A career change from a paramedic to a registered nurse does not have to be a long road. Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs provide an accelerated pathway.
Through these programs, you can easily switch without repeating courses. I will show you the best paramedic-to-RN bridge programs online in this article.
I carefully selected these after thorough research. My selections were based on key features, accreditation, curriculum structures, and clinical opportunities these programs provide.
Career advancement is essential. As humans, we need to grow continually. So before we begin, I congratulate you for deciding to advance. Now, let us get into it!
If you would rather be a nursing assistant, check out the 7 Best 4-week Online CNA Programs Free in the USA.
What is a Paramedic to RN Bridge Program?
A paramedic-to-RN bridge program is a pathway designed for paramedics looking to transition into registered nursing (RN) roles. These programs acknowledge the foundational knowledge and skills of paramedics and build upon them to meet the requirements of a registered nurse.
Since paramedics have already completed up to 1,200 hours of medical training, it becomes easy to transition to a more advanced medical profession. The bridge program often focuses on enhancing clinical competencies, theoretical knowledge, and specialized nursing skills.
There are two paramedic-to-RN bridge options: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While the Paramedic to BSN pathway may take between 2 and 3 years, the ADN takes only 1 to 2 years to complete.
See also: 15 Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina.
List of 10 Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs Online
- Hutchinson Community College
- Southwest Baptist University
- Waukesha County Technical College
- Murray State College
- Albany State University
- Pueblo Community College
- Herzing University
- Clark State University
- Eastern Florida State College
- Dalton State College
Top 10 Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs Online
Hutchinson Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes 1–2 years.
- Tuition: there was no information related to the tuition of this program.
- Mode of delivery: it is fully online.
The Paramedic to RN Online Bridge offered by Hutchinson Community College is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. The program is accredited by ACEN and the Kansas Board of Nursing.
The exam prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam. This gives you the license to practice as a registered nurse. However, graduation from this program does not guarantee eligibility for the exam.
The program has a completion rate of 85%. The licensure exam pass rate is at 87.88%.
From my research, I discovered that the pass rates are much higher for paramedics than for all other health professionals. This is one of the free paramedic-to-nursing bridge programs online.
For more information about this program, see Nursing — Paramedic to RN Online Bridge.
Southwest Baptist University
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes 2 years to complete this program.
- Cost: it costs $495 per credit hour.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
Southwest Baptist University offers a 2-year Paramedic to RN bridge program at two of its campuses: the Springfield Campus and the Salem Campus.
The program offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. It also prepares you for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
The college boasts a 99% pass rate for the exam, so you have a high chance of success. However, completing the program at Southwest Baptist does not guarantee eligibility for the exam.
The college also boasts a 99% job placement rate. You can gain employment as an ASN-prepared nurse.
Southwest Baptist University is a faith-based institution. As an additional perk, you will learn to combine faith with your career.
The program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
For more information, see LPN to RN | Paramedic to RN Bridge Program.
Waukesha County Technical College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes about 2 years to complete this complete this program.
- Tuition: it costs $188.90 per credit for in-state residents and $283.35 for out-of-state residents.
- Mode of delivery: this is a hybrid program.
Waukesha County Technical College helps you transition from paramedics to nursing through its bridge program. In this program, you need not repeat coursework you have already done as a paramedic.
Upon completion of the Paramedic to Nursing Bridge program, you can enter the Nursing — Associate Degree program in the third semester. The program is accredited by the ACEN and HLC.
For more information, see Paramedic to Nursing Bridge.
Murray State College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it will take you 1–2 years to complete this program.
- Tuition: the tuition fee is not specified.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
The RN program at Murray State College is an accelerated program approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN). It also has the ACEN and HLC accreditation.
The program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN. Unlike many others, once you complete this program, you become eligible for the exam.
The RN program also provides clinical opportunities as the college considers you a vital part of its healthcare team, even as a student. Some employment opportunities available for you include ambulatory care nursing, geriatrics nursing, and maternal nursing, among many others.
For more information, see Murray State College Nursing Program.
Albany State University
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it will take 2 years to complete.
- Tuition: it costs $3,420 for in-state residents and $12,948.12 for out-of-state residents.
- Mode of delivery: this program is a hybrid program.
Albany State University offers the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge Program. This program provides an accelerated pathway for you to enter into the nursing profession with your paramedic license.
The program consists of class activities, online sessions, and clinical rotations. You can offer the program on either the Albany Campus or the Cordele Campus.
The program has accreditation from the ACEN and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). Upon completion of the program, you receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree.
For more information, see Healthcare Bridge Programs.
Pueblo Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it will take you 1 year to complete.
- Tuition: it is $9,612.25 for in-state with a college opportunity fund, $14,386.25 for in-state without a college opportunity fund, and $32,129.93 for out-of-state.
- Mode of delivery: this is a hybrid program.
Pueblo Community College offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This degree is one of the pathways to becoming an RN, providing the necessary education to sit for the licensure exam (NCLEX).
In this program, you will learn from industry professionals, giving you the best nursing training possible in the state. Moreover, the Paramedic to ADN program in Colorado started with Pueblo Community College.
You will also gain practical experiences through the learning lab sessions using manikins and simulations. The topics taught include adult, gerontological, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health nursing.
The school’s collaboration with hospitals and medical centers provides clinical exposure and job opportunities upon graduation.
For more information, see LPN and Paramedic Bridge to Nursing.
Herzing University
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it lasts a total of 20 months for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and 28 months for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN).
- Tuition: it costs about $28,000.
- Mode of delivery: this is a hybrid program.
Herzing University offers paramedic to RN pathways through two options: ADN and BSN options. The ADN option lasts 20 months, while the BSN lasts 28 months.
Herzing University offers this program on six different campuses. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, and Orlando has its accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is also a HLC-accredited program.
Most of the classes are online, with only the core courses requiring your on-site presence. You can also choose the online BSN Bridge program, which has 100% online classwork.
A recent survey shows that there is more than a 90% satisfaction rate among the students for the program. The program is available on-demand, so you do not have to worry about deadlines.
For more information, see Paramedic to RN Pathways.
Clark State University
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes 2 years to complete this program.
- Tuition: it costs $147.33 per credit hour for in-state residents and $294.66 per credit hour for out-of-state residents.
- Mode of delivery: this program is hybrid.
Clark State University offers the Paramedic to RN Transition program. It is a program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and the ACEN.
In this program, you will learn the fundamental principles of patient-centered care and human flourishing in professional nursing practice. You will also learn how to offer and respond effectively to patient needs regardless of their diversity.
Furthermore, the program will equip you with the communication skills needed for team building. By the end of the program, you will have learned to make sound clinical judgments.
The licensure examination pass rate is at 95.65%. The university also boasts 100% job placement rates for students within 12 months of graduation.
The university maintains the student-faculty ratio at 14:1 to ensure you get the best out of the teaching. Of all the paramedic-to-RN bridge programs online, I am most impressed with this one.
The program structure includes on-campus lectures, online sessions, and clinical rotations.
For more information, see Registered Nursing – Paramedic to RN Transition.
Eastern Florida State College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program lasts 13 months.
- Tuition: it costs $5,824 for in-state residents and there is no concise information on the tuition for out-for-state students.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
The Transition to RN Degree Nursing RN program provides an excellent opportunity for you to become a registered nurse. Aside from paramedics, licensed practical nurses and registered/certified respiratory therapists can also take this course.
The program offers an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Once you complete the program, you are immediately eligible to take the NCLEX-RN as a registered nurse.
Although the tuition only costs $5,824, the total expenses you will spend to enter the program is about $10,800. However, this fee is only for Florida residents. Out-of-state residents will typically pay more.
The school did not show any reviews on its site, but they have worldwide credibility, so I highly rate the program. Moreover, the program has gained accreditation from the ACEN and the Florida Board of Nursing.
For more information, see Transition to Nursing RN A.S.
Dalton State College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program takes about 12 months to complete.
- Tuition: the information is not available on the official website.
- Mode of delivery: this program uses a hybrid delivery.
Dalton State College offers a pathway from paramedics to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). Once you complete the program, you can take the licensure exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing the exam grants you a registered nurse license.
The program operates a hybrid structure. The first semester requires you to be on the campus grounds once every week. The remaining two semesters are a mix of online sessions for the theory aspect and clinical rotations for practical experience.
Before you can take this program, you must have had some experience as a paramedic. You can only apply for the ASN degree after one semester of earning your paramedic license.
After acquiring the RN license, you can move a step further by applying to the online RN to BSN program. This offers you more nursing experience, and of course, more income.
For more information, see Nursing, LPN/Paramedic Bridge.
Can a Paramedic Become a Nurse in Canada?
From my research, I did not find any Canadian institution running paramedic to RN bridge programs. While several Canadian institutions offer paramedic and RN programs, none offer paramedic-to-RN bridge pathways.
If you have a paramedic license and want to become a nurse in Canada, you can attend a traditional nursing school to pursue an ADN or BSN degree. While this may be a longer route, you will still achieve your dream of becoming a nurse.
On the other hand, if you already have an LPN or RPN, you can apply for bridge programs to acquire the BSN degree. Several Canadian institutions offer these programs.
Are Paramedics in Demand in Canada?
Yes, paramedics are in demand in Canada, given the essential role they play in the healthcare system. With growing health concerns, emergencies, and an aging population, the need for skilled paramedics remains consistent.
The Canadian Occupational Projection System forecasts 17,200 new job openings for paramedics between 2022 and 2031. Due to the surge in the demand for paramedics in Canada, the immigrant population has risen, with many filling these roles.
The government of Ontario has also created more than 300 spaces in paramedic programs in Ontario institutions to help more students become paramedics. If you are considering a paramedic career, Canada is a hot shot.
FAQs On Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs Online
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Paramedic to RN Bridge Program?
Generally, these programs can take from 12 to 24 months to complete. However, the duration of a paramedic to RN bridge program can vary depending on the institution. Your dedication and commitment are also a determinant.
What are the Prerequisites for Joining a Paramedic to RN Bridge Program?
The most basic prerequisites for a paramedic to RN bridge program include a valid paramedic license, a GPA of 2.8 or higher, and prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. You must also have some paramedic experience.
Can I complete the Paramedic to RN Bridge Program online?
Most programs offer online coursework but still require in-person clinical rotations or labs.
Conclusion
Online paramedic to RN bridge programs provide a shorter route to becoming a licensed nurse. I have shown you some of the best ones to choose from.
The programs listed here are all accredited by the appropriate accreditation bodies in their respective localities. They also offer clinical opportunities for you to gain mastery of the nursing profession within a short time.
Furthermore, these programs provide job placement assistance to help you land your dream job.
Many of the programs I highlighted have deadlines for application, so I suggest you hurry up in making your decision. I wish you all the best in your new profession!