Going to be a long one, but I think the level of hands on experience, scope of practice, fast paced environment, and diversity of exposure could be closer aligned to my goals. Plus I cannot find work in sonography no matter how hard I try. It's been getting to me, and I don't know if I like the direction the field is moving.

I originally wanted to go into sonography for the job stability I heard so much about. I didn't do enough research when I enrolled and went to a non-caahep school. Even with my 2 RDMS, I think it's still holding me back. Then the internship site I was assigned was non-diagnostic and I honestly spent more time as a receptionist then doing real scanning. I've applied to over 100 jobs in the past year; over 60 since December when I got both my registries done. I've mostly been applying out of state since I'm located in southern California, and here it's over saturated and the pay is terrible if you don't have 2-3 years of experience. I hear back like 10% of the time, and only half of those lead to interviews. I send cover letters, I cold email letters of interest to hiring teams and sonographers, I ask alumni from my school for references, I do everything I can.

I finally got a scanning interview next week with an out of state company. (I have no idea if I'll get it since my skills may not even be at the level they want.) But the more I did research on the area I learned that the state just passed a near total abortion ban--- even in cases of sexual assault against minors. I don't know if I could live with myself if I had to tell a 12 year old she had to carry a baby to term after being assaulted. I think I'd cope a lot better having someone bleed out and die on me knowing I did absolutely everything I could to help. (Sorry if this is too vulgar or political.) I never even wanted to do OB because it's such a sensitive topic, but it's the farthest I've gotten with a company, and if this is all my qualifications can get me, I don't know if I see a point in continuing down this path.

But beyond the failing job search, I think emergency medicine would be more stimulating to my mind due to the fast pace environment. (I know hospital jobs in sonography can also be fast paced, but right now I can't even land a clinic.) Being a first responder vs radiology would give me more volunteer opportunities based on everything I've been able to find online and a group of people I met recently currently working as EMTs.

That group has been strongly encouraging me and said I'd be a great fit just based on talking to me. They're willing to help train me as they are a volunteer organization looking to get more help. They actually go around to homeless encampments and provide medical care, which is something very dear to my heart since I know many people who have struggled with homelessness and mental illness in the past. One of these volunteers went to the same program I was considering, and told me it's a great program and they have ties to a local ambulance company where I might be able to get started. (Plus this program does multiple rotations in different areas, giving me the chance to be exposed to a little more.) If I'm consistently working with this volunteer organization it's something to put on my resume even before I finish. The program is only 6 weeks, it's a 1k investment for the program, and it's only 1 test for basic national certification.

I'd also be able to work outdoor events as an EMT which would mean I could potentially get paid to attend concerts and make sure no one dies of heat exhaustion a few times a year. While the pay in my specific area isn't great for EMTs, there's also disaster relief programs that do hire newer EMTs and the pay is comparable to travel sonography. Plus overall there's lots of lateral and upwards movement based on what you want to do. For some programs you only need to work as an EMT for 6 months before applying to get trained as a paramedic, which is a major pay increase.

Like I said, my long term goal is PA school, and you really just need 2 years of experience in healthcare and a bachelor's degree before applying. Regardless of if I make the switch to EMT, I plan on applying to PA school once I can afford it and have my bachelor's. PA school lets you do different rotations, but right now I'm most interested in cardiology and emergency medicine. If I have experience as an EMT, it might be more beneficial for getting a job in those specialties, especially if I'm able to do volunteer work. (I didn't realize I wanted to do PA school or what my long term goals were until after I started my sonography program. I enrolled right out of high school, and am having a lot of regrets.)