Should I switch careers?

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kmsbug89

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I am currently working as an admissions counselor for a small college. I am earning my master's degree in Higher Ed Administration but keep researching a career in EMS. I absolutely love helping people and during undergrad I began pursuing a career in health care before switching to human services. Does anyone have any suggestions? The career switch scares me, but it honestly isn't about the money. I don't make much as it is! Thanks!
 
I say get your EMT-B and volunteer first. Then at least you know if you like doing the job, financial aspects notwithstanding. Are you in a town with a volunteer ambulance service or fire department?
 
That's a good idea. I'm not sure if its volunteer, but I bet it wouldn't be a problem. I will also be moving in 2 months to the Atlanta area, so if anyone has any suggestions about programs to receive the EMT-B certification, I'd appreciate it!
 
I would loook into trying to do a ride along with a service near you. See what the crew goes through on a day to day basis. That way you can get a good idea of what exactly we do and see if it is for your or not. If you enjoyed it then I would recommend looking into a volunteer service to get your feet wet. And after that I if you still enjoy it I say go for it!
 
You are educated, sometimes rare in ems. I would say lots paramedics in your position (a masters) would be looking into a physician assistant program or a fast tracked nursing program. I love ems but where I am the option for higher education is available.

I would encourage healthcare but don't limit yourself to ems either.
 
Be a volunteer or PT EMT. With your education you could put it to better use for helping many more people and making a bigger difference. Look for opportunities in educational programs sponsored by county and state organizations. Get familar with the health care systems. You could make a difference by educating people about alternative routes of care besides the ER. Consider getting a 2nd Master in Public Health. You could also show others in EMS about opportunities that come to them with higher than a certificate for education.
 
I did a ride along about 3 years ago, and it was a somewhat bad experience. It wasn't the patients, it was the EMT I was riding along with. He was rude and it appeared to bother him that I was there. Just from that I stopped pursuing this dream. Now, even 3 years later, I'm still thinking about it. I will take your advice and try volunteering :). Its best to try to get my feet wet before going all the way for paramedic certification.

I also liked the idea of public health. I've considered this as well but was unsure if I needed an undergraduate degree in healthcare. I will search out this option as well.
 
You almost have a masters.

Odds are you meet many prerequisites to nursing or a PA program.

You would be absolutely out of your mind to get into an overpopulated, underpaid service that hardly requires a GED.
 
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So I have a thought.

Everyone is always complaining about the lack of education in EMS providers yet when anyone who is educated suggests they want to switch their career to EMS everyone that complains about the lack of education advises that educated person to stay away...
Counter productive much?

To the OP, if you want to get into EMS I say go for it. I wouldn't stay at the EMT level for long with your education. If you feel you need the experience then by all means go for it but I think you'd be perfectly OK going straight from EMT to Paramedic.

With that said I'd only invest the time and money in Medic school if you are absolutely sure you want to work in EMS full time.
 
NVRob said:
So I have a thought.

Everyone is always complaining about the lack of education in EMS providers yet when anyone who is educated suggests they want to switch their career to EMS everyone that complains about the lack of education advises that educated person to stay away...
Counter productive much?

To the OP, if you want to get into EMS I say go for it. I wouldn't stay at the EMT level for long with your education. If you feel you need the experience then by all means go for it but I think you'd be perfectly OK going straight from EMT to Paramedic.

With that said I'd only invest the time and money in Medic school if you are absolutely sure you want to work in EMS full time.
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The only reason I'd tell the OP to think twice about EMS is that with his or her education he can do a lot better compensation wise, which for many people is the much of the reason they pursue higher education. Any masters degree is likely to pay equal or better than any EMS career, which is not a small consideration.
 
Tigger said:
The only reason I'd tell the OP to think twice about EMS is that with his or her education he can do a lot better compensation wise, which for many people is the much of the reason they pursue higher education. Any masters degree is likely to pay equal or better than any EMS career, which is not a small consideration.
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Agreed.

At the same time we have plenty of PRN medics who are RNs, NPs, PAs and work as medics on the side and actively participate in education programs for EMS providers.

Why would people discourage someone from pursuing EMS if they have something to bring to the table that can better our profession.

It depends where you live and work when it comes to compensation. I know there are people on here that make 70-90k a year as a medic. You have to be willing to make a few sacrifices and possibly even relocate but it's very possible.
 
I agree with you NVRob. Don't steer people with passion away from the job. Believe it or not while money is important i can attest to the fact that sometimes its the feeling of accomplishment that satisfys some of us....now if i could just figure out how to eat accomplishment. Lol :glare:
 
NYMedic828 said:
You almost have a masters.

Odds are you meet many prerequisites to nursing or a PA program.

You would be absolutely out of your mind to get into an overpopulated, underpaid service that hardly requires a GED.
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^^^What he said. If you have the time and money to waste, then sure do it for sh*** & giggles but honestly you can accomplish that same feeling of helping others by becoming a nurse. And by the sounds of your education level, you might as well go that route or something similar but definitely stray away from an overpopulated and underpaid field. You will undoubtedly regret it.
 
Definitely you should volunteer first. Another angle is EMS continuing education, if your current employer offers a discount on courses (or better yet free;)) i would strongly consider the implications of cutting that off...also not every place offers reasonable insurance coverage (other then on duty obv) just something else to consider, good luck.
 
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I'd try a ride along or a volly position. With the education that you have, you could have two "careers". And like what others had said before me, you can't really make money in EMS.
 
OP, all the above, but speaking as an older guy for whom the shine has worn off, I'd say try out teaching classes at the local ARC as well as getting other training. It may offer you the satisfaction you are looking for and a schedule you can control. Not as expensive as getting the EMT certificate then keeping it up.

Experience in the field is overrated for instructors of lay level classes. You need to be able to present the material, and ARC (as do most CPR/first aid/AED instruction companies) supply a video to follow and written materials as well so you get the salient points across. and have ready reference.

Keep the day job, find a good employer, get your EMS and people karma-cookies from teaching many others how to do it as well.
 
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Hey man, with your higher education you would be shoe in for LAFD's fall recruitment, if your going to go in ems go in big, and with your degrees, you could move up the ranks in no time, plus you got the beach, hot girls near the beach, great weather, need I say more.:)
 
Uh, take that with a grain of sand, er, salt.
 
I sincerely debated for a good length of time about replying to this thread.
I also "almost" have a Masters degree and I work as a Paramedic Supervisor.
I've been in EMS for 22 years and my first college degree was an AS in EMS.
Since then I've completed another associated and graduated from college. I have begun a slow process through grad school, one course at a time...before you know it, you're done.
I don't do any of these things to leave EMS, but to improve the quality of services that I provide to my patient and employer.
It is truly sad to read some of the comments made in this very thread, like EMS is a GED level job. EMS is an honorable profession and you can make better money than in the educational field, contrary to popular belief. Most people don't consider that public education consumes the majority of State $$; consequently, it is the hardest cut in bad times.
In contrast with education in bad times EMS call volume increases and like it or not, so does our profession. Unlike many workers in the world, we are much more secure in our employment, at least those of us who are trying to make EMS home.

My respectfully submitted advice is to find an accredited College and aim for your Paramedic, have some fun, and finally enjoy a career where you can look forward to your day - and that is priceless !
 
I remember the first day of class, we watched a film explaining EMS its history etc...it showed some of the things we would see along the way of our career. At least three students did not come back after watching it. I have not yet seen too much traumatic injuries as I have only done clinicals, but do consider how much of said things you can stand.
 
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