Do already qualified NREMT Paramedics have to attend the full SOCM course or a shortened course?

2019-10-26T08:28:54-04:00

Does any know how the transition and course works if your already paramedic qualified and attend special Operations Combat Medic Course? Will you have to attend the entire duration of the course or a shortened version?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:09 AM

2019-10-26T09:09:00-04:00

Hey there SPC,
I too was MEDCOM for most of my career, and although my active duty service (1979-2005) is many moons ago, due to my special circumstances (meaning I was fortunate enough to participate in a program that was in effect back then called the "FastMOS" program), which then through the good will of my commanders and NCO's above me, gave me an almost unique opportunity to not only have my original 1st MOS, but susequently I was able to aquire many more, in which I remained proficient in most of them (again, with alot of effort and the exceptionally well-meant intervening by many of my commanders to allow me the necessary study time and course attendence) until a few years before retirement, at which time I was still certified in "only" 3 of them (42E, 91U, & 98G). I guess what I'm recomending is if there are any similar programs today, I would try to find as much info on any "unconventional" means or programs that have the potential to get you to where you want to be that I could. My certified MOS's were 42E, 91B, 92B, & 98G, among others, so I think you may have a route to get there if something similar exists today. One other thing I (unfortunately) have no current info on is if there still exists a way to get "credit" for any nightschools or civilian medical study or training you may have participated in, or are currently participating in, as a way to accelerate your achieving your goal of NREMT Paramedic or not. Anybody out there have any additional info on this subject for our brother here? Good luck SPC! Perseverence will get you there eventually I'm sure, as the only person who can really limit you is yourself. Warriors forever!
-Ed Boles

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:13 AM

2019-10-26T09:13:41-04:00

There is way too much to know in healthcare to ever stop learning or take shortened courses. Be open minded and willing to learn. You don’t know what you don’t know until you realize that you didn’t know it. Good luck and stay safe.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:29 AM

2019-10-26T09:29:56-04:00

Roger that sgt, thanks to both of you. I’m looking for a more direct answer though. As in not looking to breeze through the course but just like in whiskey school if your already Certified as a paramedic if they make you go through the school house portion all over again or if your pick up immediately following that.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 10:49 AM

2019-10-26T10:49:37-04:00

I’m gonna hazard a guess and say you’ll do the entire course.
As a nurse on the civilian side (15yrs worth and certed in ACLS, AMLS, PALS, PHLS, TCCC and and also an AEMT) I asked and wouldn’t be able to cut much time off the medic AIT (didn’t want to reclass but pick up additional MOS qual) and wasn’t even allowed to assist with Med support on a DZ because my CLS lapsed.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Oct 26 at 2019 3:42 PM

2019-10-26T15:42:23-04:00

Yes, you have to do the entire course.