Hey there, I'm currently a student of a paramedic program at a community college. I need to take a total of 60 EMT term credits, and I want to pursue a degree following getting my paramedic. Can I use these credits for another degree, even as elective credits? More specifically, should I decide to enter a BSN program, can I use some of my EMT credits as substitute for some nursing classes? Thank you.
EMT credits for a degree?
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Critical Crazy
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Paramedic/EMT credit hours are going to count as lower division elective credit in other degree programs.
Thus, you can't used Paramedic as substitution for upper division or RN classes in a BSN program. There are a few "paramedic to BSN" programs advertised, but what they usually give you is gen-ed credit as already described. In a few exceptional cases, they'll give you a whopping 3-6 nursing credits, not enough to make a program attractive for that.
Certainly no reason to do paramedic as a way to shortcut entry into nursing.
Do paramedic to be a paramedic. If you want to be a nurse, go straight for your BSN. If both, it is far easier to go from nurse to medic.
Thus, you can't used Paramedic as substitution for upper division or RN classes in a BSN program. There are a few "paramedic to BSN" programs advertised, but what they usually give you is gen-ed credit as already described. In a few exceptional cases, they'll give you a whopping 3-6 nursing credits, not enough to make a program attractive for that.
Certainly no reason to do paramedic as a way to shortcut entry into nursing.
Do paramedic to be a paramedic. If you want to be a nurse, go straight for your BSN. If both, it is far easier to go from nurse to medic.
NysEms2117
ex-Parole officer/EMT
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Today is my first day of nursing school and I couldn't
EpiEMS
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Two separate questions:
1) Yes, you may be able to use some of your EMS credits towards a bachelor's degree. Typically, they'll count as "lower-division" courses. However, this may vary by institution.
2) The latter seems unlikely to me - EMS and nursing are different disciplines with different standards. Perhaps an A&P class might transfer...but I don't think, say, "Cardiology For Paramedics" would satisfy any nursing requirements.
Alright, that all makes sense. I've been pursuing paramedicine because I'm interested in ES, but into my EMT classes I'm not sure it's something I want to do long term. I'll finish my certification before making a decision (probably try working as an EMT as well). Looks like I might have to more seriously consider moving to a nursing track sooner. Thanks for the information!
NysEms2117
ex-Parole officer/EMT
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Colleges tend to lean away from giving credits for being an EMT, since it is a profession, and your looking to get an education, dumb in my opinion, but thats how they do their thing.