The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs in 2025
Credit: serts / E+ / Getty ImagesParamedics are first responders who help patients in the field and then transport them to emergency rooms or other healthcare settings.
Paramedics play a critical role in the healthcare system, but it is relatively easy for paramedics to change careers, building on their knowledge and expertise to become registered nurses (RN), which can also increase income potential.
A paramedic-to-RN bridge program allows you to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in 1-2 years. You can qualify for more job opportunities and take on greater clinical responsibilities by becoming an RN.
We’ve identified the best paramedic-to-RN bridge programs in the country. Explore common admission requirements for training, salary, and career outlooks after graduation.
The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs in 2025
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
ABAC’s ASN-LPRN program is an accelerated one-year bridge track for paramedics, LPNs, and respiratory therapists looking to earn RN licensure.
The 71-credit-hour curriculum includes three semesters of nursing courses, skills labs, clinical placements, and preceptorships. Classes are offered one day a week, and the format is tailored to working professionals.
This is a feeder program to the school's online RN-to-BSN program for those seeking a bachelor's degree in nursing.
We like ABAC because 100% of the program's graduates find employment. Most of them receive offers before graduation.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Highlights
- ASN-LPRN program is one day per week
- 100% NCLEX pass rate for Fall 2023 graduates
- 100% employment rate
Considerations
- Nursing courses from other institutions do not transfer to this program
- Physical education (PE) course required
- In-State$2,563
- Out-of-state$9,469
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,647
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
ATU’s AAS-RN program is designed for paramedics and LPNs looking to transition into an RN career. Half of the program's nursing theory courses are in-person, and half are online, offering flexibility to working professionals. This two-year program also includes hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations.
Paramedics must complete 37 credits of platform courses and a six-credit course for paramedics transitioning to nursing before they can be accepted into the program's technical phase. After acceptance, they can complete the remaining 30 credits of technical coursework, which includes an introduction to professional nursing, pharmacology, and nutrition.
We like ATU because tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is less expensive than the national average. Students who live in bordering states also receive in-state tuition from ATU.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Highlights
- 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- In-state tuition offered to students in Arkansas and bordering states
- Program segues into the school’s BSN program
Considerations
- Paramedics must complete "transition to RN" course to apply to the nursing program
- Current state certification as a paramedic and national registration as an EMT required
- 600 hours of work as a paramedic and graduation from an approved paramedic program within 12 months of applying required, or a minimum of 1,000 hours of work within 12 months of applying
- In-State$5,995
- Out-of-state$11,989
- In-State$5,481
- Out-of-state$10,962
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled9,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Holmes Community College
- Goodman, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
HCC’s associate degree nursing accelerated program has two pathways for licensed and certified paramedics and LPNs looking to advance their careers in healthcare.
We like HCC because it offers paramedics a choice between two 66-credit curriculums. Both tracks are offered at the school's Grenada and Ridgeland campuses located in Mississippi.
The first option offers a 12-month curriculum that starts in the summer with 12-credit nursing transition courses before entering the general program in August with a May completion goal.
The second option is a four-semester path of study with nursing theory courses in the fall and spring followed by the general program in August of the second year. This slower-paced route ends with a final spring semester in the second year.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning of Mississippi.
Highlights
- NCLEX first-time pass rate is 89%
- Graduates have a 96% job placement rate
- Students receive six credits toward graduation for previous paramedic training
Considerations
- At least one year of experience working as a paramedic required
- Proof of active unencumbered paramedic license or certification required
- In-State$2,700
- Out-of-state$5,400
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled4,948
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Bishop State Community College
- Mobile, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
BSCCs Career Mobility Track I program provides paramedics and LPNs with a 55-credit, fast-paced, full-time pathway to becoming RNs. Graduates receive an AAS degree in nursing and are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Applicant selection is based on a point system. Applicants earn points for factors such as ACT score (up to 36 points), EMT certification (2 points), and enrollment in one semester at BSCC (1 point).
This program balances classroom lectures and clinical placements throughout the curriculum, and skills labs in the first two semesters.
We like BSCC because it takes three semesters to complete. The first semester covers broad nursing concepts, while the second and third semesters include courses in advanced nursing concepts, microbiology, and advanced evidence-based clinical reasoning.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Alabama Board of Nursing accredited this program.
Highlights
- No work history is required for this program
- Student selection is based on a point system
- Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an HBCU
Considerations
- Proof of active, unencumbered paramedic licensure is required
- Program starts in the fall semester
- Must be accepted or currently enrolled as a BSCC student prior to applying to the nursing program
- In-State$3,750
- Out-of-state$7,500
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled2,968
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
ASU’s healthcare-professional-to-RN bridge program is a track option designed for students who are currently working as paramedics and LPNs and want to become RNs. After completing the ASN program, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN.
This accelerated 60-credit bridge program offers courses predominantly on campus, including classroom lectures, skills labs, and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Online or hybrid classes are possible, but they are not guaranteed.
The program consists of core nursing courses in the first two semesters. At that time, you can apply to the nursing program, which requires four more semesters of courses including fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, adult health, nursing care of women and children, psychiatric nursing, and a comprehensive capstone review course.
We like ASU because this program caters to working professionals. Classroom lectures, clinical placements, and online courses occur one day a week, which offers flexibility to students who are balancing school with a career.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Highlights
- In-person program at the Albany and Cordele campuses in Georgia
- Segues into ASU’s fully online RN-to-BSN program
- Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an HBCU
Considerations
- New cohorts accepted every five semesters and can start in the spring, summer, or fall
- Must have valid paramedic certification and at least one year of work experience
- Must be accepted or enrolled at ASU before applying to the university's nursing school
- In-State$4,064
- Out-of-state$14,786
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$13,716
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled6,334
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in an Online LPN Program
Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs prepare graduates for RN licensure. However, not every program comprises the same curriculum or format, and some may take longer to complete than others.
When looking for the right program for your needs, consider the following factors:
Admission Requirements
Determining your eligibility for a paramedic-to-RN program requires a thorough review of admission requirements, which can include relevant work experience, professional certifications, and transfer credit criteria.
Specializations
What kind of work speaks to you as a paramedic? You can often continue to explore your preferred area of work as an RN, specializing in areas, such as critical care, neonatal, trauma nursing, and obstetrics.
Program Curriculum
The general coursework in a paramedic-to-RN program covers anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and fundamental nursing concepts. Electives and specialties vary by program, making this a key consideration for all prospective enrollees.
Clinical Experience
Because paramedics have training in emergency medical response, paramedic-to-RN bridge programs may require fewer clinical hours than traditional ADN programs. Many programs also help students find clinical placements.
Accreditation
Prioritize accredited paramedic-to-RN bridge programs, as accreditation plays a crucial role in many aspects of your career. For example, sitting for the NCLEX requires each candidate to have graduated from an accredited program, and most employers only hire graduates of programs with proper accreditation.
Program Length
Most paramedic-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months to complete. Programs that award a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can take longer, usually around 2-3 years. Completing a longer paramedic-to-RN online program may cost more than accelerated options.
School Graduation Rate
Nursing schools 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 on time.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
If you enroll in a paramedic-to-RN bridge program online, you may study on your own schedule without any live courses. You may interact with fellow students and instructors through synchronous courses, which meet in real time to mirror the in-person experience. Review the delivery format and technology requirements to find a good fit.
Why Is Paramedic-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures a quality education and verifies a graduate’s preparedness for nursing careers. The accreditation process benefits nursing as a whole and ensures students can sit for the NCLEX-RN. Upholding industry standards also provides better nursing care outcomes.
The nursing programs in our ranking hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Here’s why nursing school accreditation matters for nurses:
- Accredited programs follow the best practices for educating nurses.
- Students may not be able to transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
- State boards of nursing only license candidates from accredited programs.
- Employers may only hire graduates from accredited programs.
How Paramedic-to-RN Programs Work
Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs build on your prior medical training and clinical skills to prepare you for licensure as an RN. You complete courses in health assessment, evidence-based practice, and patient care, while also gaining hands-on skills through clinical rotations and labs.
If you choose to attend a paramedic-to-RN bridge program online, you may take classes virtually while meeting clinical requirements in person, often in your local area. Online programs may offer asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid delivery formats, which provide flexibility for paramedics who plan to work while earning a nursing degree.
Find out more information about clinical experiences as an online nursing student and the differences between in-person and online nursing programs with our helpful guides.
Applying to a Paramedic-to-RN Program
Before paramedics can take nursing classes, they need to apply to paramedic-to-RN programs. That means meeting the admission requirements.
Most paramedic-to-RN bridge programs require:
- A valid paramedic certification or licensure
- A high school diploma or the equivalent
- 1-2 years of experience working as a paramedic
- Prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry
You may need to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and essays during the admission process. Many programs also require a background check and updated immunizations.
Paying for Paramedic-to-RN Programs
Becoming an RN can boost your earning potential, but paying for a paramedic-to-RN bridge program poses a barrier for many students.
It’s important to understand your financial aid options to help pay for your nursing degree. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal, state, and private funding sources.
Next, research grants and scholarships for nursing students. Because they do not require repayment, grants and scholarships are ideal sources of funding.
As a prospective healthcare worker, you can also explore details on student loan forgiveness programs and employer tuition reimbursement, which can help you cover costs.
What Can You Do After a Paramedic-to-RN Program?
After graduating from a paramedic-to-RN program, you can take the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure. If you earned an ADN, you can also consider an RN-to-BSN program to enhance your clinical knowledge and move into specialized roles.
The scope of practice for RNs and paramedics varies. For example, RNs can work in many more clinical settings, including hospitals and medical offices.
Like RNs, paramedics can insert IVs, give medications, and provide life-saving interventions, but paramedics can intubate patients in emergencies while RNs cannot. Nurses help determine and deliver patient care in all settings and situations, including emergencies and non-emergencies.
Many RNs work in hospitals, while others find employment in ambulatory healthcare services, nursing and rehab facilities, medical practices, and government agencies.
Median Annual Pay
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Paramedics can become RNs in as little as 1-2 years with a paramedic-to-RN bridge program. These programs incorporate nursing courses and clinical rotations to prepare graduates for RN licensure and higher earning potential.
Related LPN Career Resources:
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