[JonP]

I am currently a Junior in College. I am pre-nursing as well as going for my BS in psychology. I am currently an EMT-Intermediate and have been working in a very busy EMS system for about 2 years. I know I have a long way to go but I have alot of interest in flight nursing and I wanted to know if someone could give me a timeline from graduating college to your first day in the air. About how long it takes, certs you need, and training required.

[FlyingScot]

Congratulations on your interest in flight nursing. It's a great profession. I might suggest that you look at the thread topics on this particular forum as the path to flight nursing has been discussed repeatedly and in depth. Gila has laid out a nice progression. You might also check out Flightweb.com as they have also addressed this topic. Your EMS background will be of great help to you. I encourage you to maintain it even when you get busy with school. Good luck!

[Rio]

Originally Posted by JonP

I am currently a Junior in College. I am pre-nursing as well as going for my BS in psychology. I am currently an EMT-Intermediate and have been working in a very busy EMS system for about 2 years. I know I have a long way to go but I have alot of interest in flight nursing and I wanted to know if someone could give me a timeline from graduating college to your first day in the air. About how long it takes, certs you need, and training required.

three years...

[AmyLiz]

This is straight off of our hospital's website for their requirements for nurses who want to apply for flight nurse positions:

Education - BSN required or actively pursuing. Licensed to practice professional nursing in the State of Ohio.

Certifications required:
Basic Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Basic Trauma Life Support
Advanced Trauma Life Support (audit)**
Licensed EMT-P in the State of Ohio**
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
**Must be completed within one year of employment

Physical requirements - must meet visual, auditory, and weight specifications. Must pass a physical exam utilizing department criteria.

Experience - has a minimum of three years recent active experience in an Emergency Department or other Intensive Critical Care areas. Pre-hospital/transport experience recommended.