Finish 4year degree first or medic school?

P

paramaybe08

Forum Ride Along
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Hey guys I've used this site for a lot of great information and finally I would like to get everyone's opinion on my current situation.

I am 25 years old and currently a emt basic working for a 911 company in California. Now I feel like I am at a crossroad with what to do. I just got accepted as a transfer student to a out of state 4 year college for a degree in health science but I am unsure what I would like my long term goal to be (possibly PA school). I have always been very interested in going to paramedic school but realistically I know it's hard to make a career out of it (especially in California) unless I go fire.

So my question is would you guys recommend going to medic school before I finish my bachelor degree and start working as a medic since I really do not have a idea of where I want to go? I do think going to medic school would be fun and could get some really good experience out of it. Thanks guys for your inputs!
 
Get your degree first. It will give you more long term ability to find other jobs outside EMS as needed
 
Finish the degree first. After that is done, paramedic school is quick and easy.
 
Get your degree.
 
Degree.
 
paramaybe08 said:
Hey guys I've used this site for a lot of great information and finally I would like to get everyone's opinion on my current situation.

I am 25 years old and currently a emt basic working for a 911 company in California. Now I feel like I am at a crossroad with what to do. I just got accepted as a transfer student to a out of state 4 year college for a degree in health science but I am unsure what I would like my long term goal to be (possibly PA school). I have always been very interested in going to paramedic school but realistically I know it's hard to make a career out of it (especially in California) unless I go fire.

So my question is would you guys recommend going to medic school before I finish my bachelor degree and start working as a medic since I really do not have a idea of where I want to go? I do think going to medic school would be fun and could get some really good experience out of it. Thanks guys for your inputs!
Click to expand...

Make sure that the courses you take will satisfy PA school requirements. As a "health science" major, you'll likely be put into classes like "Biology for allied health" or "Biology for non-majors". For the purposes of Med/PA school admissions, you need to be taking the same classes as science majors. Just something to keep in mind.
 
Gurby said:
Make sure that the courses you take will satisfy PA school requirements. As a "health science" major, you'll likely be put into classes like "Biology for allied health" or "Biology for non-majors". For the purposes of Med/PA school admissions, you need to be taking the same classes as science majors. Just something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...

This.

Get a minimum of year of general bio, a year of general chem, a year of A&P. Poke around to look at requirements, but these are pretty universal.
 
It depends if you value your sanity or not.
 
how long until you finish your 4 year degree? 2 years? more?

how long will it take you to complete paramedic school? less than 14 months?

If it's a short medic program (less than 14 months), take the medic program. you might even be able to take other college classes part time while you are in the medic program. That way you can make more money in EMS while you are working on completing your 4 year degree, and have a much better patient contact experience for when you apply to PA or medical school.
 
Degree first for sure.
 
You could do them simultaneously, but I would discourage it unless you're very very confident in your ability to handle both.
 
I agree with Brandon O. It's tough to do both I tried it. Get your degree and try for a grad degree.
 
Get the degree first. If you are super motivated, you could try Dr. Parasite's advice, but I know several people who took a break from university fully intending to return and then never did, it's very easy to get out of the groove of homework and classes.

If you want to be a PA or a physician, being a medic won't help you much more than being an EMT will as far as applications go. I'd go to school, make sure you're taking the right classes for prereqs, and then reevaluate if you want to get your medic, go to PA school, etc.
 
Degree especially if you plan on staying in California. Paramedic school will always be there. The will to want to go back to a college and take classes with people under 21, and the time consumption will make it hard to go back.
 
Get your degree first. It's always good to have it for a back-up if you want to go venture into another field. And it's something that no one can ever take away for you!
 
I say Medic school. Easier to pay for school with a decent job that has 24-hr access.

Also, better to call it a Bachelors in this case since it will take more than 4 years (which is ok).
 
I worked as an EMT while I got my BA. Starting medic school two years later because I needed some time off, if I was smart I would have taken all the medic prereqs as my electives.
 
thanks guys for all of your replies I really appreciate it!

And if I do go to the school out of state I will start this fall of 2015 and yes 2 years to finish my degree. I do already have my AA degree from my local community college. If I did try and stay in state for a college out here I would have to wait a apply and wouldn't not be able to start till fall of 2016.

The medic program I was looking at is 12 months long. SO really not that long. But thanks for everyones input and advice! I really have some thinking to do.
 
only 12 months? and you can't start undergrad for another year at least? I stand by my original statement, if you want to, take a year off from school full time and get your medic. it's only 12 months of your life.

if you can, take some classes part time at your 4 year college (one or two a semester) while in medic school, especially if they are prereq for PA school, to get you back in the groove.

Get your degree. It will benefit you in the long term. But if you want to take a year off while you get your medic, do it. But don't get too comfortable, and put off getting your bachelors. once you get your medic, finish you bachelors degree.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top