To be or not to be a medic.....decisions decisions decisions

Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
I been an EMT for quite a while and I recently got accepted to the Paramedic class but I'm starting to get a couple second thoughts of whether or not to go through the course since its pricy and tough. What are the pros and cons of becoming a paramedic ? Need some advice guys
 
OP
OP
Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
Gurby said:
What are your long term career goals?
Click to expand...

Possibly become a flight medic or a critical care medic but I'm just getting those second thoughts because it's a really big step forward and I want to know if it's actually worth all the stress of going through the course
 
MMiz

MMiz

I put the M in EMTLife
Community Leader
5,522
403
83
This is a no brainier if you want a career in EMS or a related field.

Get your Paramedic cert.
 
STXmedic

STXmedic

Forum Burnout
Premium Member
5,018
1,356
113
Francisco said:
Possibly become a flight medic or a critical care medic but I'm just getting those second thoughts because it's a really big step forward and I want to know if it's actually worth all the stress of going through the course
Click to expand...
It's about as small of a step as you could take towards an actual career. if you're unsure, go work as a basic for a bit.
 
COmedic17

COmedic17

Forum Asst. Chief
912
638
93
Francisco said:
I want to know if it's actually worth all the stress of going through the course
Click to expand...

...you are this concerned with the stress just from medic school, but have you thought about the stress associated with working as a paramedic?
 
OP
OP
Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
COmedic17 said:
...you are this concerned with the stress just from medic school, but have you thought about the stress associated with working as a paramedic?
Click to expand...
I've worked 911 for a while already but I'm saying is it worth all the stress because school no matter what it is your doing career wise is stressful
 
STXmedic

STXmedic

Forum Burnout
Premium Member
5,018
1,356
113
Francisco said:
Is medic school as bad as everyone says it is ?
Click to expand...
Difficulty is relative. Some people think paramedic school is a walk in the park, while others struggle so badly that they fail out of the course. Only you could have a realistic idea of how you'll perform. I will say if you found EMT exceptionally difficult (not saying that you did), it's a safe bet that paramedic will be also.
 
OP
OP
Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
STXmedic said:
Difficulty is relative. Some people think paramedic school is a walk in the park, while others struggle so badly that they fail out of the course. Only you could have a realistic idea of how you'll perform. I will say if you found EMT exceptionally difficult (not saying that you did), it's a safe bet that paramedic will be also.
Click to expand...
Very well, In EMT school I did excellent I got the highest score on the final and I did great throughout the class but I've hear soooooo many stories from medics that class is SUPER hard and that most people fail out
 
STXmedic

STXmedic

Forum Burnout
Premium Member
5,018
1,356
113
If most people fail out, then that falls heavily on the program and instructors. Find a better program. The program I teach at has a 90-95% first time pass rate, and will only have somebody not pass on the 2nd/3rd attempt once every couple of years. We do tend to have 6 to 8 fail out at the conclusion of the first semester (out of a class of 30-35), but that's hardly most people. Those students tend to have very poor study habits and struggle from the beginning.
 
OP
OP
Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
STXmedic said:
If most people fail out, then that falls heavily on the program and instructors. Find a better program. The program I teach at has a 90-95% first time pass rate, and will only have somebody not pass on the 2nd/3rd attempt once every couple of years. We do tend to have 6 to 8 fail out at the conclusion of the first semester (out of a class of 30-35), but that's hardly most people. Those students tend to have very poor study habits and struggle from the beginning.
Click to expand...
I'm going to check on the passing rate of the program, is it ok if I direct message you for further advice since your an instructor
 
STXmedic

STXmedic

Forum Burnout
Premium Member
5,018
1,356
113
There are many other regular posters here that are just as experienced as I am, and many others that are more so, but you're certainly welcome to PM me with questions.
 
G

gotbeerz001

Forum Deputy Chief
1,312
926
113
I can't imagine staying at the entry level of any job for an entire career; if I was having second thoughts about being a medic, that would mean I was questioning being in EMS at all.

Life is too easy when you have no responsibility; I would die from boredom.
 
Gurby

Gurby

Forum Asst. Chief
818
597
93
Francisco said:
Possibly become a flight medic or a critical care medic but I'm just getting those second thoughts because it's a really big step forward and I want to know if it's actually worth all the stress of going through the course
Click to expand...

What other options are you weighing? Nursing, PA, MD/DO, something outside of healthcare, etc? Or are you considering becoming a 30-year EMT-B?
 
T

Tony Ippolito

Forum Probie
29
3
3
I have this dilemma as my career goal is law enforcement, but I love emergency medicine. I know it's not easy to merge the two. I figure I'll go for medic school.
LE runs on the pers system here so 20 year retirement, so I can practice before and after and part time in between.
 
OP
OP
Francisco

Francisco

Forum Crew Member
34
0
6
Gurby said:
What other options are you weighing? Nursing, PA, MD/DO, something outside of healthcare, etc? Or are you considering becoming a 30-year EMT-B?
Click to expand...
I wanted to go from Medic to PA but that's why I'm thinking if I should just go straight for PA
 
T

Tony Ippolito

Forum Probie
29
3
3
Francisco said:
I wanted to go from Medic to PA but that's why I'm thinking if I should just go straight for PA
Click to expand...
Do you have a 4 year degree? PA is tough. My girlfriend is trying to get into programs right now. 4.0 gpa and loads of EMT and drug/alcohol rehab experience and much more. And she isn't having good luck. I say anything to set yourself apart if you want to go that route.
But don't get your medic license if you don't plan to at least practice a few years. Doesn't seem worth it in that sense.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top