Paramedic to RN, ADN or BSN

KCMedicRN · Feb 14, 2011

As a paramedic who is just starting a BSN program I can't speak to the benefits in the long run, but for me the immediate benefit was being accepted to the first school I applied to being CSUB. Their BSN program is 21 months, shorter then most ADN programs, and their selection process is competitive, not a lottery type system that is used by most community college ADN program.

Also I looked at several of the CA Paramedic to RN and didn't find them to save a lot of time, some allow you to test out of classes like med-surg..I'm not sure that is a great idea as nursing and EMS are two very different roles.

And I do think my EMS experience helped me during the interview process...I'd be glad to give you specific info on my application process if your interested.

socalmedic · Feb 14, 2011

Hey, any information you have would be appreciated. i assume you are in Bakersfield, I am in LA. I have just started looking into programs this fall. I know I still have Pre-Reqs to finish, I am taking most of them right now... i am looking to start hopefully winter 2012.

Macbs4 · Feb 14, 2011

First of all, I have the highest respect for EMT's - especially since I'm still getting the hang of starting IV's and you guys and gals are the best at it!

The benefits of a BSN are, you can go directly into the following :

- An advanced degree (Masters, Nurse Practitioner, Doctorate)

- the Research path

- Public Health

Benefits of an ADN:

- you're not interested in any of the above items listed under the BSN

- funds and/or time are short

Otherwise, an RN is an RN - BSN's and ADN's take the same NCLEX exam. That could change in the future, but that's the way it is now.

darynash · Feb 14, 2011

If you are able to do the BSN program (finances, time, etc.), do the BSN. Some hospitals will only hire BSN prepared nurses for critical care areas. Not saying it is right, just the way it is.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

The BSN is considered the career-level degree. You're more likely to move up and be eligible for varied positions with that. Sure, many will tell you that there's no pay differential, but they must not be working in progressive organizations. You do take the same licensing exam either way you go.

I'm glad I went the BSN route. I too was a paramedic, but I have a previous BS degree. For me the answer was obvious. I initially wanted to do the ADN then go to a master's, but when I saw that the BSN program would've taken only the same amount of time I went that route. I still want a master's in something. It was actually easier to get into as well simply because there is less interest. When I started there were 24 of us (now 14 lol) in my BSN program compared to like 75 newbs in the ADN path.

The faculty in my program, who also teach or have taught in the ADN program, say (to paraphrase and summarize) that they try to train ADNs to do what in a more task-oriented way while they're trying to educate the BSN people to use more autonomy and figure out what is wrong or might go wrong with a patient before it happens.

Figure out how much time you'd have to put in. If you could go straight into the ADN role then I'd do that, start working, and find an online state university RN-BSN. Otherwise, if you can slide straight into the BSN then go that way.

TraumaSurfer · Feb 15, 2011

If you already have one Associates degree, keep going forward. Don't settle for 2 lower level degrees in a medical world that is now expecting higher education for its professionals.

Have you checked out Loma Linda University? Since it is also one of the very few Bachelors programs in the U.S. for EMS, this school has a high regard for Paramedics. Many of the prerequisites are the same and some RNs also take courses in the EMS program or get a degree in EMS after their 2 year program since MICNs are very involved in several areas of Emergency Operations in California. Their BSN program has a very decent reputation also. The school might give you more options if you wanted to advance as an RN with your EMS background or into an NP specialty or if you decide nursing isn't what you wanted later, moving over to the EMS program with a PA track is another avenue to explore.

It seems nursing is becoming more competitive with the BSN being the preferred or at least in the ICUs and flight teams that I am familar with.

socalmedic · Feb 15, 2011

thankyou, I have explored Loma Lindas paramedic degree program, as well as their nursing program. at this time I cannot afford $25,000 per year for the tuition. I am looking into the public universities for BSN, after talking with some of the ER coordinators in the area they tell me BSN is all they are interviewing right now. I guess that is what I am going to do, now I just have to finish my pre-reqs hopefully early enough to make winter '12 deadline, as I have already missed fall '11.

TraumaSurfer · Feb 15, 2011

Have you explored all the creative financial assistance programs available to nursing students and working nurses? I do know some who have gotten hired by hospitals which have helped pay back the loans. That might not be true now but it might be by the time you are ready for the program or start looking for employment. The SDA is also one of the largest health care organizations in the U.S. with many opportunities and some financing options.

There is also this program which may still be available.

http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/nursing/

Tarmstrong · Feb 15, 2011

I just completed paramedic to ADN bc I ran out of time. My former job starting making cut backs and a lot of EMS lost jobs due to budget cuts. I am on a post op medical surgical floor and after 6 months I truely hate it. I feel I have "stepped down" in my career path. I know I havent found my "niche" and it will be an uphill battle. After 12 years in EMS I do think inside the box but miss the critical thinking that comes with EMS. ER and ICU would be a better fit but I wanted to get in the system so I am doing my time to justify my training and learning all I can from this floor.

It depends on where you go as to whether they are looking for ADN or BSN. My facility hires you in at a higher grade if BSN but I am actually better prepared for a lot of stuff that arises on the floor than the BSN nurses. It is a tough call. Since I hold two degrees I would say go for the BSN if you have the time and money. The NCLEX was easier than the paramedic state board so relax in that area!

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

I just completed paramedic to ADN bc I ran out of time. My former job starting making cut backs and a lot of EMS lost jobs due to budget cuts. I am on a post op medical surgical floor and after 6 months I truely hate it. I feel I have "stepped down" in my career path. I know I havent found my "niche" and it will be an uphill battle. After 12 years in EMS I do think inside the box but miss the critical thinking that comes with EMS. ER and ICU would be a better fit but I wanted to get in the system so I am doing my time to justify my training and learning all I can from this floor.
It depends on where you go as to whether they are looking for ADN or BSN. My facility hires you in at a higher grade if BSN but I am actually better prepared for a lot of stuff that arises on the floor than the BSN nurses. It is a tough call. Since I hold two degrees I would say go for the BSN if you have the time and money. The NCLEX was easier than the paramedic state board so relax in that area!

I'll say. I haven't taken THE NCLEX yet (in a BSN program), but the old test questions and samples we're getting in class are hands down easier than the National Registry EMT-P exam.

LuxCalidaNP · Feb 15, 2011

Get your BSN.