pros/cons of paramedic certification?

[user2415]

In terms of:

-the job market (is it a lot tougher to get a job with just a cert vs an AAS)
-reciprocity (any States I would not be able to work in? Oregon?)
-quality of education (specifically from a CC)
-flexibility to move to another position in healthcare if I choose (I assume I could just take a few more classes to get an AAS if I choose)

I'm looking at certification mainly because of time and financial reasons. I think (hope) that some time as an EMTB would help offset some of the education I would be missing. Thanks.

 

[NomadicMedic]

Time as an EMT does not count for any of the education you're missing in obtaining a certification versus a degree.

At the present time, there's really no employment eligibility difference between a medical attended a certification course versus a degree program. (With Oregon and Texas being notable exceptions)

However, why sell yourself short? Take the prereqs for paramedic, throw some gen ed in there and take a degree program. Anecdotally, paramedic students who have taken the full A&P series along with some biology/chemistry have better comprehension during the pharmacology and pathophysiology portion of paramedic education.

I mean, let's be honest… Paramedic education is not rocket science. But if you want to be the best you can, don't skimp on the education.

And with some Bridge programs it's easy to move from a degree paramedic position to a BSN program, if you're interested in nursing as a career. If you're planning on pursuing a career as a PA, you'll need that degree anyway.

Most of us believe the paramedics are woefully under educated, so you won't get a lot of support here for the, "do it the quick and easy way". If it's a money issue, there's loans and financial aid. If it's a time commitment thing… Take the time now to better yourself for your career down the road.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

How much extra is it to complete an AAS online at a community college? Your talking 9 months of 101 courses in your spare time... for a college degree instead of a merit badge certificate.

 

[user2415]

So are you saying get the certificate but finish the degree online? I really don't know what to do. I'm looking at two year AAS schools in NY now but I'm not convinced a degree from a CC with no experience would land me a job as a paramedic in two years. Who knows what the job market will look like then. Could I look at jobs in other States after I graduate? I don't understand how reciprocity works or if I could get it after obtaining a job in another state. What about good/cheap schools in the northeast?

 

[joshrunkle35]

Where I am, I provided a copy of my state cert and NR cert and they gave me 30 credits toward a 60 credit Associates. I had to take about 8 random general education classes that could also be applied to any other degree (like English 1100, which is pretty much English 101, and will transfer just about anywhere), and then I had to take about 10 fire and EMS classes (I'm getting my associates in Fire/EMS). Paramedic refresher counts, technical rescuer classes count...If you already have your paramedic cert and some random rescue, etc, you would really only need to take about 10-12 classes total, which could be accomplished in two semesters, in your spare time, and all online.

Additionally, while many other things like EMT-B, paramedic prep, etc may not count towards a degree, they will count for credit. This means that I have only taken two years of school (did EMT-B and Paramedic in that time frame along with two other universities), have 60 credits towards the degree, but really have about 120 credits. This places me with the availability to register early as a "senior" towards my bachelor's, even though I'm only a sophomore.

 

[Clipper1]

have 60 credits towards the degree, but really have about 120 credits. This places me with the availability to register early as a "senior" towards my bachelor's, even though I'm only a sophomore.

Not if all of your courses are only in 100s and 200s.
There are a lot of CC students who believe this but the sequencing is important to obtaining 3rd and 4th year level. This is also why some states now have a time limit on how long you should spend in CC to get a degree or what still transfers after x amount of years.

If Paramedic is to be a degree, it should have some consistency in structure like the other health professions rather than just some random filler classes which essentially becomes more of a liberal arts degree.

 

[joshrunkle35]

Not if all of your courses are only in 100s and 200s.
There are a lot of CC students who believe this but the sequencing is important to obtaining 3rd and 4th year level. This is also why some states now have a time limit on how long you should spend in CC to get a degree or what still transfers after x amount of years.

If Paramedic is to be a degree, it should have some consistency in structure like the other health professions rather than just some random filler classes which essentially becomes more of a liberal arts degree.

Well, OSU says that I only have 30 credits toward my degree there, but I register as a senior. My bachelor's degree and associates are not in the same thing.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

So are you saying get the certificate but finish the degree online? I really don't know what to do. I'm looking at two year AAS schools in NY now but I'm not convinced a degree from a CC with no experience would land me a job as a paramedic in two years. Who knows what the job market will look like then. Could I look at jobs in other States after I graduate? I don't understand how reciprocity works or if I could get it after obtaining a job in another state. What about good/cheap schools in the northeast?

How you get the degree is really up to you. I am not familiar with your local area, but check the local community college's there. If your not happy with what they have to offer, check out a program like this http://www.camdencc.edu/html/departments/paramedic/distancelearning.htm
many "degree completion" programs exists for certified Paramedics, find the right one for you.
The cost of community college is very low, its not like your going to be paying student loans off your whole life. In fact, apply for FAFSA, its free and easy to apply online http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ maybe you do not have to pay for anything. Also if your interested in a bachelors degree in EMS check the link in my signature.