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.
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Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a Paramedic-to-RN Program
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:
Admission Requirements
Are you eligible for an online paramedic-to-RN program? You do not know until you review the admission requirements, which detail the work experience, certifications, and educational background needed to become a student.
Program Curriculum
The general coursework in an online paramedic-to-RN program covers anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and fundamental nursing concepts. The electives and specialities vary by program — a good reason why prospective students should review a degree's curricula.
Clinical Experience
Because paramedics have emergency care training, an online paramedic-to-RN program often requires fewer clinical hours than traditional ADNs. Programs help students find clinical placements, but the hours may require students to complete clinical rotations that interfere with their work lives.
Accreditation
You want to attend an accredited paramedic-to-RN program because it increases your hireability as a nurse. Furthermore, only graduates from approved programs can take the NCLEX.
Program Length
A program's length determines how long it takes to start your new career — and often what you pay. Completing a paramedic-to-RN online program that takes longer to complete may cost more.
School Graduation Rate
Your prospective online paramedic-to-RN program should offer a quality education that prepares you for your career goals. How can you do a quality check? Review the graduation rate to see how many students graduate in a reasonable amount of time.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Paramedic-to-RN online programs feature different learning formats. Students may study in a self-paced format without any live courses, or online learners may get one-on-one interaction through synchronous courses that meet live at specific times.
Specializations
RNs can specialize in areas of nursing that include critical care, neonatal, health policy, and trauma. The right online paramedic-to-RN program offers nursing concentrations that appeal to your interests and career goals.
Why Is Paramedic-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?
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.
- Accreditation distinguishes a program's academics
- Students may not be able to transfer unaccredited credits
- Credentialing and licenses agencies may consider only candidates from accredited programs
- Employers want graduates from accredited programs
Learn More About the Best Paramedic-to-RN Programs & Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Dalton State College
- Dalton, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Dalton State College, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, offers a paramedic-to-associate of science in nursing in an accelerated format. Students attend class on campus one day per week during the first semester and transition to online study and clinical experiences during the second and third semesters.
Core nursing topics include pharmaceutical and medication administration and medical-surgical/mental health. Graduates qualify to pursue work as registered nurses (RNs), and credits apply to Dalton State's RN-to-BSN program.
- Program: Associate of science in nursing
- Campus: Dalton, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $107 per credit for Georgia residents; $395 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; prerequisite coursework
- Minimum Time Commitment: Three semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 81.67% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,136 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Southwest Baptist University
- Bolivar, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southwest Baptist University's Salem and Springfield campuses offer a bridge program for paramedics that leads to an associate of science in nursing. The Christ-centered curriculum prepares enrollees to take the NCLEX-RN exam for their registered nursing licenses.
Afternoon and evening classes cover advanced patient-centered care, nursing role integration, and NCLEX preparation. Flexible scheduling options allow students to continue working while enrolled. General requirements include Old and New Testament history and introduction to critical thinking.
- Program: Associate of science in nursing
- Campus: Bolivar, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $10,890-$11,385 total
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; prerequisites; minimum 2.5 GPA; 21 ACT or 1060 SAT score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 82%-93% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,631 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Tifton, GA
- 4 years
- Campus
Paramedics can enter an advanced placement bridge track at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) to earn their associate of science in nursing and prepare to become registered nurses (RNs). The program requires each candidate to complete prerequisite core courses before beginning the one-year RN training curriculum.
In addition to attending class one day a week, ABAC requires students to schedule a minimum of four days for clinical experiences, specialty unit observation, and exams.
- Program: Associate of science in nursing
- Campus: Tifton, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $107 per credit for Georgia residents; $395 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; prerequisite core coursework with a C
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 78.95% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,999 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Albany State University (ASU), a historically Black university, offers an accelerated associate of science in nursing (ASN) program for paramedics to become registered nurses (RNs). The school accepts cohorts every five semesters, which meet once a week at ASU's Albany and Cordele campuses.
The curriculum includes classroom lectures, clinical rotations, and online activities. Admittees complete eight of nine nursing core classes during their first two semesters to become eligible for the four-semester ASN program.
- Program: Associate of science in nursing
- Campus: Albany and Cordele, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $95 per credit for Georgia residents; $360 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license and one year of experience; TEAS exam scores; prerequisites; minimum 2.8 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: Six semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 71.97% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,867 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The registered nursing (RN) program at Arkansas Tech University (ATU) allows paramedics to earn associate of applied science in nursing (AAS-RN) degrees. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam, obtain their RN licenses, and become entry-level RNs.
The program follows a blended format, with half of the nursing theory courses online and half in person. Experiential learning opportunities include hospital clinical rotations and laboratory simulations.
ATU's AAS-RN program also allows seamless transfer to its online RN-to-bachelor of science in nursing.
- Program: Associate of applied science in nursing
- Campus: Russellville, Arkansas (Ozark Campus)
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $122-$226 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; three years of work experience; 37 credits of prerequisites; minimum 2.75 GPA; HESI test scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 86.3% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,607 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Kent State University at Geauga
- Burton, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Paramedics can earn associate of applied science in nursing (AASN-RN) degrees at Kent State University's Geauga campus and take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse (RN) licensure. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking skills and clinical competence.
Paramedics enter the associate degree program in the second year after completing high school or college algebra, biology, and chemistry, among other prerequisites. AASN-RN courses cover nursing agency, maternal/newborn development self-care, and child and family development self-care.
- Program: Associate of applied science in nursing
- Campus: Burton, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $295 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; prerequisite coursework
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 79.89% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,638 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs of 2023
Kent State University at Salem
- Salem, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The paramedic-to-RN program at Kent State University at Salem provides licensed paramedics with the knowledge and skills to transition into the registered nurse (RN) profession. The program develops skills in critical thinking, clinical competence, accountability, and adaptability in healthcare.
Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. Upon graduation, they will be equipped with the skills to work in several settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and in-home care.
- Program: Associate of applied science in nursing
- Campus: Salem, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $295 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current paramedic license; prerequisite coursework
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 79.89% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,638 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How Online Paramedic-to-RN Programs Work
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.
Applying to a Paramedic-to-RN Program
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.
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Admission Requirements
Incoming students often need to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate , and at least one year of paramedic experience to apply to an online paramedic-to-RN program.
Colleges often require official high school or college transcripts. Additionally, applicants often must take pre-admission nursing assessments.
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Admission Materials
Prospective students may need to take placement tests to measure their reading, writing, and math skills. Online paramedic-to-RN programs may also require at least a C grade for courses in biology and psychology.
Programs also require background checks to clear students for clinical work. Other common application materials include personal essays and letters of recommendation.
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GPA Requirement
Candidates need at least a 2.0-2.5 GPA to enter online paramedic-to-RN programs. Students with lower GPAs may get provisional admittance.
Paying for Paramedic-to-RN Programs
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.
What Can You Do After a Paramedic-to-RN Program?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paramedic-to-RN Programs
Can paramedics become nurses?
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.
What can an RN do that a paramedic cannot?
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.
How long does it take to go from paramedic to RN?
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.
Are registered nurses in high demand?
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.
