For paramedics looking to expand the scope of their careers, many find that becoming a registered nurse is an excellent progression. With paramedic to RN bridge programs popping up all over the country, current paramedics can build upon their skills and knowledge with an accelerated curriculum designed specifically for them. Registered nursing offers more money, a wider array of job opportunities, and the option of a more regular work schedule, which can appeal to paramedics looking for a change of pace.

2024 - Best Paramedic to RN Programs

For paramedics who wish to advance their careers by earning a nursing degree, specialized pathways exist to help achieve this goal efficiently. Paramedic to RN programs are popping up all over the country to transition paramedics into the world of registered nursing by building upon the education and experience they already possess. For those pursuing this educational pathway, choosing the best program possible is a high priority. That's why we have compiled a list of top Paramedic to RN programs to help students make the right decision for their future.

For more information on our rankings, check out our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/)

1.

Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL

For those with a current healthcare license such as a paramedic, Polk State College offers a transition or accelerated track option to becoming an RN. With this in-person Paramedic-to-RN fast-track, students can complete one evening course per week with weekend clinicals. The state of Florida requires licensed RNs to have a social security number.

Quick Facts:
  • A competitive entry program with limited admissions.
  • Program grads are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Dedicated students can finish the fast-track option in one year.
2.

Albany State University

Albany, GA

Active and licensed paramedics can use their education, training, and field experience to fast-track their way to becoming a nurse at Albany State University in Georgia. The Healthcare Professional-to-RN bridge option incorporates labs, in-person classes and clinical experiences to earn the Associate of Science in Nursing.

Quick Facts:
  • A few online classes may be offered for maximum flexibility.
  • Fewer clinical hours are required for the bridge option due to existing experience.
  • Program graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
3.

Murray State College

Certified Paramedics who have at least a year of experience in the field can complete the fast-moving Career Mobility pathway to becoming an RN at Murray State College in Oklahoma. The hybrid online track includes a Nursing Role Transition course to address the responsibilities of nurse vs. paramedic.

Quick Facts:
  • Biology courses are required as prerequisites.
  • Students can skip courses that were covered via paramedics training.
  • The college prepares students to test for NCLEX-RN.

How Does a Paramedic Become an RN?

For a paramedic to become an RN, they must first possess a good deal of experience as a licensed professional paramedic, as many bridge programs require at least one year in order to be eligible for the RN bridge program. Beyond this, a prospective student must meet all the requirements to be accepted into and graduate from a classroom-based or online paramedic to RN bridge program. Upon successful completion of the program, a student will be eligible to take the proper examinations to gain licensure as an RN.

Education and Certifications

The paramedic to RN bridge program is tailor-made to help paramedics gain the education and training they need to transition into a nursing career. They are typically accelerated transitional programs that build upon a paramedic's existing medical knowledge. Students will be introduced to nursing theory, patient care planning, mental health nursing, and more via courses and clinical experiences. Once the program is completed, the student will typically be awarded an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) (or in some cases a BSN) and can then take the NCLEX-RN exam to become certified as a registered nurse. If this exam is passed, an RN license will be granted through the Board of Nursing in the student's state.

Are There Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs Online?

Paramedics interested in becoming RNs as swiftly as possible can opt to take an online paramedic to RN training program via credit-by-examination. This unique fast-track program allows students to get full credit for college courses through standardized exams. For busy working paramedics, the flexibility of this option may be of paramount importance, as students can work at their own pace and access the program anytime, from anywhere. The credits gained from these affordable programs can then be transferred to a variety of accredited colleges nationwide.

Paramedic to RN Bridge Program Requirements

While each school may have its own set of specific requirements, most paramedic to RN bridge programs require the following in order to gain admittance:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended
  • Completion of a variety of prerequisite courses with a grade of B or higher
  • Copy of current, valid and unrestricted state or National Paramedic Registry Certificate
  • Minimum of one year of paramedic work experience within the last 3 years
  • Professional references
  • HESI test results with satisfactory scores
  • Proof of up-to-date immunizations and CPR certification

Paramedic to RN Classes and Courses

Students enrolled in a paramedic to RN bridge program can expect to take a variety of nursing courses designed to expand upon existing healthcare knowledge. Both academic classes and clinical experiences are utilized as a part of the curriculum. For example, Texas' Hill College structures its paramedic to RN program into three semesters. Semester 1 introduces the paramedic to registered nursing, semester 2 involves classes on comprehensive nursing care for diverse patients across the lifespan, and semester 3 focuses on applying client assessment and critical thinking skills.

To provide another example of a paramedic to RN curriculum, Dyersburg State Community College in Tennessee offers the following courses as part of its program:

  • Transition to Professional Practice
  • Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Women's Health and Childbearing Family
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Professional Practice in Nursing

Length and Cost of Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs

Due to their accelerated status, most paramedic to RN bridge programs can be completed in 12-16 months. For example, Illinois' Parkland College program can be completed in three semesters of 11-14 credit hours per semester, after prerequisite courses have been taken. Many students find that they can complete the program with 1 year of dedicated study.

With only a few semesters of study needed to complete the program from start to finish, paramedic to RN bridge programs tend to be relatively affordable. For those struggling with finances, financial aid and scholarships are available. The estimated total cost of the paramedic to RN bridge program at Southern Union State Community College in Alabama, for example, is roughly $8,292, which includes tuition, fees, and course materials. Program fees can and will vary from school to school, so students should inquire about all related expenses from the school of their choice.

Job Outlook for Paramedics Becoming RNs 

The employment outlook is extremely favorable for new grad RNs. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% growth for the profession through 2029. Students who have gone through the paramedic to RN program have the special advantage of being able to draw on their prior experience in the medical field, particularly in emergency and trauma situations. This may make them more desirable hires for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare offices, as employers may prefer candidates with prior experience. With the aging population comes a growing need for highly skilled RNs, and those with paramedic experience have the foundation to gain employment in a wide variety of settings.

Potential RN Careers

Once a paramedic completes the bridge program and gains licensure as an RN, they will be poised to hold a variety of rewarding nursing jobs, including (but not limited to):

Keep in mind that some of these specialty nursing careers do require additional certification. RNs can work in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, nursing homes, schools, home health agencies, and other environments. RNs with a paramedic background may be particularly suited for roles that include emergency or trauma care.

Paramedic to RN Salary Comparison

While paramedics and registered nurses both have rewarding careers, RNs come out on top when it comes to salary. As of May 2020, paramedics in the country earn between $24,650 and $62,150 annually, with a median annual wage of $36,650. Once a paramedic completes training to become an RN, however, they can earn between $53,410 and $116,230, with a median annual wage of $75,330. This is why many paramedics looking to expand their careers are choosing to invest in a paramedic to RN bridge program; the increased earning potential makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

List of Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs

Listed below are Paramedic to RN bridge programs from across the country, get more details about each program by visiting the school’s webpage.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

6250 Hwy. 31 North
Tanner, AL
(256) 306-2500

1701 Lafayette Pkwy
Opelika, AL
(334) 745-6437

Arizona

6000 West Olive Avenue
Glendale, AZ
(623) 845-3000

1833 West Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ
(480) 461-7000

1001 W. Deuce of Clubs
Show Low, AZ
(928) 532-6111

18401 N 32nd St
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 787-6500

Arkansas

1600 South College St.
Mountain Home, AR
(870) 508-6100

11900 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR
(501) 202-6200

One College Circle
Malvern, AR
(501) 337-5000

2801 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR
(501) 569-3000

California

7351 Tompkins Hill Rd
Eureka, CA
(707) 476-4100

Florida

1200 W International Speedway Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 506-3000

1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, FL
(321) 632-1111

101 W State St
Jacksonville, FL
(904) 646-2300

4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, FL
(561) 967-7222

999 Avenue H N.E.
Winter Haven, FL
(863) 297-1000

6605 5th Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 341-4772

1800 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL
(407) 299-5000

Georgia

2400 Gillionville Rd
Albany, GA
(229) 317-6000

800 US Hwy 29 North
Athens, GA
(706) 355-5000

415 E. Third Ave
Rome, GA
(706) 295-6321

5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 962-7580

Illinois

2400 West Bradley Ave
Champaign, IL
(217) 351-2200

Indiana

50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr
Indianapolis, IN
(888) 489-5463

8000 Education Dr
Terre Haute, IN
(812) 299-1121

Kansas

400 W 11th St
Coffeyville, KS
(620) 251-7700

1300 North Plum
Hutchinson, KS
(620) 665-3500

7250 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS
(913) 334-1100

2030 E. College Way
Olathe, KS
(913) 782-3750

Kentucky

150 University Blvd.
Morehead, KY
(800) 585-6781

3400 Indian Mound Dr.
Mt. Sterling, KY
(859) 499-0780

Maryland

101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD
(410) 777-2222

101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD
(410) 777-2222

1000 College Cir
Wye Mills, MD
(410) 822-5400

800 S Rolling Rd
Catonsville, MD
(443) 840-2222

11400 Robinwood Dr
Hagerstown, MD
(240) 500-2000

10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD
(443) 518-1000

301 Largo Rd
Largo, MD
(301) 546-7422

Massachusetts

670 West Boylston Street
Worcester, MA
(508) 853-2300

Michigan

1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI
(989) 686-9000

309 N Washington Square
Lansing, MI
(517) 483-1957

Mississippi

1750 Chadwick Drive
Jackson, MS
(601) 857-5261

Missouri

5270 Flat River Road
Park Hills, MO
(573) 431-4593

2001 William St
Cape Girardeau, MO
(573) 334-6825

501 S Grand St
Salem, MO
(573) 729-7071

North Carolina

447 College Drive
Sylva, NC
(828) 339-4000

North Dakota

500 E Front Ave
Bismarck, ND
(701) 224-2468

105 Simrall Blvd
Bottineau, ND
(701) 228-5433

1801 College Drive N
Devil's Lake, ND
(701) 662-1600

1410 University Ave
Williston, ND
(701) 774-4290

Ohio

68094 Hammond Rd
St Clairsville, OH
(740) 695-9500

3775 Pentagon Blvd
Dayton, OH
(937) 429-8819

3300 Lake Rd W
Ashtabula, OH
(440) 964-3322

1005 N Abbe Rd
Elyria, OH
(800) 995-5222

6200 Frank Ave. NW
North Canton, OH
(330) 494-6170

Oklahoma

2501 N. 41st Street East
Muskogee, OK
(918) 684-5436

200 I Street NE
Miami, OK
(888) 464-6636

7777 South May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 682-1611

1701 W Will Rogers Blvd
Claremore, OK
(918) 343-7777

6420 S.E. 15th Street
Midwest City, OK
(405) 733-7673

909 S Boston Ave
Tulsa, OK
(918) 595-7000

3727 E Apache St
Tulsa, OK
(918) 595-7000

Tennessee

4501 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 697-4400

1510 Lake Rd
Dyersburg, TN
(731) 286-3200

10915 Hardin Valley Rd
Knoxville, TN
(865) 694-6400

Texas

6200 W Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX
(254) 526-7161

100 West Rio Grande Ave.
El Paso, TX
(915) 831-3722

2112 Mayfield Pkwy
Cleburne, TX
(817) 760-5500

112 Lamar Dr
Hillsboro, TX
(254) 659-7500

20000 Kingwood Dr
Kingwood, TX
(281) 312-1600

3200 College Park Dr
Conroe, TX
(936) 273-7000

2700 W W Thorne Dr
Houston, TX
(281) 618-5400

4620 Fairmont Pkwy.
Pasadena, TX
(281) 991-2659

1101 E Vermont Ave
McAllen, TX 78503
(956) 872-3100

1500 Houston St
Fort Worth, TX
(817) 515-8223

100 Cardinal Dr
Athens, TX
(903) 675-6200

1327 S Baxter Ave
Tyler, TX
(800) 687-5680

Wisconsin

1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Appleton, WI
(800) 735-3882

1701 Wright Street
Madison, WI
(608) 246-6100

500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
(715) 422-5300

2740 West Mason St,
Green Bay, WI
(920) 498-5444

327 E Broadway
Waukesha, WI
(262) 695-6500

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Helpful Links

OTHER RN BRIDGE PROGRAMS