A paramedic-to-nurse training program allows licensed paramedics to earn an Associate of Science degree in nursing. Many of these programs last one to two years, according to Education-Portal.com. Following the program, graduates can take their National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses, which is required to become a licensed registered nurse. Through this education, students also can receive voluntary credentials from the American Nursing Credentialing Center in a variety of specialized areas of health care such as pediatrics or ambulatory care. Paramedic-to-nurse bridge programs are available both online and on college campuses.
To enroll in a paramedic-to-nurse training program, students usually have be certified or licensed paramedics and have their high school diplomas. Some programs also accept only students who have a grade point average of 2.5 or above from their paramedic training. In addition, students usually must submit transcripts as well as Standardized Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores. Other schools require students to have completed registered nurse application prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher. These courses might include intermediate algebra, introduction to chemistry or general psychology.
Classes in paramedic-to-nurse training programs usually cover topics such as advanced nursing/patient care concepts, health care systems/processes and the physical and life sciences. Students learn to work with doctors and other medical professionals when delivering health care services to patients. Courses additionally cover physiology, anatomy, microbiology, human growth and development, child health nursing, health/nutrition and ethical issues in health care. Bridge programs also typically include externship or internship opportunities that give students hands-on experience in the field.
With a paramedic-to-nurse education, students can work as registered nurses in hospitals, doctors' offices, health care clinics and nursing facilities. If registered nurses decide to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, they also can fill advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse mid-wives and nurse anesthetists.
Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. The median annual wage of registered nurses in May 2008 was $62,450. This projected growth is much higher than that for paramedics, which is 9 percent through 2018. In addition, nurses earn more than paramedics. The median hourly wage for a paramedic in May 2008 was $14.10.