Basic to Intermediate?

Backblast

Backblast

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I start my basic program next month, but am already starting to plot my next move, at least from an EMS education standpoint. I'm thinking about going from basic to intermediate and then on to paramedic. However, I'm starting to wonder if there is any advantage going from basic to intermediate or would I be better off going from basic directly to paramedic? Any thoughts, wisdom, experience, or advice?
 
If your plan is to be a paramedic, go straight through to paramedic. You aren't going to learn anything in intermediate school that you won't learn in medic school.
 
I would strongly encourage you to consider intermediate before paramedic school. While it is possible to go straight from basic to medic, intermediate offers a good transition between the levels. Being able to go into medic school with increased knowledge and skills (pharmacology, IV access, IO access, etc.) will benefit you immensely and allow you to focus more on the new content being presented during your paramedic education. It's really your call as to what you think you can handle. Medic school is a lot of information to absorb all at once, even with the knowledge gained during intermediate.
 
Most medic schools will do the intermediate portion first, and then move to paramedic for the second semester. Seems like you'd still be able to focus on one of them at a time. And besides, EMS education of IVs is "This is an IV catheter. This is how you start one. Go to town." IOs are the same lecture, just scratching out a word or two.
 
I finished my basic last Dec and went on to EMTA knowing I was going to Paramedic this Jan and let me tell you I am glad I did. I feel it will give a good start in paramedic and I get to practice what I learned in EMT A before becoming a paramedic so when it comes down to for example starting an IV I will be confident in my skill and know that I will pass that skills test.
 
I just got my Basic a few months ago. I have started my Paramedic program its harder going straight from B to P but to me its worth saving the time and money I work full time and I'm at school full time but I can have my Medic in 8 months and then I can get my associates degree in another 4 months. My advice to you if you decide to go this route is to study up on A&P and start studying you paramedic drug cards and disease processes. Good luck on what ever you try to do though.
 
Intermediate definitely helps with being ahead of the game as far as IVs/IOs basic med admin and rhythm interpretation and a little more in depth A&P. I went B -> I -> P but I also worked as an Intermediate during school. As far as IVs go, provided you are proactive during clinicals and do your internship in a decently busy you will get plenty of IV starts.

Like Poetic said, some programs will do the Intermediate portion first then the medic stuff but not all of them.

With that said, if Paramedic is your goal there's not a real reason to do I/A unless you are going to work at that level if you want experience before school or during school. It's not worthless but it'll save you some cash.
 
Ive never heard of anyone failing Paramedic school because they suck at starting IVs, or some other skill(AEMTs cant intubate anymore anyway). Usually its because they either fail some portion academically, like say pharmacology or cardiology, or because they have trouble putting it all together at the end.
 
another thing to think about is the $$$ for I that could be rolled over to pat for P-school.
 
Have you looked at Lenoir community college? They have a 32 week hybrid program that takes you from nothing (or basic if you have it) all the way to paramedic. I start it in January and all the paramedics I talk to say it's a good program. It's $350 plus insurance, textbook, etc. If your goal is paramedic skip intermediate because NC is starting to phase them out and it'll be next to impossible to find an intermediate program.
 
Personally, I recommend moving from Basic to Intermediate to Medic. It worked best for me. But, if you feel very confident in your skills and believe you'll be able to get the medic info quickly, then there's no point in postponing the inevitable.

Best wishes
 
Backblast said:
I start my basic program next month, but am already starting to plot my next move, at least from an EMS education standpoint. I'm thinking about going from basic to intermediate and then on to paramedic. However, I'm starting to wonder if there is any advantage going from basic to intermediate or would I be better off going from basic directly to paramedic? Any thoughts, wisdom, experience, or advice?
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Intermediate really isn't worth the time and you'll cover it all in medic school anyways.

If you go to a reputable school there is no need to take Intermediate. If you pick a bad paramedic school, you'll wish to did intermediate first. I highly recommend you do a Paramedic via a classroom too.

James Sprunt is near you they're pretty good.
 
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This may also be a bit location dependent. Taking in an intermediate course in Massachusetts will not get you too far ahead, all you get is IV access, saline, and ETI. Seems like a waste of money to me.
 
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