Courses

[abarker]

I have sat around wondering if others states are the same as Va. In this part of the state(southwest) we have to go to a community colleege to obtain our Paramedic. I think this is a bunch of crap. I am currently a EMT Enhanced. I would love to go on and get my medic, but with a wife, 3 kids, full time job I see no way to do that. I dont have the money it costs to get a Associates degree. The state (i think) still offers it in the northern part but I am not for sure on that. Our OMD is gawking at the fact we dont have no higher trained people. But what are we supposed to do. I feel like the squad should pay for it if you do go. With a agreement that is you quit or flunk out you must re-emburse the squad for the funds, but this is a small volunteer squad in a rural community. Oh wells. Sorry people just had to vent. How does your state do this?


Auk

[NFfireman23]

I paid for my own paramedic schooling and then went and got a job. I got a student loan, went to school at night, worked fulltime during the day, and finished top of the class...depends on how bad you want it....

[N2DFire]

Know exactly how you feel.
Several Small Rural squads here have the set-up you describe. They will pay or reimburse for education (varies by agency) if you complete the course. You must also agree to 1 year of service for I and 2 years for P.

Also not sure exactly where here in SW Va you are, but JCHS in Roanoke does offer both EMT-B to I/99 & I/99 to P "Bridge" classes that are taught at night and DO NOT encompass the Gen. Ed for an associates degree.

If you're interested, you can contact
Allen "Mac" M. Snead, N.R.E.M.T.P.
Assistant Director & Instructor
Phone: 540-985-8527
Email: mac@jchs.edu

Also if you can get enough people and an accredited "learning site" - you can get EMT/I classes in your area.

Also like NFfireman23 said, sometimes it's all in how bad you want it. I worked full time and did the Old CT to Medic bridge at JCHS. I used to get off work at 5, be in clinical rotations by 6 and work till midnight, home & in bed by 1 and up at 6 for work the next day. Did that for a couple of months. Trust me I truly understand where you are coming from in terms of work & family responsibilities, but if you really want to do it badly enough, you can make it work.

Wish you the best of luck.