Get Started
Request Admissions Guide

Our admissions guide contains information you need to apply, along with full curriculum details and course descriptions.

Our admissions guide contains information you need to apply, along with full curriculum details and course descriptions.

By clicking “Get Started”, I authorize Jersey College and its affiliates to contact me at the phone number and/or email address indicated above using automatic dialing equipment via text message, telephone, email or prerecorded message.

open mini form
test_hero.jpg

How to Transition Your Career from Paramedic to Registered Nurse

There is a wide range of RN programs for EMTs or paramedics. Some of these are bridge programs specifically designed for those making the transition. These typically remove a small amount of time from a full, generic RN program.

You also have a choice of which degree you want to earn. Earning an ADN, like the program at Jersey College, will typically take about two years, while a BSN program will typically take four.

All programs, whether bridge, ADN, or BSN, will cover topics like:

  • Nursing theory
  • Planning for patient care
  • Mental health nursing
  • Pharmacology

RN Program Curriculum

A typical RN curriculum includes core courses like microbiology, sociology, and nutrition. It also includes nursing courses that take you through specialties like psychiatric nursing. Additionally, you may take classes on leadership and teamwork.

Learn more about the Jersey College RN curriculum, or see what the course load might look like for you by reviewing our Sample Education Plan.

Benefits of Becoming an RN

There are several reasons that would motivate a paramedic to become a registered nurse. Some of the main benefits of transitioning into an RN role include:

  • Wider range of job opportunities and work environments
  • Better pay
  • More career advancement and specialization opportunities
  • More patient contact

Responsibilities of an RN

If you're thinking of a move from paramedic to RN, it's important to have an understanding of how your day-to-day job duties may change. If being an EMT is like a series of sprints, being an RN is more like a marathon.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

  • Developing care plans for patients and keeping records of their progress
  • Serving as an intermediary between doctors and patients
  • Counseling and comforting both patients and families
  • Ensuring patient comfort and pain relief

Do RNs and Paramedics Share Job Responsibilities?

While you'll find that many of your skills transfer as you transition from paramedic to RN, the day-to-day responsibilities can be quite different.

As an EMT, your goal is to stabilize the patient and get them to the hospital as quickly as possible. RNs, on the other hand, are responsible for keeping patients safe and comfortable for their whole stay. They also support doctors by administering medications and keeping detailed records of patient conditions.

 

Responsibility Paramedic RN
Intake Quick assessment to stabilize patient

Longer assessment that includes developing a care plan and keeping track of data

Patient Care CPR and other life-saving procedures

Ensuring patients are safe, comfortable, and in minimal pain

Administering Medication Only emergency medications All needed patient medications
Emergency Care Stabilizing patient for transport Taking quick action if patient deteriorates
Record Keeping

Recording vitals to give to hospital team

Recording vitals, pain assessments, symptoms and more. Keeping records that can be accessed by other nurses and doctors

Career Outlook

With employment in healthcare set to grow more quickly than other occupations, the outlook for most medical professions is very good. RNs are no exception, and the profession is set to grow by 6% over the next decade.

Specializations

Once you have your RN license, you can work in a variety of environments. Roles you can hold include:

  • Home health care nurse
  • Trauma nurse
  • Medical-surgical nurse
  • ER nurse
  • Operating room nurse

As you can see, RNs have a wider range of options than paramedics. Some of these roles, like ER nurse, have a lot of similarities with paramedic work. Others, like home health care nurse, are typically a bit slower paced and involve more relationship-building with patients.

Paramedic vs. Nurse: Salary Expectations

As of 2021, the median RN salary in the US is $77,600 a year. This is more than twice the $36,930 median salary for an EMT and about 40% more than the median salary of $46,770 for paramedics.

Making the paramedic to RN transition is a great way to boost your income potential. RNs with previous experience as an EMT or paramedic should also be sure to highlight this when applying for jobs. Your experience, skills, and demonstrated history of working in a fast-paced and demanding environment may give you a leg up in the applicant pool for certain positions that require related skills. 

For more information on pay expectations, check out our nursing salary guide.

RN Programs at Jersey College

Accreditations & Licenses

council-on-occupational-education-logo-resized-600.jpg.jpg

Jersey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. 

Each campus is licensed, authorized, and/or approved by its respective state governing educational body, and the nursing programs are licensed, authorized, and/or approved by the respective State Board of Nursing.

For location-specific information, visit our accreditation and licensing page

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Can I earn my RN degree online?
  • Can you become an RN as an EMT?
  • Can you become a paramedic as an RN?

Get Started

The first step to applying to Jersey College is to get in touch with the admissions department. Choose your location to view the contact information for your nearest campus!

Request More Information

Start the Admissions Process

Please provide some additional information so we can better serve you:

Do you have an LPN license*

By submitting this form, I authorize Jersey College and its affiliates to contact me using automatic dialing equipment via text message, telephone, email or prerecorded message.

Start the Admissions Process