Can I bocome a Paramedic with DACA?

Hi, I want to become a doctor. But on the mean time I have to earn a living. Can I work as an EMT/paramedic with DACA. (live in California)

-From Phone

Yes you can! I got approved in October of 2012 and immediately enrolled in my nearest EMT program. I am now licensed in the state of CA. I can now work as an EMT, get some hours and experience then apply to paramedic school. I am ultimately going for nursing so I wouldn't have time to become a medic. Good luck and message me if you have questions!

How much did it cost and how long did it take you to get your EMT license? What are your working hours like? Can I attend my regular university classes and work towards becoming a Paramedic at the same time? What are the JOB PROSPECTS LIKE? are companies or hospitals hiring EMT/paramedics?

1. Yes, you can attend your regular classes, but it is a lot of work! I had classes twice a week (Tue/Thur) and for 6 hours each day. Every other week on Thurs, we split it half lecture and half "skills" which is using the equipment and teaching you special techniques. So you will get a grade for lecture exams and homework and then another for skills where EMT's and Medics train you and test you in front of the class. I only took this course that semester in order to pass my national registry exam. Along with IN CLASS time, you will be required to complete two 6 hour shifts of hospital observations and two 6 hour shifts on an ambulance. They will go over how to sign up for those.

2. It took one semester for me to complete this course and pass in order to get my Certificate. After your certificate, you take the national registry (NREMT) exam in order to pass the national test ($70). Then you apply to get your license, about ($200) in the state in which you want to practice. The exam is on a computer and the questions get harder and harder until it calculates that you understand the material then it shuts off. Mine shut off in 40 minutes so I freaked out, but I passed.

3. For a little cost breakdown I spent about $552 + 50 class fee + 46 background check + 40 physical and vaccinations + 60 for uniform and shoes + 80 textbooks from craigslist = $828 If you qualify for a fee waiver or financial assistance that would totally help wipe out those costs so make sure to look into it I am not currently working as an EMT because I am applying to nursing schools. When you do apply to work for an ambulance company, whether it is a 911 or IFT ( transporting patients from home and hospital with a nurse) you will most likely be working full time so they can train you. They take you on first and see how you do and then they hire you if they like you. One shift would be 24hrs so you sleep there.

4. After you get hired and work, most schools require you work as an EMT for 2 years because all the paramedic skills you learn require that you have a full grasps and understand emergency techniques as well as what is going on in your body. Your experience is what helps you get accepted into a program because they only take a few in.

I know this might sound like a lot, but if I did it, you can do it too and maybe even better I did it working a ton and I didn't even drive during half of my course, haha. Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions I'm here to help!

What is the pay like?

I'm not sure how much firefighters make but I'm sure its decent. You can probably google that.