May a prior service member be pushed through 68W Flight Paramedic training?

2018-11-15T02:18:03-05:00

Hello Everyone,
I’m interested in the Army 68W Flight Paramedic program. I’m currently and E-4 in the Navy with 5 years and 3 months by the time I reach my EAOS this upcoming July. Being prior service, is it all possible to be pushed through the training pipeline? I have the opportunity to do shore duty in Fallon, NV where I’ll have much time for school. Would it be recommended that I use this time to get my civilian certifications? I would be 27 years old at the time I’m released from shore duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2018 2:42 AM

2018-11-15T02:42:43-05:00

68W and flight paramedic are different programs. 68W is the MOS and flight paramedic is an additional skill identifier you can apply for later.
If you get your EMS-Basic you will be fast tracked through the 68W AIT, but there's no real benefit to it. Fort Sam is a nice place and the training is enjoyable if you're prior service.
You won't have time to earn your paramedic before leaving active duty. It takes about two years, and it's usually offered as an Associate degree.
If you become a 68W you can pursue your paramedic prior to requesting flight medic training and you will be fast tracked through that portion of the course.
Your age is irrelevant but your time in service may be a limiting factor.
Use the time to take college courses while you can. The Army doesn't use skill tests for promotion, it uses promotion points and college education is a major source. Medics always have high promotion points so you'll need college to be competitive. Plus, if you take biology and A&P it will set the groundwork for understanding what you'll learn later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2018 10:01 PM

2018-11-15T22:01:17-05:00

The Reserves and National Guard are extremely short handed for flight medics. Active Component is over strength at the moment, but that can always change. If you want it, you can make it happen. First step is 68W.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-11-18T11:40:11-05:00

You will have to complete the AIT training for the 68W MOS If you have a National Registry EMT certification you can accelerate through the EMT portion of the training which is 6 weeks, if you have a National Registry Paramedic and IBSC FP-C and relevant experience you can likely be accelerated through the paramedic training