How to Become an RN if You're a Paramedic

Working as a Paramedic is a fast-paced and exciting healthcare career. However, if you're like many Paramedics, your long-term goal might be to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The good news is that the career outlook for RNs is extremely bright. Employment growth for registered nurses is expected to rise by 6% through 2032. This is estimated to equate to an additional 177,400 jobs for RNs nationwide! 

Not only that, Paramedics who make the move to RN can expect a handsome salary increase. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of RNs is $86,070 per year, while Paramedics typically earn an average of $44,780 each year.

Despite the positive career outlook, the path to becoming an RN from a Paramedic can feel overwhelming. Understanding what lies ahead is the first step in moving toward your goals. Keep reading to discover what it takes to move from a Paramedic to RN, including the options available to earn college credit in less time and in a way that fits your ever-changing work schedule. 

How do Paramedic to RN programs work?

There are multiple reasons you might want to advance your career as an RN from a Paramedic. As a Registered Nurse, you'll get to provide more extended care, you’ll be able to develop relationships with patients, you’ll have more career and specialty opportunities, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of work environments, and you'll also enjoy a higher salary.

Fortunately, there are options for advancing your career from a Paramedic to an RN. One of the most common ways to become an RN as a Paramedic is through a Paramedic to RN program. These programs are available at the associate degree (ADN) and bachelor degree (BSN) level. Some Paramedic to RN programs offer you the ability to complete prerequisite courses online, but core nursing courses will require on-campus attendance.

The goal of Paramedic to RN programs is to provide you with more advanced education and prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which you must take to become a registered nurse.

As a part of your program, you'll review subjects such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing leadership
• Mental health
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Health and Illness

You may also want to consider whether you want to go to school full-time or part-time. Those who want to earn a degree quickly may prefer pursuing their degree full-time. However, if you want to work as a Paramedic while in nursing school, you may want to consider a program that allows you to study part-time.

What are the requirements of Paramedic to RN programs?

The requirements of a Paramedic to RN program vary based on the type of degree you choose to pursue. ADN programs focus mainly on nursing-related subjects, while BSN programs also have general education requirements and higher level leadership courses.

No matter if you choose an ADN or BSN program, entrance into most programs is competitive. Many programs require a minimum GPA, a high school diploma, a passing score on the TEAS test, and some nursing prerequisites.

You may be able to accelerate the path to your degree by transferring the courses taken in a Paramedic program towards an RN program. You may be required to demonstrate practical skills to bypass those courses. Generally, you can expect to shorten the time frame only if you’ve successfully completed prerequisites. Most Paramedic to RN programs require attendance at a local college for at least some of your courses. How long does a Paramedic to RN program take?

Getting your ADN can take two years of full-time study, while a BSN usually requires four years of school. If you work while you are earning your nursing degree, you can expect to take twice that amount of time or more. Luckily, you can accelerate your education by testing out of prerequisites with credit by exam. Credit by exam allows you to earn credits for college courses by taking one standardized exam. Rather than attending classes for an entire semester, you prove mastery of the subject matter by successfully passing the equivalent of an end-of-course exam to earn the same college credits. 

How much does a Paramedic to RN program cost?

The amount you'd spend on a Paramedic to RN program will differ depending on what school you choose to attend and the program's length. You'll generally spend $40,000 on an associate's degree and $80,000 on a bachelor's degree. Financing options are available. Find out more on how you can save money on nursing school.

Achieve Test Prep offers supportive college prep services

If you're looking to move from a Paramedic to RN, Achieve Test Prep can help. We help busy healthcare professionals test out of college courses to save time, money, and stress. No matter where you are in your education journey, our college prep services can support your goals without sacrificing work/life balance. Connect with our Education Advisors to build a personalized College Plan just for you, mapping out which college courses you can test out of and how to make progress in your nursing career.  

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