Thinking of changing careers from EMT to RN? You can fast-track your transition with an accelerated BSN program like Harding University’s, which can take as few as 16 months. Nursing offers better pay, strong job growth and many specialties. Plus, your EMT background gives you an advantage.
Emergency medical technicians are critical to the health care system. The care they provide to stabilize patients helps save lives. Becoming an EMT is a major accomplishment; however, it’s natural to want to advance your care, which is why many EMTs consider becoming registered nurses.
Transitioning from an EMT to an RN will expand your scope of practice, among other benefits. Through Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program in Northwest Arkansas, you can leverage your previous education and graduate in as few as 16 months. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 64 college credits, you may be eligible.
As you consider the transition from an EMT career to RN, you should carefully consider the career differences, the benefits of the change and the steps you must take to make the transition.
EMT vs. Nurse: What’s the Difference?
While both EMTs and nurses care for patients, their care goals, resources and scope of practice significantly differ. During emergency calls, EMTs focus on stabilizing patients, so they can transport them to an emergency department where patients can receive more advanced care. Their resources are limited to what is available in an ambulance and can be used outside of a health care facility.
They quickly assess patients’ conditions, provide basic or advanced life support and continue to monitor patients while in transit. EMTs can also transport patients between facilities during non-emergency scenarios.
Nurses, on the other hand, focus on implementing treatment plans and providing direct patient care. They assess patients by taking vital signs, medical histories and monitoring for changes in condition. They also administer medications, place IVs, provide patient education, advocate for patients and much more.
Nurses have a broader scope of practice than EMTs and can work in a variety of health care facilities, from private primary care offices to hospitals. While EMTs care for patients for a short period, nurses spend much more time with patients, caring for them from admission to discharge.
Depending on their nursing specialty, time with patients varies significantly. For example, nurses in a nursing home typically spend more time with patients than nurses in the emergency department.
Learn what to expect as a student in an accelerated BSN program.
How to Go from EMT to RN: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming an RN involves several steps, from enrolling in a nursing program to obtaining a license. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits, you may be eligible for an accelerated BSN program that would enable you to earn a BSN in much less time than traditional routes.
1. Choose a Nursing Program
The first step is to research and select a nursing program. Because accelerated programs have a shorter timeframe, they are ideal for career switchers who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or students who started but did not finish a degree.
Other degree programs include associate degrees, traditional bachelor’s degrees and bridge programs.
Be sure to select an accredited program, as this ensures the program meets strict standards and qualifies you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. At Harding University, the ABSN program is accredited and allows students to leverage their academic history toward earning a BSN in as few as 16 months.
2. Earn a Nursing Degree
While an associate’s degree qualifies you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, BSN-graduate nurses are prized for their critical thinking, leadership and case management skills; evidence also indicates they contribute to better patient outcomes.
In a BSN program, students complete coursework in subjects such as health assessment, pharmacology and community health in addition to hands-on experiential learning.
3. Become Licensed
Once you earn a BSN, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure in your state. The NCLEX-RN is a computerized exam that assesses an aspiring nurse’s knowledge and skills to ensure they are ready to practice nursing at the entry level. The test is adaptive, meaning that it adjusts the difficulty based on the test taker’s performance. You will begin preparing for this exam as soon as you start nursing school.
Once you pass the exam, you can register with your state’s board of nursing to obtain a nursing license and start practicing as a licensed RN.
Why Transition from Being an EMT to Nursing?
Transitioning from EMT to nurse offers several benefits, such as a competitive salary, expected employment growth and career advancement opportunities.
Competitive Pay
Registered nurses typically earn higher compensation than other professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data, the median pay for RNs in the U.S. is $93,600, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations.
Career Outlook
Job security is an important consideration for any career. According to the BLS, the nursing field is projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, exceeding the national average for all occupations. This growth is in part due to retirements and the growing needs of an aging and chronic disease populations.
Specialty and Advancement Opportunities
There are many nursing specialties and advancement opportunities to pursue. Nurses work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics to schools. You could choose to gain experience in one or more of the many specialties available, such as:
- Cardiac care
- Critical care
- Emergency room
- Hospice
- Informatics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
Once you have gained several years of experience, you can take the next step in your journey and earn a certification or an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or a doctorate. You could also move into roles with more responsibility, like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse manager or chief nursing officer.
Why Choose an Accelerated BSN Program for EMT to Nursing Transition?
An ABSN program, such as the one offered by Harding University, is a great option for an EMT holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or who began but didn’t finish a bachelor’s program. The ABSN enables entry into the nursing field sooner than a traditional program.
Harding’s accelerated BSN program is comprised of three main components:
- Online coursework that covers nursing fundamentals and can be completed on your schedule, provided you meet deadlines and attend in-person proctored exams.
- Nursing skills and simulation labs at our ABSN site in Northwest Arkansas
- Clinicals at local health care facilities in Northwest Arkansas to gain hands-on experience
Harding’s ABSN offers three start dates per year in January, May and August, giving you flexibility in when you can start.
Learn more about online coursework and explore the top nine benefits of online learning.
Common Questions About the EMT to RN Pathway
Below are answers to some common questions about the transition from EMT to RN.
Can I Become a Nurse If I’m Currently Working as an EMT?
Yes. Accelerated nursing programs are designed for career changers. Harding’s ABSN program can leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to bypass the general education requirements of a traditional nursing program.
How Long Does It Take to Go from EMT to RN?
The time it takes to go from EMT to nursing depends on your prior education. If you have no college education, you will need to enroll in an associate degree or traditional BSN program. Graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN can take at least two years in an associate’s program and four years in a traditional BSN program.
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, Harding’s ABSN program could allow you to graduate in as few as 16 months. Provided you take the NCLEX-RN soon after graduating and pass on your first try, you can start working as a licensed nurse in under two years.
What Are the Prerequisites for EMTs Entering a Nursing Program?
While not required before enrolling in all nursing programs, prerequisites are a common admissions requirement for accelerated BSN programs. In Harding’s ABSN, the number of prerequisites you must complete depends on your academic history. Your admissions counselor will help determine which courses you must complete.
Harding’s ABSN prerequisites include courses such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses I and II
- Microbiology
- General Psychology
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
Do EMTs Have an Advantage in Nursing School?
Yes. While health care experience is not required for enrollment in many nursing programs, including Harding’s ABSN, an EMT’s direct experience makes them ideally suited for nursing. Their knowledge of basic medical care concepts and the human body would give them an advantage in coursework and labs. EMT training that would transfer well into nursing includes:
- Administering CPR and airway ventilation
- Making decisions in high-pressure situations
- Performing assessments
- Pharmacology
- Using automated external defibrillators
Start Your Journey from EMT to RN at Harding
If you’re ready to advance your career by becoming a nurse, Harding’s ABSN program might be right for you. Offering a values-based curriculum, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN with confidence and embark on their careers.
Contact an admissions counselor today to learn how you can take the first steps toward becoming an RN.