I have seen most major cities seem to be fire/ems integrated, with the exception to (mostly very) rural areas. This may not be true nationwide, but at least it is as far as I have seen. But to answer your question, I have a lease agreement for the next 6 months and I am open to the idea of moving elsewhere after that. I would stay if I can get into a paramedic program, but I am just unsure of which route to go as of yet.
As a side note, I am not opposed to fire academy, however I do not have the same "desire" to complete it as I do with EMS in this stage of my life. I feel I should move around a little bit (maybe even international once I have a good amount of experience?) before I decide to settle in government position like a fire station, if I ever decided to do that. I guess my point is that options are great, and I would rather do paramedic, which can be transferred to other states much easier than minimum standards, and seems to offer a broader range of opportunity.
Again, feel free to correct me if my interpretation of anything in this field is wrong. I am very serious about starting a career in this field, but I am a "newbie." As some have said, however, most people end their careers in this field, unwillingly, and as another poster mentioned, I do need a backup plan as always (another reason why the RN bridge program was appealing).
"Unwillingly" may not be the correct term, as I for one plan to continue my education for as long as I live in anything I can.
Thanks guys!