What is a realistic time frame to becoming a Michigan firefighter with paramedic training?

Question

*Starting at the ground level with no background classes or training.

Answer 1

Since you are going for your medic license, I assume you want to be a career firefighter.

Your medic course is going to take between six months (accelerated) to a year and a half.

Aside from that, you need Fire I and Fire II, which, if you take the academy, I believe, is about 6-8 months two days a week.

However- you can challenge both Fire I and II. If you are already on (or can get onto) a volunteer department, they can train you and prepare you for the challenge, which consists of a 150 question multiple choice test and 12 practical stations such as demonstrating rope and knots, search and rescue, ladder and hose operations.

Might sound like a lot now- but it's nothing.

Personally, I'd recommend getting with a good trainer and challenging the tests, since I think you get a lot more training from a good trainer than in the academy (a lot of the Academy stuff goes out the window in the real world). But, be warned, your certifications will be marked as a challenger with an X in the certificate number, which may make it a little more difficult to get a job at some places.

I haven't had or heard of it being a big problem- but, just so you know.

Other than your medic, fire I and II, you'll have to take Haz-Mat Ops, I think. Not sure if it's required. Anyway- that's only a 24 hour class over three days, typically.

Also, a little tip- any classes you can get that pertain to the field are going to look great on your resume, when everyone else is just a medic with Fire II.

So- you're looking at anywhere from 6 months to two years. It really comes down to how much of a load you can handle at once and when the classes you need are offered, really.

I knew a guy who took his medic along with taking the academy and completed both in the top of his class in under a year.

Good luck.

Answer 2

My husband just did all of this!  He was a mechanical engineer with GM - plant closed down and he changed his career!  Let me tell you what we would have changed . .  he went to the Fire Academy I and II first, then EMT, then Paramedics . . .My advice would be to go to EMT - get hired in at Huron Valley AMbulance (they pay for your paramedics schooling), wooo hoooo, then tackle the fire academy.  Paramedics, EMT workers are in high demand right now, firefighting jobs are much harder to get!  You can email me if you have any other questions!  Good Luck!  It's a great line of work :-)

Answer 3

well depends if it is volunteer or not. probably anywhere from 5-15 years. i live in michigan too!