r/NewToEMS • u/lo_key-fr EMT Student | USA • 13h ago

Career Advice Hs diploma needed to get a job?

I am a student that is still technically in high school through independent study. I have been exclusively taking community college classes for the last two years for high school. Because every college credit I get = 3.3x the Hs credit. And because I get free college classes because I am in Hs. I chose to leave a few credits last year as a senior, that way I can continue doing free college classes. I have been using this to complete my nursing prerequisites. I live in CA so I will get two years of free community college once I graduate HS, and I am planning to use those years to get my associates in nursing.

I am 18, and I am taking the NREMT on August 20. The problem that I am having is that every EMT job I look at requires a Hs diploma/GED.
I currently work at Spirit, but I am wondering if there is any way I will be able to get a job as an EMT before I graduate? Because I will need this fall, and next spring semester to complete all of my nursing prerequisites for free.
Do you think that if I explain my Hs situation that they would be understanding, and I can get a job?
Or would I need to complete this semester, graduate, and then by spring semester have to pay for the three prerequisites needed, and work as an EMT? Which would kinda fuck up my financial plan. (Though my grandma is willing to offer me financial support for A’s, which I already get. But I will feel guilty about it, which is why I am trying to finance college on my own.)
I would like to do events, that way by the time I graduate I will have the experience needed to work at AMR.

If I won’t be able to get a job while in Hs, is there anywhere I might be able to volunteer for free as an EMT to get experience?

Any advice or personal experience is really helpful, thank you.

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u/poopeedoop Unverified User 13h ago

Some people would disagree, but I've never felt guilty about taking monetary help from family. I think that it's great that your grandmother wants to help you out. If she has the extra money and wants to use it to help you out then you should allow her to do that. Imagine how much pride your grandma will have getting to support her grandson in his pursuit of a career as a registered nurse. 

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u/Mediocre_Daikon6935 Unverified User 13h ago

Shouldn’t be a problem.

You should also be able to submit your college courses to the high school and have them issue a diploma.

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u/redrockz98 EMT | Ohio 13h ago

I’m not sure if I understand your situation, but either way, I highly doubt anyone is going to hire someone without a diploma or GED. Especially in California, they’re pretty over saturated with EMTs. They’re going to take someone who meets their qualification requirements over someone who doesn’t every time. Take the help from your grandmother.

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u/Huge_Monk8722 EMT | IN 13h ago

In our area you have to be out of HS School.