paramedic degree vs certificate?

Strokin&SmokinGirl97

Strokin&SmokinGirl97

Forum Probie
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Im trying to find the pro and cons of getting a paramedic degree or certificate, the schooing ; for a certificate is about half of what a degree would take and i dont want everything crammed into a short amount of time, and i want the best schooling. Im also wondering what the chances for hiring are. Anyone have any insight?
 
Strokin&SmokinGirl97 said:
Im trying to find the pro and cons of getting a paramedic degree or certificate, the schooing ; for a certificate is about half of what a degree would take and i dont want everything crammed into a short amount of time, and i want the best schooling. Im also wondering what the chances for hiring are. Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...

Degree programs are eligible for Federal funding. Degree programs have general education requirements resulting in the student getting a more rounded education. Degree programs offer articulation and transfer opportunities to other programs. These are just a few things.
 
I was actually surprised at the curriculum of the degree really there aren't alot of general education classes mainly english no math or science, and it is considered a science major haha
 
Strokin&SmokinGirl97 said:
I was actually surprised at the curriculum of the degree really there aren't alot of general education classes mainly english no math or science, and it is considered a science major haha
Click to expand...

Bachelors and Associates degree programs differ greatly in the general education requirements. This is true in many degree programs, not just EMS.
 
How easy is it to become an RN after becoming a paramedic i've heard a little bit about bridge over classes, but not much..
 
Strokin&SmokinGirl97 said:
Im trying to find the pro and cons of getting a paramedic degree or certificate, the schooing ; for a certificate is about half of what a degree would take and i dont want everything crammed into a short amount of time, and i want the best schooling. Im also wondering what the chances for hiring are. Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...

I'd go degree. From my understanding (I could be wrong) more and more places are requiring a degree. They do here in Oregon for Paramedics. While in reality there may not be much of a difference between the two there is a perceived difference and the degree holder often has advantage over someone with a certification.
 
nwhitney said:
I'd go degree. From my understanding (I could be wrong) more and more places are requiring a degree. They do here in Oregon for Paramedics. While in reality there may not be much of a difference between the two there is a perceived difference and the degree holder often has advantage over someone with a certification.
Click to expand...

Not really. 90% of services pay degreed medics the same as non-degree. This might change in the future. The question to ask yourself is, are you okay with the absolute minimum? Why not expand your knowledge and bring a more informed care to the field? I got my AAS in paramedicine, so I am not speaking blindly on the topic.
 
That's what im thinking Im not sure if i want to work closer to a big city or more towards the rural side of things i didn't know if where i wanted to work would affect what i should do or not.
 
medicRob said:
Not really. 90% of services pay degreed medics the same as non-degree. This might change in the future. The question to ask yourself is, are you okay with the absolute minimum? Why not expand your knowledge and bring a more informed care to the field? I got my AAS in paramedicine, so I am not speaking blindly on the topic.
Click to expand...

Thats also another reason i was leaning more towards degree, i think i may take the EMT-PM which is a management major im indecisive between the science major or the management major.
 
I chose the local, two-year degree program to allow further time to study more in depth about each course we cover in the program. IMO, it gives me a better framework to work from as opposed to other one-year certificates. As a current student now that has just completed the first year, I can't imagine placing all the information we have covered into 1 semester. Another aspect is I could transfer credits to apply toward a bachelors. But then again, I have limited EMS experience as a basic--as I just converted to EMS last summer enrolling in an emt-basic course at the local college.
 
Strokin&SmokinGirl97 said:
Im trying to find the pro and cons of getting a paramedic degree or certificate, the schooing ; for a certificate is about half of what a degree would take and i dont want everything crammed into a short amount of time, and i want the best schooling. Im also wondering what the chances for hiring are. Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...

None of us knows how long we'll be doing EMS. A degree in almost anything will give you opportunities you probably won't have with just paramedic certification.
 
mgr22 said:
None of us knows how long we'll be doing EMS. A degree in almost anything will give you opportunities you probably won't have with just paramedic certification.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm considering a degree in healthcare management also maybe after I get my paramedic degree
 
Strokin&SmokinGirl97 said:
How easy is it to become an RN after becoming a paramedic i've heard a little bit about bridge over classes, but not much..
Click to expand...

It's effectively the same as if you were going to go straight into nursing school.
 
Go the degree route if you plan on pursuing any further eduction past your paramedic. If you don't plan on going anywhere, just get your certification.
 
mgr22 said:
Plans change, sometimes due to necessity. I wouldn't want to lock myself into one career.
Click to expand...

Of course. It's the very nature of life. Just because you don't have a degree doesn't mean you're locked in a certain career. It just means others will have a slight advantage changing their's.
 
medicstudent101 said:
Go the degree route if you plan on pursuing any further eduction past your paramedic. If you don't plan on going anywhere, just get your certification.
Click to expand...

Im just going with the degree, i change my mind so much i dont know if i will do it for a lifetime or not, but i think a degree would be worth more school and all, did you get a degree or cert?
 
medicstudent101 said:
Of course. It's the very nature of life. Just because you don't have a degree doesn't mean you're locked in a certain career. It just means others will have a slight advantage changing their's.
Click to expand...

If you have paramedic certification instead of a degree (the alternative you offered), I'd say people with degrees would have much more than a slight advantage over you, in qualifying for non-EMS opportunities.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top