Question about EMT working shifts

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alee0415

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Hello, I am considering enrolling for a EMT-Basic program at a local college but had a few questions that I wanted to ask. I've visited the school counselor but they were basically useless and were more annoyed at questions than helpful.

Anyways, how are of the shifts for EMT generally like?
I would assume they are offered more in the late night or over-night hours? Is this true?
I ask this because I'm currently working on my Bachelors in Criminal Justice so if I were to ever get a job as an EMT, it would either have to be during the day or the night. During weekends and certain days of the weekdays, I could work all day but not overnight for any shifts.
It seems that the job would require odd shifts but wanted to ask people who actuallyworks in the field.

Basically to summerize, I want to know if it would be possible to work as an EMT while attending school either during the day or the night.

Thanks in advance.
 
I think that maybe you should take a trip down to your friendly neighborhood EMS/Fire station and ask them. It couldn't hurt.
 
Generally they are 12 or 24 hr.shifts.

Depends where you work. Days and nights usually are available. You would most likely have to go to school on your days off.

But my advice to you is be as flexable as possible. You will be brand new. There are thousands of emts looking for a job.

If you go into an interview saying I cant do this and.not that either, then you probably will be passed up by someone who can work anytime within a moments notice.

Get established with a company then work school in.

Or just finish school then look for a job.
 
Voodoo1 said:
I think that maybe you should take a trip down to your friendly neighborhood EMS/Fire station and ask them. It couldn't hurt.
Click to expand...

That's what I did before I even signed up for the class. They are always more the willing to tell you what to expect shift wise or if you will have to start out as a volunteer.

Sent from my Desire HD
 
Depends on the area and company you want to work for. Some places work 8 hours a day, some 12, some the whole 24. Then you have some services where you may work 48, 72, 96, 120, heck some work 14 straight 24 hour shifts. So there is no one single answer.
 
medic417 said:
Depends on the area and company you want to work for. Some places work 8 hours a day, some 12, some the whole 24. Then you have some services where you may work 48, 72, 96, 120, heck some work 14 straight 24 hour shifts. So there is no one single answer.
Click to expand...

Dang 14 straight 24 hour shifts that's a lot of OT

Sent from my Desire HD
 
Thanks for all the replies.
The 24 hour shift thing is a bit crazy, I hope there is a bit of exaggeration in your statement lol.

My follow-up question is, what about those who obtain their EMT-B, then work as an EMT, and go to school for paramedics while working? How do they normally manage?

My local colleges' website says that paramedic program is 42credithours (3 semesters) and has to be completed in 3 semesters one after another basically.
I just don't see how it is possible to go through paramedic pgoram as full time (full-time is essentially what they are requiring with like 14,15credit hours per term) and work as an EMT meanwhile...

I'm not trying to put everything into negative terms, just trying to see what my options are and want to hear from those who has gone through something like this
 
There's not any exaggeration in working a 24 hours shift. I've personally worked 96 hours straight before. There is usually downtime for sleeping, but "sleeping" and "night time" don't always coincide.
 
My service has 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 hour shifts. It is very doable to obtain your EMT while in school - but working as a new EMT while in school may be difficult. It isn't normally like a retail job where you can set an availability. I would personally finish your degree up first and then work as an EMT if so desired. Paramedic programs are full time - its not a set of courses to take. It is a program where you will be there full time. Working during it is difficult if not impossible in a program like the one you described. I took off from work during medic school.
 
I disagree. I worked 3x10s a week all summer long as a Beach Lifeguard along with 3x8-9 hour days at school. Did I have a life? No. Does it suck and get stressful from time to time? Yes, but I'm willing to make that sacrifice.

I just started working as a per diem Intermediate, trying to pull 2x12s a week if I can get my hands on them once I'm done with my FTO/TAI time which is 4x12 hours a week, and still am in medic school. That being said I can't wait to finish my FTO/TAI and slow my work week down.

I'm not scraping by in school either, I'm sitting near, if not at the top of my class.

It is very possible to go to medic school and work, it just takes commitment.
 
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I've heard the term a few times now on the forum. In my job per diem is an amount they pay you for every hour you are away from your home base. What does it mean in EMS?
 
It's being misused actually. "Per diem" is traditionally what you describe, pay or allowance in lieu of expense reimbursement.

The correct term is "PRN", an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Pro Re Nata, roughly, "as circumstance arises". Meaning you have no set hours and are utilized on an as-needed basis. This helps keep overtime down.

Per diem has just become an accepted term for this type of employee is some cases.
 
The funny part about the OT thing though is full timers are scheduled 4x12s and get 8 hours of OT a week. If I pick up a shift I make OT after 8 hours. So if I manage to get my hands on 3x12s I'm working 36 hrs but 12 of which are at time and a half :)
 
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