Questions about medic school and testing

[sTages19]

Hey guys/gals, I have posted a few threads here since I have been a member and have gotten great feedback, now I have one more question if you do not mind.

A little background, I am 21 years old, with an AAS in fire science, and am currently working full time for a private ambulance company as an EMT-B.

I recently got accepted into paramedic school, at my first choice, which I am very excited about. A quick question on paramedic school, any tips that can help? Best ways to study, prepare myself? I have heard notecards are great, which I definitely plan on utilizing.

Now my other question is this, I am located in the chicagoland area, and medic school starts in january. There are some departments who have opened up testing in the area and do not require a medic license, which is surprising around here, most require the license just to receive an application. Now my question, should I put in an application for these departments seeing as the process will begin or be in process during my paramedic school, and if I were to have to turn down a test date, or an interview due to school, would that shine negatively on me?

Thanks.

[compora19]

any tips for medic school? basically all anyone can say is read your material, jblearning.com is a great site


and about applying, I would apply...if you get an interview or test date; just go and do the test or interview. Why bother finishing medic school if you can get on a dept without your medic? Im sure the school will be understanding if you have job opportunities.

[sTages19]

any tips for medic school? basically all anyone can say is read your material, jblearning.com is a great site


and about applying, I would apply...if you get an interview or test date; just go and do the test or interview. Why bother finishing medic school if you can get on a dept without your medic? Im sure the school will be understanding if you have job opportunities.

I have to disagree with this for a couple reasons, one being that just because I get an interview it does not guarantee a job and two missing days of medic school can get you kicked out. I wouldnt want to start something then not finish because of a possible job opportunity.

I suppose I could apply and if it interferes i do not go to the testing, but that is what I am wondering if it will show negatively that I cannot make it. But missing days of paramedic school is not an option to me. for what I am paying and what it entails to be a paramedic I do not want to skimp on it.

[TheresOnlyone2]

Easy. Then just do not apply to any departments while you're in didactic and you wont have to worry about making a choice. I've been a medic instructor for over 15 years and although I'm fire first and then ems, thats one of the few things in class that really annoys me about students when they decide to miss a day of medic to go take a test. Not always easy to make up a day of didactic. It's in our policy now that if you miss a day [ and you can only miss a few ] that you will provide a note / proof of where you were and taking a fire test is not on our list of reasonable excuses to miss a day. Good luck to you !
TheresOnlyone2

[fire49]

How long is the school????

[FireFarrier]

I have to disagree with this for a couple reasons, one being that just because I get an interview it does not guarantee a job and two missing days of medic school can get you kicked out. I wouldnt want to start something then not finish because of a possible job opportunity.

I suppose I could apply and if it interferes i do not go to the testing, but that is what I am wondering if it will show negatively that I cannot make it. But missing days of paramedic school is not an option to me. for what I am paying and what it entails to be a paramedic I do not want to skimp on it.

Sorta sounds like you already know the answer. Do the right thing and good luck.

[BIKERinBLACK]

I graduate from medic school on the 26th, it's been a long road but I've absolutely LOVED it.


Regardless of what book series your school requires you to buy, PLEASE consider getting these:

Pharm

http://www.jblearning.com/catalog/9780763751197/

A&P

http://www.jblearning.com/catalog/9780763737924/

The A&P will help you early on in class, and you should refer back to it when you cover a particular part in class.

The Pharm book is absolutely amazing, it breaks down drugs per section; gives scenerios, and is easy to read.

Honestly, there really isn't much you should need to do BEFORE class. It's all about the time/effort spent DURING class.

PM me if you have any more questions.

[sTages19]

Thanks all. Yea i know the answer, i guess i was just getting ahead of myself here.

As for how long is the class, it is an 11 month program with 6-7months of class time/clinicals then 5 months of ride time.

Thanks for the info on those books, I will probably come up with some questions for ya too haha. thanks for offering.

[sredish]

Easy. Then just do not apply to any departments while you're in didactic and you wont have to worry about making a choice.

or, just apply only at the ones that are testing on saturdays or the days you're not in school. i'm currently enrolled in school (night schedule) and have weekends off so i've been applying at places that have their tests over the weekend or during the day where i can get off work. no reason to miss school and even if the instructor allows you to, you would hate to miss a class where some heavy information is passed on and it puts you behind.