Hi, I am new to this forum and I am not an EMT (yet). I am 36 years old and I am thinking about making a career change from healthcare administration to becoming a paramedic. I have done a quite a few ride-a-longs and have attended my wife's emergency medicine workshops on occasion (she is a medical student planning on going into emergency medicine). I am writing on here because I have a couple of questions:
First, I am from San Diego, and I am enrolled in an EMT-B class starting in April. Does anyone know if all programs require a year working as an EMT-B before doing the paramedic program? I am concerned about the wages of an EMT-B as I am supporting both my wife and myself at this point. Also, is financial aid available during the paramedic training?
Second, It seems like many paramedics start a lot younger than myself. Does anyone know if I will have trouble getting a job once I finish my paramedic training? I know it depends on the market, but if anyone has any insight into the San Diego market that would be great, or if anyone has advice for starting out as an older student it would be much appreciated.
Lastly, is there such a thing as an intensive program that I can get my EMT-B and P at the same time? I feel like I FINALLY know what I really want to do with my life and I can't wait!!
Thanks so much for any advice!! I really appreciate it.
First, I am from San Diego, and I am enrolled in an EMT-B class starting in April. Does anyone know if all programs require a year working as an EMT-B before doing the paramedic program? I am concerned about the wages of an EMT-B as I am supporting both my wife and myself at this point. Also, is financial aid available during the paramedic training?
Second, It seems like many paramedics start a lot younger than myself. Does anyone know if I will have trouble getting a job once I finish my paramedic training? I know it depends on the market, but if anyone has any insight into the San Diego market that would be great, or if anyone has advice for starting out as an older student it would be much appreciated.
Lastly, is there such a thing as an intensive program that I can get my EMT-B and P at the same time? I feel like I FINALLY know what I really want to do with my life and I can't wait!!
Thanks so much for any advice!! I really appreciate it.