r/Paramedics • u/FastConsequence4804 • 3d ago
Nursing student wanting to pursue paramedic after school
not sure if this is the best place to ask this but i’m a BSN student who graduates in 11 months and i’m interested in getting my paramedic certification afterwards. I live in Indiana. I’ve always been interested in working on an ambulance out in the field and it’s something I think about often. Is it possible to do both/work both jobs? thanks in advance :)
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u/SirenCube 3d ago
Doable for sure, just making sure that you’re aware paramedics make substantially less money than nurses in most places
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u/Forgotmypassword6861 3d ago
You can, just be aware of two things.
You'll probably have to go through EMT school first.
Medic school is almost full time hours.
There's almost no overlap between what you learned in nursing school and what you'll learn in medic school. Two completely different animals.
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u/Mediocre_Daikon6935 3d ago
There is….taking vitals…
How to talk to patients….
Oh. Sample. Nurses use sample right?
Um.. come on, there has to be something else…
Oh. BSI.
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u/Oddball357 EMT-P 3d ago
Look into Ambulance RN jobs, do ride alongs, and take into account of the cost of licensure and cert renewals of both your RN, Paramedic (AHA can suck my balls).
It’s doable, but does your interest outweigh the extra schooling and commitment?
Also, you would need to go to school to become an EMT first, then proceed to paramedic. Average schooling ranges from 6-10 months for EMT, 9-24 months for paramedic. Do your research on emt and paramedic programs in your area. If your program sucks, you will be stuck teaching yourself.
Wish you the best!
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u/delusivelight 1d ago
I believe an RN can challenge the EMT basic test if they take the three core ABC classes first. However, OP should look into MICN/critical care RN instead of pursuing paramedic.
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u/Sudden_Impact7490 RN CFRN CCRN FP-C 3d ago
You can get your EMT, then you can take a bridge and be eligible to for medic within a couple months or less.
It's not a hard thing to do.
People here saying there is no overlap in education haven't taken both. There is absolutely overlap.
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u/OtherwisePumpkin8942 3d ago
This is the way! Most RN to medic bridge programs require you have at least an EMT basic license. EMT-B programs are short (12-18weeks).
Highly recommend finding some part time EMT-B employment at a 911 agency prior to pursuing the medic bridge program just to see if you even like EMS.
Then you can find yourself a bridge program and apply. The RN to medic bridge is typically a few months long.
GOOD LUCK!
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u/Plane-Handle3313 3d ago
Do your have your emt card? Have you ridden on ambulances before? Don’t put the cart before the horse. Join a local squad and do ride alongs for a few weeks to see if you even like it. Most medics want to be nurses lol.
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u/NopeRope13 Paramedic 3d ago
I know that Florida allows nurses to challenge the medic exam providing that they hold an EMT certification
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u/Seriousmedic-30 3d ago
If by the end of your BSN program you still want to pursue this, get your emt and evaluate it from there. I know several RN’s who are paramedics, but we’re usually paramedics first. I’m also in this position, I’m a paramedic in a BSN program. If you’ve got the time and desire, sure it’s possible to work as both. All comes down to what you really want and if the extra education is worth it to you. I plan to keep my paramedic license for at least a couple more years after I become an RN. Depending on the workplace, they might pay you a little more per hour as a Paramedic/RN. Lots of factors there.
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u/MomentumAppsOrg 2d ago
Yes, it's definitely possible to work as both a registered nurse (RN) and a paramedic! Many nurses find that having both certifications enhances their skills and career opportunities. You could work as a nurse during the week and pick up shifts as a paramedic on weekends, or vice versa. It requires good time management and a flexible employer, but it's achievable.
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u/ChatGPTismyPCP 2d ago
The skills and clinical mind you get as a 911 paramedic are just going to further your frustration as a nurse working with doctors.
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u/Excellent_Pause_2656 2d ago
RN’s used to be able to challenge the National Registry Paramedic.
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u/Medicp3009 1d ago
Then they realized it was a horrible idea. Nursing and paramedic are two different sets of skills. I have both. A paramedic usually makes a great nurse. Nurses don’t always make good paramedics.
All in the schooling. One set you learn the skills. IVs. Cardioversions. Pathophysiology. Hemodynamics. Actually perform those skills.
Nursing clinicals were basically free labor of a pct for hospitals. Ginger ales and pillow fluffs and bed baths
Nursing doesnt actually start till you start working and learn on the job.
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u/Excellent_Pause_2656 23h ago
I was only stating the fact that they used to allow it, never said that I agreed with it. BTW I am a retired Medic.
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u/Medicp3009 17h ago
Thank you for your service. Just my opinion but its frustrating that nurses think they can just waltz right into that position without a reciprocal option for medics to get their RN. Know what i mean?
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u/Mfuller0149 1d ago
Work in critical care for a couple 3-4 years (preferably at a high acuity place like a trauma center/tertiary care hospital) , get ACLS/PALS and CCRN or CEN and then try to land yourself a Critical care transport or flight gig. The best of both worlds. Very very competitive, so you’ll have to put the work in but it is the best job in the goddamn world . Worth it! Check it out & maybe do a fly along somewhere
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u/Fit_Case2575 6h ago
best job in the world
Flight pays horribly lower compared to even ground medics, let alone RNs
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u/Professional-Cost262 3h ago
You would need to go back to school for like another 2 years for a paramedic program It's not a certificate it's a separate degree
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u/b0bx13 3d ago
I’m not sure if they still do, but Creighton at least used to do a week long RN-medic bridge
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u/Busy_Alfalfa1104 3d ago
lol that's such a joke
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u/Mediocre_Daikon6935 3d ago
Harrisburg area community college has one.
It is longer, and really assumed you’re an er/icu nurse.
I’ve known a couple people who have done it. It is a good course. Obviously anyone who attends nerds a longer orientation time.
But a week? Yea. No a chance.
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u/ggrnw27 FP-C 3d ago
I’d suggest looking at ways you can be involved with EMS as an RN (e.g. flight nurse, critical care transport) before you go right back to school for another two years to make even less money