AAP route with a private provider
Hi everyone,
I’m 18 and currently doing PTS/event ambulance work with a FREC 3 qualification. My goal is to become an EMT/Technician.
Originally I planned to gradually progress through FREC 4 and 5 over time while gaining more experience, but I’ve recently been looking into the CMS AAP pathway starting in September.
The course is 12 weeks classroom lessons spread over several months, alongside 750 frontline placement hours and workbooks leading to the Level 4 AAP qualification.
I’m trying to work out whether this sounds like a reasonable route into becoming an EMT at my age, or whether I’d realistically benefit more from spending a few years progressing gradually through ECA/FREC roles first?
I already have some decent exposure through ambulance/event work, but I’m also conscious of not wanting to rush things or become overconfident too early. Part of my thinking is that many people go straight into paramedic degrees at 18 with little to no experience and qualify as a Para in their early 20s. So I’m struggling to see if going this route at 18 and becoming an EMT at 19-20 would be rushing or just a different way into this career?
Would appreciate any honest opinions on my progression and doing it with CMS.
Thank you :)