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Drama09

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Hello everyone, first post on here thanks for reading.

I have just complete my EMT-B certification and plan on going to paramedic school after gaining a year or two of EMT experience. I am pursuing EMS because I am young and it is a very exciting, diverse and rewarding career the only downside in my opinion is the compensation. I dont want to make 60k/year for the rest of my life and I'm sure there are paramedics with the same view. I am very drawn to the jobs overseas because of the added excitement and the added pay but of course I wont be young forever and will eventually want to settle down in the States. So my question is after working as a paramedic for 8-10+ years whats next? What can it lead to? Can you build a good Paramedic career in the military? I know that most community colleges offer paramedic to RN or PA bridge programs, are they a good option? I am an expert skier, and an avid diver and rock climber can these skills help or broaden my career? Also, what type of EMT/Paramedics jobs should I seek out to be more employable?

Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
Hey Drama, congrads for becoming an EMT. Im taking my written on Feb 1st. Im in the same boat as you, i eventually want to get my medic, and eventually be able to work on lifeflight.

I hope you achieve much success in your career!
 
No need to waste time waiting to start your Paramedic education. You can gain experience while in school.
 
Drama09 said:
...I dont want to make 60k/year for the rest of my life and I'm sure there are paramedics with the same view.
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So you're saying that you would not want to make $60k per year for the rest of your life? I'm just checking because it seems to me that most medics, and people in general, would love to make that much. The average salary for medics is probably around $40k with $60k at the top end.
 
tcd said:
So you're saying that you would not want to make $60k per year for the rest of your life? I'm just checking because it seems to me that most medics, and people in general, would love to make that much. The average salary for medics is probably around $40k with $60k at the top end.
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I wouldn't say 60k is near the top end... However that is certainly a respectable salary for a medic.
 
medic417 said:
No need to waste time waiting to start your Paramedic education. You can gain experience while in school.
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I agree. I started Paramedic school with no more experience than my EMT-Basic ride-a-longs and working a couple years worth of a camp. I've talked to some of my medic friends and opinions are mixed (which is to be expected) but a lot of them have started encouraging continuing to Paramedic school as soon as someone gets their Basic numbers because the information learned in EMT class is fresher in your mind. The first couple of classes in my course were mainly EMT review then we hit the ground running with Paramedic level things. Good luck!
 
Trauma_Junkie said:
I agree. I started Paramedic school with no more experience than my EMT-Basic ride-a-longs and working a couple years worth of a camp. I've talked to some of my medic friends and opinions are mixed (which is to be expected) but a lot of them have started encouraging continuing to Paramedic school as soon as someone gets their Basic numbers because the information learned in EMT class is fresher in your mind. The first couple of classes in my course were mainly EMT review then we hit the ground running with Paramedic level things. Good luck!
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Agreed and seconded. Everything you learned in EMT, you go back over in medic, and in more depth. And don't buy the line of needing experience to become a good EMT before you can be a good medic. Complete BS.
 
PoeticInjustice said:
Agreed and seconded. Everything you learned in EMT, you go back over in medic, and in more depth. And don't buy the line of needing experience to become a good EMT before you can be a good medic. Complete BS.
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WELL FINALLY ITS NICE TO HEAR THE TRUTH COME OUT! my teacher use to say it was a waste to become a medic with no experience..
 
YEah D, I wish i made 60k a year, i'm 45k and thats with a hefty OT load, and tons of call back. I've only been a Paramedic for 3 years, but the 2 years before that in school i gained a lot of knowledge. I'm lucky to have a facility that had very libral protocals as well. I do know of a few medics from a military background, and sure you can have a great career from that, where do you think most of our protocals where 1st tried and tested.
I have to admit I would like to go overseas and help teach paramedicine, but i have a family now which wouldn't work out the best. That being said i think if you don't go straight on to paramedic school you might become stuck (like i have seen from people coming back in ) not to say it will happen. and you can gain the experiance while in school for sure. Hope this rambling helped a little.
 
Thanks for the feed back guys.
To clarify, when I said I dont want to make 60k/year for the rest of my life I mean that I expect to make that much after 8+ years of experience in a variety of different positions like ski patrol, wilderness rescue, diving medic and working overseas. I was wondering if some of the paramedics out there are working towards a degree and if so what type? I would really like to earn at least a 2 year degree in the medical field while in paramedic school and while working as a paramedic, any suggestions? I am passionate about EMS but unfortunately after researching it I dont think I can make a career out of it. I am really interested in taking online classes while working as a paramedic, anyone doing that?
 
I think your salary figures are a bit skewed. 60k is a decent salary in the majority of careers. How much were you planning on making?
 
TbArbie said:
WELL FINALLY ITS NICE TO HEAR THE TRUTH COME OUT! my teacher use to say it was a waste to become a medic with no experience..
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Because your teacher is an idiot.

To the OP, there is lots of life after being a medic.

To answer the question "what next?"

Whatever you want.
 
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