Accelerated Paramedic Program, or Degree?

[Syk]

In southern Mississippi where I live, there are 4 paramedic programs, the only problem is they have all moved to the Degree Program (2 years).

While working for Acadian ambulance in Louisiana I was offered the opportunity to attend their 6 month accelerated paramedic program. I was worried about not being able to learn everything I need to be an effective paramedic in such a short time, but the medics they graduate are top of the line.

I'm a quick learner so I do not think it would be hard to keep up. What would you all recommend? I don't see the point in doing a degree program when it doesn't increase your pay here at all.

My goal is to go through medic school, bridge to a RN to be able to work for AirMed in Jackson. (flight paramedic)

 

[Veneficus]

While working for Acadian ambulance in Louisiana I was offered the opportunity to attend their 6 month accelerated paramedic program. I was worried about not being able to learn everything I need to be an effective paramedic in such a short time, but the medics they graduate are top of the line.

By what measure?

My goal is to go through medic school, bridge to a RN to be able to work for AirMed in Jackson. (flight paramedic)

So is your plan to get a proper education, meeting at least some prereq. courses for nursing in medic class to move you along faster?

Is your goal to become an RN? why would you try to short cut it instead of starting from step I?

You realize nursing and being a paramedic are 2 seperate things with 2 seperate focuses?

Sometimes, the quick way is not the best way.

 

[Medic Tim]

In southern Mississippi where I live, there are 4 paramedic programs, the only problem is they have all moved to the Degree Program (2 years).

While working for Acadian ambulance in Louisiana I was offered the opportunity to attend their 6 month accelerated paramedic program. I was worried about not being able to learn everything I need to be an effective paramedic in such a short time, but the medics they graduate are top of the line.

I'm a quick learner so I do not think it would be hard to keep up. What would you all recommend? I don't see the point in doing a degree program when it doesn't increase your pay here at all.

My goal is to go through medic school, bridge to a RN to be able to work for AirMed in Jackson.

If you get your medic degree it will be easier to branch into something else. Many ems and nursing programs have the same gen ed classes. You may only need to take the nursing specific classes
I know some people who have bridged from medic to nursing and they were very overwhelmed.

****Do yourself a favor and don't take a short cut. that applies to the medic program and nursing program.****

 

[Syk]

Both of you guys have good points.

Veneficus - Their "top of the line medics" are based on national standards. I can't post the link, but their program is actually "NEMSA / National EMS Academy" if you want to Google it and tell me what your opinion is on them.

They are indeed two separate focuses, but in Mississippi - you have to be duel certified if you want to get on the helicopter with UMC/Air Med.

Medic Tim - Yep, from what my friend who has already taken this method (Accelerated Paramedic -> RN -> Flight Medic) it was overwhelming but the paramedic side of his education cut a year out of nursing school. I'm guessing mainly the pre-recs?

**** The main reason I want to take the short cut, is I don't wanna take the long-drown out and overkill version of 2 nights a week for two years. If we had a 1yr program around here, it would be different.