My goal is to eventually be able to travel around the country and live in different areas for 6-8 months and then move on. I figure that since it is in relatively high demand I shouldn't have any problems finding work across the country. My questions are essentially what can I do to make myself more hirerable. I know about the EMT-B, I and P but aside from those are there any other skills I could work on. I thought about getting my pilots licence in order to fly the Air Ambulances. Any other ideas?
2007-02-22 12:10:46 · 5 answers · asked by wilkepep 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't know that this is the best way to move around the country. Depending upon the state, the certification is either national registry or state certification. Each will be different and not all of them have reciprocity (transfer between without tests).
Also, another snag you may hit is that depending on where you are wanting to work, some cities are difficult to get onto. Chicago for instance has a long waiting list. Boston uses private companies for a lot of its suburbs. Others only have EMTs associated with their fire departments.
If you're wanting to do it as an EMT, the P skill level will make it simpler to find a position as its more difficult, but may prove troublesome because the sallary is higher.
The I skill level is a hit or miss type thing because some states don't even use them so you would be hired on as a B.
B they hire a lot of but if you want to work 911 you'd be better staying in one area so the people learn who your are and then offer you a position after gaining experience.
My best suggest... if you are really wanting to move and live in different areas for 6-8 months, become a registered nurse. Once you have that certification you can then do travel nursing which is exactly what you are talking about... take a contract for X number of months wherever you want to work.
Best of luck!
2007-02-22 12:26:33 · answer #1 · answered by Corey R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might not work out so well. EMT-Basics don't earn much at all, and the demand really isn't all that great.
Some companies offer sign on bonus for EMT-Paramedics, but you usually have to commit to working there for a few years.
There's no shortage of Basic and Paramedic jobs, but it's not such a high demand that companies are willing to pay top dollar.
Most EMS agencies like an employee to stick around for awhile (get to know the community, etc). For one thing, it's hard to drive lights and sirens to a call, when you aren't familiar with the area! (most services don't have GPS).
Also, the protocols and rules are different in every state, and sometimes from county to county. One of my friends got into a ton of trouble for performing a procedure which is fine in his native state, but not OK here in Alabama.
Another thing to factor in is the fact that the licensing requirements are different in every state. You'd have to get a state license for every state you want to work in, and that's a really big pain in the rear.
Sounds like nursing might be a better choice for you. Once you earn your RN certificate, you can find work as a "travelling nurse", where companies will pay top dollar ($30-40 an hour) for you to fill a staffing shortage for a few months. There are companies that will do all the job searching for you, so all you have to do is work where they tell you to.
Hope this helps..
P.S. On air ambulances, the pilot has nothing to do with patient care. That's usually covered by a flight nurse and flight paramedic. Also, flight medic jobs are some of the most coveted jobs in EMS. There's usually at least 200 applications for every open position!
2007-02-25 20:14:19 · answer #2 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really doesn't take much to become an EMT. Just a course or two in JC or vocational school. If you want to get a jump start get some BLS and ALS books and study them. Also really workout as much as you can because there is a lot of lifting and will prevent against injury. Getting a pilots license won't help you be cause air ambulances have pilots for just piloting, they do not do EMT work. FYI, EMTs get paid very little. Not much more than minimum wage. Most people do it for the thrill or to move up to Paramedic.
2007-02-23 11:28:12 · answer #3 · answered by laineyette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you have it under control. The pilot's licensee sounds like a good idea. The more experience you get the more things will open up for you. I wish you the best of luck with your plan. Always look for classes to expand on your certification.
2007-02-22 12:19:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Volunteer first in your town, take the classes, most are usually free.
I did this for the OEM with FEMA :) Goodluck!
2007-02-22 12:16:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋