​Application

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• Applications are processed in Australia by Australia EMS.   Using our secure application portal, applicants can upload their documents for presentation to the Recruitment Agents who will present you to multiple employers across the country.   You will be able to choose which locations you'd prefer to work in.

• A one-stop shop instead of applying to multiple Employers as you do in Australia.

• All applicants pay a once-off application processing fee of AUD500 + GST via the application portal.  Other costs are covered in the USA by IMS or Employer (see above)*.   Upon successful completion of your Paramedic training in the USA this money will be paid back to you.

• Application documents are uploaded via our secure servers to be presented to USA Paramedic Employers, these may include (but are not limited to) cover letter, resume, AHPRA registration, police clearance, passport & international COVID vaccination certificate.

• Applicants may undertake aptitude testing via the Australia EMS platform (depending on employer company requirements).

• Applicants may undergo an interview via Zoom (depending on employer company requirements).

• Applications, test results, interview recordings & documents are provided to IMS to present to prospective USA Paramedic Employers.

• Australia EMS will provide coaching on how to present a professional resume, how to answer interview questions & guide you to present yourself professionally.

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*Costs not covered include AHPRA registration fees, National Police Clearance fee or travel costs associated with obtaining your visa.  The visa application fees will be covered by the Employer.

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Offer of Employment

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• Successful candidates will then be contacted directly by International Medic Solutions (IMS) & progress to the next stage of employment offers (you may be presented with multiple conditional** offers as there are so many opportunities available across the USA).

• Once you accept your conditional** employment contract you will be assisted by your USA Employer & IMS  to apply for & obtain your E-3 visa to allow you to live & work in the USA.   This application takes place in Australia & you may need to travel to an Australian US Consulate for an interview with US Immigration.  Check here for your regional consulate.

• Once you have your visa & you have accepted & signed your employment offer the adventure begins!

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** Approval of an E-3 Visa application is subject to US Consulate discretion. Neither Australia EMS, International Medic Solution (IMS), or any of its affiliates, can guarantee approval of an application.

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Education

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• In Australia successful candidates will complete a short online certification bridge training course leading to testing & certification as a USA Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.

• In the USA successful candidates will attend 2-month intensive training program to complete USA Paramedic certification classroom work and upon completion will obtain their paramedic license.  Training will include subjects to ICP/CCP/MICA level:  Cardiology, Medical, Trauma, Emergency Paediatric Care, Advanced Airway Management & Drug Therapies.  The training will also include all additional required instruction & test prep to fully prepare students to complete the USA paramedic exams & practice within the medical scope in any state in the USA. 

• Once your Paramedic training is complete & you are licensed as a NREMT-P you will undergo induction training & orientation to your USA Employer's protocols & clinical guidelines, equipment & employment facilities.  This will include in-field coaching/preceptorship by USA Paramedics or Clinical Educators.

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All set & ready to live & work as a USA Paramedic

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• All certified & ready to go!      Graduates will then travel, at company expense, to their final duty operations across the country. Upon arriving at their duty station, Paramedics will attend a local orientation and additional supervised ambulance ride time to familiarize themselves to the local operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Hang on a second, Im a skeptic (sceptic), why on earth would I pay A$500 to Australia EMS when I could just apply to the USA Employers directly?

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• Upon successful placement in the USA with your new employer you will be refunded your $500 application fee.  

• You absolutely could apply to employers directly however this is very labour intensive & inefficient.  Each company will require separate applications, separate interviews, separate document submissions, just like you do applying for the State Services in Australia, plus there is the matter of obtaining the E-3 visa which requires those companies to set up with immigration lawyers & HR consultants.  If you'd like to limit yourself to one company at a time then apply directly.  We have been dealing with the Americans for over a decade, & specifically on this recruitment campaign since 2019.  We offer a one stop shop experience.   We offer one application to go to multiple employers.  So much easier & more efficient.

• We are looking for serious applicants only, which is why we apply a nominal application fee, to avoid having applicants who are not committed to following this adventure to completion.   It costs on average USD26500 to get you across to the USA, educated and licensed so we want serious applicants only.    Upon successful placement in the USA with your new employer you will be refunded your $500 application fee. 

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Where in the USA can I work?

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• We currently have opportunities with EMS Employers across the USA

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What happens if I apply & I dont have the qualifications/criteria to undertake this program?

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• The entry criteria are listed above under "Who Can Apply?" however if you mistakenly  apply without the correct qualifcations etc then we simply return your application fee & cancel your application.

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Will I be able to choose where I work?

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• In the main, yes.   Our US recruitment and placement partner IMS will assist you in lining up your employer of choice. will present your portfolio to multiple USA Employers & it is anticipated that you will receive multiple offers of employment as their shortage is countrywide.  Each Employer has their own geographical area so you will be able to choose where you will work.  Once you choose your employer & receive your letter of offer then you will be advised of the specific towns/cities where they need you.   

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As a newly qualified Australian graduate Paramedic I'm nervous to practice with no oversight, especially at ICP/CCP/MICA level

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• We have looked into this extensively & have visited multiple Paramedic education facilities & universities in the USA.  On our most recent student paramedic tour in July we were hosted at an excellent Paramedic College in San Diego & we have been working closely with them & the International Medic Solutions to ensure that Australian Paramedics are given the best & most comprehensive training to make them work ready for the USA.   We have presented every curriculum from every Paramedicine degree in Australia as well as a complete skills matrix for each State Ambulance Service, as well as the clinical practicum hours for each program.  They have analysed these extensively & identified training needs & are confident of a smooth transition with their excellent educators & skills labs.

• Becoming a Paramedic in the USA is a strict & stringent process in which certain criteria must be met.  There are specific courses which they will provide that are pre-requisites to sitting the final registry exams.    You will undergo in field ride along with Field Training Officers where you are required to have a prescribed number of ALS patient contacts, & you will perform a prescribed number of skills (like intubations etc) under direct clinical supervision.   You will also spend a number of shifts in the Emergency Department learning from their clinical teams.

• The USA educators will also prepare you with additional examination preparation for the National Registry exams & then you will be tested through them at the College.

• In a nutshell you will be very work ready & have the confidence at the completion of your education process.   Other Australian Paramedics have gone through the process & described it as "Smooth, supportive & easy".   Each Employer also provides additional support & clinical oversight for new Australian arrivals.

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Can I keep my AHPRA Paramedic Registration?

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• We checked this directly with AHPRA.   If you are registered with AHPRA at the time of your departure & practice as a paramedic in the USA, you can maintain your AHPRA registration as long as you pay the annual registration fee & maintain your CPD activities.   This is important for your return to Australia should you wish to practice as a paramedic at home.

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How much will I earn?

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• Your salary will depend on which USA Employer you work for & which State you work in.   The salaries are competitive & very liveable, especially given the lower cost of living & lower tax rates in the USA compared to Australia.   Your salary will be in your letter of offer from the Employer.  On current exchange rates the salary range is in the equivalent base range to an entry salary from a State Ambulance Service in Australia. 

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I've heard that Paramedics in the USA are poorly paid with poor working conditions, is that true?

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• Your salary & work conditions will depend on which USA Employer you work for & which State you work in.   The salaries are competitive & very liveable, especially given the lower tax rates in the USA compared to Australia.  We will not be partnering with ANY USA Employer if they do not offer competitive rates & conditions.   Understand that there is a difference between lower pay (EMT) vs higher pay (Paramedic).  If a USA Employer does not look after their people, we will not partner with them.

• Ultimately you get offered letters of employment from the USA Employers so you will know your conditions & pay ahead of time before you leave for the USA.

• This is a comment left by a USA Paramedic on our Facebook page:     "There are good organizations throughout the Country and not all require fire certifications. Take where I am in Delaware. County Government based ALS service in all 3 counties. We run a tiered dispatch system with BLS being handled by the fire departments and we run fly cars (Chevy Suburbans). We all operate under the same statewide protocols, and all offer a pension program. We also all offer insurance that is not terribly expensive to the employee. In Sussex County for example (where I work), I have great insurance and pay $180 a month for coverage for myself, my wife and 2 kids. We also have Dental, Vision, supplemental Life Insurance, AFLAC, Flex Spending accounts, and an optional 457 retirment account.   Our starting pay is around 50K a year, with increases for performance yearly, education incentives for Associates, Bachelors and Masters degrees, paid training, all training needed to maintain certification is provided by the department, we send people to national conferences and national training centers. All three Counties also offer options for promotion, special teams and work groups, etc"

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How long will this whole process take?

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• This can vary & is dependent on a number of factors.  In short, the USA needs you NOW.   If you could fly immediately they will welcome you with open arms.   The reality is that these processes can take time, & you cannot travel there to work without your E-3 visa.   Once you get access to our portal & upload your required documents we guarantee to have your documents with IMS within 24 hours.   From there your portfolio is presented to multiple USA Employers who will then decide whether they are going to offer you employment.   If you are successful in getting a letter of offer for employment IMS then process the paperwork to get your E-3 visa (the Employer is the E-3 visa sponsor).    In order to get approval for an E-3 visa you will be required to attend an interview at a US Consulate in Australia to ensure that you meet all the criteria for approval.   The wait times for these interviews varies depending on numbers, however you get the decision from the US Consulate on the day of your interview.

• At this stage we are anticipating intakes for January 2023.    We anticipate each application process to take 2-3 months.

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If I apply am I guaranteed to get employed?

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• Let's be very clear on this.  No.

• Like with every application process for a job anywhere in the world, there are criteria that absolutely must be met.    If you are a degree-qualified paramedic from an Australian University with a valid passport, full vaccination status & have no criminal or past disciplinary history, & have good references, then there is a high probability that you will be offered employment.

• This is also dependent on you being approved by the US Government for an E-3 visa after your interview with them.   We can help you prepare for your interview.   Previous graduates who have undergone the process described it as, "Smooth, easy & very efficient".

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If I am employed as a Paramedic in the USA can my spouse come over with me & work?

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• Yes, if you & your spouse are married.   Unfortunately the USA government arent recognising de-facto partnerships for the purpose of this visa.  You can travel to the USA & work as a Paramedic on the E-3 visa, & your spouse & children can travel with you.   Under the E-3 visa your spouse can obtain work however your children will not be able to work.

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How long can I work in the USA?

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• Each employment contract is for 24 months (2 years) & this is the period which the E-3 visa covers.  In most cases the E-3 visa can be extended an indefinite number of times & if you have a great working relationship with your Employer then they may well extend this. Ultimately the E-3 visa extension requires approval of the US Government.

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What happens if something happens & I need to return before 2 years?

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• This would be by negotiation between you & your Employer.  From the moment you are employed, like in any job, you would negotiate directly with your Employer.  It goes without say that they will have invested considerably in you, & would therefore like you to stay as long as you can.   Each would be managed on a case-by-case basis.

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If I graduate & get employed in the USA without completing my grad year at an Australian State Ambulance Service, would I apply as a grad paramedic or fully qualified paramedic on my return?

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• From previous experience (using interstate travel as an example) we have seen graduates from one state move to another state & complete their grad internship in the new state.   Once complete they are signed off & working as a qualified paramedic & therefore when they wanted to return to their home state & apply, they were advised that they could not apply as a graduate intern & would need to apply in the qualified applicant pool.

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I heard if you go straight to the USA as a paramedic out of uni it can be tricky to come back to Australia as a paramedic?

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• Given that nobody has done this yet, this can only be considered a rumour.  There is no factual evidence to suggest that this would be the case. 

• At the time of publishing this information there are current recruitment campaigns with State Ambulance Services for qualified paramedics, so we doubt you would not be missing out on an opportunity in Australia by returning later with real-world experience behind you.  

• Here is a link to a current advert published by the Queensland Ambulance Service calling for Qualified Paramedics dated 20 August 2022  https://bit.ly/3QgdeWo

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Why should I apply with Australia EMS?

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• We have established great relationships with our USA colleagues spanning over a decade & (with the exception of COVID-19 travel restrictions) we have been travelling to the USA every year for years.

• We have presented at multiple conferences  & universities in the USA & competed in (& later been international guest judges) at the infamous JEMS Games at the EMS Today Conference & Expo.

• We have been awarded the Prestigious EMS-10 Innovators In EMS Award in the USA for professional excellence with our popular student paramedic international professional development tours to South Africa & the USA.

• As leaders in Australian EMS we know the Australian paramedic systems extremely well.   With our USA experience & networks we know the USA systems really well & are best positioned to provide this service.

• We have exclusive partnership with International Medic Solutions (IMS), the leading EMS talent acquisition company in the United States with over 30 years of experience. IMS is owned and operated by a Paramedic/RN and Senior Military Officer, bringing decades of experience in EMS operations, training, and logistics. IMS understands and recognizes the high standard of education in Australia and have developed a pathway for those seeking opportunity.

• Through our partnership, we can provide a one-stop shop for applicants.   Unlike Australia where you submit separate applications to each State Ambulance Service or private providers, our process is easier & more efficient with a broad reach to all participating agencies in the US. We continue to add new providers in various geographic locations in the US weekly.

• We have developed an excellent easy to use platform which explains exactly what documents you need, where to obtain them, as well as guidance on interview techniques & resume writing.

• Upon successful placement in the USA with your new employer you will be refunded your $500 application fee.  

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I am a registered & experienced paramedic from New Zealand & I think that this is an awesome opportunity, can I apply?

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• It goes without say that we love our Kiwi cousins across the pond, & we ALWAYS include you on our student paramedic professional development tours to the USA.  We love your sense of humour (humor for Americans reading this), we love your accent too (although we get a bit salty when you keep beating the Wallabies in rugby) BUT unfortunately, we cannot include you on this venture...... right now...  we are looking into other visa options to open the doors to New Zealand.

• The E-3 visa is a United States visa for which only citizens of Australia are eligible. It was created by an Act of the United States Congress as a result of the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), although it is not formally a part of the AUSFTA. 

• We will keep working on ways around this & will lobby the US Government via our contacts to get you onto the program.

• That all said, we absolutely acknowledge the high standard of paramedic education in New Zealand & respect & admire the team of educators at Auckland University of Technology for the work & effort they put into producing top-quality paramedic graduates.

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I am a registered & experienced paramedic from years ago, can I also apply or is this only for fresh graduates?

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• All degree qualified paramedics with AHPRA registration are encouraged to apply.  Oldies & newbies, if you're keen for international experience then sign up.

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I'm keen to apply but I still have questions, who can I speak to?

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• Some of our team have experienced immigration first hand & we understand that this can be an uncertain time, albeit a very exciting time!

• We are always up for answering questions so please contact us via the Contact section in the footer of our website.

• If we do not know the answer to a question we will speak to a Specialist & get back to you as soon as possible.

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