Medical Technician ( Med Tech )

[Zmob]

First off, hey! I've been reading the forum for a while now, but I've been unable to find what I specifically wanted to know so I decided to register and ask.

So I'm looking into applying to become a med tech (among other occupations, but this would be my preferred), but I'm hung up on some of the requirements and what I could do about them.

I'm 27 years old now, I never did finish high school (though I'm 99% sure I have at least the math credit they want, just not the sciences from high school).  However I have been to college twice, I have physics and even more math credits from my first stint, and a flawless GPA from my last run through college.  Neither, however, were in the science fields (construction and then tourism). 

My question is though would I really still need to get that GED even though I have college experience and diplomas?  And how can I go about getting the biology experience I need? Can I take an academic upgrade course from a local college, or are they really going to be a stickler about the high school credits? 


Another related question would be about the subsidized education for med techs.  Say all my accumulated credits and academic upgrades are enough to qualify for the med tech occupation, would the option to go to college again for what I assume would be PCP (no easy feat, judging by how competitive those programs are in Ontario), be something I'd want/need to do?  I'm just not sure what skills they really want before people actually get to their Occupation Training.

Anyways I'd appreciate anyone's insight on these questions.  I've never thought of myself as under-educated, but after reading these forums about how competitive army jobs are now all of my little deficiencies have me worried!

Thanks.

 

[PrettyMaggie63]

First of all, I want to clarify that I am not a CF member, I am in the application process. I too applied for MedTech and did not have the requirements. I have my high school diploma, an RPN/LPN certificate, and 20 years working as an RPN in a general hospital setting. When I trained there was only a certificate program, no diploma program.

From what I understand, it is mandatory to have the minimum requirements, which include completing grade 12 (GED, Sec V, etc.), grade 12 biology and physics and/or chemistry regardless of what you have achieved after that. My nursing background does not allow my to bypass the qualifying requirements. These credits are available through adult education for a very small fee.

You can apply through one of two methods, direct entry or SEP. If you chose direct entry, the CF will provide the necessary training. The SEP will pay for your college program but you will need to be accepted to an approved college first. These programs are highly competitive and again you will need to have the prerequisites to even have a chance to be accepted. Private colleges are another option and a little easier to get into. When I spoke with my recruiter the other day, he did say the CF does subsidize some private colleges as well. I urge you to contact a recruiter to confirm this information as I am just relaying what I have been told.

Don't worry about your "deficiencies" as you describe it, you can always obtain the credits you will need. It may delay things a bit, but it can be done.

One thing I am uncertain about is what level is required of this above listed credits. If there is a recruiter reading this, could you please confirm whether it is university prep level or college prep level for the grade 12 sciences and grade 11 math? I have inquired a few times at the RC but have been given three different answers.

 

[mariomike]

<snip> would the option to go to college again for what I assume would be PCP (no easy feat, judging by how competitive those programs are in Ontario), be something I'd want/need to do? 

Yes, the diploma program in Ontario is PCP.

It's actually crazy how fast Paramedic, and some others, fill up in Ontario.

These programs are highly competitive and again you will need to have the prerequisites to even have a chance to be accepted.

Highlights mine.

For what it is worth, these are some things I have been told by others, or read online. They only concern Ontario. But, that seems to be your home province, Zmob.

"I'm currently in the PCP program at Fanshawe College (yes, it's CMA accredited). There were 1100 applicants this year with 48 of us getting in."

"Centennial only took people for Sept 2011 with a 94% avg."

"Humber College in Toronto has 2,500 applicants every year for 70 students."

The Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
"Highly Competitive Program Charts:
The following pages contain admission requirements for highly competitive programs.":
http://www.ocas.ca/Documents/hc-charts-eng.pdf

Type "paramedic" into the search engine, then select the college(s) you are interested in.

If there is a recruiter reading this, could you please confirm whether it is university prep level or college prep level for the grade 12 sciences and grade 11 math?

Information regarding that here,
Topic: "Medical Technician Question": 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/98957.0.html

Here also,
Topic: "Medical Technician - Qualification Requirements":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/101926.0

There is a mega-link in reply #7 you may find useful for information regarding educational requirements for Med Techs.

 

[mariomike]

This may be old news. I only read it the other day in our news letter to retired members.

T-EMS has "re-instituted the joint field placement program with DND, allowing approximately 30 Med-Techs to be precepted in Toronto annually."

That's all it said.

I recall the original program. But, I'm not sure when it ended.

 

[warshaws]

Hey Guys,

I have been lurking this forum for the past few months and finally decided to make an account.  I am currently enrolled in a life sciences degree at uni and find myself bored and unmotivated by the whole thing. I need a change and I need a challenge.  I have been considering joining the CF for the past year or so but my interest has become much more substantial in the past few months.  I am interested in the med tech trade and to my great pleasure, the recruiting site says that they are accepting applications.  I have read almost all the threads about med techs that I could find here and have gotten some great info but I have a few questions still:

1. Does anyone know how competitive/ selective the recruiting process is right now for the trade or just for the forces in general?  Essentially, what are my chances or how tough will it be for me to get this trade? ( my highschool marks are great, ~89-91 and my first year university results have me at about a 3.95 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  I currently volunteer at the campus food bank and in the emergency room of a hospital.  I have always tested and interviewed well too)

2.  I understand that med techs belong to an element, but may have postings in the different elements and may serve all elements by the end of their career.  What I dont know much about is how they decide where you go and what you do.  Clearly, they will send med techs wherever the need exists, but if they have a few med techs do they factor in individual strengths and weaknesses or is it largely random to start?  Additionally, what are the chances I will be stuck doing a lot of administration work or the other "boring" parts of the trade.  I dont mean to take value away from the less exciting of a med techs duties, but my interests lie more in field work and so I am trying to determine if it would truly be a good fit for myself. 

3.  I feel obliged to admit that becoming a JTF2 assaulter or a CSOR operator interests me.  I have also considered trying to become a SAR tech.  I know you guys get a lot of hyped up kids wanting to become these things but my question isnt really about selection or becoming GI joe just yet, as I understand that's years and years away and I have a lot to do first.  I think I would really like being a med tech and so if thats what I am for all my career then I would be happy.  But, as I am also interested in one day trying out for the 'elites', I am curious as to what courses I could find my way onto as a med tech. The recruiting website has Diving Med Tech and Aero-Evac listed as courses, but I am wondering how realistic it would be to get onto Para, rappel, mountain warfare etc.  ( I have considered infantry but they arent accepting applications and I think I might be more interested in the med tech role).  (*also,  I am aware of the other med tech post asking about recce and para but I felt there was still more I wanted to know.)


Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this.  As I've been reading a lot of threads lately, I have noticed that us civilians can tend to rub a few of you guys the wrong way and I hope that my post here hasn't.  Let me know if this is an annoying post and why, as I dont want to make the same mistake again.  And I also dont know if the length is obnoxious or if this is preferred to a simple, "wuts it like to be a combat medic" type post.  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again!

 

[IRepoCans]

Now I'm not exactly in the military yet because I'm still finishing school, but I am in the process of enlisting as a Med Tech. So I'll tell you what this forum told me first. First just take a few minutes to use the search bar just to check if anything has been answered yet. Second keep the CANSOF thoughts to yourself; use it as a motivator if that is where you want to go because to be honest not a lot of people in the military care if that is your direction for a career. Thirdly, the best thing is to get in contact with a recruiter either in person or on the phone if there are still unanswered questions.

Now unto the posting of Med Techs, from what I was explained for the first two years Med Techs are doing a lot of training before they are posted to a field ambulance to whatever, because in essence the Med Tech isn't qualified until they are a level 3. Also, yes you can be attached to Paratrooper/Recce units when you have the qualifications and if there is a need for more Para/Recce qualified Med Techs.

Just some of my knowledge thus far.

 

[Armymedic]

Answers with my best knowledge:

1. Don`t know, but if you got HS sciences, specifically Biology and Chemistry, then you are helping your cause.

2. The unifrom you wear, while there is some input from you, is determined for you when you sign in, as in that is the position the recruiting office put you into the database. As for first posting, you can always ask for the Field Ambulances if you wish to be in the field. But again, you will have limited input as to where you actually end up.

3. If you want to be a CANSOF gunfighter, that will be a voluntary occuaptional transfer, provided you are able to complete the 7 easy days of selection to get onto thier respective courses. Med Techs, however are classed as support specialists and follow (more for CSOR than JTF2) the gunfighters to and into where ever the business is being done. But that, as told to everyone who aspires to those units, is best done after 2-4 years in the Reg CF and with experience actually working in your trade.

 

[DAA]

I will try my best...

1.  You will never know how competitive you are, until you apply...

2.  Environmental assignment is not a critical issue unless you want it to be, as you are liable to serve in all three elements, regardless of the uniform you wear.  Generally, they try to assign you based on your environment but you are also expected to be employed outside of that to gain experience.

3.  Anything is possible and some courses are only a request away.  As far as the "elites", your knowledge is based on TV shows and news articles, not saying anymore on that one...

Send in your application and see how it goes...

 

[YourFriendLandon]

Hello,
I have wanted to join the forces for as long as I can remember.  I have narrowed it down to 3 trades in the Army that really interest me and my #1 is definitely MedTech.  I only have a few questions that I haven't been able to find.  Oh, and I did check the Forces.ca site for these.
1) It says that Bio 30 and Chem 30/Physics 30 is required.  Would Science 30 be accepted in place of Chem/Physics?
2) What is the average day like for a MedTech while overseas?
3) Would I have to engage in combat?  What are the chances that I would?
4) What kind of opportunities for advancement are there?
I am still new to this site and haven't gotten the hang of it yet so if these questions have been answered already I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide a link to them.
Sincerely,
Landon I.

 

[Armymedic]

answers as best I can:

1. Don't know, ask at the recruiting office. Biology and Chemistry courses is definitely a prerequisite for the PCP course.

2. Overseas employment is variable given your role and the location. But regardless you will be in a role to provide health care to the troops as there is generally no civilian facility for our soldiers to go to. (in my 6 tours, only two were similar, both being in the same camp in Bosnia, but due to difference in rank, my role was different).

3. If required to fight to defend yourself, then yes. It is a universal right of all CF soldiers to be able to shoot back if under fire. Chances are slim you will be employed in a combat zone, as in you are more likely now to win Lotto 6/49 than get engaged in combat due to the current political climate.

4. Not sure whats you are asking about in regard to advancement. Everyone in the Reg CF follow a progression of rank where you can get promoted to a new rank level in a min of 2-4 yrs at each rank, as long as you perform appropriately. Med Tech is not any different.

 

[YourFriendLandon]

Sorry, by advancement I mean like how infantry have the possibility of becoming instructors or mountain warfare specialists and what not.  Do MedTechs have these?
And one more question, would have my emt-p training from Nait help in any way?

 

[MikeL]

Yes Med Techs can take leadership courses and be instructors on some courses.  Depending on where you are posted you may be able to do some courses like Basic Mountain Ops and Basic Para.

 

[mariomike]

And one more question, would have my emt-p training from Nait help in any way?

That is a good question to ask the CFRC.

You may find this topic of interest.

"semi skilled med tech applicant needs info": 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/81858.0/nowap.html

 

[srvn2sv]

Mario Mike, I see you've got the TEMS Colours as you logo there.  Very cool.  Looking for some info from anyone though...

I've been a PCP for 18 years, have all qualifications up to date, and previous military experience although dating back to the late 80's.  I left civilian EMS looking for a change but haven't found it yet and am looking at the CF as another route.  Ideally I'd like to get onto 2 Field Ambulance out of Pett.  I know some are cringing but I like the area and with family in Ontario it makes sense.

I understand that QL-2 is the BMQ (St. Jean), QL-3 is 16 weeks at Borden, followed by SQ (unknown length) and then PCP training at JIBC, which I may be exempted from.  If exempted from taking the PCP course at JIBC, what happens to you?  Do you stay in stasis until your class catches up, do you stay at Borden or are you posted?

I imagine that QL-4 and 5 are courses available after being posted, to specialize your skills.  Is this correct as well?

It's a strange, strange man that wants to do basic, twice in a lifetime.  lol

Thank you all for your input.

 

[Armymedic]

There is also 1 Canadian Field Hospital in Petawawa as well.

Also there is no QL4 for Med Techs.

 

[MedCorps]

srvn2sv,

Generally  you do basic and SQ (now BMQ-Land I am told) before QL3 Med Tech.  Not sure how long this whole thing is now, but if you look around someone I am sure is talking about it. 

QL3 has three mods.  Clinical (about 3.5 months) in Borden, PCP, then back to Borden for a month for the field phase.  If you are currently a PCP who is good-to-go then you will most likely get PCP mod exempt.  Ideally you would start with one QL3 couse on the clinical mod and then graduate and start the field mod with another course right after.  This does not ever seem to perfectly line up and in the mean while you will be in suspended animation, which can either be a good go or bad go based on a number of factors.

Good goes include some on the job experience in a medical clinic, drivers course, etc.  Okay goes include working as a "patient" on other courses or field support general duties staff. Not so desirable goes (but still tolerable if you make it a good go) include working in the library, canteen, QM, or training stores. Once you are done QL3 you are posted. I suspect if you ask for Petawawa you will end up in Petawawa because there are always spots and, sadly, not a long list of young Med Techs who want to be posted to that locale.

QL5A is ideally done 18 months after QL3, with a trip to the simulation centre in Valcariter for a week in between the two courses. It is also three mods (clinical, advanced emergency care in Moncton NB, and field). 

"Specialty courses" generally are done once you become a Journeyman when your QL5A is complete.

Let us know if you need more info here.  Lots of people with a lot of knowledge.

MC

 

[jayquiambao]

What happens after BMQ for medical technicians? I'm going to BMQ on Jan 26 - May 3rd.

-Do I get a summer break?
-If so, how long? or any break at all... I have seen a few people answer this question but it wasnt for the med tech trade. I thought it might be different.
-If I do get posted somewhere right away where might it be?
-Could I get a leave for summer cause I need to go on a vacation emergency family stuff.

Thank you for everything.

 

[Armymedic]

Depends on when your QL3 course starts.

Ask your staff. Nobody here can give you the correct answer.

 

[jayquiambao]

Okay, thank you so much!

 

[Supurstes]

Hello, I want to join direct entry as a medical technician but I have questions about the requirements.  What does a level one primary care paramedic translate to in Alberta?  I have a bachelor degree and I am a certified by the Alberta College of Paramedics as an EMR right now.  Do I have to become a EMT and EMT-P first?  If that is the case I will likely begin applying for schools and go the NCM SEP route.
Thanks.