Do you ever think of going the EMT/Paramedic route?

Girl Scout · Mar 9, 2009

Years and years ago, I actually started the EMT-B course in Oklahoma City. I was a little too zealous in taking on too much work and college along with it, though, and I set myself up to fail. A few weeks into it, just before the clinicals, we had a test and the "passing" grade had to be an 84. I had an 82. I was working 50+ hours a week and going to school full time on top of this. At the time I didn't make the cut, I was absolutely crushed and I got away from medicine altogether. It's taken me this long to finally get over that mental block and slowly start to come back to the idea that I could have a career in medicine.

And yeah, I do ask myself if I would actually rather go the route of the EMT, or even Paramedic, instead of CNA/PCA then on to RN school. I ask myself that almost daily. I really don't know what to do, either, except follow my gut instinct, and that is to go ahead and get the training as the CNA/PCA, and try to get work in LTC, do that for a year, and re-evaluate. And either try to get into a hospital at that point, or go back to school, either for EMT, or just take the leap (if I can) and get into the RN program.

It's not a decision that can be easily made, but that's what I feel like I should do. The CNA/PCA training will always be there if I want to eventually transition over to EMT - which I think, for me, would be a possibility - but it'll give me the experience and training now and I don't think I will regret having that skillset, no matter where my life leads me (even if I end up, like, doing something completely unrelated like construction or working as a computer tech at NASA or something).

So... those are my thoughts. I'm sort of in the same boat. But I think that's what I'm going to do and I think it's probably the best choice for where I think I'm heading with my life and career goals.

Hope that helps! :)

Codeda · Mar 10, 2009

Yeah I could never see myself doing the emt or paramedic route just because of the amount of schooling/ small pay. Just doesn't cut it. I think the only thing I have thought of doing other than nursing is PTA. We have a few in our facility and their schooling is about as long as RN and they make really good money and I always are ads for them in newspapers and online. Plus you still get to help people. I dunno. Good luck with your decision

sonomala · Mar 11, 2009

I thought about it and would love to but its too many hours of schooling for too little pay. Right now as a cna, I make more then the emts and paramedics around here. Thats really sad in my op.

Zalan · Mar 11, 2009

I can believe a CNA or Tech can make more than a EMT, however its hard to believe one could make more than Paramedic. Base pay for a EMT can be from $8/hr to $10/hr on average in Indiana. A Paramedic makes between $29,000 to $32,000 a year in Indiana.

RespiratoryGirl011 · Mar 17, 2009

Have you looked into any allied health professions (xray tech, surgical tech, respiratory therapy, physical therapy assistant)? Many of these jobs are in demand, start out around $30,000-35,000 per year, and only require an associate's degree.

Atheos · Mar 17, 2009

I guess it depends on the state.

CNAs where I am can range from as low as $20000 to as high as $35000 a year and paramedics here aren't that much higher.

Itshamrtym · Apr 6, 2009

hello..... Was wondering what a PTA is??? thanks.... good luck guys with your

career decisions!!!!!!!!

texastaz · Apr 6, 2009

I was a EMT-late 70's. Things have changed a lot-like aides and increased violence. Today I would not dream of being a EMT or Paramedic. I think you are on the right track considering your time, tuition cost and the pay. All fields in the medical pay most when you specialize. There is a increasing demand for MRI techs - falls into radiology 60-80 grand per year. Many Respratory therapist and Physical therapist I have met have difficulty getting FULL Time jobs even though the need is increasing. LVN - Home Health Nurses seen to be the happiest nurses and have told me they make about the same as the RN - Home Health Nurses. Good luck!

SoulFood · Apr 6, 2009

I am currently in a CNA program and have strongly considered getting an EMT certification so that I can work as an ER Tech. Hourly speaking (in my neck of the woods), CNAs in the hospital make $13-$17/hr, ER Techs make similar wages, and EMTs make a bit more, $15-$20/hr. I'm not sure on Paramedic wages. I think any additional training/certification/education is valuable and bound to open doors.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 6, 2009

I echo the suggestions of the some of the other posters. Try looking into physical/occupational therapy assistant, a respiratory therapist, or a diagnostic imaging (radiologic) technician which can specialize in X-Ray, Cat Scan, CT, MRI etc. which all require only an Associates degree. I will agree that finding a job as a EMT or Paramedic is extremely difficult and usually aren't paid enough for their education. There are a ton of career options in the health care field (not medical field but health care) and it really just depends on what type of patients you want to treat, in what kind of setting your looking to work in and how much education/training you are willing to do for that career. Good luck!

!Chris :specs: