Should I make my EMT in AB or BC?

[maggi]

Hey there!

Since BCAS is still in strike, and job opportunities for PcP's will even after the strike not be very good for PcP's (Remote, bad paid, ect), should I consider doing my EMT in Alberta instead of BC (Vancouver, where I live atm)?

The plan would be to take the course at ESA up in Edmonton (the practica sound extremely interesting) and then also look for a job up there. I like BC, but if I can't afford my rent for the next 5 years I'm gonna be screwed.

The other option would be to make the course here in BC with AET (JI doesn't offer any courses in Vancouver atm, and I'm not moving back to the island for a few month) and then either look for a job here in BC and get a 2nd job or move to AB anyways, get licenced and get a better paid, fulltime job.

So infact it's 3 questions:

ESA - any recent graduates around (all the posts I found are at least 1 year old)
AET - will I even be able to complete my practicum here in BC? (Strike)
BC or AB - which one to choose (survivability > lifestyle)

Oh and btw, my EMR will be completed at the end of this month (with JI)

[lightsandsirens]

ESA has a great course, a lot of people travel from all over Canada to take the EMT and Fire courses there cause they are quality programs. The only thing is I think they are slightly more expensive than other places, and Im not too sure where they have practicum spots right now.

[maggi]

Indeed they are more expensive then the other courses I have researched. But honestly, they also offer the most (at least from what one can see while browsing their course offers). I don't mind spending a little more since I have to take a loan anyways :p

[rcp23]

I had the same question about AB or BC and I ended up taking it in BC. After about halfway through the course I was wishing I took it in AB. I'm all caught up in the strike situation right now and can't get my competencies signed off, but even if I keep that out of it I wish I would have done AB. ESA was my first choice there for sure. If you call and talk to them they sound like really know what they're doing.

As for AET in BC, I've heard some not so good things with them. Also I don't believe they're CMA accredited. At least they weren't when I was looking into them. CMA accreditation will make a big difference if you ever want to move to another province.

Good luck!