The Ultimate Guide to Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs

If you’re a paramedic, you may be considering transitioning to a career as a registered nurse. Constantly facing emergencies and unpredictable situations can take an emotional and physical toll. 

RNs also earn significantly more money than paramedics and have more opportunities for advancement and long-term job stability. If you’re thinking about advancing your career to become an RN, you’ll need to go through an RN-to-Paramedic program. Read on to learn everything you need to know about them and how to make the transition.

Achieve’s “Test-Out Bridge Program” makes achieving your RN faster and affordable. The Paramedic to RN Bridge Program is the natural step for a paramedic seeking to advance their career by becoming an RN. You’ll gain the specific nursing skills, clinical experience, and degree necessary to work as an RN. Earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. Prior to choosing a “test out” option, students should ensure their nursing program of choice will accept “testing out” in place of required courses. All applicants must already be a Paramedic.Search Paramedic to RN Programs

Paramedics earn your RN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. All applicants must be a Paramedic to apply.Are you a Paramedic?Yes NoSponsored

What are Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs?

Paramedics who want to build on their extensive medical training and experience to pursue an RN degree can do so through a Paramedic-to-RN bridge program. These accelerated programs provide the education and training needed to make the transition from one career to the other while allowing you to continue working. 

Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs can lead to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Both of these degrees provide courses in nursing theory and patient care planning, as well as other pertinent classes and clinical training experience.

At the end of either program, your final step will be to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which provides certification as a registered nurse, and to apply for your RN license through your state’s Board of Nursing.

What are the Benefits of a Paramedic-to-RN Program?

Paramedic-to-RN programs are designed to give you the knowledge you need as quickly as possible so that you can take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for your license.

In addition to recognizing and counting your paramedic experience and training towards your degree attainment, many Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs provide the ability to avoid taking otherwise required classes by taking examinations for class credit.

This “testing out” expedites the process and gives paramedics a fast track that moves them beyond the basics they already know and directly to lessons specific to nursing care.

Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs offer numerous advantages, including:

• Acknowledgment of your existing knowledge, training and clinical experience
• Flexibility, allowing you to learn while you work and accommodating your busy lifestyle
• Eligibility for federal financial aid
• Efficient and economical time management, offering the ability to earn your RN degree faster
• Rolling admissions mean that you can begin whenever you’re ready 
• Online accessibility means you can learn wherever you are
• Full and part-time programs available
• Less costly than degrees earned in traditional educational settings

Top 6 Reasons to Go From a Paramedic to an RN 

Before we dig into the details about paramedic to rn programs, it’s important to know why you may want to pursue a career as an RN. There are so many benefits to building on your paramedic training and experience and pursuing a degree as a registered nurse. Here are some of the top reasons: 

1.) RNs Earn More Than Paramedics 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for paramedics in 2020 was $36,650, while registered nurses earned a median salary of $75,330. Meaning registered nurses are earning more than DOUBLE the salaries of paramedics. 

2.) RNs Have More Options On Where They Can Work

As first responders, paramedics’ work settings can vary, but only to a small degree: they work in ambulances, helicopters, ships and other areas where immediate urgent assessment and care is required. 

Registered nurses are able to work in a much wider range of settings, from physicians’ offices to all areas of hospitals, from schools to nursing homes. 

3.) RNs Have More Career & Specialty Opportunities

Paramedics work in one specialty area and with one purpose: to quickly assess and evaluate the situation, then take action to provide the medical care needed until the patient can be transferred into the hands of another healthcare professional.

Registered nurses are able to choose from a wide range of care areas and to focus on particular areas of interest such as pediatrics, oncology and geriatrics, as well as emergency care.  

4.) RNs Have More Opportunities for Patient Engagement

While paramedics make essential medical decisions, their interactions with patients are necessarily brief and driven by a sense of urgency.

Registered nurses have the ability to work with patients in a more slow-paced and thoughtful manner, establishing an in-depth connection and managing patient wellbeing over an extended period of time.

5.) RN Jobs Can Be Less Stressful 

As a paramedic, your job is perpetually fast-paced and defined by episodes of stress in which you are constantly tasked with making life-or-death decisions. Registered nurses can work in care settings that allow a slower pace, greater predictability, and less job burnout. They also can rely on other team members who also share the responsibilities of a specific patient’s care

6.) RNs Have More Opportunity for Advancement

RNs have more opportunities to advance into supervisory and management positions, as well as to pursue advanced degrees that introduce them to other careers: they can become Nurse Educators or Nurse Practitioners, or earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Types of Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs

As a paramedic looking to become a registered nurse, you can choose between 2 types of paramedic to RN bridge programs: 

1. Paramedic-to-ADN Bridge Programs
2. Paramedic-to-BSN Bridge Programs

Which one is right for you will depend on how much time and money you want to commit to your education right now, and what your ultimate career goals are. 

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is faster and generally cheaper than a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is why many aspiring nurses choose that route. If you need to start working as soon as possible, or don’t have the money for a Bachelor’s degree, it’s a great option. 

On the other hand, if you have the time and money and want to earn a higher salary and have more career opportunities, it may be worthwhile to earn your BSN. Many hospitals prefer hiring nurses that have bachelor’s degrees and they can earn higher wages. 

Paramedic-to-ADN Bridge Programs

A paramedic-to-ADN bridge program is an accelerated program that will take you from a paramedic to a registered nurse. With an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can generally complete the program in one to two years and you can do it either online or in-person.

Upon completion of your ADN, you’ll be eligible for entry-level registered nurse positions. 

They also have the opportunity to later pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. These programs are frequently available at vocational schools, community colleges, and online.

Paramedic-to-BSN Bridge Programs

Paramedics who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree generally complete their program in two to four years. These programs can be either full-time or part-time.

Registered nurses with a BSN degree may be eligible for a wider range of career opportunities than ADN-degreed nurses, but the program takes longer to complete. 

The BSN programs involve a more rigorous course of study that provides credit for paramedic training and experience and combines it with a required number of courses in nursing theory and clinical experience supported by requirements for general education coursework.

Achieve’s “Test-Out Bridge Program” makes achieving your RN faster and affordable. The Paramedic to RN Bridge Program is the natural step for a paramedic seeking to advance their career by becoming an RN. You’ll gain the specific nursing skills, clinical experience, and degree necessary to work as an RN. Earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. Prior to choosing a “test out” option, students should ensure their nursing program of choice will accept “testing out” in place of required courses. All applicants must already be a Paramedic.Search Paramedic to RN Programs

Paramedics earn your RN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. All applicants must be a Paramedic to apply.Are you a Paramedic?Yes NoSponsored

Paramedic to ADN Bridge Programs vs Paramedic to BSN Bridge Programs

Both programs teach the core competencies of nursing and patient care, but earning an ADN takes much less time and is generally earned within 12-24 months.

By contrast, a BSN is a 4-year degree that involves the study of a much wider range of topics.

Graduates of BSN programs generally have taken more general education classes, as well as courses that educate them on areas of interest specific to nursing and beyond, including classes on public health and management.

The broader scope of information provided by BSN studies prepares graduates for the needs of the profession as well as for future growth into management, administration, education, research and healthcare policy. 

Online Paramedic-to-RN Programs

Online paramedic-to-RN programs offer tremendous flexibility, giving you the option of continuing to work while advancing your career. These programs recognize and give credit for the training hours, education and certifications that you have already achieved and allow you to earn your RN degree in much less time than a traditional program would. 

Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Program Accreditation

When choosing a program, your first requirement should be accreditation. Only an accredited paramedic-to-RN program assures potential employers that your education has met the evidence-based standards that they require of their registered nurse employees.

The two accrediting bodies for RN programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), whose certification is specific to those earning Bachelors’ degrees and higher, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which accredits all nursing degrees.

Accredited Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs are available all around the country through community college programs as well as at private colleges and state universities. This makes it possible to select a program that meets all of your needs, including geographic convenience, cost and reputation.

Paramedic-to-RN Program Requirements 

Each school offering a paramedic-to-RN program will have its own requirements, but most require at least one year of paramedic experience. Additionally, students who are considering applying will likely be asked to meet the following basic prerequisites for admission:

• Proof of either a high school diploma or GED 
• Transcripts indicating the courses taken in high school and beyond, as well as grades earned
• Proof of meeting prerequisite course requirements for relevant classwork
• Proof of a current BLS/CPR certification
• Completion of a program for Emergency Medical Services accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) within the last 3 years
• Proof of holding an unrestricted and current state or National Paramedic Registry Certificate
• References (personal, professional, or both)
• Proof of having up-to-date immunizations 
• Proof of having passed the HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated) exam with a minimum grade 

What Will You Learn in a Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Program?

Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs focus on the additional information that emergency medical professionals need to expand beyond their current level of education and experience.

Paramedic-to-RN Classes 

A good deal of time will be spent on theory of nursing courses and comprehensive care techniques, patient assessment, and the different specialty areas in which a registered nurse is most likely to practice.

Clinical training will teach paramedics skills that are significantly different from what they have been exposed to in urgent-care situations, including mental health care, managing chronic illness, and promoting wellness.

How Long Do Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs Take?

Paramedic-to-ADN programs generally take just a few semesters to complete, and most paramedics are able to earn their RN degrees in about a year and a half. Students who are pursuing full-time studies can usually complete these programs in under 16 months. 

Most programs require just 36 credit hour requirements of nursing courses in addition to the credits earned for prerequisite classes, for a total of approximately 72 hours.

Prerequisite classes may include physiology and anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and composition, while nursing courses will cover the areas that paramedic training did not prepare you for, including clinical assessment, nursing theory, basics of research and exposure to the many areas of care that deal with non-emergent patients. 

Your program may also include management and leadership classes. This is especially true if you are pursuing a BSN degree.  Examples of classes that may be required in a Paramedic-to-RN program that leads to a BSN may include:

• Introduction to Professional Nursing
• Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (with clinical practice)
• Health Assessment in Nursing (with clinical practice)
• Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
• Nursing Care of Adults (with clinical practice)
• Contemporary Issues in Professional Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Nursing Care in Behavioral Health (with clinical practice)
• Nursing Care of Women, Children, and Families (with clinical experience)
• Nursing Care of Adults with Complex Health Care Problems (with clinical practice)
• Geriatrics
• Health and Illness in the Community (with clinical practice)
• Global Health and Health Policy
• Nursing Research
• Leadership and Management 

Programs will also require laboratory hours and clinical rotations in keeping with local nursing requirements, either through established partnerships with healthcare facilities affiliated with the program or through internships that the students arrange for themselves. 

Paramedic-to-RN Program Cost

Every paramedic-to-RN bridge program will have its own costs, and much will depend upon whether the accelerated program leads to an ADN degree or a BSN degree. 

Geography often plays a significant role in the price of a credit, as well as whether you choose a public or private college or a community college program.

Whichever program you pursue, you are likely to find that the cost is significantly lower than attending a 4-year program, as most paramedic-to-RN bridge programs can be completed in just three semesters.

It is also important to remember that whatever the cost, you are likely to see a significant salary increase in transitioning from a career as a paramedic to a career as an RN.

How to Pay for a Paramedic-to-RN Program

Transitioning from a career as a paramedic to one as a registered nurse will expand your career opportunities and enhance your earning potential, but in order to achieve this goal you need to be able to pay for the Paramedic-to-RN program that you choose to attend. 

Fortunately, there are many options available to support you in your goal, including grants, scholarships and loans. Here are just a few:

Tuition Reimbursement

If you are currently working as a paramedic, the organization that employs you may offer tuition reimbursement. These benefits are offered in a variety of ways and may require that you remain with your employer for a specific amount of time in exchange for the additional compensation represented by your tuition.

Scholarships

A number of organizations offer scholarships that are specifically dedicated to encouraging students to pursue degrees in nursing, whether they have never taken a nursing course or are looking to advance in their career.

A few notable examples include: 

• The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund, which is available to students who are attending an AACN-accredited school and who are pursuing bridge to BSN programs. 
• The National Student Nurses Association Foundation gives out scholarships ranging from $1,000 up to $7,500 to students taking at least six credits per semester at either an undergraduate nursing program or a BSN bridge program. 
• The National CPR foundation provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Scholarships are distributed monthly to students who submit 500-to-750-word essays on why they want to pursue a healthcare degree. Each scholarship is valued at $500.

Grants

A variety of grants are given out to students who demonstrate financial need. These are offered by the federal government, as well as by states and individual colleges. Like scholarships, grants do not require that you repay them.

The selection of students who qualify is based on information submitted on the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Once you’ve filled out the form, you will receive notification of a financial aid award, either with your acceptance letter or at some point thereafter.

Student Loans

Though student loans will eventually need to be repaid, students who enroll in paramedic-to-RN programs do so with the knowledge that once they’ve earned their degree, they are likely to earn significantly more money.

The best source of a student loan is the federal government, which provides both greater protection and lower interest rates. Applying for these loans requires filling out the same form that you use to apply for a grant — the FAFSA. 

Payment Plans

If you are going to pay cash for your tuition, the paramedic-to-RN program that you choose may allow you to set up a payment plan. Many schools also offer financial aid, so contact the school directly once you’ve been accepted to ask what options are available.

Is a Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Program Right for Me?

Choosing to pursue a registered nurse degree is a big decision that should be based on your own personal goals, dreams, and needs. If you’re not certain about whether to move forward, it’s a good idea to consider what your job responsibilities are now and compare them to how having an RN degree will change your role.

• Rather than working in a perpetually high stress and unpredictable environment that takes a physical and emotional toll, you can choose a work setting that is focused on a sustained and predictable level of patient care 
• Your patient care will shift from addressing acute and varying situations to making decisions and providing care in whatever area you choose as a specialty
• While still working with autonomy, you become part of a care team
• You can remain in emergency or other acute care settings while using your education and professional judgment to make decisions that go beyond stabilizing patients 
• You will have a wider selection of settings in which to work
• You will have a greater connection with the patients you treat

Once you have earned your RN degree, you will have greatly expanded your knowledge and clinical skills, while boosting your earning power and your opportunity to move into patient care areas that are of interest to you. While the job market for paramedics is expanding, there are significantly more opportunities available to RNs, as well as the chance to continue to grow within the field and pursue more advanced degrees.

Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Program FAQs

• How long is a paramedic to an RN program?
  • Paramedics who pursue an Associate’s Degree in Nursing can generally complete their bridge program in one to two years, either online or in person. Paramedics who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree generally complete their program in two to four years. These programs can be either full-time or part-time. 
• Can you go from an EMT to an RN?
  • There are programs that recognize and give credit for the training hours, education, and certifications that you have already achieved as an EMT and allow you to earn your RN degree in much less time than a traditional program would.
• How do you go from being a Paramedic to an RN?
  • Programs that allow Paramedics to become RNs require a minimum of one year of experience and are tailor-made to help paramedics gain the knowledge needed to enter the nursing profession. These programs allow students to gain full college credit through a series of standardized tests. 

Best Online Paramedic-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Bridge Programs

BY NURSEJOURNAL STAFFOctober 27, 2021

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Online bridge programs are an affordable, convenient way for paramedics to transition to the nursing field. Learn more by exploring our list of the best online paramedic-to-RN programs.ADVERTISEMENT

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Paramedics looking to transition into nursing careers can finish a paramedic-to-nurse bridge program in three semesters or less. The incentives for paramedics to become RNs include increased pay, job stability, and the potential to earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing. In 2019, paramedics made an annual average salary of $38,830, while RNs earned an average of $77,460, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Flexible online learning allows paramedics to continue working while studying. Programs tend to keep any required on-campus attendance to a minimum, and might offer a variety of course formats. Asynchronous class materials can be accessed 24/7, but synchronous classes require logging in at scheduled times.

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Courses include lifespan and human development, pharmacology, professional nursing competencies, and transition to nursing. Distance learners can often complete in-person clinical internships at healthcare facilities in their communities.

Paramedics have often completed much of the education and training included in the paramedic-to-RN curriculum, and some programs offer credit by examination.Read About Our Ranking Methodology

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Applying to an Online Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Program

Common admission requirements for paramedic-to-RN bridge programs include a high school diploma or passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test; a paramedic license with 1-2 years of experience; core college coursework in English, the sciences, and mathematics; Test of Essential Academic Skills, Health Education Systems Incorporated Exam, or Kaplan exam scores; and a criminal background check.

Graduates can earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam as well as apply for their RN licenses. Licensed ADN holders can enter the workforce as entry-level RNs.

An ADN also serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) — all pathways to advanced-level nursing careers. Bridge programs for RNs can lead to these higher degrees, including RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, and, at some nursing schools, RN-to-DNP.

Explore the Best Online Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs and School Info

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1

Hutchinson Community College

LocationHutchinson, KS

Experienced paramedics can work toward an associate degree in nursing through Hutchinson Community College’s fully online paramedic-to-RN bridge program. Classes start each January, with applications accepted from March to June for selection committee review. Required prerequisites include graduation from an accredited or approved program, either a Kansas EMT certification or national EMT registration, certain science and general education courses, and completion of the Kaplan Entrance Exam.

The bridge curriculum consists of 69 credit hours of nursing (of which 12 can be fulfilled by prior learning), psychology, and biology courses. Students work with their instructors to schedule their required clinical practicum hours, either at a local, contracted Hutchinson, Kansas, facility, or an approved site located near the student in the case of distance learners. Graduates of the bridge program receive an associate degree in nursing and possess the knowledge and skills required to take the NCLEX exam for state licensure, valid for RN practice throughout the U.S.View School Profile

2

Mesa Community College

LocationMesa, AZ

Program slots in the paramedic-to-RN pathway program at Mesa Community College fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Before entering the program, applicants must successfully complete the HESI A2 admission exam, a MCCD background clearance check, and possess a valid, current, unrestricted Arizona or national paramedic registry certificate with a minimum of one year’s work experience.

Students complete the nine credit components of the paramedic-to-RN bridge online, in class, and through clinical experiences. The curriculum covers core science concepts, nursing theory, and nursing processes used to meet the specific needs of adult patients and older patients. Upon completion, coursework is valid for nine months, wherein students can apply for advanced placement into the second or third semester of an RN program through one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges. Ultimately, graduates receive their associate in applied science degree and can pursue state licensure for RN practice.View School Profile

3

Lorain County Community College

LocationElyria, OH

Prospective students of the advanced placement paramedic to registered nurse program at Lorain County Community College must be a graduate of an approved EMT-paramedic program, possess certification from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, earn a “proficient” score on the ATI TEAS exam, and submit paramedic employment verification (minimum of two years).

Paramedic-to-RN bridge program online course availability is limited and varies from one semester to the next, so students should plan for a majority of courses to take place on campus in Elyria, Ohio, or on site at local healthcare facilities for clinical practice. The 44 credit curriculum requires four semesters of study, focusing primarily on nursing concepts and in related areas such as human growth and development, biology, and pharmacology. Upon program completion, graduates earn an associate of applied science degree and become eligible to take the NCLEX examination in pursuit of RN state licensure.View School Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best nursing specialties for paramedics who want to become an RN?

Emergency nursing is a seamless choice for a paramedic-to-nurse transition. However, paramedics who want a less stressful, slower paced work environment might consider RN specialty areas such as geriatrics, home healthcare, oncology, and pediatrics. These concentrations allow RNs to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and long-term care facilities.

How long does it take to complete a paramedic-to-RN bridge program?

Program timeframes vary according to a student’s enrollment status, available transfer credits, the program’s instructional delivery format (cohort or self-paced), and required clinical hours. Full-time learners can complete paramedic-to-RN bridge degree programs in three semesters, and accelerated tracks allow an even quicker path to graduation. Paramedics who continue working and study part time can finish in 18-24 months.

Is a paramedic-to-RN bridge program more affordable?

Bridge programs save students money by shortening the timeline to earning a degree, particularly those that offer full-time or accelerated study. Online programs typically impose lower tuition rates that often equal in-state tuition regardless of residency. Distance learners also avoid commuting costs, campus-based fees like parking, and potentially pricier collegetown housing.

What is accreditation and why is it important?

Prospective nursing students should ensure that the programs they apply to hold accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation signifies that the program undergoes regular review to comply with high academic standards, licensing requirements, and eligibility for government loans and grants.