Jong wrote:

If you get your EMT-P and you have the experience for a WPS job then you will get your return in the first year over a regular PSS. You also have a job skill that a PSS doesn't have which means you would have a job back in the States. Things can change with DOS which could always mean they shutdown the WPS program, but those changes would be huge and don't see that happening anytime soon. You also have to consider if going to school for a year to get your paramedic why not go to school for longer and be a nurse or a PA. The jobs over here get old and not as glamorous as you think. Sitting around for hours on end can get really boring and you never really have time off. You are on the job 24/7 until you leave to go on vacation. Yes the pay is nice but the BS can be just as bad as in the military. There is a reason the pay is the way it is. Global is offering PSS/EMT a $20k signing bonus for southern Iraq because they are having a hard time getting medics. Looking back I am not sure if I would do this all over again but I can't say I have had a bad time. I got lucky, I got the Naval Reserves to pay for a 6 months paramedic course that got me a job over here.

Smart move Jong. That's the way to do it!

wandering_idiot : You are right I have only completed the BLS/First aid and a couple of entry level medical courses. But it seemed like a good idea to get my EMT since I am serious about working overseas and so many people are trying to get the same jobs with combat experience,me just security/private police experience. I can say ive saved one life so far from chest compressions so why not make it a life time?
Career wise for contracting its looking like it will be the bare minimum of requirements to have at least all your combat /PPS/PSD certs plus your EMT/TCCC. I mean from the outside looking in it looks like the need is for everyone to have medical skills.

I realize this fourm is a bit outdated..but looking for the same info as the guy prior...I had an offer with Dyncorp awhile back and sadly, didn't take them up on the offer. I totally regret it now and am trying to get back into the network and send out the resume again.
Specifically to "jong"...you had stated that they are looking for help...I had applied as a nurse (which I am) with 10+ years of ER/Trauma experience...my question to you (and others) is are they still looking??
When I first applied in 2010, they responded with an offer in 5 days (again which I refused). I have since applied for an "EMT" position and not heard back yet. This was well over a week ago.
While I don't have "Medic" experience..I do work alongside them and have been involved in the medic community for awhile now..
I would love an opportunity go go over..but it seems they (first responders) aren't needed as much anymore....
Any ideas/advice are welcomed!

bostonernurse wrote:

Any ideas/advice are welcomed!

Advice, Post an introduction in the Introduction Forum so peeps know who they're advising

boston,

Being an RN and working alongside isn't the same as busting your ass on a rig and dealimg with the stree side of things.

There are jobs. Check out CHS. They're probably in need of Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and PA's still. No, I don't have the link or I would post it.

As to your question regarding a clearance (in your intro post) no, you cannot just go get one. You have to be employed and the position has to require a clearance, then the company gets you vetted by DOS, DOD, or one of the other self involved governmental agencies who do their own thing. There are multiple threads on the subject somewhere in a corner around here.

I am not medic and sure as hell wish I had the EMT-I or EMT-P as there never seems to be a short supply of jobs for medics. PSS and non-PSS. If you are looking to do a year of schooling to get there, know that in a year (especially right now) a lot can and will change within A-stan and Iraq. So be prepared for the job offers to be different. They can be better and they can be worse. But I would bet there will still be a high demand for Medics. Just a thought.

As Jody said with the clearance if the job wants you they will get you the clearance. As long as you have a record that can be approved for one.

matt wrote:

As Jody said, with the clearance if the job wants you they will get you the clearance. As long as you have a record that can be approved for one.

Unless you're a Canuck!