Paramedic then Nursing

[VentMedic]

OK, you guys have given me alot to think about. I'm going to look at the ED positions at the local Sentara hospitals - see what I can get without going EMT-P right now. I know you guys are right - if I want to be a nurse first, I need to be a nurse first. I do think I'll be a nurse with my EMT-P in the end no matter what. If it doesn't look like I'm going to earn anything more than $10/hr as an EMT-B then I might consider getting my EMT-P just so I can be around the $15 mark so I can help support us while my hubby's in school.
Unfortunately, time is of the essence for us, so even a 1-2 yr ADN program won't work right this moment. Unless, I can make $$ as an EMT-B and keep plugging away at my nursing classes.

If your local hospitals don't hire EMT-Bs in the ED, you could probably make a lot more as a CNA in the hospital AND get your education paid for while they work with your schedule.

 

[WannaBeFlight]

You forget that you have an option of scholarships and then also have the Federal Stafford Loan, anyone that does not qualify for a Pell Grant is automatically qualified for a Stafford Loan. You can do Subsidized and Unsusidized (interest paid by gov during school, or not). Geneally the interest rate for that is 6% which is better than most private loans which are 12% and up. Plus you don't have to start paying back your loan until 6 months after you graduate. Also you can factor in living expenses, food, gas, computer and books etc... into that loan. A win win for most students.

 

[WannaBeFlight]

Also even if you don't start classes for another year or so for your chosen field, do Part time student status and get all of the Pre-req's out of the way. That way when you start your core curiculum, thats all you have to concentrate on and then you can work PT with doing classes. I am starting my Paramedic this fall and all but my APII done. Gonna make it alot easier for me working FT and doing school. Good luck to you.