Resaur

thank you for your swift replies! sorry, i have been busy. it's finals week(end) ><.> it's not like i want to become a nurse and i am using paramedics as a stepping stone. it is more like i want to be a paramedic but know i have to change careers later on. but i am young now so i want to do this while i still have the physical stamina and enthusiasm to be a paramedic. ericjrn, i think i will take your suggestion and take a few classes to see how i like it. hopefully i do! i am really hoping this is a job i will love! stevenfmurray, thank you! which area do you live? 90% of the calls aren't real emergencies? that sounds crazy! aren't ambulances like $1,000, people are really willing to spend that money when it isnt even a real emergency? i know my mom makes me drive her to the er, rather than call an ambulance. so thats why i'm curious about where you live. i guess my question has more to do with "what should i do after paramedics?" haha. anyways, i am looking at getting into physical therapy or something after paramedics. do you think i have a good chance in getting in a grad school with a few years of experience as an emt/paramedic (with the required courses and have taken the gre)?

Hey guys and girls! I am a junior attending UCSD right now. I am actually going to graduate with a Psychology major (BA) and Sociology minor. I love Psych and Soc, but recently the idea of being an EMT/Paramedic is getting more and more appealing to me (feels almost like a calling). I never thought about it, but now it just feels right. I did some basic research. Turns out, the burnout rate is really high (about an 8 year career). As much as I love to help people, I realize that becoming a paramedic for life is not going to be a permanent career (the pay/hours/schedule sucks too.. which are factors as well). Being a psychology major, I learn to not get cocky and believe I will defy the overwhelming statistics. Plus, I need to factor in starting a family, with the schedule and salary it is just not practical. I came to the conclusion that I need a "after EMT/paramedic" plan. I think I would want to hold onto being an EMT/paramedic for as long as I can, but I don't know how long I can last until I burn out. I am a 20 year old, 5'2" female, so becoming a firefighter-medic may not work for me as well =(.. unless I can?! I realize I may spend 8 years of my life as a paramedic.. which will put me at 29-30 years old when I need to change careers. My best bet probably is to get into a related field that can capitalize on my experience as an EMT/paramedic.. or I can also get into entry level work using my BA in Psychology. Advice I have gotten: My friend tells me to just work as an EMT and forgo being a paramedic. She said paramedics only make 2 dollars more per hour, to her doesn't justify the cost for the hours and tuition. But I think she also thought I am just using EMT as a stepping stone.. and wouldnt be staying that long in the field. I personally do not know how long I'd stay as a paramedic tho, these burnout stories scare me a bit. She also said to go into RNA program after my EMT work.. how long does the bridge programs normally last.. anyone know? Therein lies my labyrinth of dilemmas.. what career choices do I have.. any advice? About how long would it take me? Thanks for reading and potentially replying! I know it's LONGGG. :)