With the irregular and long hours paramedics are required to work, some may find themselves looking for more stability and flexibility as they get older. Making a transition into a registered nurse position will allow paramedics to use the skills they have learned while still working to save the lives of patients. The state of Virginia has colleges that offer paramedic to RN bridge programs, to allow paramedics to obtain a nursing degree at an accelerated pace.
John Tyler Community College
The LPN/Paramedic to RN Transition program offered by John Tyler Community College was designed for the licensed practical nurse (LPN) and paramedic who were interested in advancing to a career as a registered nurse. The program is offered at the Weekend College with both classes and clinical practice exercises scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the entire course of study. To qualify for the program, applicants must have either a state or national paramedic license, complete the required developmental and prerequisite courses, and have at least one year of employment as a paramedic within five years prior to their application.
John Tyler Community College 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway Chester, Va. 23831 804-796-4000 jtcc.edu
Prince George's Community College
Located just outside Virginia in Maryland, Prince George's Community College provides prospective students with the option to enroll in an accelerated EMT-Paramedic to RN program.Graduates of the program will earn an associate of science degree and will be eligible for an RN license after graduation. After completing a required transition course in the summer semester prior to admission, students will advance to the second year of the RN program to complete their studies. In order to qualify, an applicant must have a valid and active license as a paramedic from the National Board of Registry Certification; applicants must also be graduates of an accredited paramedic program and have three years of employment as a paramedic.
Prince George's Community College 301 Largo Road Largo, Md. 20774 301-336-6000 pgcc.edu
Licensure
Before obtaining employment as an RN, graduates of either bridge program will be required to obtain a license in Virginia. Individuals must submit an application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Nursing; after submitting the application, the individual must also take and receive a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Virginia allows residents to practice on a temporary license while waiting for the test results for up to 90 days.
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Writer Bio
Charlena Fuqua has eight years of experience in the newspaper industry and began writing in 2008. Her articles appear on Web sites such as eHow. Fuqua has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from American Intercontinental University.