I'm not sure if I should be a paramedic... help

[jhkoreacanada]

Hi everyone. I live in Toronto and I'm 18 years old. I am currently in my 2nd year of a 4 year joint U of T and Centennial college program.

how my program works is that we do centennial paramedic component during our 2nd and 3rd year while we take U of T courses during 1st and 4th year.


I'm in a big dilemma because I want to be an internist (internal medicine doctor). However, I didn't like the idea of studying all through my 20s. That was the reason why I wanted to do paramedics for the next 5 years.

In the joint program, I really feel like it's going to hurt GPA. And bad GPA means slimmer chance for med school.

Also, it doesn't help knowing only 15 out of 55 paramedicine graduates last year got a job in GTA. I'm afraid that 2 years of hard work in paramedicine will turn out to be nothing.



i've been doing some research and i'd like to ask you some questions...


If I were to move to BC and go to JIBC, and start school in september 2009... How likely is it for a graduate to get a full-time PCP job? (I know it will require hard work to graduate,, but in Ontario,, knowing only 30% centenial will get the job is pretty depressing)


How long is the PCP training? (I vaguely remember hearing it's 7 months)

I saw from a site that PCP in BC get $20-30. Is this correct??


And I'd love any info on other provinces.



thanks alot

 

[traumateam1]

If I were to move to BC and go to JIBC, and start school in september 2009... How likely is it for a graduate to get a full-time PCP job?

BC is funny you see.. a lot of places you need seniority to get a full time job.. like here. Best idea is take it in Vancouver then once you grad from the program you will probably get a job in the East Hastings area. If you don't wanna do that, you can apply at any station in BC and see who calls you first. Lower Main Land and Northern BC are probably your best bets for full time jobs right off the bat.

How long is the PCP training? (I vaguely remember hearing it's 7 months)

8ish months full time.
4 weeks independent study
4 months class room
3 months clinicals

I saw from a site that PCP in BC get $20-30. Is this correct??

Yes. That's correct.



Honestly, I am moving to Alberta because I don't like the PCP/JIBC program. It's not the best in the world.. but if you wanna move to BC, than by all means go for it. I love it here, it's so beautiful!
Also, they are so short on ACPs that they are changing the JIBC program. You don't need to be a PCP anymore to get into the ACP program. If you meet the requirements than you can go right into the ACP program. A lot of "old timers" really aren't happy with that one... at all.

http://jibc.bc.ca/paramedic/index.htm - Take a look, at the bottom they have info on the ACP redesign program. Browse thru the site, it has a lot of info on there for you.

 

[Outbac1]

I tell the ones who ask me the same questions here about job opportunities that you may have to move. There is no guarantee for anyone, in any job to get a position in their hometown. Most people who have moved away for work find that they are quite happy with where they end up, having settled down and put out new roots.

I'm currently doing my ACP clinicals with a Dr. in the ER. The amount of knowledge the man has is phenomenal. As it is with all Drs. who specialize. They didn't get that wealth of information overnight. It took years or decades of study and continuous learning. If you want to be an Internist, you have to put in the time. I know that my time in school learning my PCP and ACP is just scratching the surface in comparison. I have no problem being humble.

Here on the east coast the PCP courses are 10 months full time school. They cost about $12000.00 and I believe all are CMA certified. Here are some web sites:
Atlantic Paramedic Academy
http://www.paramedicacademy.ca/home.php?lang=en_EN

Holland College
http://www.hollandc.pe.ca/admissions/full_time_programs/primary_care_paramedic/

Maritime School of Paramedicine
http://www.msop.ca/programdescription.php?id=38

There are jobs everywhere. There is always competition for them, but they are there. Here in NS there is a continual need for PCPs and ACPs. There are a limited number of full time openings and lots of casual spots. A casual here can work almost full time hours 52 weeks a year. Most casuals get 36 - 48 hrs a week, every week. The pay here is not as good as BC, but the cost of living is less. Those that take the less desirable,(slow) locations develop senority and can get the busier places later.

There are no shortcuts to being in medicine. Either as a Paramedic, Nurse or Doctor. If medicine is your interest, then persue it. It is well worth it.

If only I was 25 years younger ........

 

[jochi1543]

Hey Jh,
Good to see you here.

I would suggest looking into AB. Transferring between BC and other provinces for EMS personnel seems to be a rather complicated process - the scopes of practice are pretty wonky. Alberta has the most advanced scope of practice for our EMTs (PCPs) of all provinces, which ensures easy mobility. http://www.collegeofparamedics.org/...nInternalTradeMutualRecognitionAgreement.aspx
We also have at least 2 accelerated programs (identical to JIBC's) that I'm aware of here - AHASTI and PMA in Calgary, as well as, of course, a number of traditional 10-month EMT/PCP programs.

 

[jochi1543]

Here on the east coast the PCP courses are 10 months full time school. They cost about $12000.00 and I believe all are CMA certified. Here are some web sites:

Woah, and I thought my $6,000 tuition was a lot...:wacko:

 

[jochi1543]

Honestly, I am moving to Alberta because I don't like the PCP/JIBC program. It's not the best in the world..

What do you dislike about it? I'm curious, since I have a friend who graduated from there, and I know a few people who are interested in becoming PCPs, so I've suggested the school to them. I'd hate to find out it's actually no good!

 

[jhkoreacanada]

thanks

thanks alot to both of you... Jochi.. It's great to see you here!!