how does becoming a paramedic work?

I am a State University student majoring in Psychology and Health Science option in Administration with a minor in criminal justice. After college, I plan on working as a paramedic for a while then get into grad school for a psychiatric degree. I read a lot of how to get into paramedic through community college. I know I will need to take the paramedic classes at my university.

1. After I received the certificate, what should I do after that (how do I get the license)?

2. After the license process, how do I apply for a job in the field?

3. How much is the average starting pay (in California)?

4. How can I increase the chance of getting the job?

5. If my friend and I both apply to the same hospital, can we be working together?

Comments

  • To get a psychiatric degree, an M.D. is required. It would appear that your job and school program would already be incorrect for this field. A psychiatrist has the M.D. degree, same as a PhD, and further specializes after going to medcial school another several years, before starting independent practice.

    If you want to be a paramedic, you go to a community college where programs for this profession are avaialbe. You will not find this course of study in a 4 year college. Once in the program, you will be told where and when you take the state board exams required to practice in this field. Until you have passed the state board exam, you cannot work in this field.

    A paramedic will typically work for the city/county or even their fire depts. It would be unusual for a hospital to hire a paramedic though I guess that could happen.

    Only after you have all necessary credentials can you apply for work. You do what everyone else does. Resume and job applications, calls and interviews, and keep at it until you are employed.

  • Takes like 6 years yo. Got to get a B.Sc, then start your training, and upgrade your driver's license. Being a paramedic method coping with plenty of homeless folks so you could need to volunteer at a safe haven whilst you're in college to get used to being around them and make some connections.

Sign In or Register to comment.