Wanting to leave US

[Pkreilley]

So I got my Paramedic recently in Texas, and I've been working for a while, but I'm feeling restless and wanting to do the colloquial "sowing of wild oats", preferably out of the country. Is there anywhere in the world where my paramedic credits will transfer and I can work without needing to retake a class? Certification tests are fine, such as an NR equivalent.

 

[TransportJockey]

Doubtful. US Ems is at the bottom for educational standards. If you get some experience you might be able to find a contract job in the Persian gulf area or the Middle East. I had heard Ireland might be another country with low standards that will take our certs.

 

[jkmerrill]

TransportJockey's right in that it can be difficult to get US paramedic education recognized abroad, as many anglo-american model countries (i.e. countries that use paramedics in their ambulances as opposed to physicians) are starting to move towards requiring a bachelor's degree. It is sometimes possible, however. If you want to transfer to Canada, for example, some provinces will allow you to challenge their ACP exam (equivalent to an EMT-P). Others won't, or will evaluate your education and severely restrict your scope of practice. From what I understand, another anglo-american model country where your training might carry over is Ireland.

 

[Medic Tim]

It is possible to get into Canada but it can be a hard and long road. The school I went to is recognized by a few Canadian provinces so my transition was much easier than others.

Do you have a degree? any other training? How long was your program?
In Canada a PCP is 1-2 years of education and ACP is an additional 1-2. Most ACPs have 3 years of school with 2-3 years experience at the pcp level.

Licensing aside..It can be hard to get a work visa if you have no ties to Canada and don't have a degree