Strazku

Thank you all for the wonderful information you have provided! Everything so far has been very insightful. Unfortunately there aren't any Paramedic to ASN bridge courses offered in the area. There are, however, plenty of RN to EMT and RN to BSN programs in the area. After doing a bit of research for RN jobs in my area, it seems that most hospitals DO require or prefer a BSN, and I even remember some of the instructors saying that the requirements from the hospitals are going to change to a BSN. A paramedic friend recently stated that the EMT/Paramedic program in Tennessee is about to be revamped, so perhaps holding off until after it changes would be my best bet? Not sure yet, just an idea to consider. If anyone else has any more information or feedback, please feel free to share, the more information the better! Thanks again to everyone who has contributed so far!

Thank you both for your input! GrnTea, Yes, I'm fully aware that it will take me many years to get to where I'm wanting to be, and that's okay. This IS a long term commitment, I just wish I had pursued it earlier as I am not getting any younger, haha. I'm not really looking for the quickest route, but the route that that will make the most efficient nurse and help me perform my job to it's maximum capacity. I am also aware that in order to get to where I want it's going to take experience, especially if I do flight nursing. I have been looking at NOLS' courses but they filled up pretty early. And this is the first recommendation I have seen for SOLO, so I will check them out. If I'm not mistaken, you're suggestion is to shoot for BSN then follow through with ER certifications and potential Paramedic training (if needed)? I would honestly rather receive my EMT/Paramedic training through the wilderness leadership schools anyway, since I can get a lot of my search and rescue certs that way. It's just a matter of funds and proper scheduling. Thank you again for your input, it is all greatly appreciated.

I know there are other threads based on this idea, but non specifically answering my question. I am a 27 year old male who has been interested in Paramedics/Nursing for the past few years, only recently being able to strive headfirst towards my goals. I am currently in a dilemma for which route I'm wanting to take. My end goal is to do either, if not all, Flight Nursing, Wilderness/expeditionary medicine, and search and rescue. From my understanding as a flight nurse I will be required to have both my RN and Paramedic certs, which is fine, I fully intend to do both anyway, but I am completely and utterly unsure of which path to start out with. Currently, I am finishing up my pre-requisites in order to apply to nursing school. I am just looking for advice from the community and understand that it is my decision to make, so with that said, my first question is this: Based on what I'm wanting to achieve, should I start out getting my EMT/Paramedic certs or just continue on and go to nursing school first? IF Nursing school first, should I work for my ASN or BSN? I'm leaning more towards the ASN as it will allow me to start getting experience sooner. I fully intend on getting my BSN, but the ASN would be to get my foot in the door as I continue working towards my goals. Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks to all in advance!