RN to EMT/Paramedic

[_zoubisoubisou_]

Hi all,

I am hoping to find out the best and fastest route to becoming an EMT and eventually paramedic. I have my BSN and work as an RN. I have so much respect for our first responders and would like to do that on my off time. Any advice for how to get this?

[Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN]

Depends on your location. Some states have a relatively easy transition option for RN to Paramedic, others require you to do the entire program.

[chare]

The following allows you to bridge, however you need to obtain EMT-B certification first.

Paramedic Certification for Healthcare Providers | EMS Education

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Check with your local paramedic programs — some community colleges do an RN to paramedic bridge with EMT-B as a prerequisite. Also check with your state EMS and see if you are allowed to challenge the NRP exam. RN and paramedic have some overlap but are definitely different, so I recommend that you take the route that prepares you the most.

[lebo2072]

Wow I think that's fantastic! I went the opposite way (EMT, Paramedic to RN). I honestly have not clue about the course you have to take, but I bet you could challenge the EMT-B course, and probably do an abbreviated Paramedic course. Honestly the hardest trasnsition will be having to manage scenes and adapting to the environment of the call.

Good Luck!

Leigh

P.S. I would also contact your state's EMS agency, they can point you in the right direction~

[foggnm]

Have you considered doing flight nursing? At least where I live Paramedics generally make a lot less than RNs by sometimes up to 50%. I'd hate to see you go broke for a different but similar job. Flight nursing has that similar 1 patient transport thing. While it is not generally a 'first response,' you get to do a lot of critical care and focus on one person.

[_zoubisoubisou_]

Thanks everyone for the responses!