Hi everyone! I am Hannah (if you couldn't tell from the username).
I am currently a high school senior in PA and thinking about doing a career in EMS. I have been looking at a few bachelor degrees that come with a paramedic certification. I know the paramedic is the highest level of the EMT- totem pole. I just have ran into some questions I was hoping you guys can help out with
1 - If I were to get my EMT-B first would that help me in the paramedic studies? or would it not be worth the investment and time?
2 - Back when I was sixteen I got in a little trouble with some prescriptions. I was then able to enter a diversion program to avoid from being convicted. I successfully completed the program and was never convicted. I then had the court records expunged. Will any EMS agencies be able to see this prior record and will it hurt my chances at becoming a paramedic?
3 - What is the average pay starting out? I know it's not all about the pay. But I still need an idea of a financial outlook. Making it more simple would it be enough to pay the bills, support a family, and have a bit of fun at the same time?
4 - I have a ride-a-long with my local paramedics coming up this weekend. I was going to ask the medics these questions but I have a question about the ride-a-long so might as well ask the rest here. During the ride-a-long what should I wear? I was thinking of just sneakers, khakis, and a polo like my school uniform. But I don't want to take the chance of them getting ruined somehow during the ride-a-long.
Thanks for your time
- Hannah