legislation through tax amendments to ensure that every resident in this state gets ALS for its 911 service.

Who said volunteer meant BLS?

Brevard County has reserve (volunteer) BLS and ALS providers working in their county. I am pretty sure they are not the only ones.

 

[MedicSqrl]

Virginia, IIRC, has multiple "bridge" programs between their different levels. So you could, theoretically, go EMT-B > EMT-E > EMT-I Bridge > EMT-P Bridge. Or something.

Honestly, that many levels confuse me, and I leave the wisdom of such a course to someone who might actually know something about it. But the conventional wisdom here is to just go for the P.

Thanks, now just need to find a good medic AAS program.

 

[VentMedic]

Who said volunteer meant BLS?

Brevard County has reserve (volunteer) BLS and ALS providers working in their county. I am pretty sure they are not the only ones.

Reserve is one thing and can be utilized in disasters.

We pay taxes to assure that are paid personnel to respond in a timely manner to each 911 EMS call.

Let's not put what Florida has accomplished back to the dark ages. You obviously have not been part of any of the issues a volunteer service has.

Also, if you have people willing to be an EMT for no pay, how much do you think you will make as a paid EMT?

 

[Shishkabob]

Also, if you have people willing to be an EMT for no pay, how much do you think you will make as a paid EMT?

Fallacy.


Police Reserves get paid nothing, while doing the same job as a FT LEO, yet I don't see LEOs complaining about pay the same way some of us do (And around here starting pay is nice at ~40k).


No, the problem lies elsewhere. The problem lies with people thinking we're not as needed as the PD and FD, who get paid atleast 50% more then us.

 

[VentMedic]

Fallacy.


Police Reserves get paid nothing, while doing the same job as a FT LEO, yet I don't see LEOs complaining about pay the same way some of us do (And around here starting pay is nice at ~40k).


No, the problem lies elsewhere. The problem lies with people thinking we're not as needed as the PD and FD, who get paid atleast 50% more then us.

Reserves are not the only and primary responder. They are part of a paid police force. Thus, there is a PAID service already in place. You don't see cities getting rid of their paid PD to go with all volunteer. You also don't see a lot of LEOs wishing they were volunteer once they are enjoying benefits.

Have you read the headlines lately concerning volunteer agencies? Communites are reluctant to look for alternative means of EMS if they can get something for nothing. When they do get the opportunity to have a paid service, they find it hard to believe they now have to pay someone the going minimum wage for services they had gotten for free.

We had a helleva time converting some of our communities into paid services. Luckily this was done with the help of the state. The state was growing too fast and few volunteers are going to want to run 25 calls or more in 24 hours as well as working a few IFT runs inbetween the 911 calls.

 

[MedicSqrl]

Reserve is one thing and can be utilized in disasters.

We pay taxes to assure that are paid personnel to respond in a timely manner to each 911 EMS call.

Let's not put what Florida has accomplished back to the dark ages. You obviously have not been part of any of the issues a volunteer service has.

Also, if you have people willing to be an EMT for no pay, how much do you think you will make as a paid EMT?

The reserve I am referring to is not just disaster help. They work normal shifts along side the paid ones everyday.

FL can't seem to do a lot of things right, so I do see your point in not being able to handle volunteers. It seems you have experience in this and not a good one. I was just merely complementing Virginia on their volley force. I was not trying to start any time warping to the so called dark ages. Any system can be a nightmare if poorly managed.

Paid EMT's also volley in Virginia as they do here in FL. I seriously doubt all the EMT's in Virginia are making minimum wage due to all the volunteer fire/ems departments.

 

[VentMedic]

The reserve I am referring to is not just disaster help. They work normal shifts along side the paid ones everyday.

FL can't seem to do a lot of things right, so I do see your point in not being able to handle volunteers. It seems you have experience in this and not a good one. I was just merely complementing Virginia on their volley force. I was not trying to start any time warping to the so called dark ages. Any system can be a nightmare if poorly managed.

Paid EMT's also volley in Virginia as they do here in FL. I seriously doubt all the EMT's in Virginia are making minimum wage due to all the volunteer fire/ems departments.

Name one other state that provides all ALS to its residents.

I was part of the movement in the 1980s to see that Florida did not have to rely on volunteers. I am also a taxpayor as well as someone who votes on major issues in this state and I do expect a little more than maybe having a volunteer come to my rescue or worrying if they sell enough cookies at the bake sale to keep the truck running.

If you don't like Florida, you don't have to stay. Please feel free to move on to Virginia to do your volunteering and make a career out of it.

 

[MedicSqrl]

Name one other state that provides all ALS to its residents.

I was part of the movement in the 1980s to see that Florida did not have to rely on volunteers. I am also a taxpayor as well as someone who votes on major issues in this state and I do expect a little more than maybe having a volunteer come to my rescue or worrying if they sell enough cookies at the bake sale to keep the truck running.

If you don't like Florida, you don't have to stay. Please feel free to move on to Virginia to do your volunteering and make a career out of it.

You obviously didn't read the title of this tread...lol

 

[VentMedic]

You obviously didn't read the title of this tread...lol

I did. When are you leaving?

 

[MedicSqrl]

I did. When are you leaving?

It just depends if I can get sponsored or not by a company before I have to move. The only 2 requirement to transfer your license is either live there or be sponsored by a company before you go.

 

[alphatrauma]

The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad prides itself on being the largest volunteer EMS system in the nation.... oddly enough, that's about all it can lay claim to.

As VentMedic so eloquently put it, why pay for what you can get for free? The city/taxpayers have been held hostage by the "it pays for itself" propaganda touted by the brass, founders and lemmings. It was a marvelous endeavor, and a grand achievement when it was created decades ago, but it has outlived it's practicality/usefulness and there is no reason why the city cannot do away with it (other than appeasement) and create an all paid service. Granted, it's days are numbered, but the upper echelon/founders of the organization will not go quietly... sadly, it appears that the Virginia Beach Fire Dept will probably inherit/fill the vacuum once the status quo'ers die off.

[/rant]


There is an EMS AAS program offered by the local community college (TCC), as well as Paramedic course.

Career Studies: Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic


The Paramedic program is dynamic, so bridging from Basic to any subsequent level is not a problem. If you want to stop at Intermediate, just test out... decide to continue to Paramedic at a later date, just pick up where you left off. It's an 18-22 month program, and totally doable with full-time employment.

I do think I recall hearing (former classmate) that Eagle paid their medics pretty well, although I cannot comment on basic. As far as sponsorship goes, I have never heard of any agency/employer doing that for someone who is not a resident.

 

[MedicSqrl]

There is an EMS AAS program offered by the local community college (TCC), as well as Paramedic course.

Career Studies: Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic


The Paramedic program is dynamic, so bridging from Basic to any subsequent level is not a problem. If you want to stop at Intermediate, just test out... decide to continue to Paramedic at a later date, just pick up where you left off. It's an 18-22 month program, and totally doable with full-time employment.

I do think I recall hearing (former classmate) that Eagle paid their medics pretty well, although I cannot comment on basic. As far as sponsorship goes, I have never heard of any agency/employer doing that for someone who is not a resident.

I do like how the program is structured. Thanks on the find. As for eagle I saw on their site that they pay really well for basic. Whether that number is accurate is in question. I did talk to someone there, but they were not HR so couldn't assist me to much. They did give me some good info about the area though.

 

[MedicSqrl]

Does anyone heard anything about Thomas Nelson community college? It is closer, but wondered if it's equal to or better than Tidewater CC. TNCC does not have a lot of info on their Paramedic AAS.

 

[EMT-Dan]

Does anyone heard anything about Thomas Nelson community college? It is closer, but wondered if it's equal to or better than Tidewater CC. TNCC does not have a lot of info on their Paramedic AAS.

Hey MedicSqrl,
I don't post here much...more of a lurker, but I feel like I can you out since I live in the area and I'm a volunteer in Virginia Beach. PM me if you want some info on TCC (better than TNCC), EMT-B jobs, and the Virginia Beach Volunteer EMS system (if you're interested in gaining some experience).

 

[46Young]

An EMT-B salary in Virginia, particularly within the golden crescent, isn't anywhere near enough to live on. Single role medics don't do that well either, save for those working in the EMS division of Alexandria Fire and EMS.

I live in Stafford. The SFH next to me went for 330k at the height of the market, and is selling for 180k at the moment. Homes are affordable now, but they'll just go up again at some point.

I don't know much about Norfolk, VB and other nearby areas, but an EMT in NOVA will earn around 10-11/hr in the privates, and 11-14/hr as an ER Tech at INOVA facilities.

For ALS, I think that the RAA advertises 15/hr for new medics, more with experience. I don't know about basics. I work per diem for Physicians Transport Service. They pay everyone differently. Medics can get from 14-17/hr to start. Alexandria F&EMS medics start in the low 40's (single role), but work only two 24's every 8 days. FF/medics locally make between 55k-65k to start (includes incentives), depending on the dept.

I don't think that RAA is truly municipal, with a pension and such. Maybe someone could answer that. All of the FD's offer pensions and good benefits, and some have the DROP also. PTS, like many privates, have a transient workforce, and it shows in their benefits package. As far as privates go, however, they're the go-to place for IFT in NOVA. It's run fairly well, decent equipment/vehicles, adeqate staffing, and the employees are generally treated well by management. Low stress environment, as long as you do your job. 6 days vacation per year, $0/check for medical coverage if you're single, $100/ck if single w/child, upper 300's/ck if on the family plan.

I'm using the NVCC MEC's EMS AAS program. I already have my "P", so I'm just tying up loose ends to complete the 68 credit requirement. It's a solid program. Your human biology, pharm, social sciences and such can be taken through their ELI (online) program. The local FD has an excellent relationship with the college, so they run an identical EMS class on two consecutive days. If you work on Mon, you can take the same class on Tu. If you work on Wed, you can go on Thu. Thanks, FD! Schedule conflicts will be nonexistent with this setup. This is refreshing, since most degrees in medicine are FT with little wiggle room for FT employees with challenging schedules and commitments.