Considering that two of Ohio's four paramedic to RN programs were only begun in 2009, it is fair to say that opening this avenue to address Ohio's nursing shortage is new. While geared to be compatible with hectic paramedic schedules, the location of the programs are still out of reach to certain regions such as south eastern Ohio and areas far west. Paramedics from these regions may consider pursuing the only accredited online paramedic to RN bridge program.
Benefits
Many paramedics seek nursing degrees in order to enjoy some of the same benefits as nurses including increased work autonomy, increased salary, room to move up and/or specialize and increased job security.
Prerequisite Courses
Proof of having taken certain courses are often necessary for paramedic training to nursing school matriculation. Ohio universities want to see courses like microbiology, anatomy and physiology, English, interpersonal communications and psychology.
Common Entrance Requirements
In addition to prerequisite courses, applicants most often should be prepared to present high school transcripts, official paramedic program transcripts, a letter from their employer demonstrating a minimum of three years' work experience and scholastic test scores. Each school requires certain qualifying assessment scores on tests of writing fundamentals, college reading acuity and the understanding of algebra.
Length of Time
Most of Ohio's paramedic to RN bridge programs can be completed in two to three semesters with a full course load.
Locations
The following schools offer a tract to an associate's degree in nursing to paramedics: Clark State Community College with two campuses in west central Ohio, Kent State University with four regional campuses, Lorain County Community College and Owens Community College.
Clark State Community College Leffel Lane Campus 570 East Leffel Ln. Springfield, OH 45505 937-325-0691 clarkstate.edu/programdetails.php?Program=128
Clark State Community College Greene Center 3775 Pentagon Blvd. Beavercreek, OH 45431 937-429-8819 clarkstate.edu/programdetails.php?Program=128
Kent State University Admissions Office 161 Schwartz Ctr P.O. Box 5190 Kent, OH 44242 330-672-3000 kent.edu/admissions/contact/index.cfm
Lorain County Community College 1005 N Abbe Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 800-995-LCCC lorainccc.edu/Academic+Divisions/Allied+Health+and+Nursing/Allied+Health+and+Nursing+Programs/Parametic+to+RN.htm
Owens Community College P.O. Box 10,000 Toledo, OH 43699 567-661-7000 owens.edu/about_owens/index.html
Online Bridge Program
The online College Network has developed a paramedic to RN bridge program that does not require classroom attendance. Further, it prepares students for college equivalency examinations. To obtain more information about the program and admission requirements, contact the College Network by mail or by submitting an online form.
The College Network 3815 River Crossing Pkwy Ste. 260 Indianapolis, IN 46240 collegenetwork.com/ems/google
Criminal Bars to Licensure
The Ohio Board of Nursing will not grant a nursing license to anyone convicted of any of the following crimes: aggravated murder, gross sexual imposition, rape, aggravated arson, felonious assault, aggravated burglary, sexual battery, murder, voluntary manslaughter or kidnapping.
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Writer Bio
Sarah McLeod began writing professionally for the federal government In 1999. In 2002 she was trained by Georgetown University's Oncology Chief to abstract medical records and has since contributed to Phase I through Phase IV research around the country. McLeod holds a Bachelor of Arts in human services from George Washington University and a Master of Science in health science from Touro University.