Paramedic to RN Bridge Online: A Guide to Top Programs
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareEditorialNursing EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingNursing Ed.Paramedic to RN programs online allow students to translate their existing knowledge into an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) without repeating many of the same courses they have already completed. But which schools have the accreditation, cost structure, and flexibility you need to earn your degree without disrupting work and life responsibilities?
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
For paramedics looking to transition into a nursing career, online Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs offer a flexible and efficient path to becoming a registered nurse (RN).
Features of online paramedic-to-RN programs:
- Take 12 to 24 months to complete
- Combine online coursework with hands-on clinical training
- Build on paramedics’ existing medical knowledge
- Focus on advanced patient care, clinical decision-making, and nursing leadership
- Prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure
With opportunities to work in hospitals, emergency departments, and specialized healthcare settings, these programs open doors to higher salaries and expanded career options.
Paramedic to RN Degree Options
After deciding to walk away from working as a paramedic and instead pursue additional education to become an RN, prospective learners can select from two bridge programs leading to these degree outcomes:
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN): most common path; coursework focuses on foundational topics
- Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN): curriculum goes more in-depth
Because learners are transitioning from careers in the medical profession already, both bridge options are quicker than traditional ADN/BSN programs for first-time degree seekers.
Review the descriptions below and consider where you want your career to go after graduation.
ADN degree
ADN degrees appeal to degree seekers hoping to enter the workforce quickly and begin their career as an RN. These programs provide graduates with the baseline knowledge needed to take up entry-level roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, and rehabilitative centers.
Earning an associate degree in nursing:
- Advantages: Programs are completed in as few as 12 months, often costing less than a BSN bridge program.
- Disadvantages: Most employers prefer to hire RNs with bachelor’s degrees.
Each school’s offerings may differ, so interested students should review unique program requirements before enrolling.
As an example, Eastern Florida State College requires applicants to complete all general education and support courses before receiving consideration. Degree seekers who already passed courses physiology I & II, algebra, and microbiology receive additional points on the school’s admissions metric.
BSN degree
Graduates of paramedic-to-BSN programs launch their careers several professional rungs above their current position. These programs provide graduates with basic nursing knowledge, but introduce additional topics such as community health and leadership.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing:
- Advantages: Flexible pathways are available to students who plan to continue working as a paramedic. Also, graduates enjoy higher salaries and opportunities for advancement than those with an ADN.
- Disadvantages: Programs take longer to finish (30 to 36 months) and students often end up paying more for their degree.
As with ADN programs, individual requirements vary by school. But most require completion of prerequisite courses before program entry and accrual of clinical hours before graduation.
For example, to enter Winston-Salem State University‘s program, applicants must take microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, statistics, and lifespan development. Once enrolled, they must gain clinical hours through in an internship at a healthcare facility.
Benefits of an Online Paramedic to RN Bridge Program
Completing an online paramedic to RN bridge program offers myriad benefits to individuals looking to boost their careers. Learners save money and move more quickly through coursework by not starting from scratch in a generic nursing program.
Online options make it easier to complete coursework while maintaining a job. Learners also gain important skills that help prepare them for work as an RN.
Explore these additional benefits of enrolling in an online paramedic to RN bridge program.
Accelerated Degree Completion
Accelerated RN programs appeal to certified paramedics as they cut down on the time a learner must be enrolled in school. This is achieved by utilizing credits from previous paramedic coursework.
Rather than retaking classes, students can move through an ADN course of study quickly and graduate within 12-18 months – depending on programmatic specifics of the school you attend.
Affordable Program Opportunities
Bridge programs usually cost less than standard degrees as they take less time to complete due to requiring fewer courses.
Outside of finding an affordable program, students can also rely on financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work study programs, and loans. These come from governmental, private, and educational sources.
Check out EduMed’s guide to financial aid to learn more.
Preparation for Professional Nursing Licensing
While focusing on coursework and graduation requirements are important, learners must take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive licensure and find work as an RN.
Most schools publish exam pass rates. If you cannot find them on the website, contact the school administrator to ensure that program adequately prepares graduates for success.
Increasing Your Healthcare Skillset
Paramedic to RN bridge programs build on existing paramedicine knowledge and introduce new competencies that complement the work of an RN. A myriad skills are gain through classes and field work.
The following section takes a look at some of the skills degree seekers can expect to gain while enrolled.
Expert Insight
As a paramedic, because you’re already familiar with many of the basic concepts of emergency medicine, you’re more likely to transition smoothly into the role of a telemetry or emergency room RN, if that’s your goal. In fact, my classmates (in nursing school), who had paramedicine experience, did really well during certain training and course topics, such as CPR and cardiac monitoring.
Skills Learned in the Online Paramedic to RN Bridge
Online paramedic to RN bridge programs help certified paramedics take the next step in their careers by teaching them the skills and knowledge needed to work as a registered nurse.
While many paramedics possess some of the same skills used by RNs, these programs help round out their knowledge and create a fuller toolbox of nursing skills.
Aside from learning about all the clinical skills related to care of patients, RNs must also learn about communication strategies, frameworks for management and leadership, and evolving technologies used in care.
Some of the top skills gained in an online paramedic to RN bridge program include:
- Clinical skills: Every single shift in a hospital is unique, making it imperative for RNs to fully understand a range of life-saving measures. Some of these include acute care, advanced cardiac life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), critical care, and telemetry.
- Communication: RNs work alongside other medical professionals in fast-paced and sometimes stressful environments where every second counts. Because of this, they must be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, patients, and families.
- Attention to detail: RNs complete minor procedures and administer medicine to their patients, making it imperative that they possess extraordinary attention to detail. Giving a patient the wrong dose of medicine could have dire consequences leading to distress or even death.
- Organization: Registered nurses take care of many patients throughout their shifts, so they must stay organized and keep thorough notes on their patients’ charts. In addition to keeping themselves organized, this also helps incoming nurses who take over shifts know what has been done for the patient.
- Emotional stability: Working with injured and/or sick patients can take an emotional toll on anyone – especially on days where it feels overwhelming or sad. Nurses must learn how to embrace emotional resilience, remain professional, and take care of their mental health along the way.
Salary and Career Outlook for Paramedics Who Become RNs
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramedics | U.S. | $44,230 | $60,600 | $84,850 |
| Registered Nurses | U.S. | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 |
| Paramedics | Alabama | $36,160 | $48,540 | $62,230 |
| Registered Nurses | Alabama | $58,150 | $77,080 | $98,910 |
| Paramedics | Alaska | $53,820 | $71,860 | $103,550 |
| Registered Nurses | Alaska | $85,030 | $109,480 | $149,070 |
| Paramedics | Arizona | $46,180 | $58,600 | $76,540 |
| Registered Nurses | Arizona | $70,540 | $99,500 | $130,930 |
| Paramedics | Arkansas | $38,840 | $50,310 | $72,880 |
| Registered Nurses | Arkansas | $60,780 | $78,940 | $103,660 |
| Paramedics | California | $53,370 | $74,590 | $102,450 |
| Registered Nurses | California | $101,260 | $140,270 | $213,320 |
| Paramedics | Colorado | $49,110 | $63,910 | $87,320 |
| Registered Nurses | Colorado | $79,500 | $100,260 | $124,940 |
| Paramedics | Connecticut | $60,370 | $77,480 | $90,060 |
| Registered Nurses | Connecticut | $80,350 | $102,740 | $134,870 |
| Paramedics | Delaware | $50,550 | $64,240 | $102,140 |
| Registered Nurses | Delaware | $78,340 | $99,520 | $123,860 |
| Paramedics | District of Columbia | $62,980 | $78,550 | $96,640 |
| Registered Nurses | District of Columbia | $79,390 | $102,540 | $151,170 |
| Paramedics | Florida | $44,050 | $60,140 | $85,390 |
| Registered Nurses | Florida | $67,970 | $84,190 | $120,330 |
| Paramedics | Georgia | $40,600 | $57,660 | $82,980 |
| Registered Nurses | Georgia | $68,920 | $93,550 | $128,640 |
| Paramedics | Hawaii | $66,250 | $81,280 | $81,440 |
| Registered Nurses | Hawaii | $82,500 | $136,320 | $147,830 |
| Paramedics | Idaho | $48,940 | $60,380 | $83,510 |
| Registered Nurses | Idaho | $71,210 | $92,460 | $121,230 |
| Paramedics | Illinois | $47,210 | $60,660 | $106,810 |
| Registered Nurses | Illinois | $69,170 | $95,990 | $118,190 |
| Paramedics | Indiana | $46,040 | $60,320 | $76,030 |
| Registered Nurses | Indiana | $66,750 | $83,500 | $105,750 |
| Paramedics | Iowa | $47,750 | $60,590 | $78,140 |
| Registered Nurses | Iowa | $63,840 | $78,630 | $100,500 |
| Paramedics | Kansas | $40,780 | $51,020 | $64,090 |
| Registered Nurses | Kansas | $63,180 | $79,320 | $100,840 |
| Paramedics | Kentucky | $40,050 | $49,890 | $66,820 |
| Registered Nurses | Kentucky | $64,170 | $81,040 | $111,750 |
| Paramedics | Louisiana | $37,530 | $56,050 | $63,470 |
| Registered Nurses | Louisiana | $63,800 | $80,230 | $104,740 |
| Paramedics | Maine | $54,810 | $63,050 | $78,340 |
| Registered Nurses | Maine | $74,160 | $86,990 | $106,950 |
| Paramedics | Maryland | $51,020 | $66,660 | $101,860 |
| Registered Nurses | Maryland | $76,780 | $99,790 | $124,790 |
| Paramedics | Massachusetts | $60,410 | $66,340 | $84,540 |
| Registered Nurses | Massachusetts | $80,310 | $104,550 | $174,510 |
| Paramedics | Michigan | $43,400 | $52,080 | $66,070 |
| Registered Nurses | Michigan | $77,260 | $94,300 | $116,710 |
| Paramedics | Minnesota | $60,320 | $76,300 | $93,910 |
| Registered Nurses | Minnesota | $79,960 | $101,510 | $132,430 |
| Paramedics | Mississippi | $39,690 | $54,630 | $71,710 |
| Registered Nurses | Mississippi | $60,610 | $77,090 | $100,350 |
| Paramedics | Missouri | $45,480 | $59,180 | $81,300 |
| Registered Nurses | Missouri | $63,230 | $81,780 | $104,390 |
| Paramedics | Montana | $35,590 | $50,890 | $70,190 |
| Registered Nurses | Montana | $70,120 | $85,280 | $113,920 |
| Paramedics | Nebraska | $45,240 | $56,230 | $76,710 |
| Registered Nurses | Nebraska | $66,020 | $84,730 | $106,190 |
| Paramedics | Nevada | $49,320 | $59,280 | $83,580 |
| Registered Nurses | Nevada | $79,500 | $103,670 | $133,270 |
| Paramedics | New Hampshire | $53,180 | $64,210 | $79,370 |
| Registered Nurses | New Hampshire | $75,610 | $99,700 | $123,190 |
| Paramedics | New Jersey | $76,260 | $86,630 | $99,420 |
| Registered Nurses | New Jersey | $83,060 | $106,500 | $135,170 |
| Paramedics | New Mexico | $39,830 | $55,530 | $78,010 |
| Registered Nurses | New Mexico | $74,300 | $94,340 | $123,540 |
| Paramedics | New York | $55,900 | $73,200 | $98,050 |
| Registered Nurses | New York | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 |
| Paramedics | North Carolina | $44,730 | $57,320 | $75,170 |
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | $67,660 | $84,350 | $110,220 |
| Paramedics | North Dakota | $48,270 | $62,320 | $75,440 |
| Registered Nurses | North Dakota | $65,520 | $80,730 | $103,480 |
| Paramedics | Ohio | $38,750 | $51,300 | $72,140 |
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
| Paramedics | Oklahoma | $37,180 | $46,790 | $61,310 |
| Registered Nurses | Oklahoma | $60,530 | $82,920 | $106,390 |
| Paramedics | Oregon | $51,850 | $74,840 | $95,900 |
| Registered Nurses | Oregon | $95,280 | $129,010 | $155,010 |
| Paramedics | Pennsylvania | $48,040 | $61,000 | $81,590 |
| Registered Nurses | Pennsylvania | $70,800 | $96,430 | $117,900 |
| Paramedics | Rhode Island | $50,960 | $63,550 | $81,490 |
| Registered Nurses | Rhode Island | $77,410 | $100,640 | $129,840 |
| Paramedics | South Carolina | $40,710 | $53,550 | $67,180 |
| Registered Nurses | South Carolina | $66,860 | $82,360 | $106,520 |
| Paramedics | South Dakota | $30,950 | $48,830 | $58,380 |
| Registered Nurses | South Dakota | $54,040 | $78,060 | $98,220 |
| Paramedics | Tennessee | $41,410 | $57,690 | $80,190 |
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | $63,970 | $81,500 | $104,920 |
| Paramedics | Texas | $41,030 | $57,500 | $77,700 |
| Registered Nurses | Texas | $67,120 | $95,970 | $127,950 |
| Paramedics | Utah | $45,820 | $65,420 | $94,620 |
| Registered Nurses | Utah | $68,920 | $84,600 | $109,050 |
| Paramedics | Vermont | $47,140 | $60,360 | $76,150 |
| Registered Nurses | Vermont | $77,670 | $97,460 | $126,100 |
| Paramedics | Virginia | $42,520 | $60,480 | $77,280 |
| Registered Nurses | Virginia | $67,830 | $93,600 | $125,580 |
| Paramedics | Washington | $61,010 | $104,310 | $133,040 |
| Registered Nurses | Washington | $89,630 | $124,200 | $161,910 |
| Paramedics | West Virginia | $35,930 | $48,460 | $62,800 |
| Registered Nurses | West Virginia | $57,210 | $80,130 | $131,760 |
| Paramedics | Wisconsin | $46,530 | $59,710 | $75,760 |
| Registered Nurses | Wisconsin | $77,470 | $95,530 | $119,860 |
| Paramedics | Wyoming | $47,520 | $64,040 | $80,070 |
| Registered Nurses | Wyoming | $65,770 | $83,760 | $107,350 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Paramedics | United States | 98,300 | 103,600 | 5,300 | 5.40% | 5,100 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Bridge Programs: Paramedic to RN
Mesa Community College
Mesa, Arizona
Why We Selected Mesa Community College:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,040
- Average Institutional Aid$1,691
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award17%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Why We Selected Waukesha County Technical College:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,230
- Average Institutional Aid$1,220
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course22%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
