-=> Quoting David Linzer to All <=-
 DL> I am interested in becoming a paramedic, and would like some
 DL> input from people who are in the profession. Our local community
 DL> college here in Chico, California, has a two-year course.
Our local community college has a two year associates degree program in
Paramedic Technology.  It's actually quite a good program.  And, now the 
tate
accepts that associates degree certification for state liscensure.  Pretty
cool (just like nurses etc.).
 DL> Is there a real demand for EMT's, or is the field saturated?
It's not saturated by any means.  We're getting killed with overtime because
of all the open slots in the schedule.  Anyone want a job?  :-)
 DL> How is the pay?
Ah, there's the rub.  We aren't making rocket scientist pay.  Okay, not
nursing pay either.  Here in Austin, TX the EMT-I folks are making about
27,000 a year and the Paramedics are making around 32,000 (we're dues 20%
worth of raises in the next two years though).  Certainly some cities will 
ay
more but we have a decent cost of living.
If the profession in general paid more there'd be a larger draw.  It would be
very tough for me to support my family on just my income.
 DL> Years ago, I talked to a co-worker who used to be a paramedic until he
 DL> threw out his back hauling a very obese woman.
Nah, that never happens.  ;-)
 DL> I remember him saying they made him work long hours.
We work 24-On / 48-Off shifts which average out to 56 hours a week (12 of
those hours are paid at time and a half).
 DL> If I was being paid a decent hourly wage, I would not mind long hours.
What you really need to do is decide if you like the job.  I personally LOVE
the job and that makes up for insufficient wages (in my mind), long hours,
stress, etc.
 DL> Are paramedics paid by the hour or a salary?
We are salary (sort of).  But we get that "salary" broken down to an hourly
wage for any overtime over 44 hours (or there-abouts).
 DL> I would really like some honest input on how good of a
 DL> living this kind of career is. Any replies would be appreciated.
If you want a good living you're typing on a better prospect.  But, if you
want to do something REALLY meaningful and actually be able to make an impact
on someone's life join EMS.  I can't tell you the personal rewards that I get
from my job.  Not only that, but the comradery with my partners and coworkers
is second to none.  I feel like I have this huge extended family.  When you
see the things that happen, and experience the loses, pain, and joys that you
and your partners do, how can you not become close.
Everybody tells be I'm nuts to work the long hours for the relativily low pay
when I have the computer skills that I do.  But, I love my job.  And, that's
more than probably 75% of Americans can say.
As an example, our local Community College also offers a Paramedic to RN
bridge program that will get you your RN in one year.  Pretty cool.  And, we
have probably 14 Paramedic/RNs working for us now.  If it were just the money
they would have gone on to nursing careers instead of staying on with EMS.
Questions?
Cheers,
      John
E-Mail: jmcalpin@eden.com
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