Paramedic to RN

[ERFirefighter]

Hey all,

My name is Justin. I'm currently a seasonal firefighter in California. My goal is to end up being a firefighter/paramedic with an RN license. I'm trying to find out which is the best avenue to approach this. Is it better to go to school and get my RN and challenge the paramedic board or is it better to go get my paramedic license and try and find a school that will let me bridge into the program. I have heard many things that the governor is trying to establish a program in California to let paramedic's bridge into the 2nd year of the RN program. Does anyone know anything about if or when this might happen. Any info would be great thanks.

Justin

[DoubleblessedRN, ADN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-P]

I don't know about your area specifically, but there are many colleges in the US that have a bridge program. There is one in my state, but it is an hour and a half away. It still requires prerequisites, and admission is competitive. During the summer, tha paramedics take a course called nursing transitions (or something like that) then go directly into the 2nd yr of the RN program. I chose the Excelsior route, but it isn't recognized in all states. (CA included) Nursing school can be difficult, but most paramedics have no problem.

[GilaRRT]

Justin, allot will depend on your goals. Where do you want to end up? If you are looking at working within a facility, I would say see the nursing route through. If you want to work in the streets as a medic, see that route through. Choose your program and put all of your energy into that program. The good news is, you can always go back to school after obtaining credentials in one profession.

[cute_cabbage2005]

When I was in nursing school, there were 2 people in my class that

were paramedics. One student was still working as a firefighter/paramedic while attending nursing school. These students excelled in all areas of the nursing curriculum. I think your experience in emergency medicine is going to help you tremendously here. My hat's off to you and all paramedics who pursue the nursing career!

[ffmedicrn]

HI Justin, I am also a Firefighter/Paramedic (both of which I had done a long time before nursing) I went the transition route due to medic experience. MI has a few colleges that have this program (shorter waiting list) but still getting competitive. Lot of things to think about, pay/work while you in school. Good Luck whichever route you go and enjoy the ride......

[ERFirefighter]

thank you for everyone and their help. i’m looking at working this fire season and then getting laid off and going on unemployment and going to paramedic school in the fall. work the fire season again and start the pre reqs for nursing. hopefully by the time i get ready to get into the rn program the governor will have signed some sort of bill to let there be a bridging program. so i feel much more confident now that i have a goal and most importantly a way of getting there. for those who asked my goal is to be a full time firefighter/paramedic with a rn license and work part time in a trauma room or as a flight nurse.

[ERFirefighter]

HI Justin I am also a Firefighter/Paramedic (both of which I had done a long time before nursing) I went the transition route due to medic experience. MI has a few colleges that have this program (shorter waiting list) but still getting competitive. Lot of things to think about, pay/work while you in school. Good Luck whichever route you go and enjoy the ride......[/quote']

How was the change?? Was it hard for you working and going to school? Did your dept work around it and help you out?

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

If you haven't done so yet, you might try posting your question on the California boards...someone there may have more direct information on your specific area of the country!! Best wishes!!