How to Transition Your Career from Paramedic to Registered Nurse

There is a wide range of RN programs for EMTs or paramedics. Some of these are bridge programs specifically designed for those making the transition. These typically remove a small amount of time from a full, generic RN program.

You also have a choice of which degree you want to earn. Earning an ADN, like the program at Jersey College, will typically take about two years, while a BSN program will typically take four.

All programs, whether bridge, ADN, or BSN, will cover topics like:

• Nursing theory
• Planning for patient care
• Mental health nursing
• Pharmacology

RN Program Curriculum

A typical RN curriculum includes core courses like microbiology, sociology, and nutrition. It also includes nursing courses that take you through specialties like psychiatric nursing. Additionally, you may take classes on leadership and teamwork.

Learn more about the Jersey College RN curriculum, or see what the course load might look like for you by reviewing our Sample Education Plan.

There are several reasons that would motivate a paramedic to become a registered nurse. Some of the main benefits of transitioning into an RN role include:

• Wider range of job opportunities and work environments
• Better pay
• More career advancement and specialization opportunities
• More patient contact

If you're thinking of a move from paramedic to RN, it's important to have an understanding of how your day-to-day job duties may change. If being an EMT is like a series of sprints, being an RN is more like a marathon.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Developing care plans for patients and keeping records of their progress
• Serving as an intermediary between doctors and patients
• Counseling and comforting both patients and families
• Ensuring patient comfort and pain relief

Do RNs and Paramedics Share Job Responsibilities?

While you'll find that many of your skills transfer as you transition from paramedic to RN, the day-to-day responsibilities can be quite different.

As an EMT, your goal is to stabilize the patient and get them to the hospital as quickly as possible. RNs, on the other hand, are responsible for keeping patients safe and comfortable for their whole stay. They also support doctors by administering medications and keeping detailed records of patient conditions.

With employment in healthcare set to grow more quickly than other occupations, the outlook for most medical professions is very good. RNs are no exception, and the profession is set to grow by 6% over the next decade.

Specializations

Once you have your RN license, you can work in a variety of environments. Roles you can hold include:

• Home health care nurse
• Trauma nurse
• Medical-surgical nurse
• ER nurse
• Operating room nurse

As you can see, RNs have a wider range of options than paramedics. Some of these roles, like ER nurse, have a lot of similarities with paramedic work. Others, like home health care nurse, are typically a bit slower paced and involve more relationship-building with patients.

As of 2023, the median RN salary in the US is $86,070 a year. This is more than twice the $38,930 median salary for an EMT and about 40% more than the median salary of $53,180 for paramedics.

Making the paramedic to RN transition is a great way to boost your income potential. RNs with previous experience as an EMT or paramedic should also be sure to highlight this when applying for jobs. Your experience, skills, and demonstrated history of working in a fast-paced and demanding environment may give you a leg up in the applicant pool for certain positions that require related skills. 

For more information on pay expectations, check out our nursing salary guide.

Jersey College offers RN programs at many of our campuses. These include:

• AZ – Tucson
• FL – Brooksville
• FL – Fort Lauderdale
• FL – Jacksonville
• FL – Largo
• FL – Melbourne
• FL – Naples
• FL – Port Charlotte
• FL – Tampa
• IN – Fort Wayne
• PA – Scranton
• TN – Cleveland

Jersey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. 

Each campus is licensed, authorized, and/or approved by its respective state governing educational body, and the nursing programs are licensed, authorized, and/or approved by the respective State Board of Nursing.

For location-specific information, visit our accreditation and licensing page

The first step to applying to Jersey College is to get in touch with the admissions department. Choose your location to view the contact information for your nearest campus!

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