RN to Paramedic Bridge Course

Why would you give up being a nurse to become a low paid parametic? In Los Angeles, there is no reason to do such a thing. Besides, here, most parametics are firemen.....

I've wondered about this myself, for the purposes of volunteering for the local rescue squad (that already has paramedics).

Our flight program requires all transport nurses to get EMT-P cert. In Ohio there is a bridge course from RN to Medic, the class was approx 2 months long.

In PA you can get what is called a "Pre-hospital RN" certification trought the PA board of EMS. Try contacting your states board of EMS and ask them.

The PH-Rn can work prehospital just like the paramedic and most do. On their days off they can pick up shifts running with an ambulance and make a little cash out of the er.

Check to see if your can "challenge" your state's Paramedic boards. I think it depends on what Paramedics can do in your state ie..intubations etc......

Crieghton University in Neb. has had a INTENSIVE six(or 8)-week program in the past, you may check with them. I believe it is a very worthwhile combination. The flight program I work for(Portneuf LifeFlight, Pocatello, ID.) encourages all RN's to be cross-trained as paramedics. It makes staffing easier and a stronger program. I've done it backwards. I have been a paramedic for 17 years and just finished the RN program. I also teach in a community college and we are researching the idea of a RN to Paramedic bridge program.

Creighton's RN to EMT-P bridge course is two weeks in duration and they offer two classes one in May and one in July. They require your EMT-B and other prereqs which are shown on their web page. If you do not have your EMT-B no worries they offer a 5 day Nurse to EMT-B bridge course a couple times a year as well. As a Creighton BSN alumni and having attended their EMT-B course I must say you will have a difficult time finding a more professional group of individuals who are more than willing to go the extra mile to help you learn. I hope this helpshttp://ems.creighton.edu/courses.htm

also...regarding creighton --they were extremely helpful over the phone. They actually called me back and sent me information. (in this day and age!!)

It is not terribly expensive either. Good luck.

sad to see that a registered nurse can't spell...
it's PARAMEDIC...with a D not a T.

on that note, some of us diehard paramedics-turned-RNs still work in the field for one reason or another. i do it for extra money, to maintain my medical command so i can fly someday soon, and for the sheer FUN of being out in the world instead of stuck in the ED.

i also like to volunteer with my fire department when i'm home and available. it's a great way to give back to your community. there doesn't necessarily have to be a whopping monetary reward for ALL our behaviour. if that were true i'd be going to anesthesia school instead of shooting for our helicopter program.

just my 2 pennies...worth just that, i'm sure

ange