I am interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic. I am a little confused about what type of a program I should be looking into to do this. I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and have come across a couple of options. I have found programs offered through local hospitals and the local Red Cross chapter for EMT-B certification. Additionally there are programs at local technical colleges that offer a EMS A.S. and prepare you for paramedic certification. These programs like to advertise that they are certified by CAAHEP. Which route would be best to pursue for a career as a paramedic? Are there advantages to having an A.S. degree and/or attending a CAAHEP certified program when presenting oneself in the job market? Or, would it be better to just pursue EMT-B certification, find work as an EMT and pursue additional certification incrementally?
Thanks,
Brian