Advancement as a paramedic, just like time, stands still for no person. If you are not preparing now for your future, you are, in reality, moving backward as others pass you by! Regardless of the career that you choose, it’s imperative that you continue growing, improving and advancing. Nowhere is that more true than in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine.
What’s the next, best step for you to take? There is no “one size fits all” answer. EMS systems are vastly different, just like the EMS responders that they employ. As an EMT, the siren call of becoming a paramedic may be sounding in your ear. What if you are already a paramedic with years of valuable experience and are looking for a new challenge? Have you gone as far as you can?
Initial Assessment: What do you want to be doing in 10 years? How about 25? Will you want, or even be physically able, to respond to bariatric patients and those all night responses? Once you have identified that goal, set about to making a plan for how to get there. For those responders looking to climb a vertical career ladder a degree will help to set you apart from the many applicants for those positions. If you want to move into a full time education slot in an academic institution, that degree may be required for your application to even to be considered.
What’s In It For Me: For every paramedic, salary is important, and helping others is paramount. Plato once said, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” For you, knowledge means the tools that can help your patients more effectively. Why else did you get into this profession in the first place! Studies abound that the more education a person has, the higher their standard of living. Not to mention that the best bosses like to see their employees grow.
But Wait…There’s More: EMS is still a very young profession entering its adolescence.With community Paramedicine on the horizon as well as a greater involvement in both public health and emergency management, we currently need leaders who are forward thinkers to move us into maturity. A super paramedic does not always make a supervisor, but the addition of knowledge, education and experience helps to tip the scale in their favor. What you do today towards your attitudes regarding paramedic education will affect the future of EMS whether you recognize it or not.
It used to be that your career in EMS topped out as a paramedic. Not so much anymore. As EMS continues to grow in both depth, breadth as well as entering new areas previously closed to EMS, the opportunity to lead the way will be for those who prepare for that leadership. EKU will provide you with the tools to become that person.
Interested in advancing your paramedicine or emergency medical care career?
Complete the form on this page for more information about EKU Online’s emergency medical care program. A degree from a regionally accredited university like EKU can provide the important skills needed to gain a competitive edge in the job market. EKU has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. Learn more about our paramedic leadership degree program. In addition, you will be mentored by nationally known paramedic school educators, who are experts in their field.