What have you heard about Creighton University's RN to Paramedic Program?

[Kareegasee]

Hey guys,

I'm currently working toward becoming a flight RN and have recently completed my EMT-B program. I'm looking into mostly local programs to get my paramedic license, but I've recently heard about the RN to Medic program that Creighton University in Nebraska has. Have any of you completed or known anyone who has completed this program? In contrast to the typical EMT-to-medic education that ranges anywhere from 12-16 months in my state, this program is 2 weeks and uses the RNs ED/ICU knowledge base as the foundation for the medic skills learned. It appears that the state of Michigan has a program for accepting out-of-state paramedic certificates, so my only real concern is: Will a 2 week program adequately prepare me for the national medic test?

[Guest374845]

I've actually heard really good things. I was considering it too until I found out that I can submit a request to my state's EMS body for permission to challenge the NHTSA psychomotor skills at my local community college (which has a large paramedic program, multiple FD contracts) and then be eligible to sit for the NREMT-P exam. I'd just need a medic program director to vouch to the body that I, with several years of adult and peds ED and critical care experience, have the equivalent education of a graduating paramedic.

I'm telling you this because my state does not advertise this and it took some emails to figure it out. It may be worth your time to ask some program directors of your state's EMS certifying body in case you too can save yourself some work.

[Kareegasee]

Wow, I didn't know that was an option. I might look into it!

[jallen0]

I went through this program a few years ago. It was two full weeks of classroom from 8:00am - 4:00pm and then ride-alongs from 4:00pm - 10:00pm most nights. You have to get x amount of contacts and that usually involved another solid week of attempts, in a very busy EMS system, past the program. I actually went straight down to EMSA in Oklahoma City immediately after the class was over and rode with them for a week to get my required contacts.

The classwork is intensive. They assume you know your nursing stuff down pat and they teach you things that pertain to the EMS side of things. They also throw in advanced 12 lead EKG, medications, advanced airways, and as I said, all the DOT required EMS stuff. If you go I recommend reading the required materials before you go, you will not have time once you get there. I read the entire two volume paramedic book in the two months prior to going.

Once you successfully complete the program you are a Nebraska paramedic and can also sit for the National Registry. Since most states accept the National Registry this usually becomes your ticket to a state license. The program is really good about knowing the answers to most states requirements and they will work with you on this issue.

To answer your specific question of if the program prepare to pass the National Registry, the answer is yes...if you prepare in advance and then study for it afterwards. The program is basically a time vs money issue. In 3-5 weeks you can be sitting for your National Registry but you pay for that privilege. The course fees, the travel, and the hotel all add up to between $5,000 - $8,000. Also, do not mistake this route for the "easy" way just because it is a compressed timeframe...it is not. You have 2-3 weeks to learn everything that is usually taught in a 12-18 month course. Your nursing knowledge will help you but it is still a course you have to want to pass.

Hope this helps you.

[zzyzx]

Taking a two-week paramedic course may certify you on paper, but it will not make you a competent paramedic. You need a bunch of experience working as a medic, not just a little bit of classroom time.

I understand that flight programs look more favorably on applicants who have a medic cert, but is it really that important?

By the way, I took the online Creighton master's in EMS a few years ago. Maybe you should look into that program. You won't get a paramedic cert out of it, but you will have a master's in EMS, which will look good on your resume.

[offlabel]

Taking a two-week paramedic course may certify you on paper, but it will not make you a competent paramedic. You need a bunch of experience working as a medic, not just a little bit of classroom time.

I understand that flight programs look more favorably on applicants who have a medic cert, but is it really that important?

By the way, I took the online Creighton master's in EMS a few years ago. Maybe you should look into that program. You won't get a paramedic cert out of it, but you will have a master's in EMS, which will look good on your resume.

Agree with the sentiment re:quality of paramedic, but the OP is pursuing a career as a flight nurse, and will presumably, be hired as one, not a flight paramedic. The paramedic cert will add to the credential pile, but the day to day role won't be that.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

This is quite scary in my opinion, you will not be a competent paramedic with two weeks of jam packed education!! I hope the patients survive if you ever work as a solo medic with a basic or advanced EMT! This would like a CNA doing an RN program in two weeks!!!

Annie

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Agree with the sentiment re:quality of paramedic, but the OP is pursuing a career as a flight nurse, and will presumably, be hired as one, not a flight paramedic. The paramedic cert will add to the credential pile, but the day to day role won't be that.

When you apply for a flight job, or another job that requires "paramedic" certification they expect you to have the knowledge and experience that goes behind it, this person will not have that!

Annie

[paramedic-RN]

To answer your question no, paramedics have extensive training in EKG interpretation, airway management, advanced procedures, etc. However if you're a nurse you'll be the flight nurse and won't have to worry about being hired as a medic, besides you'll make way more as a nurse.