Full-time Student AND Medic Program in San Diego

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858heatstroke

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Im an new EMT-B in San Diego but also going to school full-time to San Diego State University. I'm trying to have some-what of a layout of the next couple years of my life. Is being a full-time student at a university AND going to medic school possible? Also working at my job is something I need to do too. I'm hearing mixed answers. Some one is saying just going to Paramedic school will be tough which i'm sure. but I'm disciplined and willing to focus on just my studies for the next couple years. Is it possible?

I did some research and it looks like Palomar College is best suited for my situation for Medic School if that helps with anything. I honestly don't HAVE to finish in the time it normally takes. I'm willing to prolong the medic school if need be. Anything info helps! Thanks guys!
 
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I would say not to. Neither is easy so I'd focus on getting A's in each one, but one at a time. Medic school ain't going nowhere so focus on getting a high GPA in college. That's pretty dad gum important.
 
So you want to:

Work 40 hours a week as EMT-B? (are you already working somewhere that will allow you to go part time?)

Go to school full time at SDSU (how many units?)

And go to medic school?

You might be able to do it, just maybe, but its highly unlikely. Your bachelors should be your primary focus if you plan on going to any sort of grad school. IF you do plan on going to grad school, I think you could probably do one or the other (SDSU+work or SDSU+medic)
 
What's your longterm goal?
 
Anything is possible, however, your education will most likely suffer if you try working, PM school, and a Univ all at once.
Think to yourself, do you want to get everything done as quickly as possible regardless of the quality of education missed? or do you want to do it right and get the best possible educational experience? If you answered #1 I'd suggest applying to be a firefighter instead of a SWAT medic.
I mean your already in SDSU you should finish, because as said earlier medic school isn't going anywhere.
Good luck
 
Also most EMT-Tacticals, or SWAT medics are Cops first then become SWAT then become a medic. I'd love to be a SWAT medic too, but after my dad (20 years LAPD) talked me out of being a cop I find it hard to put in the 4-6 years patrol to test to become SWAT.
Not trying to talk you out of anything. Again good luck
 
858heatstroke said:
My dream is to be a SWAT medic or get in the tactical medic side. but that's a "where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?" goal.
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Yea... but if that's your goal then that's your goal and every step should be towards that. A final goal of swat medic is going to have a different path than, say, medical school.
 
the SWAT thing is very different everywhere you go. You do not have to be a cop first in MANY programs. Here in Portland we get our CERT medics from the Fire department. Its like that in a lot of places, they get there medics from the local fire department or transport agency.
 
schulz said:
the SWAT thing is very different everywhere you go. You do not have to be a cop first in MANY programs. Here in Portland we get our CERT medics from the Fire department. Its like that in a lot of places, they get there medics from the local fire department or transport agency.
Click to expand...

True I guess talk to the place where you'd like to work and see how they do it.
 
I guess a good follow up question would be, what is your major at SDSU? Health related or Criminal Justice related?

In either case, if your not looking to go into any advanced medicine, you could probably pull of medic school and and easy medic program like NCTI (palomar you might run the risk of getting dropped if you get overwhelmed) while still working. Little addition, I am told NCTI is very flexible in how long it takes you to complete your field internship. Of course you might have to lower your class load to 12 units, but hey, if the GPA doesn't matter and you just want the bachelors, go for it all.
 
My plan is to get a job with Law Enforcement on a federal level. I know it's going to take some years within LE to actually even be considered for their SWAT team. But I feel like while i'm in college. The only thing I can do is get my degree. Most likely if everything goes according to plan (they never do). I won't have much of a choice to be placed, they place you wherever they need you most. It's most likely I won't be placed in San Diego because I reside here.

As far as the medic side, I want to get some experience as a Paramedic under my belt before i'm out of school and have to devote all my time into the LE side. I'm planning on going to Grad school after for Homeland Security at SDSU if everything goes well. So I got a few years in school before I actually start my LE career. I was hoping since SDSU does not have summer semesters anymore, i would take a couple classes at Palomar and the next year and so forth. does that sound do-able?

NCTI seems a little on the expensive side. Or at least that's what I got from their website. My financial aid will usually cover my Palomar stuff. Although the flexibility sounds awesome.

Thanks for all the info. This is helping me a lot!
 
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Considering P-school is a full time program at most colleges, I wouldn't do it with another full load and working full time
 
You will not be able to take paramedic school in the summers. Every paramedic that I know that went to paramedic school at Palomar (or any program for that matter) worked part-time and had no other time commitments.

I think you should call the admissions offices and talk to each of the programs specifically. Call Southwestern CC, Palomar CC, EMSTA, and NCTI and see if they think your plans are at all feasible.

A realistic solution to your plan would be to work as and EMT, graduate from SDSU, immediately followed by paramedic school (apply during senior year SDSU), apply to grad school during paramedic school.

Then you would work as a paramedic while you are in grad school giving you a couple years of experience in the field.

Just my .02
 
Medic school is considered a full class load, even if you go to a mill. So you're wanting to take 24+ credits AND work part/full time?


Ain't happening bro.

Not to mention you'll have a scheduling nightmare when it comes to clinicals/internship.
 
SanDiegoEmt7 said:
You will not be able to take paramedic school in the summers. Every paramedic that I know that went to paramedic school at Palomar (or any program for that matter) worked part-time and had no other time commitments.

I think you should call the admissions offices and talk to each of the programs specifically. Call Southwestern CC, Palomar CC, EMSTA, and NCTI and see if they think your plans are at all feasible.

A realistic solution to your plan would be to work as and EMT, graduate from SDSU, immediately followed by paramedic school (apply during senior year SDSU), apply to grad school during paramedic school.

Then you would work as a paramedic while you are in grad school giving you a couple years of experience in the field.

Just my .02
Click to expand...


I tried calling their admissions. It might be the person I was talking to but it sounded like she really didn't know much about the programs. I guess I should try harder to talk to the RIGHT person.

But your solution seems much more possible in terms of my situation. Totally gave me a new perspective. Thanks SanDiegoEMT7!!
 
sdsu is my alma mater!

but yea i agree with sandiegoemt, also having a bachelors will give you a slight edge
 
Just from my experience... I'm a full time mom and wife, I work a full time job, Going to Medic School Part Time, and completing a crap load of clinical requirements for my medic program, it's not easy. Add to your workload little by little, you'll know when it's too much. Who knows you may be able to handle the full workload. Ultimately, It's up to you to decide. Good luck in all your goals :)
 
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