EMT job

[valdosta]

I'm 16 years old and interested in becoming an EMT, I was just wondering, how difficult is it to get the job? My mom was an EMT, and said after college you are guarenteed a job. is that true?

[e178m178]

What do you mean by job?

Sure, as an EMT you can probably get a job at a clinic or a hospital taking people's blood pressure for 6.50 an hour.

As far as getting a fire dept. job, around here EMTs are a dime a dozen. EMT is the bottom of the totem pole and you need a FF cert along with your EMT to even get considered. I took tests as a FF/EMT where 500 other FF/EMT's showed up to test. But when I got my medic cert, I took a test with 8 other FF/Medics for a city that had 12 openings.

In other words, if you want to be "guaranteed" a job, you're going to need FF Cert AND Paramedic Cert AND a clean record.

[superemt]

Hey just to comment on your EMT job don't give up I will tell you you don't need FF cert to get an EMT job yes it does help but not nesssacry I work for a city amblance company which was started years ago by firefighters but when I was hired they could care less weather or not i had FF Certs. Half the people in the department I work for don't have FF Certs so don't let i discourage you. I found my job it was hard but I found it and I'm sure you will to just don't give up. Rememeber always follow your dream and eventually you will get there so keep trying and go get you EMT if you dont' get a paid job volunteer some place to get experience and then look for a paid job. Volunteer fire comapanies and ambulance companies are always looking for EMTs so even if you don't get a paid postion volunteer because remember you didn't get the EMT to be paid you got the EMT to help people don't ever forget that. I hope I helped answer you question and if you have anymore question feel free to ask or emaail me at flametamer356@yahoo.com

[nlfr437]

If you are in Valdosta GA- the answer is not necessarily. BUT I can tell you that there is always a need- they aren't a dime a dozen, especially paramedics. From the Paramedics and EMTs that I know and work with they can tell you they are always stretched on their schedules.

As for the ff training, the city & county fire departments have ff's who are both, but the departments do not respond as the primary EMS service. The county fire/rescue (which is for the most part volunteer) may assist in response due to the workload and distance of an EMS unit. But on a medical call once EMS is on scene they are in charge.

If being an EMT/Paramedic is what you want, then work towards that.

[JackTee09]

valdosta

First of all thank you for considering a career - more people your age would help this country if they considered being a firefighter or medic.



There are areas of the country begging for EMT's as well as Paramedics. Just get your EMT, keep your nose clean and be willing to relocate and you have a job for life. Of course you can then move up to Paramedic!


Best of luck!!

[valdosta]

Thanks everyone for the replies. this is something I've wanted to do since the first time I stepped into an ER. Will the military be any help? :)

[superemt]

Hey it's me again. I don't really know if the miltary will help you or not. I mean it's always something to really look into. I was going to join the miltary to became a firefighter and EMT but that was before I found this job. I know alot of the people I work with are ex-miltary or there reserves. The miltary is an excellent thing to go into if you want discipline and things like that. It will defintaly help in keeping your head on straight when your out in the real world doing what you want to do. It will also help you get through school. Like I said before don't ever stop believing in yourself and always follow your dreams no matter how hard it gets. Always look at the postive and never look at the negative. You seem like someone that know what they want so go for it. Let me tell you something from my own experience. I was never good in school until my jr and sr year. I became and honor student those years. Before that I was only good at gym and health. I joined the fire company when I was 14 as a jr member and go traing in and learned from those around me and alot of them I will never ever be able to repay them for that. And some told me I would never make anything of myself all I would be is a loser with ****ty jobs. But I was still determined to do what I always dreamed. At 19 I became a Sergeant in the fire department and became an EMT. I never stopped following my dream and I never will. My goal is to eventually become a paramedic or flight medic. So whatever you do never give up no matter how hard it gets.

Later
Chip

P.S. NEVER GIVE UP

[cassay]

Hey, I'd definately give it a try, I'm sure you'll find a job somewhere. I'm 18 and I just became and EMT in Massachusetts. I don't know about PA but in MA there's always room for extras. My department welcomed me with open arms and have been helping me get used to everything. The people I work with are awesome and they're so happy i joined. Being an EMT is one of the most amazing things I've ever done. It's the greatest feeling when you are able to help someone and save lives. I'd say go for it - take a certification class and get a job - you'll love it. Don't be intimidated by being the youngest one. In my class I was nervous because I was so young - and don't get me wrong it was tough at first. People were like ha - you're only 18 you'll never do this, but as the class went on I earned there respect. It's a great feeling. Go for it and give it your best. if you're truly passionate about it there's no way you won't be able to find a job. GOOD LUCK!!

[FTMPTB15]

If you just want to be an EMT, not a firefighter, you can get a job fairly easily in Charlotte, NC with MEDIC (Mecklenburg EMS). It is a busy 911 EMS Agency serving the Mecklenburg County, including Charlotte, area. MEDIC also has a paid in-house fulltime Paramedic Program, in which they hire you as an EMT and then you get paid to go to class fulltime to become a Paramedic. So basically, they pay for you to become a Paramedic. Let me know if you want anymore details.. :cool: