EMT vs AAS EMS vs Paramedic path advice (19F, completely lost on FAFSA + school plan)
(Delete if not allowed & apologies in advance)
Hi everyone,
I’m 19 (20 in September) and trying to get into EMS/fire, but I’m honestly really confused on the best path and could use advice from people actually in the field.
My original plan was:
- Get EMT certification first
- Work as an EMT for experience
- Eventually apply to fire academy or possibly medical school later (still undecided but leaning fire)
But I’m now running into FAFSA/school issues and I’m not sure what the smartest route is.
Right now, I am registered for EMS-1011 and EMS-1017 (EMT courses). These are the only in-person classes I need for EMT certification, and once completed I can take the NREMT exam.
However, I was told these EMT-only classes are NOT covered by FAFSA, meaning I would have to pay out of pocket (~$1300), which I can’t really afford right now.
I was then told that if I switch into the AAS EMS/Paramedic degree pathway and take the required general education classes, FAFSA may cover it. So now I’m trying to figure out if I should:
- Stick with EMT-only first (pay out of pocket and get it done quickly)
- OR switch into the AAS EMS degree so FAFSA can help cover school
- Then work as an EMT while finishing gen eds
- Then apply for paramedic school later
Some context:
- I already have English Comp 1, history, and math completed
- I still need English Comp 2, Psychology, Government, and a Life Skills elective
- Some EMS courses are full or say they require paramedic program admission already
- My advisor hasn’t been very helpful so far and deadlines are coming up (June 19th for paramedic program application)
I’ll also attach my program progress page so people can see what I’m working with.
Additional EMS courses I’ve been looking at:
- EMS 2103 (A&P) – recommended before or during paramedic school
- EMS 2013 – recommended before paramedic school but also says must be admitted to paramedic program (online classes)
EMS 2103 also says EMS 1324 (assessment/pharmacology) is recommended to be taken at the same time but is not required. That course is already full.
EMS 1011 is an intro class (1–2 sessions), and EMS 1017 runs August–December and is the main EMT course.
After EMS 1017, I would be eligible to take the EMT/NREMT exam.
Long-term goals:
- I want to become a firefighter (main goal)
- I also want to be physically and mentally ready for fire academy
- I’m working on rebuilding cardio/strength and overall fitness after some past health issues
- I’m also considering paramedic school after EMT experience (possibly next year or later)
I guess I’m just trying to figure out:
- Is it better to just pay out of pocket for EMT and get experience first?
- Or is the AAS EMS degree actually the smarter financial/educational route?
- Do most people regret going straight into paramedic without EMT experience?
- Is it worth taking EMS 2103/2013 now or waiting until later?
- Is volunteering or ride-alongs worth doing right now while I decide?
I’m trying to make the smartest long-term decision, not just the fastest one, but I’m overwhelmed with mixed advice from school vs EMS/fire people.
Any honest advice is appreciated. Thank you!!!
