I´m an EMT working in Norway, and as the others say, your biggest hurdle will most likely be becoming fluent enough in norwegian to work here. In the Oslo and Akershus ambulance service we do have one US paramedic (and several other foreigners) already tho, and we are always in need of people, so if you get the working permit and language skills necessary its definitely within grasp.
I cant say about the other ambulance services, but for the Oslo and Akershus EMS it will probably be sufficient with the EMT education to get a job as what we call assistant here (without making any guarantees). Other people who work here as assistants are typically med students, nurses with some relevant experience, army medics and EMTs/medics from other countries, i.e. persons with relevant experience but no official authorization.
In most of the EMS services around the country its a lack of authorized personell but the authorization probably wont be obtainable for you for at least 4-5 years.
The pay is not very good compared to other jobs with similar education, but enough to live comfortably and go on a vacation every now and then and/or buy most of what you want. If you live with your boyfriend and you both are fully employed you will make enough money.
I have an EMT authorization and 10 years seniority now, and my pay is pretty good, I would say.
Expect to be working part time and be available on short notice the first months/year(s). For me it has almost never been a problem getting enough shifts and even overtime, but it meant never saying no to work when I got a call and being willing to work the least attractive shifts. The more shifts you turn down, the less you will be offered.
However, it has enabled me to save up money to travel and be away for months at a time, so I wont complain about it one bit.
You´ll probably be able to find temporary work in the food and beverage or hospitality industry while improving your Norwegian too, if you make an effort. Or somewhere else where you dont need to speak a lot of norwegian.
The economy is still good here, although the low oil prices has been affecting the country a little bit. I dont know for how long it will continue, kinda feel like we are living on borrowed time so to speak. So get over here while its still good
If you have any other questions, just ask, and I´ll answer to the best of my knowledge.
