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.

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

I believe mine took two weeks and two days to be exact. That was about two weeks ago:roflmao:

Hello All. I Enrolled in early September and know that it takes two weeks to complete the transcript evaluation once they are received. I do believe they wait for all of your transcripts to arrive if you are submitting more than 1. Like Nalon 1 wrote, make sure you look at all of the requirements for your individual state. Here in Washington, I either needed 200 hours from an accepted precepter program, or work as an RN for at least 1000 hours in another state. Fortunately I live about 3 miles from the Oregon border where they don't have any restrictions. I have already signed up for my first class, Information LIteracy, that all new students are required to take and am very excited/ scared to get this process rolling.

Good luck to you all!

You are very lucky traumajunkie. To be so close to the border. You a paramedic?

Yeah, guess I forgot to mention that. Been a medic for almost 4 years now, though I am not currently working for an agency.

When I graduated, there were only part time positions available in my area, so I actually started looking into getting my RN while I was finishing my internship. We had to do a minimum of 540 hours in an emergency department(s) prior to graduation and I was able to do most of that time in a level 1 trauma center here in Portland. Kinda got hooked on that environment.

For what it's worth, several of the RN's I was shadowing (two former Firefighter/Paramedics and an LPN) had gone through Excelsior's program and highly recommend it. They were the ones who suggested I check with Oregon's Nursing Board to make sure I will be meeting all of the state requirements. I'm just lucky to live close enough to Oregon that this program will work without all of the additional requirements Washington State has.

That's really good to know about Excelsior. Paramedicine is very addicting. I only work the night shift and I only work the inner city. I go on just over 1000 calls a year average, our service runs over 50k yearly and its getting much busier and way more dangerous. Many have taken to wearing vests. I know that it can be very dangerous inside the hospitals as well. I love my er nurses they have a very tough job.

I have nothing but good comments regarding Excelsior. It is not easy and you must adjust your thinking. The CPNE was quite intimidating, I took mine in Utica NY. The evaluators were professional, fair, and were not "out to get you" as several people have commented over the years I have been involved. If you are competent, have completed the skills exactly as they are outlined, you will do fine. I am now an RN after 3 years in the program. Selling my things on ebay right now in case anyone is interested. Some of it is dated, but then again, some things don't really change much. Nursing Concepts - College Network 1,2,4,5,6 & Lifespan plus many other books I used to make it through. The NCLEX study guides are crucial! LP_Firegirl. With the strong nursing demand and stable employers with benefits, nursing is the way to go if you want to do only medical work and not fire.

That was really great news about the college. There is enough anxiety just trying something new. Update for me, the college has all my transcripts as of yesterday. First part completed they told me 3 weeks for a complete evaluation of my credits. Please keep all the amazing comments and news coming.

Hey everyone!

I started Excelsior in August (this year) and have finished 3 classes so far. I'm doing a few classes now through a community college since my employer will pay for it. It has been a really good experience so far. I have had a few questions/small issues and the school has been more responsive and helpful than a state school where I initially obtained my Bachelors.

I've been a paramedic for 11 years, and was also ready for a change. I hope to start a Acute Care NP program as soon as I can.

Good luck to everyone.

These are the stories we all need to hear. Thanks.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have an update, I was officially accepted into the aas nursing program. I have to take microbiology, sociology, and a required literacy class. Then I can start my theory of nursing exams. Official start date will be the fourth of january 2016. I am going to do the pay as you go for theory, and fafsa for the required courses. I have still only heard good things about Excelsior College. Does anyone out there have a negative experience? If you do please share so maybe myself and others can avoid those pitfalls.

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