I guess what I'm trying to get at is that the medics from my unit who are going on the course are happy they have the course because there is somewhat of a lineup to get on it. I was reacting to the comments that opened this thread in the way 'I felt' it downplayed the type of medic who is going on this course by someone who was described by the directing staff as being a phony and therefore doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. I honestly can't picture too many people who are going on this course/have done this course - that would be described as: "this kid is very nervous, and maybe I can give him some advice to follow, so he can pass and keep his arse out of trouble." Perhaps if the thread was opened by someone who was more credible and was worded differently I would have a different reaction. In the end, I doubt a QL3 medic going on a his/her 5's wouldn't have a supervisor or co-worker who wouldn't be able to give them a heads up on what to be prepared for. I don't know too many reg force QL3's working alone in the middle of nowhere with no other medical contacts????
It is obvious that the school in Borden is challenging students. Students might be nervous beforehand and/or during testing periods as each one of them has their own strengths - some are 'booksmart', others 'learn by doing', some may be more field oriented, some may be more clinical oriented - most find a balance - I think we all recognize that. I don't want it to appear that I think the 5's course is easy - I've heard the opposite - I just had a beef with the originator of this thread and the way it was written.
The PA program is another beast altogether and definitely takes a dedicated individual to complete. 2-years of intensive school/clinical work followed by the of title of 'VERY deployable' - not to mention the decision beforehand of even going ahead and starting the program - "do I remain a Sgt for my career" vs the demands of being a PA dilemma - tough stuff.
