Can I become an EMT and then become a nurse?

Question

I need a good job YESTERDAY! Being an EMT sounds like a good job, even though I have heard some bad stories, but I think it might be a good way to go.

Can anyone offer a good career track for someone wanting to reach the highest level in the medical field one step at a time? Like for example phlebotomist to EMT to 2 year RN to 4 year RN to Nurse Practicioner to MD to OD.

Is this a practical way to go? Or am I just dreaming?

Please! I need help!

Answer 1

I went from an ASN to PhD -  you do not have to become an NP to become a doctor.

An MD and OD are essentially the same!    

Answer 2

I'm not sure what an "OD" is.

If you want to be an MD, you will be spending many many years and money in education by going the route that you outlined.

Frequently hospitals will train phlebotomists so you could go that route, have a job while you go to RN school.

Answer 3

For general career info:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search  emergency medical technicians, registered nurses (NP briefly mentioned), physicians or such.

For more info on NP:  http://www.aanp.org

I believe that one meant to say 'DO' for doctor of osteopathic medicine :)  An OD is a doctor of optometry.

For more info on phlebotomy:  http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org  Please forgo those private $$ career schools and instead consider the county vo-tech school or community college, perhaps non-credit course as long as it's accredited within the industry.