Picking a good Paramedic school?

[MingusDingus]

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Hi all,

Is anyone familiar with Pikes Peak CC Paramedic program? I have talked to the program Dir, but I'm not sure what's to keep her from telling me anything she wants....And not living in the area, I'm not sure how to investigate it further....It is on both of Dust's accredited schools lists....but it's expensive, and I would have to move to attend, to get the degree....

I'm not sure how to decide if it's worth that kind of commitment? There is a non-accredited AMR school about 20 miles up the road from me now, that is much less expensive, and obviously wouldn't require a move, but I don't want my education to be wasted.

I sure could use your advice....


Thanks for your help!

Mingus

 

[fiznat]

I wouldnt move to go to medic school, its not that involved! Hell, the program is only a year- that barely gives you time to get settled.

I dont know about the particular programs in your area, but I say its worth going to an accredited school if you plan on using the credits from the class towards something else. Otherwise, dont worry about it.

 

[southerndoc]

The only places I would move to attend paramedic school be George Washington (you can get a bachelors degree), East Carolina (also a bachelors program), and Seattle Medic One.

Other than that, I'd stick with a local program. Some states make it difficult to get a license in your homestate if you trained elsewhere.

 

[Jambi]

Things to look for in a paramedic school...

Faculty
What percentage is full time\part time?
The larger amount of full time staff will often result in a better program. I would look for at least 2 dedicated full time faculty members. Most of the staff will be part time, particularly skills instructors.

Who is teaching what? Is a paramedic or nurse teaching cardiology or is there a Cardiologist teaching cardiology, not that paramedics or nurses cannot teach cardiology.

What kinds of resources are available to the program? Is there adequate training equipment, is it dated?

What hospitals does the program send its students to, what is the programs reputation with those clinical sites? Same thing goes for field time.

What percentage of students passes the program and NREMT-P exam? What is the reputation of the graduating students? Do people say, "cool s/he is from (cool program names goes here)," or do people run and hide?

How happy are the current students? What is the program’s standing with the college, county, state? Heck, call the appropriate county and/or state offices and inquire about the schools standing and if there are any graduates from that program that are in trouble.

Some of this is extreme but it depends in how bad you want to know before you jump.

 

[surfer rosa]

..

 

[streetdoc]

The only places I would move to attend paramedic school be George Washington (you can get a bachelors degree), East Carolina (also a bachelors program), and Seattle Medic One.

Other than that, I'd stick with a local program. Some states make it difficult to get a license in your homestate if you trained elsewhere.

I believe that is supposed to be Western Carolina...East carolina may have a bachelor's program, but I know Western does.
I had a partner that went to Western Carolina and he was pretty darn good. Solid training there from what I can tell. Not to mention beautiful area to live!
streetdoc

 

[southerndoc]

Seattle Medic One is only for firefighters

No, you can go through the Seattle Fire/Harborview/Univ of Washington training program without being a firefighter. King County Medic One is an independent "third" agency. You are not a firefighter with them.

You are correct, however, that to be employed by Seattle Fire Department as a Medic One paramedic, you must also be dual trained as a firefighter.

RE: Eastern v. Western Carolina, maybe it is Western.

 

[Gatewayhoward]

I'm a strong believer in a community college program. I'm not too big on private companies providing paramedic programs. But that's just my experience. Most CC schools I've seen (including the one I went through) seem to be accredited. And I think only other medics and doctors should be teaching a paramedic program. Gotta watch out for those that are tough by non EMS people.

 

[viostorm]

If I were to move somewhere I would check out the

Tidewater Community College Paramedic Program in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

http://www.tcc.edu/academics/divisions/healthprofessions/EMS/index.htm

They do a 20 week "accelerated" program, I have had a friend who graduated from their program and turned out to be a competent paramedic and had no trouble with the NREMT-P exam.

I think they train the military, which is why they have this program.