Public Health degree for a paramedic???

[Michael Iacono]

So, I have recently done my EMT-B training and want to go on to paramedic. I am going to try out volunteering as an EMT first to see if i like it an then go from there...

But lets say I like it and i get my Paramedic cert (EMT-P) and like it and stay with it....

Is a bachelors, or possibly even masters in Public Health the next step to go after paramedic???

Im not really intrested in being a PA and damn sure aint intrested in being a Nurse. Im thinking if i got experience as an EMT than a Medic and completed my degree of a course of time in Public Health, maybe i could get into a corporation or big business as some type of Health/Emergency Services role!??

Sound good? Or am i thinking the wrong degree???

Thanks.

 

[STXmedic]

That's a reasonable progression. An MPH would certainly open up some different positions for you, especially in administration and education.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Not to many guys in the U.S. stick around in EMS with grad school. Some do, and we need more, but many change careers. If you enjoy EMS and want to get your medic, I would work EMS fulltime, get an AAS as a paramedic, and upon obtaining those shorter term goals, reevaluate. See how you feel about the career at that point. From there, you could transfer the AAS as a medic in a EMS bachelors program shaving at least a semester off your graduation time, then apply to grad school. I took a somewhat similar route... but went back to school after almost a 10 year gap...

 

[COmedic17]

If your goal is to be solely a Paramedic- don't bother getting a degree in it. From personal experience- most agencies just care if you have a state license and National registry. No one has asked my about my associates in it. I know someone who got a bachelors, and they are paid the same as me working the same job. I just paid much less money education wise.

I have degrees in another field, and am still in school - but that's because I am going to eventually change career paths.

If you decide to get a degree get it in something pertinent and also transferable to other fields of study. Like applied science / biology etc. A biology degree is a lot more accommodating to a pretty vast variety of careers then a degree in Public health which is a little more limiting. Pick a degree that doesn't limit choices down the road- especially if you aren't 100% set on what you want to do as of yet.