The Online Paramedic To RN Bridge Program Explained

The job of a paramedic is no holiday. “They see the good, the bad, and the very ugly,” says Deborah Belgium in the Los Angeles Business Journal. “They watch children die and families grieve. They’re called to the aftermath of gun battles, car accidents and domestic rage. They’re cursed at, vomited and bled on, yet patients seldom ask their names.”

On the other hand, despite the stress, being a paramedic is exceptionally rewarding. Those who train for this important job generally do so out of a strong desire to serve others and make a real difference to human lives. It’s no surprise that at some point in their careers, paramedics often begin to consider transitioning into a related health care job that is equally rewarding: a registered nurse.

For a paramedic in search of greener fields, becoming a registered nurse is an attractive and popular option. “I loved being a paramedic, but I had pretty much gone as far as I could go,” says one nursing student. “I wanted to become an RN so I could continue helping people, and also earn more money and have a chance at growing my career.”

For a paramedic, the financial benefits of becoming an RN are tangible. A paramedic’s average base salary is around $38,000 per year, depending on the state and the number of years of experience. Most paramedics work between 45 and 60 hours a week with no consistent schedule. In contrast, an RN’s starting salary averages $55,000 per year and the hours are more predictable.

Former paramedics can also look forward to a less stressful work environment as registered nurses. Too many recent news columns feature paramedics who push themselves to the brink: one paramedic killed himself two days after trying in vain to save a dad discovered hanging from an electrical flex. Another had to be hospitalized after a breakdown. These tragedies are far too common. RNs encounter stressful situations too, but not to the extent that a paramedic does.

Probably as a result of work-related stress and challenging working hours, the national average for a paramedic to stay on the job is only eight years. Paramedics who begin pursuing alternate career paths while they still have the energy, rather than burning themselves out to no good purpose, are making a wise choice.

When you consider the prospect of more diverse job opportunities, reduced stress, increased pay and better job perks such as health insurance and employer-sponsored investment opportunities, it’s not hard to understand the increasing popularity of the online Paramedic to RN Bridge program.

There’s only one problem for a working paramedic who wants to pursue further education: how to find the time? Working long arduous shifts, assessing patients under field conditions, determining diagnoses, administering drugs, interpreting electrocardiograms and providing basic trauma life support leaves little time to attend classes on a traditional college campus.

There is an accredited online program that solves this problem by offering a fully online Paramedic to RN Bridge program that requires no classroom attendance. The convenience of online learning accommodates the busy and irregular schedules of EMS & fire service professionals, allowing paramedics the freedom to study at their own pace, while balancing work and home commitments. Online programs are also far more affordable than traditional campus-based nursing programs. Some paramedics can even qualify for tuition assistance from their employers.

Training for an RN tends to focus more on patient education and the long-term treatment of illnesses and diseases. RNs also study the pathophysiology of diseases. One paramedic who completed his RN training while working full-time says, “The biggest difference is the paramedic saves the patient for the moment. A nurse continues that care, and then tries to teach the patient about how to deal with their medical issues for the rest of their life.”

Many paramedics-turned-RNs say that the dual experiences have been enriching and rewarding in different ways. One major difference between the jobs is that only those RNs who are ACLS or PALS certified run full codes administering emergency medications and life support measures such as intubation without a doctor present.

“Probably the hardest thing to cope with as a paramedic to RN nurse was having to get a doctor`s order to give drugs that I had a protocol to give in the field, like nitro or D50,” one former paramedic comments. “Also not being able to jump to the head of a coded patient and intubate was tough.”

So is it worth it? For a paramedic, choosing to take the online Paramedic to RN Bridge program might be the best career decision ever.

“I love being a nurse versus being a medic,” continues the former paramedic quoted above. “No more picking up drunks—or their victims—off the road in the middle of the night in the dead of winter.”

Learn More About The Online Paramedic to RN Bridge Program

Paramedics earn your RN license in as little as 18 months and start enjoying better earnings, increased responsibility and authority, more job options, and far more opportunities for career advancement. Request additional information to speak with a program adviser: online Paramedic to RN Bridge program.

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

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• Paramedic to RN

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

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University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

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Murrieta
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Online
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Gardena
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Lancaster
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Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

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Addison

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

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National City
San Marcos
San Diego

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
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South Gate
Los Angeles
Gardena
San Bernardino

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
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• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
Antioch
San Leandro
San Jose

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

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• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
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Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
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Campus Locations:

Vista
San Diego

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario
Los Angeles

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

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Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
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Campus Locations:

Canyon Country

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
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Campus Locations:

Redding

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Medical Assisting, AS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

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Ontario
Gardena
LA Puente
San Bernardino
Los Angeles
Reseda
San Jose
Hayward
Torrance
San Francisco

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical General
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Vocational High School - Medical

Campus Locations:

Norcross