I can't decide! EMT-I or Paramedic?

CANMAN13 said:
Can't believe this thread made it to two pages. EMT-P or nothing /thread. That is like asking should I go for my CNA or RN....:glare:
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Deciding to go back to school is a big decision, to you and I it might seem pretty cut and dry, but this user is torn between paths and has asked for our help. Let us not be so quick to write this individual or all other individuals in this situation off instead of scoffing at a thread because you don't think it is befitting of two pages. No one made you read it. You are welcome to leave at any time.
 
3 pages :-)

My input is never stop learning. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.

But there are sooooo many more job opportunities as a medic than an intermediate. I'm pretty sure my county doesn't even recognize EMT-I's anymore.
 
Where did all these pages come from? Anyway, the only reason I was considering EMT-I was simply because I wanted to get into ALS sooner and be more familiar with it by the time I sit for the Paramedic exam. I've heard that going from EMT-B to Paramedic is extremely difficult. I guess that also depends on your definition of "difficult" however. Even if I did go for EMT-I, the end goal would be Paramedic anyway. I simply wanted to know, that if I'm willing to take that extra time to become an EMT-I in the process of becoming a Paramedic, do you think that I would become a better provider than if I simply charged straight through to Paramedic.

I realize a lot of this is dependent on me, but I just like to hear people's opinions and advice is all. EMT-E is what is getting with EMT-Advanced from what I understood. I know that the I/99 SOP is probably going to be less but if it makes the transition from EMT-B to Paramedic easier, then I would be willing to take a shot at it.
 
I went B -> I -> currently in the application process to medic school. I have also been told the jump from B straight to P is very difficult but I know a few people who have done it and are excellent medics. I can't know for sure but I believe having the I will make the learning curve in P school a bit easier. I'll let you know how that goes in about a year haha.
 
NVRob said:
I went B -> I -> currently in the application process to medic school. I have also been told the jump from B straight to P is very difficult but I know a few people who have done it and are excellent medics. I can't know for sure but I believe having the I will make the learning curve in P school a bit easier. I'll let you know how that goes in about a year haha.
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*waits*

Unfortunately the Virginia Office of EMS hasn't posted any classes for EMT-I between May and December. If something pops up around then and I'm eligible for it, I'll take a shot at it, but since I would start classes for the paramedic degree in January I would just go straight for it. On the bright side it looks like there are a good deal of field and clinical hours required as credits in which I would be acting as ALS. I heard somewhere that if I test for EMT-I, I can't test for Paramedic for a year or two...or something. Not sure, gotta talk to my advisor again.

The good news is I've gotten little dips here and there of medical knowledge throughout high school and up until now which have helped tremendously with understanding everything I'm learning now. Having a nurse as a mom helps too. As for the people who suggested programs in Richmond, VA, I've been taking classes through J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
 
CoffeeInThatNebula said:
*waits*

Unfortunately the Virginia Office of EMS hasn't posted any classes for EMT-I between May and December.
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Not sure if you read it back on page 1, but...

alphatrauma said:
the Intermediate level...

EMT-Enhanced [along with Shock/Trauma and Cardiac Tech] certifications will no longer be recognized (thank goodness) by the state of Virginia as of 2012... That's next year!
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Which is very likely why you cannot find any Intermediate courses listed between May and December 2011. Why build a barn for a dying horse?


CoffeeInThatNebula said:
I've been taking classes through J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
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Never attended SRCC, but have heard good things from those who have.
 
I'm in a similar boat, although at a completely different stage of life. My long term goal is to get my Medic and then RN. I Got my Basic back in December but no one is hiring, so I'm actually driving two hours once a week to attend I/85 class. My hope is this will keep me "fresh" and in the habit of going to school.

As a plus, sounds like the hospital where I'll be doing clinicals is plenty busy, so I will try to max out clinic time to try and get lots of good (and bad) patient contacts.
 
Just go for medic. No point in ****ing around... Just go for ur medic.
 
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CoffeeInThatNebula said:
Ok, here's my deal. I'm in an EMT-B program, they already have bunches of classes running so they won't even start enrolling until January.

Any advice or encouragement that EMT-Bs actually do more than I've heard would be great. :sad:
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Soooo, get busy taking a good A/P (and/or other science) course if you haven't already. If you have, there is nothing wrong with adding in 85 or 99 while you're on a waiting list for Medic. Honestly, Basic EMT's are such a important part of the EMS team. It's sad to see anyone dis the whole idea of experience (especially at a mere 20). Jumping from zero to hero without even a half stripe has it's down side. If I were 20, I'd take my time and prepare myself well for the job. You will be a better Medic for it, IMHO. People will do what they want so, do what you think is best. Good luck....
 
Thanks everyone for the replies. I think I'm just going to volunteer with a squad and run with them until I can apply for the paramedic program. I'd like to get my RN afterwards, but I'm not sure if I should just get an associates or if employers are looking more at bachelors degree RNs now. My mom is a fantastic nurse with 30+ years of experience and she's better than half the bachelor's degree RNs at her job. That being said, when she began nursing I don't think that was as big a deal.

I've already been discouraged from LPN as apparently their pretty much limited to nursing homes now in this state.
 
Just out of curiosity, for those of us who are EMT-Is and hold more advanced credentials (RN, RT, etc) is there any option for us to upgrade without having to go back to paramedic school?
 
usafmedic45 said:
Just out of curiosity, for those of us who are EMT-Is and hold more advanced credentials (RN, RT, etc) is there any option for us to upgrade without having to go back to paramedic school?
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If you have your RN I would think that you would be able to bridge to EMT-P, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
I know down in Florida, that is the case, but I know it's not the case up here so far as I am aware. I'm an RT anyhow, not an RN.
 
CoffeeInThatNebula said:
Thanks everyone for the replies. I think I'm just going to volunteer with a squad and run with them until I can apply for the paramedic program. I'd like to get my RN afterwards, but I'm not sure if I should just get an associates or if employers are looking more at bachelors degree RNs now. My mom is a fantastic nurse with 30+ years of experience and she's better than half the bachelor's degree RNs at her job. That being said, when she began nursing I don't think that was as big a deal.

I've already been discouraged from LPN as apparently their pretty much limited to nursing homes now in this state.
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Go for the BSN. It'll open more doors down the road. and ya the whole nursing home thing- yuck!
 
Options

usafmedic45 said:
Just out of curiosity, for those of us who are EMT-Is and hold more advanced credentials (RN, RT, etc) is there any option for us to upgrade without having to go back to paramedic school?
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If one is already an RN/RT etc, I don't feel like I'm shortchanging you, if I recommend an Intermediate to Paramedic Bridge class. Some colleges offer it, and the NR has recently officially endorsed such a thing, apparently, from what I read in "The Registry" newsletter.

I realize this thread is somewhat older, but I noticed no one mentioned the I/99-NRP Bridge. Sorry to step on any toes.
 
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