Steps to become a Paramedic/EMT?
Hi. Let me fill you in. I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and my family is poor so there's no reason / logical way for me to go to college without paying that debt for the rest of my life. I was thinking about trying to snag an Army ROTC scholarship and become a military officer but that seems too far-fetched for me. My grades are median-average.
Anyways. What steps do I need to take to become an Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic? There's a career-technical program at my school that offers a path called 'Health Careers'. I was thinking about taking it to better myself; it might look good for future resumes or applications in the health field. Here's from the website:
Program Overview
Health Careers Technology is a 2 year program. Students are introduced to medical careers involving hands-on patient care in various clinical settings at Lakewood Hospital and area nursing homes.
In the junior year, students train for the State Tested Nurses Aide certification & license. Emphasis is placed on developing employability skills, participation in community service projects and fundraising efforts. Emergency Responder training is also provided. Strong areas of concentration are the study of Medical Language, Anatomy & Physiology, and Human Diseases.
The senior year program continues with advanced study of Medical Language, Medical Ethics, study of Pathology, advancing patient care skills, and a greater amount of time spent in the clinical/hospital setting.
Thanks all for now, thanks! I'd preferably like to hear from an EMT/Paramedic himself/herself that went into that path right out of high school.
Comments
It'll let you snag a job as a nursing assistant however it doesn't sound like it gives you training up to the level of an EMT. I would take a look at other vocational schools in your area since some do provide an EMT program.
If you can volunteer when you're 18, some volunteer fire departments will pay for your training if you work for them for so many years.
Another even farther fetched route would be to attempt to get on a full-time fire department. However people spend months preparing for those tests and there are usually over 1000 applicants.
EMT would be the best way for you to go. The course will be cheaper and shorter ($500 - $1500 depending on location). Paramedic level training is 18 - 24 months and can cost north of $10,000. Get your EMT and start working for an ambulance. Some companies such as AMR will reimburse you for Paramedic training and might even provide financial assistance. Additionally, Paramedic training is very difficult without prior EMT experience.
In high school I would take Biology, Anatomy and Physiology (if your school has it), science, algebra, and latin.