LPN vs. Paramedic

[gabb.fox]

Hey everyone, my question is which is a better route to go LPN or Paramedic and then bridge to RN?

I am a college grad with a BS in Biology. I applied for an accelerated BS to BSN program, but was denied. Starting all over and going through a full nursing program is a step backwards and will use it as a last resort if need be to get into nursing. There are 2 programs that I have been looking into an LPN program and direct paramedic program. Both cost roughly 10k and have the same time for completion. I just don't know which is more of a beneficial step forward to become a certified nurse. Thank you

[prettydoll123]

Well, if you really want to be a nurse like you say you do, why would you try to be a paramedic instead of just going the LPN route? If you go the LPN route, then find an LPN to RN bridge program, that would make more sense than trying to be a paramedic and wasting 10k if you actually want to be a nurse.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

^^ This. As an LPN, you ARE a nurse. After becoming an LPN, you can either choose to go straight into an LPN to RN bridge program, as PP mentioned, or work as an LPN, gain experience, and then enter the program.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

If your end goal is RN and you're looking at becoming either a Paramedic or an LPN/LVN, I would say to go LVN/LPN. The Vocational/Practical Nurse is still a Nurse. There'll be less to learn/catch up on going LVN/LPN than if you go Paramedic. I'm a Paramedic. I know. Don't get me wrong, being a Paramedic is way fun and you do have a lot of autonomy, but you'll be trained for a very, very specific type of patient care and while you'll have some skills that most Nurses never will get, the application of those skills and end goals of those skills and procedures is different from Nursing.

[RunBabyRN]

I'm with these guys. LVNs ARE nurses, they're just not RNs, and it would give you a stronger foundation. Also, I have never heard of a paramedic-RN bridge program (doesn't mean they don't exist). Paramedics have a very different approach to patient care than do LVNs or RNs, and it can be a tough transition for some. It's a major mental shift, and if you were an LVN instead, that mental shift isn't nearly as dramatic.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

I'm with these guys. LVNs ARE nurses, they're just not RNs, and it would give you a stronger foundation. Also, I have never heard of a paramedic-RN bridge program (doesn't mean they don't exist). Paramedics have a very different approach to patient care than do LVNs or RNs, and it can be a tough transition for some. It's a major mental shift, and if you were an LVN instead, that mental shift isn't nearly as dramatic.

Paramedic to RN bridges exist all over the country. I know of three that are within an hour and a half of me in Tulsa, OK. I am currently an alternate and just waiting for a spot to open in the next LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge at Rogers State University. I also agree that the best bet would to get your LVN/LPN if RN is your true route. Going paramedic then bridging isn't worth it.

[RunBabyRN]

Paramedic to RN bridges exist all over the country. I know of three that are within an hour and a half of me in Tulsa, OK. I am currently an alternate and just waiting for a spot to open in the next LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge at Rogers State University. I also agree that the best bet would to get your LVN/LPN if RN is your true route. Going paramedic then bridging isn't worth it.

Good to know! They're not very common in CA. Thanks!