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

Congrats on your acceptance! I am a paramedic and completed my RN through Excelsior in 2008. Here are some possibly helpful links:

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/excelsior-college-distance-808335.html

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/clinical-performance-nursing-884109.html

I also recommend that you download and read the nursing catalog and the CPNE summary on this page: Excelsior College | Associates Degrees Nursing | Nursing Degrees, Programs | Distance

Best of luck! :D

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Congrats on being accepted. Depending on how your schedule is and your experiences keep in mind that you can do Micro and Sociology at your local Community College. Please excuse the caps for a second MAKE SURE YOU GET APPROVAL FROM YOUR ADVISOR IN A WRITTEN FORMAT. Okay off my soap box. I screwed myself over by taking an anatomy course that did not meet excelsiors requirements (I did not ask for approval first). The Info lit course will most likely have to be done through excelsior.

Also there may be a CLEP for sociology. Im not familiar. The biggest tip I can give you though is to keep close communication with your advisor. They are there to help you. Ive been enrolled for around 4 months and have nothing but positive things to say except for my own screw up.

Good luck!

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

There is an "introductory sociology" CLEP, it's not terrible. Right now students have been having success using the TOR Information Literacy: Information Literacy for Excelsior College - Tor College Credits. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than EC's one-credit course (because at EC, one credit is $400+). But as was wisely stated: GET APPROVAL FROM EC FIRST. :D

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Hello!

Ive just now started as well. Im still kind of confused as to the whole organization of the classes, wondering if anyone can help me out.

Since I do have my AAS in EMS and I am a paramedic already, does this mean I don't have to do the whole ADN program in Excelsior and I just have a few classes to do to be done? Which classes do medics have to take out of the ADN program to get our RN?

Also, does anyone know if it is better to do the 8-week online theory classes or opt out by exam? I'm not in any hurry, and just want to do it the best way!

It kind of seems too good to be true, a go at your own pace Medic to RN bridge program! But we'll see how it goes!

Thanks

bEgger

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Hello!

Ive just now started as well. Im still kind of confused as to the whole organization of the classes, wondering if anyone can help me out.

Since I do have my AAS in EMS and I am a paramedic already, does this mean I don't have to do the whole ADN program in Excelsior and I just have a few classes to do to be done? Which classes do medics have to take out of the ADN program to get our RN?

Also, does anyone know if it is better to do the 8-week online theory classes or opt out by exam? I'm not in any hurry, and just want to do it the best way!

It kind of seems too good to be true, a go at your own pace Medic to RN bridge program! But we'll see how it goes!

Thanks

bEgger

You would need to have your transcript reviewed by Excelsior to see exactly what courses you need to take.

You can look on Excelsiors site also and see what their requirements are and compare to what you have to get a general idea of what you would need to do. You need 31 "general credits" that you may have most of already and then you will need 36 credits which include 8 Nursing courses, 2 FCCA classes and then the CPNE.

this is their nursing guide with the credit requirements listed: http://www.excelsior.edu/nursingcatalog

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Ok thanks!

Would you recommend doing the online courses or opt out by exam? Thanks

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Ok thanks!

Would you recommend doing the online courses or opt out by exam? Thanks

Thats up to you. Several things factor in to that.

If you are not a good self study person and need structure, the courses are probably better. They do cost more, but can be eligible for grants and other reimbursements. They also can take a lot longer since it is structured.

The exam route can be quicker and cheaper, but you need to motivated and able to study on your own.

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Okay, thanks!

Also, just to be sure.. One I start on either pathway (exams or classes) they don't let you switch over right? Say I do 3 classes then want to do my next "class" by opting out and taking the exam?

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No idea on that. I did it when it was just the exam route.

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Okay thanks for the help!

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

Also, just to be sure.. One I start on either pathway (exams or classes) they don't let you switch over right? Say I do 3 classes then want to do my next "class" by opting out and taking the exam?

Actually, when i first got accepted into the nursing program I initially signed up just to take the exams. I had started to pay the registration fee but decided i wanted to do the classes. I emailed excelsior and they had me fax in a request to change it over. Not only am i switched but i got a refund on what i had already paid into the credit by exam method.

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