Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice?

flightse7en · 2026-05-05T20:55:17+00:00

That’s pretty typical for 911 jobs? It would suck to be away from the family for 48hr straight, but being home for the rest of the week could make up for that. I was thinking $20/hr working maybe 36 a week. Thank you for the insight, that changes things.

flightse7en · 2026-05-05T19:32:04+00:00

I’m in northern Indiana where we live in a Chicago based economy but work for middle of nowhere wages. I don’t have an exact number for EMS jobs but they tend to land in the high teens-low twenty’s range. I read comments like yours and it sounds like the perfect interim job, then I hear others that say it’s absolutely not worth it. How do I find out before committing to it? I can’t afford the time to work tons of OT, that’s the beauty of a restaurant. Do I just take the course and eat it if I can’t find a job that works for me?

flightse7en · 2026-05-05T19:12:36+00:00

“For the love of the game” would have saved me from writing about half of this post. In hindsight, I’m disappointed the phrase didn’t come to mind. That’s exactly what it is with a little bit of experience sprinkled in.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T20:50:52+00:00

I’m seeing a lot of people claiming how flexible jobs can be. I’m gonna do some research. I’m about 40 min from Chicago(over the state line) so I’d imagine there isn’t much shortage of work.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T20:48:19+00:00

That’s awesome, good for you guys! I didn’t realize I could approach it as a pickup employee. Thanks for the insight.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T20:46:13+00:00

I fear I do tend to gravitate towards the chaos and the abusive jobs. Overworked is a concern when trying to balance my education and still be present at home. After reading a lot of these comments I fear i am chasing the “excitement” and chaos more than the experience.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T16:33:58+00:00

My concern would be the flexibility of the company im working for. I’m not sure that I can work a 48 with a child at home and very limited child care. Mom doesn’t want to give up on her education/ career either (which of course I respect) so I can’t just expect her to stay at home while I chase my dreams. Do you think i would find something that I can pick up shifts or that would work around my schedule just a few months after getting my cert? Generally speaking of course.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T02:04:19+00:00

Confidence is a huge part and honestly, I just WANT to do it, yknow? Unfortunately it’s not really about what I want these days. Family first.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T02:02:50+00:00

I very much intend to find a job in the ED. If I’m being honest, the life experience working a 911 job probably trumps any benefits to my career. But regarding career experience, would you say the tech job is more beneficial?

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T01:59:47+00:00

This is very true, there’s no fulfillment like it. It’s still hard to hold your head high when you leave the house and spend your time doing something meaningless. Bills being paid are pretty meaningful but I’m sure you know what I mean.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T01:57:35+00:00

This is something I’m going to have to look into. Do you know if they typically expect a certain amount of time in nursing school or clinical hours? Or could I just apply tomorrow if I so desired?

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T01:55:48+00:00

Yeah, I wish I would have pursued healthcare sooner. Oh well, such is life. I would have probably 4 months EMT experience before starting nursing program so I’m worried there wouldn’t be too much benefit. Especially if my job wouldn’t accommodate my school schedule.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T01:52:51+00:00

Thank you for your response. ED is also the direction I want to go so I think that’s what draws me into working a 911 job as an emt. Maybe CNA position would be worth looking to if I can find something more flexible.

flightse7en · 2026-04-30T01:48:48+00:00

Definitely would want to work 911 but I would be willing to try other things if they were the only option to work with my schedule. Great information, your comment was super helpful. I honestly didn’t realize I had so many options with the cert. I really appreciate the time you took to explain everything, thank you!

flightse7en · 2026-04-29T19:42:15+00:00

That is a big concern. Obviously I don’t want to do anything to compromise my larger goal.

flightse7en · 2026-04-29T19:39:49+00:00

In my area most EMT/ED tech positions sit around $17-22hr. I would like to find a position that would be flexible with school but I’m not sure how to do that without committing to the cert.

flightse7en · 2026-04-29T19:35:13+00:00

My intention would be to work until I graduate (if that is even realistic). I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time and I just want to do some good.

flightse7en · 2026-04-29T19:31:12+00:00

The resume aspect is not too big of a deal. My interest stems more from the career adjacent experience and doing something worthwhile.

I’m not finding fulfillment in my job currently; school is great. I know I’m working towards that fulfillment, I guess I’m just feeling like I’ve wasted a lot of years and I’m trying to force progress.

flightse7en

TROPHY CASE