Thinking Of Austin TX

[ekulluke1]

Hi, any constructive feedback regarding my situation would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.

I am currently enrolled in EMT-B/firefighter classes in south FL, and have given much thought to moving to Austin TX after graduation. Does anyone know if TX accepts all the educational credit hours FL EMT/Firefighter's are given? Even after passing the NREMT?

As a Fl state resident, should I invest the time now, to get my paramedic certification? Or move to Austin when I graduate and get a job just as an EMT-B/firefighter?

Some people have told me in other states, (Oregon) that being a firefighter/Paramedic wasn't all it was cracked up to be. More paperwork, and not much more compensation etc. I don't want to believe it though.

Thanks again,

Luke

 

[Afflixion]

*IF* you can get hired on in austin as a FF/EMT you will more then likely only be on a pumper providing First response care. If you can get your medic in Florida do it and even then you will still only be on a ambulance about 25-30% of the time rest of the time will be regular joe schmoe firefighter. Austin has very competitive EMS. In my opinion being a FF?medic isn't all that its cracked up to be either unless you truly enjoy working as both and medic be he lesser of the two.

 

[Ridryder911]

You need to consider if you want to be a firefighter or a Paramedic. Yes, there are some states that are heavy based Fire/EMS and there are also some states that are not. If you do want to be a Paramedic and want to move to Austin, TX. then I highly recommend to screen and evaluate the Paramedic program that you would attend.

Austin/Travis County EMS has a great reputation of having knowledgeable Paramedics and providing great care. One wants to be really prepared as in having the proper education when considering such a service to work for. Also their pay and benefits is very competitive if not better than that of Fire Service. Yet, again as stated very competitive (reason to graduate from a good program).

Most Fire Service have certain physical criteria and may even provide their own academy for training. Again, all dependent upon the service.

R/r 911

 

[Flight-LP]

Hi, any constructive feedback regarding my situation would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.

I am currently enrolled in EMT-B/firefighter classes in south FL, and have given much thought to moving to Austin TX after graduation. Does anyone know if TX accepts all the educational credit hours FL EMT/Firefighter's are given? Even after passing the NREMT?

As a Fl state resident, should I invest the time now, to get my paramedic certification? Or move to Austin when I graduate and get a job just as an EMT-B/firefighter?

Some people have told me in other states, (Oregon) that being a firefighter/Paramedic wasn't all it was cracked up to be. More paperwork, and not much more compensation etc. I don't want to believe it though.

Thanks again,

Luke

You can apply for reciprocity in Texas with a valid NREMT certificate. The State does dictate or care about hours or educational credit. Now as far as applying to a Paramedic school, the decision to accept credit or hours would depend on if you are currently attending an educational institution or one of the multiple "medic mills" found in the Sunshine State.

If you want to work in Austin as a medic, I highly encourage pursuing a career with Austin / Travis County EMS after you get your Paramedic and a year of sound experience. They are a professional agency with high standards of care and excellent providers. As such, they maintain separate departments for EMS and fire. If you wish to be a firefighter, then apply with Austin FD. You will increase your chances of success though if you are a Texas resident.

Keep something in mind though...............

Right now, the larger city fire departments are well staffed and budgets are tight. When they do a mass hiring, most have hundreds, if not thousands of applications to choose from. Be prepared for rejection. Have a back up plan, along with a contingency to the back up. Prepare to hear the words, "go get some experience and try us again down the line". Austin is highly competitive (on both sides), but one of the best gigs out there when it comes to pay and benefits.

Good luck!