Been considering a career change for a while. Thinking about going back to school for nursing or paramedic. I know there are some paramedics on this board. I’d like some thoughts if you don’t mind.

Go with nursing for better pay. I knew several nurses when I was a young man, they all loved their jobs.

It is hard to make a decent living as a Paramedic. The pay is usually really, really low unless you work for a system like in Austin. You almost always have to become a firefighter as well to earn anything over $35,000-50,000. There is a catch 22 as well in that many 911 services will not hire you without field experience. The state does not have a ton of EMS only services as most are ran in conjunction with FD etc.

Good info. Thanks.

If you consider nursing quickly get info from a few programs on their admission requirements. Two year programs generally require 28-30 hours of prerequisites. It is never to soon to start getting ready. Some nurses become EMT-P but it is generally a requirement for transport jobs.

paramedics dont make S

Also good info. I have a bachelors in bio, but none of it transfers, which is frustrating. Around here I would only need 8 hours of A and P to get in. Almost pulled the trigger a couple years ago. The chaos with everything now might make this a good time to go ahead and do it. I don’t know.

I was a paramedic for approx 10 yrs before I became a nurse. Mark and others^^ stated correctly. I have no regrets and enjoy nursing. When I hear the sirens I still have that adrenaline itch just wondering—medical, trauma etc. Good luck with your endeavor.

What part of East Texas are you in?
Here in Hunt County the EMS services are run by the Hospital District rather than the various FDs. Don't know what they pay though.
I'll bet several of the more rural areas do the same.

My hospital runs the EMS service here and in another town.

Tyler area.

FDs and hospital based services are pretty much what you will find in Texas. The pay is significantly lower on hospital based side on and ambulance with a few exceptions. You can also work within the hospitals as a paramedic as well. I have workerd part time on my days off over the years in a few ERs.

Another thing to contemplate is that many municipalities that are civil servicewill have age restrictions. It varies quite a bit. I have been an EMS instructor almost as long as I have been a Paramedic and most students I see tend to be trying for a fire job if not already employed.

I highly urge you not to stop at EMT level either if expecting to do it as a career. That pay level literally is on par with fast food pay.

Most hospitals will only hire Rn's with bachelor's degree. Or will require you to get it within 12-24 months upon hire. Plus a lot, like mine require you to be to specialized in the area you work.

No I’m too old for that. Lol. I think I’m just past the age limit on fire as well. Maybe not.

I knew that you made it work somehow and now it makes sense with the fire background.

Dang, the guy possibly trying to extend or save my life only gets paid as much as a hamburger flipper?

I guess I need to go hoard salads instead of meats.