Anyone done a Paramedic-to-ADN program?

Published

Specializes in Pre-Nursing Student.

Im just wondering if anyone has attended a Paramedic to ADN program before and how was the transition?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

I did Excelsior and it worked out great. You need to check with the BON in your state to see if they accept the degree. FYI there is a distance learning forum where you can find more info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Katy-NursingStudent, are you currently a Paramedic? If not, becoming a Paramedic first may not shorten or make the nursing program easier. From your other posts it seems you already are well on your way for the nursing program with most of the prequisites behind you. If you are a Paramedic, the transition to the nursing program itself will be more about why you want to be a nurse and your attitude for adjusting to another profession.

If you are already in a decent nursing program, I probably wouldn't drop it to go with Excelsior. I think Excelsior is a great program for LVNs to make the transition but not all Paramedics have the clinical background to make the transition smoothly especially if the clinical hours fall way short for the Paramedic program and/or Excelsior. There are many aspects of patient care that are not taught in a Paramedic program nor can you obtain them from just a textbook. The clinical portion is important for not only hands on training for the patient care environment but a chance to see the many opportunities there are for nurses in a variety of units and specialties. Clinicals also give one an introduction to the health care team which the Paramedic many not normally see. They are also a great opportunity to network for future job opportunities.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

As a paramedic and EC grad RN, all I can say is that I'm grateful that my paramedic education came with hundreds of hours of in-hospital clinicals, precepted by RNs, and that I worked in an ED for several years before becoming an RN. It definitely made the transition easier! Not easy, but easier. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, urgent care.

I was a medic/ff for 20 years and I feel the advantages were: I didn't have to wait and apply to nursing school and retake all my basic classes again because by AS degree was "to old". I have alot of experience taking care of pts. in crisis so sorethroats and earaches are not a big deal in the ED. I fit right in since I got a job in the ED in the town I was a medic in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do anybody know a school in Texas that offers the Paramedic to ADN (RN) program please?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was a medic/ff for 20 years and I feel the advantages were: I didn't have to wait and apply to nursing school and retake all my basic classes again because by AS degree was "to old". I have alot of experience taking care of pts. in crisis so sorethroats and earaches are not a big deal in the ED. I fit right in since I got a job in the ED in the town I was a medic in.

Did you find the transition to the ED difficult with no in-hospital experience? I am also a FF/paramedic with 21 years of experiencing trying to decide if I should continue with excelsior. I have been searching this site for some time trying to find someone in a similar boat and I think your it. So, I hope your are still an active member and if anybody else reading this post knows this individual please let them know this has been posted. Thanks:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Txffmedic, I may also be one of those who are "in the same boat" as you.

I was a FF/paramedic in Texas for about 9 years and went through the Excelsior route. I am currently working in an ED. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Txffmedic, I may also be one of those who are "in the same boat" as you.

I was a FF/paramedic in Texas for about 9 years and went through the Excelsior route. I am currently working in an ED. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.

Finally:lol2:I will do so as soon as I hit my 15 posts. I am at 13 now, new to the site but have been viewing for some time trying to decide if this is the route for me considering my background with no in-hospital experience. Your the first to respond with similar life experience...I hope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion