EMT to Paramedic/Nurse

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Emergency Metaphysics

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Hello colleagues,

I did a forum search for this topic question, but I didn't find anything that quite hit what I needed know. My question is once I'm an EMT-B, is there a program where you can simultaneously get an R.N. and a paramedic certification?

I know that accelerated nursing programs are growing in popularity among those of us who already have a bachelor's degree and the prerequisite science courses, but I'm not sure if there is a program that allows you to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. A Google search didn't yield results that seemed all that useful or reputable.

I'd appreciate any resources, feedback, or other guidance that you can offer. As always, thank you, and know I find you're all a great resources.

Cheers,
M.
 
I'm not aware of any program that runs a Paramedic and RN curriculum concurrently. They are two completely different types of practice, don't exactly go hand in hand.
 
STXmedic said:
Dang, not even in EMT school yet and already trying to bail to nursing!

I've never heard of such a program, though.
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Ha! I'm a planner, my friend, a planner. I'm the sort of nerd that has some set goals that are far off in to the future. On the other hand, I may get out into the field as an EMT-B in a couple of months and decide it just isn't for me. But if I fall in love with the field as I believe I will, then I'd like to explore my options.
 
@Emergency Metaphysics There isn't any such program because they're two very different fields and they're taught to think in very different ways. There are some similarities in terms of procedures performed, but outside of those, apples and oranges they are. If you're looking to become both, you'd probably be able to more quickly reach that goal by becoming an RN first and then find a way to challenge Paramedic.

Because of the differences in the depth of exposure to various subjects, it would take longer for a Paramedic to bridge to RN than the other way.
 
Akulahawk said:
@Emergency Metaphysics There isn't any such program because they're two very different fields and they're taught to think in very different ways. There are some similarities in terms of procedures performed, but outside of those, apples and oranges they are. If you're looking to become both, you'd probably be able to more quickly reach that goal by becoming an RN first and then find a way to challenge Paramedic.

Because of the differences in the depth of exposure to various subjects, it would take longer for a Paramedic to bridge to RN than the other way.
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Thank you for this. I kind of figured this might be the reasoning, but I thought I'd ask. I work with nurses every day and quite frankly I find their job boring. However, if I could situate myself in an emergency room or flight team, that might make nursing school worth it. Maybe the nurses I've worked with over the last couple of years have just spoiled it for me or at least made me skeptical. But one thing at a time, right? EMT-B then ... well ... I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,
M.
 
Emergency Metaphysics said:
Thank you for this. I kind of figured this might be the reasoning, but I thought I'd ask. I work with nurses every day and quite frankly I find their job boring. However, if I could situate myself in an emergency room or flight team, that might make nursing school worth it. Maybe the nurses I've worked with over the last couple of years have just spoiled it for me or at least made me skeptical. But one thing at a time, right? EMT-B then ... well ... I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,
M.
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Nursing and EMS are both largely very boring. It really depends upon where you work as a nurse or what kind of transport you do as to how boring it can be. If you're thinking of doing Flight Nursing, you'll have to have at least 2 years of ICU experience. What makes work as a Paramedic or as a Nurse exciting for me (just the clinicals of school so far) is the thinking and the learning. I find that I can learn a LOT from my patients... and that learning helps me provide better care for the next patients I get.
 
Most flight agencies require 3-5 years of experience. CAAMTS requires a minimum of 3 years of experience from all crew members as part of their accreditation process if I'm not mistaken.
 
Handsome Robb said:
Most flight agencies require 3-5 years of experience. CAAMTS requires a minimum of 3 years of experience from all crew members as part of their accreditation process if I'm not mistaken.
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I'd be surprised if a flight agency seriously looked at an applicant that had less than 5 years absent some other factor that made that applicant very attractive... but most ads I've seen posted lately state 2 years minimum ICU experience...
 
Akulahawk said:
I'd be surprised if a flight agency seriously looked at an applicant that had less than 5 years absent some other factor that made that applicant very attractive... but most ads I've seen posted lately state 2 years minimum ICU experience...
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Agreed. I'm hoping this time next year with my three years I'll be able to lateral to our flight division but like you said that's an individual situation where I know the crews and managers and have basically had a working interview for the last couple of years.

I know most agencies like to see a mix of ICU and ER nursing but seems like they prefer ICU if it's one or the other. I know a lot of places run RN/P so they have the prehospital specialty for scene calls and the RN has the ICU experience for IFTs.
 
I've heard talk of the reverse. RN to PM, accelerated. But not what you are asking.
 
Emergency Metaphysics said:
Do you mean it's an accelerated nursing program that simultaneously earns you a paramedic certification? Or an R.N. who enters an accelerated paramedic program?

Cheers,
M.
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The latter.
 
I really doubt there's an accelerated nursing program that will also earn you a paramedic. There are a couple programs that allow you to sit for a short transition course once you are already a nurse (ideally with ED or ICU experience). That is likely what Mack was referring to.

Edit: He beat me to it. That's what I thought.
 
STXmedic said:
I really doubt there's an accelerated nursing program that will also earn you a paramedic. There are a couple programs that allow you to sit for a short transition course once you are already a nurse (ideally with ED or ICU experience). That is likely what Mack was referring to.

Edit: He beat me to it. That's what I thought.
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Sounds great. Thank you to all. I'll keep hunting, but I think it'll be a lost cause. I was just fishing for a way to utilize my time more productively.
 
Doesn't exist. Besides it would be very hard to find compatible entry level positions simultaneously... That you would want.
 
There are a few places I've heard of in Ohio that do an accelerated Paramedic (like 2-3 months) after you have your RN and EMT card.
 
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