I presume you are passionate about health care, and have some experience in the front lines. But it is never enough, is it? There is a need to elevate your career and expand your horizon.
If you were wondering where to find paramedic to RN programs in your state, I have brought you a solution. In this article, I will show you the best paramedic-to-RN bridge programs in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina.
I have researched these programs, considering their curriculum, clinical rotations, and accreditation. I am sure you will find the program best fit for you in this article.
Becoming a nursing assistant is an alternative pathway to gaining some patient care skills. You can check out the 7 Best 4-week Online CNA Programs Free in the USA.
4 Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Texas
Blinn College District
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program will take you two years to complete.
- Program fee: The fees are in three categories — $7,655.95 for out-of-state students, $6,089.95 for in-state students, and $11,949.85 for foreign students.
- Mode of delivery: the classes are held on campus.
Blinn College offers a Paramedic to RN Transition AAS (Associate of Applied Science) Degree. The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Through this program, you receive experiential learning credit to push you into the nursing profession. The program includes several lecture hours and lab sessions.
Going through this program develops your knowledge and skills into what a professional nurse should have. When you complete it, you can take up entry-level nursing roles in hospitals and other health institutions.
For more information, see Paramedic-to-RN Transition.
Tyler Junior College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes a total of 12 months to complete this program.
- Program fee: the fee is not specified comprehensively on the school’s website.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program that comprises online and offline classes.
The Paramedic-RN Transition program offered by Tyler Junior College is a fast-tracked opportunity to become a nurse. This 12-month program consists of a combination of on-campus and online lectures.
It also has clinical rotations. Each of these learning sessions may require only 1 or 2 days of the week.
Application for this program comes with a deadline, so if you are going to make a move, you should do it fast. The admission period for the fall semester is from the 15th to the 31st of January, while the spring semester is from the 15th to the 30th of June.
Tyler Junior College has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for all its baccalaureate degrees.
For more information, see Paramedic-RN Transition.
Lone Star College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: you will graduate from this program in three semesters.
- Program fee: it is $19,050 for students living in-district with parents, $27,330 for students living off-campus within the district, $22,890 for students living out of the district with parents, $31,170 for out-of-district students living off-campus. and $33,390 for out-of-state/international students.
- Mode of delivery: the lessons are delivered offline in the traditional way.
The Transition Track program at Lone Star College is an ACEN-approved program. It is also approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Transition Track is a full-time program that involves classes twice a week. It also includes clinical rotations where you gain hands-on experience.
The clinicals consist of 10–12 hours of clinical exposure. Most of the clinical rotations are day shifts except otherwise stated by the hospital.
The program overview, list of courses, and clinical rotations look good. I consider it one of the best paramedic to RN bridge programs in Texas.
For more information, see Transition Track.
Trinity Valley Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes one year to complete this program.
- Program fee: this is not specified on the school’s website.
- Mode of delivery: this program is hybrid.
Trinity Valley Community College offers a Paramedic to Associate Degree in Nursing Transition Program. As a licensed paramedic, this program provides a shorter pathway to becoming a nurse.
However, to be eligible, you must have had a minimum of one year experience as a practicing paramedic. This is to ensure you have gained enough clinical experience.
The ADN program normally lasts two years, but once you complete the prerequisite summer courses, you can join the second year of the program. Upon completion of the program, you can apply for the NCLEX–RN licensure exam to become a registered nurse.
The program has accreditation from the Texas Board of Nursing.
For more information about this program, see Paramedic-to-ADN Nursing Transition AAS Degree.
4 Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Georgia
Albany State University
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes a total of two years to complete this program.
- Program fee: the fees are $3,420 for in-state residents and $12,948.12 for out-of-state residents.
- Mode of delivery: this program incorporates both online and offline classes.
Albany State University offers one of the best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Georgia. You can take the course in its Albany or Cordele Campus.
Albany State University calls it the Health-Professional-to-RN Bridge Program. Whether as a paramedic or licensed practical nurse (LPN), you can enroll in this bridge program.
The program is accredited by the ACEN, with the school having the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
You receive an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree by the end of the program. You can then apply for the licensure examination (NCLEX–RN) after which you become a registered nurse.
For more information, see Healthcare Bridge Programs.
Georgia Highlands College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program spans 3 semesters.
- Program fee: it costs $198 per semester.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
Georgia Highlands College provides a paramedic to RN bridge program, which offers you an ASN degree. The program is an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
The traditional nursing program takes 5 semesters to complete. However, this bridge program will take you only 3 semesters.
In the first semester, you only have to take the NUR1300 and NUR1400 courses. Passing these courses allows you to join the last 2 semesters of the traditional nursing program.
The nursing program at Georgia Highlands College has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
For more information about this program, see Bridge ASN Program Admissions.
Gwinnett Technical College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program takes just 3 semesters to complete.
- Program fee: aside from the unspecified tuition fee, you will pay a $650 supply fee.
- Mode of delivery: the classes are held on campus.
Gwinnett Technical College offers a transition from paramedics into nursing. Although the course typically lasts 3 semesters, the time you spend will depend on your completion of the prerequisite courses.
After completing your prerequisites, you can enroll in the transition program. Completion of the transition program earns you an Associate in Degree in Nursing (ADN).
The program makes you eligible for the NCLEX–RN licensure exam. The program has the approval of the Georgia Board of Nursing and the ACEN.
I discovered that the required 3.0 GPA for the prerequisite is much higher than that of other colleges. So, applying for this program will require a little bit more academic excellence.
For more information, see Associate Degree Nursing Paramedic Bridge Option, ADN.
Dalton State College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes 3 semesters to complete, that is about 12 months.
- Program fee: information about the school was not provided by the school.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
The Dalton State College LPN/Paramedic Bridge is a paramedic to RN program that leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. As a licensed paramedic, you can take this program to enter the nursing profession.
The program has some prerequisite courses that you must pass before applying. Once you apply, you can complete the nursing program in as little as 3 semesters.
While the first semester requires on-campus lectures, the second and third are for online theory sessions and clinical rotations. The program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
For more information, see Nursing, LPN/Paramedic Bridge.
2 Best paramedic to RN bridge programs in Illinois
Parkland College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: this program takes a total of three semesters to complete.
- Program fee: it costs a total of $5,130.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program featuring online and offline classes.
Paramedic to ADN Bridge at Parkland is an ACEN-accredited program for paramedics looking to switch to nursing. It is a 3-semester program consisting of 11–14 credit hours per semester.
Before proceeding with your application, you must have taken the prerequisite courses. The program operates a hybrid structure involving on-campus training, online sessions, and partially online classes.
Parkland is one school that focuses on theory and practice. This is evident in its paramedic to RN bridge as you will learn the theory and gain adequate clinical exposure.
One clear advantage of this program is its affordability. It is one of the most affordable paramedic to RN bridge programs in Illinois.
For more information, see Nursing – Paramedic to ADN Bridge.
Illinois Central College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes 24 months of full-time study and it is unclear whether part-time studies are available.
- Program fee: it costs an estimated $9,300 with no other additional fees.
- Mode of delivery: this program features only on-campus classes.
The Illinois Central College provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to advance to nursing. As a paramedic in Illinois, this program may be a good match for you.
The Healthcare Professional to RN Completion program awards an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program employs all the arsenals of nursing education, including theory, laboratory, and clinical experience.
By the end of the program, you will have mastered the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of registered nurses. The program also prepares you for the NCLEX–RN licensure exam.
The program has accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) also approves the course.
To ensure more individual attention, the college maintains an average class size of 15 students. This also means limited spaces, so if you want to apply, you need to hasten up.
For more information about the program, see Healthcare Professional to RN Completion.
5 Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in North Carolina
Robeson Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes only three semesters to complete the program.
- Program fee: it will cost in-state students $76 per credit hour and cost out-of-state students $268 per credit hour.
- Mode of delivery: it is an on-campus program.
The paramedic to RN bridge at Robeson Community College is an ACEN-accredited program. It awards an Associate Degree in Nursing.
The program provides advanced placement into the third semester of the ADN program. However, you have to tender evidence of at least one year of employment as a certified paramedic.
You must also complete the prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Once you complete the program, you become eligible to apply for the NCLEX–RN. Passing the licensure exam opens you to a vast world of employment opportunities.
For more information about the program, see Associate Degree Nursing Paramedic to RN (A45110PP), AAS.
Mitchell Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it lasts two years.
- Program fee: it costs $5,700 for in-state students and the fee for out-of-state students is not specified.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
The Paramedic to RN Bridge Program at Mitchell Community College is open to paramedics with an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Science Paramedic. You must also have a CPR certification, along with other requirements.
Of all the paramedic to RN bridge programs in North Carolina, Mitchell Community College has the lowest GPA requirement. You only need a GPA of 2.0 to be eligible to apply.
It is an ACEN-accredited program that has in-person and online classes. The lectures emphasize your roles as a nurse and your contribution to the healthcare team.
In this program, you will also learn how to administer individualized patient care. Upon completion, you can apply for the NCLEX–RN to begin your nursing career in earnest.
For more information, see the Paramedic to RN Bridge Program.
Halifax Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes one year to complete.
- Program fee: no information is available.
- Mode of delivery: the classes hold within the campus in a traditional setting.
Halifax Community College provides an easy transition for paramedics through its Associate Degree Nursing Paramedic to RN program. The program prepares you for the NCLEX–RN.
The coursework includes training on patient care and general nursing practice. The courses aim to improve your knowledge and skills in the intricacies of medical care.
Applying to the program requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the prerequisite courses. However, that is not all the requirement, there are several others.
For more information, see Paramedic to RN PDF.
Maryland Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes just 2 semesters to complete this program.
- Program fee: it costs $3,648 for North Carolina students and $12,864 for out-of-state students.
- Mode of delivery: it is an on-campus program.
Maryland Community College offers a program called Paramedic to ADN Option. The program provides a shorter pathway to transition from paramedics to nursing without unnecessary course repetitions.
The program has gained accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Once you complete the program you are eligible for the NCLEX–RN licensure exam.
Maryland Community College (MCC) boasts a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX–RN. This means your chances of failing the NCLEX–RN after this program are almost zero. Impressive right?
This is one of the reasons I consider it among the best paramedic to RN bridge programs in North Carolina.
You can take advantage of the state-of-the-art simulation labs at MCC to learn everything related to nursing practice. The colleges also maintain small class sizes to ensure you gain all the attention you need for effective learning.
For more information, see Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing Option.
Bladen Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Duration: it takes a total of three semesters to complete.
- Program fee: it costs a minimum of $164 per credit hour for in-state students and about $268 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Mode of delivery: it is a hybrid program.
Bladen Community College is a school approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its Associate Degree in Nursing program also has accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
The following are the three major requirements to apply for the program:
- A paramedic certification with the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services OR National Registry
- An Associate of Applied Science in EMS
- A minimum score of 58 on the TEAS exam
The college uses a selective criteria for the admission process. It selects candidates based on specific qualifications and requirements.
The program prepares you for the NCLEX–RN. Once you pass the exam, you can start practicing as a registered nurse.
For more information, see Paramedic to RN — Bridge Program.
FAQs on Best Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina
How Long are Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs?
A paramedic to RN bridge program typically lasts 3 semesters. A semester is about 4 months so the program may take 12 months. However, the duration of paramedic to RN bridge programs can vary depending on the institution and the specific program. Some programs last up to 24 months (2 years).
Can Paramedics Become Nurses?
Yes, as a paramedic, you can become a nurse through paramedic to RN bridge programs. You can also take the traditional route by completing a nursing degree program from the start. However, bridge programs provide a shorter pathway.
What is the Fastest Way to Become an RN in Texas?
The quickest route to becoming an RN in Texas involves completing an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program if you already have some college credits or a degree. Alternatively, if you are a certified paramedic, you should consider a paramedic to RN bridge program. It offers a quicker path to becoming an RN compared to starting a BSN program from scratch.
Conclusion
The Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina offer a unique opportunity to transition into the nursing profession.
While these programs have unique features, most of them offer similar benefits. However, you should take some time to analyze these programs to select the one best suited for you.
Accreditation, curriculum quality, clinical experiences, and student outcomes are part of what you should base your decision on. Make sure you also meet the requirements before applying. All the best!