The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs

Do you want to use your paramedic training to become a nurse and boost your earning potential? A paramedic-to-RN program lets you earn an associate in nursing degree (ADN) in about 1-2 years, with the fastest programs taking only nine months.

Graduates have the know-how to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam or pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN).

Online paramedic-to-RN degrees offer a quick path to high-paying nursing careers by offering credit for work experience. Use our guide to learn more about the best online paramedic-to-RN programs, including common admission requirements and jobs you can get after graduation.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best paramedic-to-RN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Most paramedic-to-RN programs lead to associate degrees in nursing (ADN). Although, not every degree has the same curriculum or learning format, and some take longer than others.

When looking for a college, pay attention to the key markers of a quality program:

Accreditation not only ensures a quality education, but it also verifies a graduate’s preparedness for nursing. The accreditation process benefits nursing as a whole and ensures students can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Upholding industry standards through accredited practices can also provide better nursing care outcomes. Learn more information about accreditation.

Nursing programs, such as those included in our ranking, receive accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online paramedic-to-RN programs function virtually except for clinical rotations and labs that require in-person participation. In-person components vary by program.

Self-paced programs may provide the opportunity for students to schedule labs or clinical rotations on the weekends or in the evenings.

In other circumstances, paramedic-to-RN online learners may enroll in hybrid programs with daytime classes that incorporate in-person and virtual coursework. Some students may study entirely asynchronously, meeting weekly deadlines.

Find out more information about the clinical experience as an online nursing student and in person vs. online nursing program differences.

An online paramedic-to-RN program lets working paramedics speed through an ADN by giving them credit for what they already know. Leveraging existing skills and knowledge held by paramedics, bridge courses focus on developing the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to deliver patient-centered care as an RN.

Prospective students need to be current paramedics and meet other admission requirements, which differ by program.

Various factors contribute to the cost of an online paramedic-to-RN program. It can be difficult or impossible to pay upfront for an online paramedic-to-RN program if you cannot work while in school. Paying out-of-state rates, or staying in school longer than normal, can also drive up the cost of tuition.

Colleges offer numerous federal financial aid resources to help you pay for your nursing degree. You can visit your financial aid office and take out loans that come with repayment terms and conditions, or you can apply for grants and scholarships that need not be repaid. Many need-based and merit-based scholarships directly award nursing students.

Rewarding nursing careers await graduates of online paramedic-to-RN programs. The lessons prepare students to sit for the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse. Becoming an RN requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and qualifying for a state license.

Graduates of online paramedic-to-RN degrees can continue their education with a BSN degree. Earning an ADN gives graduates the clinical and theoretical nursing foundation to earn a four-year BSN degree.

Most RNs work in hospitals. RNs also work in ambulatory healthcare services, nursing facilities, government agencies, and educational services.

Yes. Online paramedic-to-RN programs give paramedics the nursing training to become an RN. Paramedics have emergency care experience, which allows them to get advanced placement in an ADN program.

Courses such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and NCLEX preparation focus on training paramedics to become nurses.

Paramedics and nurses have daily responsibilities that overlap, but there are differences in their scope of practice and training. Paramedics transport patients in need of critical care and follow medical protocols. According to protocol, paramedics can also insert IVs, give IV medications, and provide other life-saving interventions.

Unlike RNs, a paramedic can intubate a patient in an emergency. RNs have a generalist training and can specialize in areas of nursing such as critical care units or intensive care.

The average paramedic-to-RN program takes 1-2 years. However, some of the fastest programs take only nine months. Taking the NCLEX exam requires additional time. Many graduates take the NCLEX about 45 days after graduation.

The BLS projects that occupations for RNs to increase at a rate of 6% from 2021-2031, on track with other jobs. That said, employers should add about 203,200 RN positions during the decade.