paramedic to rn start to finish

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Hello to all that read this. Today is 10/7/2015. After hurting my back again lifting a 280 lb patient up stairs from a basement, I decided I needed a change. I found the Excelsior College bridge paramedic to rn program. I spoke to the admissions, they were very nice paid my 100 bucks and they have 4 of my six college transcripts. I will update this thread everytime something new happens in my journey even if its not great news. I have read so many articles on this site, it is now my turn to share.

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

I'm right there with you. Had anterior lumbar fusion, although mine was a 100lb little old lady when I was pulling the stretcher out of the truck.

Anyways, I've done my official eval and am starting the info lit class they force us to do.

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Nice, how long did it take to have your transcripts evaluated?

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

The official Eval took a little over two weeks.

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Although I should clarify , they only do the official after you enroll.

The preliminary review took two weeks.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

The only comment I will make about Excelsior is that the education you will get there will NOT make you eligible for a California RN license. This is because you will not meet California's requirement to have certain subjects be experienced concurrently in the classroom and in clinical. From what I understand, while other states have a concurrency requirement, most of those will allow for a path for you to be licensed there.

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The only comment I will make about Excelsior is that the education you will get there will NOT make you eligible for a California RN license. This is because you will not meet California's requirement to have certain subjects be experienced concurrently in the classroom and in clinical. From what I understand, while other states have a concurrency requirement, most of those will allow for a path for you to be licensed there.

The education has nothing to do with it, it is the way the degree is earned. As you said, it is the rule that California has is that clinicals must be concurrent with the nursing courses, which Excelsior does not have.

But yes, if one plans on receiving a California license, do not do the Excelsior program. You can still work in California as an RN in federal facilities (VA, prisons, military bases) with a nursing license from another state though.

Also as said, some other states have stipulations (especially for paramedics) on initial licensure, just make sure to read Excelsiors page on which states have what restrictions.

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That's good to know. The only thing I miss about cali is surfing. I am so old now I need a long board.

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I never thought about the prisons. VA hospital is my goal though. Thanks for the info.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
The education has nothing to do with it, it is the way the degree is earned. As you said, it is the rule that California has is that clinicals must be concurrent with the nursing courses, which Excelsior does not have.

But yes, if one plans on receiving a California license, do not do the Excelsior program. You can still work in California as an RN in federal facilities (VA, prisons, military bases) with a nursing license from another state though.

Also as said, some other states have stipulations (especially for paramedics) on initial licensure, just make sure to read Excelsiors page on which states have what restrictions.

Note that I didn't say that the education that Excelsior provides is inferior, just that it doesn't meet California's standards. Then I stated why that was the case. Hopefully any reader can understand that it's Excelsior's program design that is incompatible with obtaining a California RN license. Excelsior could, in theory, figure out a program design that does meet California's standards and the whole issue would be moot.

To the OP: While you can work in California in FEDERAL facilities, you may NOT work outside those facilities as an RN. That severely limits your employment possibilities if you move to California, and you earned your initial license through Excelsior.

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I only have one transcript left to be evaluated. I am getting pretty excited. Today is 10/08/2015.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the official transcript evaluation to be completed?

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