Calling all Paramedics or EMT's

[FierceAXboi]

All rite so I have decided to become a paramedic but I have a couple questions. I live in Miami, FL and have to choices for schools. One Is Miami Dade College the other is a Vocational type of school called Florida Medical Training Institute. I am not sure which one to go for. MDC requires me to take certain Math classes which I rather not take. FMTI will start me right of with the EMS program then later the Paramedic one. I was hoping I can get some advice

1) What's the main difference between a Paramedic and a EMT/EMS?

2) Does anyone have any experience in being trained for any of these two career fields? I am afraid I will be certified then when I apply for the City they will have additional requirements I wasn't aware of. So my question I guess is once I get my certification is that it? Does the City or private Ambulances require more such as TABE tests,classes or anything of that nature?

THANKS

Thanks

 

[FierceAXboi]

bump bump

 

[Pamlur]

My son is a paramedic/paramedic/emt instructor. He had to go through EMT training (two years, I believe), pass the state exam, then be an EMT for two years before he could start paramedic training.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I asked my son, Vince, a few thoughts. Let me see if I recall now....

He said EMS is the service, the field, EMT is the person, the individual. He said EMT is similar to Paramed, however a Paramed can pucsh drugs and intubate the airway, an EMT can not. He suggested talking to either the dept or company you might want to be working for and see what their requirements are. He said to see if you can get sponsored by any of them, for schooling. He also said that when you are a Paramed, you are affiliated with a network, a primary hospital/system, and each system does have slightly different rules, procedures. He did did take off a full year, and attended 2 semesters for his education part. He did get 30 college credit hours, quite intensive.

Good wishes.

 

[FierceAXboi]

Thanks

 

[CajunDixie]

Our EMT training is only 9 months long. In fact HS seniors can take the class at the local hospital and get HS credits. Where I work employees are given an education allowance with the $ amount depending on if your position is full time or part time.

I'd recommend you approach the place you would like to work for and do a few ride-a-longs. Then maybe train as a driver while you take the EMT class. To be hired by our EMS you first have to have the approval of the board (which consists of full time EMTs and Paramedics). More than once I've seen people come in for ride-a-longs and the board decide not to hire them based on their behavior.

Once you decide to become a Medic you then take more classes. If you pass the classes then you have to begin your precertification. Again, our board decides if they want to accept responsibility for training and watching over you during this time. Sometimes medics will request not to be on a shift with a person they feel is not open to constructive criticism. And the person that is going through precert. is not paid while on a shift that is part of their training because a full crew (not counting the trainee) is required.