Fire medic positions require you to already be a Paramedic. It took me i think 1-1.5 years to go through EMT-I (Intermediate). You first start with EMT basic then when you complete that you can go to EMT-I. After that 1-1.5 years you can just complete you National Registry and be certified for EMT-I or go on to paramedic school. North Metro paramedic classes are on a shift schedule, just like if you were on with a fire dept. I'm not sure but i think 99% of the students in class at north metro paramedic class are already hired with a fire dept. or ambulance service. I know for paramedic class they want you to have expierence in the field before you start class. My buddy is a cherokee fire fighter and he is in paramedic class at north metro. If he is at the station say monday,thursday,and sunday he is at school from like 8-1 tues. , wed., and fri. then it changes every week.

My advice to you is to enroll in EMT Classes and apply everywhere possible. You will be up against stiff competition. When i applied at cherokee they were hiring like 10 people and 250 applied and showed up for the PT test. Start working on your cardio. Go to a sporting goods store and buy a 65lb. weight vest and start running stairs. If you have any questions just ask. Good luck.

And you dont have to live in the county to get hired, only if you want to become a volunteer.