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Heidy
Student
Gainesville, Florida
8
Questions
Asked
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What are the steps to become an EMS helicopter pilot in the US?
Graduated with a BA in international relations, but I want a career change and I'm currently interested and wanting to learn more about how to become an EMS helicopter pilot in the US.
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1 answer
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
168
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Heidy, I wanted you to get an answer so even though I have no personal experience here, I would suggest you look at the job description for a helicopter pilot advertised currently listed on the Life Flight website (Link is below).
It looks like pilots for these very demanding jobs need a high school diploma with a bachelor's degree preferred and then many hours of progressive responsibility as a helicopter pilot in other settings before a medical evacuation position is possible. So, if this is your goal, it seems starting with becoming a pilot, either as a civilian or through the military, would be your first step.
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6fd3b46c-43dd-44a2-9cfc-105047c7227d&jobId=578356
It looks like pilots for these very demanding jobs need a high school diploma with a bachelor's degree preferred and then many hours of progressive responsibility as a helicopter pilot in other settings before a medical evacuation position is possible. So, if this is your goal, it seems starting with becoming a pilot, either as a civilian or through the military, would be your first step.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Heidy