continuing working full time and able to complete paramedic course?

[jamesh23]

So i've been working at a dept for about a year now and have emt basic but I really enjoy the medical side just as much as the fire side, I am wanting to go to medic school, my problem seems to be mos medic programs seem to be 8-12 months Mon-Fri, with clinicals on weekends, and nearest paramedic school to myself is 110 miles and in a diferrent state, nearest in state is 240 miles, ive heard of online courses but heard they arent good at all, so what would be the best decision? I wanna get my medic while im still young and can get financial aid, I also like my job and where im at though, although its not my dream department, whats my best choice on this one?

the more and more I search maybe it would be best if I stay at my current job and try to make paramedic school fit around my work schedule and do what I have to do to get it done? traveling a lot if necessay?

[Longshot]

Look around and see if there are any shift based schools in your area. We have quite a few where i'm at. They let you go to school on an A,B,or C shift day. That way you can work it around your shift.

[fire49]

What state are you in ??

Have you checked any hospitals or ambulance service to see if they have a program

What would you do once you get paramedic??? Does your current dept use paramedic?

[jamesh23]

well im in a small town of less than 10,000, we run the fire dept/ambulance for all areas within about 30 miles because were the only one around, yes paramedic and ALS is highly sought after in my dept, I live in New Mexico, and once I got Paramedic my goal is to someday be in a big department as a firefighter/paramedic, to be honest im working in my hometown, I got lucky and got hired, but I just feel I can do more, like I honestly dont see myself being happy in this town if I stay, I love my job but thats the only thing I like.

[fire49]

Yea that is a tough one

New Mexico is kind of big with the major towns spread out


How have others gotten their paramedic on your dept??? Do they come there with it

[jamesh23]

we currently only have 2 paramedics, and one got it before he started working, and the other said it took him almost 3 years because he used trade days and sick leave to go to albuquerque for medic school

back and forth. I'm wanting my medic because not only do I love doing what I do, I also would enjoy the better pay and the increased ability to get hired on larger departments.

[jamesh23]

what about percomonline and nmetc? online classes where you fly out for the hands on portion? both have pretty good reviews just cost is an issue, colleges I can get financial aid, but one of these is 8000 the other is 5600 with payment plans which wouldnt be too bad I suppose

well nevermind, seems that percom is only good in texas

[jamesh23]

any other opnions?