Online Paramedic to RN Bridge Program: Making the Transition

Did you know that Paramedic to RN Bridge programs have been around since the 1990s? The decade marked the beginning of an era in which borders between specific health care professions became more fluid. As paramedics started to explore roles in new settings like hospitals, critical care centers, physician's offices and clinics, a demand for transitional courses in the nursing field arose. Paramedic to RN Bridge programs met this need.

It’s no surprise that a paramedic would want to expand his or her options. If you’re a paramedic, you are no stranger to stress, long hours, aggressive patients and unrewarding pay. Despite the immense satisfaction of helping to save lives and the adrenalin rush of working against the clock, the job can take its toll. The national average for a paramedic to remain on the job is eight years, and at some point or another many paramedics begin considering other alternate career paths.

Transitioning into a nursing career is a popular choice for a growing number of paramedics. For one thing, there’s the lure of a substantial pay increase. A paramedic’s average base salary is around $38,000 per year, although it can vary depending on the state and how experienced the paramedic is. As an RN, the national average salary for your profession is $55,000 per year. Another factor is the grueling schedule: most paramedics are on the job between 45 and 60 hours a week, and the hours are inconsistent. As an RN, you can look forward to fewer and more predictable working hours.

Although Paramedic to RN programs have a two-decade long history, recent years have seen a surge of interest in these types of programs. Never before have so many paramedics per year chosen to transition into the RN role through a bridge program. The reason behind this phenomenon is twofold.

Firstly, online programs have offered the perfect solution to busy paramedics who want to pursue their degree while working full-time. In previous years, a paramedic studying to become an RN would have a mighty challenge to balance a work schedule, family obligations and personal commitments with class attendance at a traditional university. Now, paramedics can earn their degree in less than two years from the convenience of home.

Secondly, the excellent quality and widespread acceptance of online degree programs offered by accredited institutions has made the online route more appealing to paramedics. No longer does any stigma attach to online learners versus traditional students. In fact, some online programs are preferred by employers who are familiar with the high standards that online students must meet, not to mention the level of discipline and accountability required to graduate from an online degree program.

There are other benefits to an online Paramedic to RN degree program. Are you concerned about cost? Online programs offer huge savings when compared to traditional campus-based nursing programs. You might even be able to qualify for tuition assistance from your employer. Are you worried about not being able to complete the course load in a designated period? Online programs are self-paced. You can work according to your own needs and preferences.

An online Paramedic to RN Bridge program will open the door to expanded job opportunities, reduced stress and increased salary, not to mention job perks such as health insurance and employer-sponsored investment opportunities. If you’ve been putting off requesting information from an online degree program, start the ball rolling today. There’s no point pushing yourself to the edge as a paramedic and finding yourself with no options at the end of the day. While you still have the energy, start studying online to become an RN: you’ll love the choices your new degree brings to your career path.

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.

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