Is going to college while being an EMT/Paramedic a good idea?
Asked by sourgrapesonethree
I'm planning on enrolling in EMT classes in the near future, then Paramedic courses when I'm eligible. I still plan on finishing college though. Is this a good idea? Anyone doing this or have done this? Ideally I would be want to attend college full time, but do to financial responsibilities, I can't. My thinking is that as an EMT I can have a full time job, then with the time off between shifts I can attend classes full time. Anyone have any thoughts?

Best Answer:
I'm a paramedic and considering the same thing and have run into the exact problem you're speaking of. I'm full time and work 24 hours every third day which will fall on a class day every three weeks causing me to miss classess. I recommend that if you get your emt work for a service that's either part time so you can pick your shift or a service that has shorter shifts like 8 hour or 12 hour that way you know you'll be off either during the days or evening. Good luck to you.
Life
Answered by uniquelyaquarian

It's always a good idea to further your education while working if you can. The hours and EMT works can be a problem if you work 24 hours straight or have a schedule that changes daily or weekly. I hate to see anyone go to college just to get a degree, it the degree is not something they are planning on using. Hopefully you can focus on a specific degree or another option is to attend a training school where you get a certificate for the field that you are interested in. Sometimes in those fields a college degree is of little value. Example would be if you want to be a computer IT GEEK, sometimes a trade school can get you Microsoft certificed sooner than a 4 year college degree can. But there is never a bad reason for continuing your education.
Answered by Chloe