Switching professions.

[thatradkid]

Hello everyone,

I go by Paisley and I am currently a radiographer tech and working for my bachelors in radiologic sciences. My original 'dreams' were to go and get my masters in radiologic sciences and then become an RA (radiologists assistant). Due to the slimness of position openings and the competitiveness in the sector, I was thinking of a career change.

I was thinking and trying to do a bit of research about EMS career opportunities, then stumbled upon the paramedic position. From my research the paramedic is the highest pre-hospital care provider, due to some more 'advanced' protocols they can practice. I was also reading in a lot of areas the paramedic requires an associates degree in the study. I was thinking this would probably a great fit since most of my college credits can go towards a lot of the different required courses the paramedic student also has to take. So here comes my questions...

1) The EMT-B is the lowest provider (other than the EMR?) but is where a lot of people start. In some areas and schools the paramedics must first be EMT-B's for a certain amount of hours. Is this still true, and how common is this rule? Even if the school I am looking at doesn't require the EMT-B, can I still be denied employment by an agency that firstly requires the medic to be an EMT-B for a certain amount of hours?

2) How good of a foundation is the EMT-B program for prospective paramedics? Or at least in my case? Will the EMT-B program help me with my paramedic studies? I already have my college writing, English, math, history, biology, A&P, organ chem, etc...completed. If I did my research correctly, those credits should transfer over to the associates degree.

3) How do you personally like your job? I can understand the whole up and down days prospective, but if you had the chance to re-live everything you have done (including your studies), would you?

Thanks so much for your time.

[mikeymedic1984]

No. The EMT B program is similar to being a "patient tech" in the hospital. If you are serious about EMS, you must consider the EMT-A, immediately followed by getting into a Paramedic program. In other words, it is very similar or comparable to CNA to LPN to RN. EMTBs are CNAs -- and there are thousands of them because every fire department has pretty much mandated that you become an EMT B at minimum.