Took a guard class today, haha. I've only applied to two ambulance companies (Royal and WestMed). WestMed looks like it might work, but just incase, it looks like I might try to apply for some guard jobs in my area. They pay EMTs a little bit more. What's everyone been up to?

Funny you mention that because I was actually thinking about doing the same thing. I keep hearing about a California Guard card and a BSIS card. Do you know the difference?

There are just guard cards. BSIS is the (certifying) entity that sets the standards for guard cards. It's was a short 8 hour class for me.

Ahhh I see. Are you going to try and get the baton and firearm permits as well?

Nah, haha. I am still really hoping that getting a job as an EMT will come through.

You waiting on hearing back from applications?

Yeh, I am expecting to hear back from one I recently applied to. If I do not hear back from them by the end of November, I'll consider applying to the next one on my list. There are several IFT companies in my area that regularly hire. I was holding off from getting a job as an EMT b/c:

1) School (taking Phlebotomy).
2) Volunteering at school (I enjoy helping out a First Responder class 14:00-22:00 on Tuesday, 8:30-12:30 on Friday, and EMT 13:00-17:30 on Wednesday, which my work schedule already works around that, and I'd hate to give that up.
3) Possible internship option

but chose to start putting applications in b/c:

1) The paramedic program I want to attend requires you to be a paid or volunteer EMT for 6 months (or meet a certain amount of hours).
2) Minimum wage is $8.00/hr, I make $8.50/hr, and EMTs appear to be making on $9.00/hr-$10.50/hr (outliers $14.50/hr-$17.00/hr). I work avg 24-30 hrs a week x4-x7 a week. EMTs appear to be working the same amount of hours, but since most shifts are either 12 or 24, they work only x1-x3 a week.
3) Keeping in mind with volunteering, I currently have next to nothing experience wise as an EMT, and I would love to be more than somebody with a cert when helping students, but somebody with experience.
4) Finally getting to do what I want to do.

I think the biggest thing here for me though is Paramedic school. A three month class (for most people, I actually took ECSI First Responder first, and then EMT so eight months for me) isn't exactly a career changer. I feel that I am in the right direction, but I haven't made that complete change yet. To me, a Basic is like the equivalent of working at McDonalds for healthcare, and I don't mean to put people who work at McDonalds down, or to say they aren't valuable, or anything like that, but most of those people ususally don't plan on working there forever, it isn't their career choice. They have bigger plans.

Are you only looking at IFT or are you considering ALS work as well? If you're truly interested in becoming a paramedic then my advice would be to get hired ASAP as an EMT. Where I live the local schools require 1-year experience as a full time EMT. Why are you getting the phlebotomy cert?

You are right when you say that EMT is entry-level. There are some people that choose it as a career path, but most realize that if you advance your education you have the ability to earn more and receive promotions.

Oh and what school do you volunteer at? I would like to add them to the Education section of the website. Thanks!