Firemen becoming Doctors?

[RidingBackwards]

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I'm currently a Fireman in the Los Angeles area. The pay is good and the time off even better. I've always been interested in medicine. Even tried to go Premed in college until Organic Chemistry bent me over. SO instead of premed I got a degree in Computer Engineering which I gave up to become a fireman. I am also a Paramedic and have always wondered if now being more mature and such that I might try again to be at least a PA. Are there any part time PA programs that anyone knows of in the Los Angeles Area?

 

[MSc44]

I'm currently a Fireman in the Los Angeles area. The pay is good and the time off even better. I've always been interested in medicine. Even tried to go Premed in college until Organic Chemistry bent me over. SO instead of premed I got a degree in Computer Engineering which I gave up to become a fireman. I am also a Paramedic and have always wondered if now being more mature and such that I might try again to be at least a PA. Are there any part time PA programs that anyone knows of in the Los Angeles Area?

dont think u can do PA part time, try med school, remember you dont need all A's to get in by any means

 

[Febrifuge]

Paging Dr. FoughtFyr... Dr. FoughtFyr, please report to this thread at your earliest convenience...

 

[viostorm]

I'm currently a Fireman in the Los Angeles area. The pay is good and the time off even better. I've always been interested in medicine. Even tried to go Premed in college until Organic Chemistry bent me over. SO instead of premed I got a degree in Computer Engineering which I gave up to become a fireman. I am also a Paramedic and have always wondered if now being more mature and such that I might try again to be at least a PA. Are there any part time PA programs that anyone knows of in the Los Angeles Area?

I was firefighter since 1996, paramedic since 2002, now 2nd year med student.

Med school can be done, I worked part time 2 jobs while doing the med school pre-reqs as a medic.

If you think you have the intellectual ability and motivation I would certainly not rule out medical school. My GPA was no where near the fresh out of undergrad people in school and they cut you some slack as a non-traditional. My MCAT was rockin' though. Good luck with whatever career you decide.

 

[Mr. Freeze]

Been in the trade since 96. Never got my paramedic, just intermediate. Give it a shot. I'm not necessarily a wealth of information, but if you have questions...

 

[RidingBackwards]

I'm REALLY late in checking back with this post. So any other advice? I know I'd have to go back and do my prereqs which shouldn't be that big of an issue to work around my schedule. But can you work full time and go to med school too? Considering that Id still be working in Los Angeles, does that only leave UCLA or USC for choices in med school?

 

[lord_jeebus]

Full-time work is not compatible with med school. The bad news is you would probably need to take out significant educational loans to cover living costs and tuition. The good news is that with loans covering your expenses, you wouldn't be locked in LA.

 

[GreenShirt]

During the first 2yrs med school you'll be in lecture 8hrs a day and studying the rest of the time. In the final 2 yrs, you'll be doing clinicals 40-80hrs/week. Full-time work is out of the question. Most would say that even part-time work is crazy. It might be a little harder to get in if you have to stay in one state (although CA does have a lot of schools to choose from). Its better to apply broadly. A PA will require a similar time commitment, but you won't have to go through residency afterwards.

 

[viostorm]

Haha ... my story is FF, then EMT, the BA-Comp Sci, Masters Comp Sci, Paramedic now med student.

I guess it can be done. It is just a total pain the the rear.

I can tell you this. I was happier working 24 on 48 off. It just isn't an intellectually challenging job long term.

 

[Mr. Freeze]

I know several people that moonlight, one of whom is a paramedic/RN that picks up shifts on the weekends when he can. Mostly for the upkeep of skills, but the money helps too. A lot of it may depend on how into being at the front of your class you are. But there are RNs, lifeguards, bartenders, and I'd bet money someone makes a drive to strip in another town. It doesn't completely take your life away, just every few weeks...

And I was probably happier with my 24-48 schedule, but right now, I'd prolly be happier as a ****ing lumberjack or something...ask me again when all this is over...

 

[mitawa]

Firefighter/Fire medic, worked, finished a Masters and research in between, worked some more before med school. I would say go directly to and don't waste time accruing debt for a PA program if medicine is what you want.

 

[Halligan]

There is a chance I might have found this thread by luck! I'm in the same boat, however, I'm finishing my medic as we speak. I am concerned that I'm going to have some issues changing "career" paths, in that it may be frowned upon. I'm hoping my personal statement will do something for me. Right now, I'm only a volunteer.

WOrking full-time, 24/48's, how did you get your masters? I'd like to have some suggestions - I'm considering going full-time until something comes around my way for med school....

 

[mitawa]

There is a chance I might have found this thread by luck! I'm in the same boat, however, I'm finishing my medic as we speak. I am concerned that I'm going to have some issues changing "career" paths, in that it may be frowned upon. I'm hoping my personal statement will do something for me. Right now, I'm only a volunteer.

WOrking full-time, 24/48's, how did you get your masters? I'd like to have some suggestions - I'm considering going full-time until something comes around my way for med school....

Worked full-time days and went to school full-time on the evenings and weekends. For the research I traded in my day job for a full-time research position.