HannahA1

I suppose then that the EMT-B will be first.

Khakis, sneakers, and polo will be it then. I was thinking about my scrubs from school. But that'd be too much and it's not like I should be exposed to anything.

Thanks for the advice

1 - I'm not too sure about that. A couple colleges I was looking at does not say EMT-B is a requirement. They just want an interview, my SAT scores, and my grades from high school.

2 - Explained that in the message to you. But as long as it's not seen on a background check I am fine. I learned my lesson for it and got the required held.

Thanks for your time

Welcome to the city:

1 . As a rule I recommend that folks take the EMT-B course and "try out" what it takes to be involved in EMS.

Seen too many folks go straight to Paramedic school $$$$$$ , only to find out that they can't deal with blood or vomit or screaming people and decide that this is not the profession for them.

2. It depends : you were a juvenile and most juvie records are sealed by the court.

However when you go before the state to apply for an EMS license they will do a full background check and it may appear at that point.

They will also ask if you ever had charges against you or arrests on your record.

To answer no and have that pop up in a background check would possibly be a reason not to issue you a license to practice.

Check with your state EMS office for the definitive answer.

3 . Pay scales vary widely around the country. I know of places that start at $9.00/hr and others that start @ $20.00/hr. it varies widely around the country as to pay & benefits available to EMS providers.

Dress neat clean and professional. If your worried about getting dirty , then this may not be the field for you.

Good luck and remember to do what they tell you while on a call, it's your safety they are concerned about.

1 - I can see the logic there. I just find it more time consuming being taken away from me becoming a medic. If I were to get my EMT-B cert will anything from that count towards the EMT-P cert? like somehow get certain things turned into credits for college?

I'm not really too worried about "getting dirty" which I highly doubt it I will. Just concerned about getting certain things on important clothes. I don't get issued uniforms like the medics for a ride-a-long.

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