EMT to RN: Your Guide to Transitioning from Emergency Care to Nursing
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Thinking of moving from EMT to RN? You can fast-track your transition with an Accelerated BSN program like Xavier University’s, which takes as little as 16 months. Nursing offers better pay, strong job growth and many specialties. Plus, your EMT background gives you an advantage.
If you are an emergency medical technician (EMT) looking to advance, becoming a registered nurse (RN) could be a great career path for you. The transition from EMT to RN involves earning a nursing degree, which might not take as long as you think.
Xavier University’s second-degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Ohio can leverage your previous education and enable you to graduate in 16 months, if certain requirements are met.
Follow this guide to learn the steps you need to take to become an RN, why you should consider nursing, program requirements and how your experience as an EMT gives you an advantage.
Why Make the EMT to Nursing Career Change?
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. The median pay for RNs in the U.S. is $93,600 each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is more than double the median annual wage for all occupations.
Career Outlook
Nurses are and will continue to be in demand as there is a nationwide nursing shortage. The BLS says employment is expected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the national average.
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 like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctorate. You could also move into roles with more responsibility, like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist nurse manager, or chief nursing officer (CNO).
If you want to know what nursing school is really like. Learn what to expect in your first semester.
How to Go from EMT to RN: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a registered nurse involves several steps, from enrolling in a nursing program to obtaining a license.
1. Choose a Nursing Program
The first step is to research and select a nursing program. Accelerated nursing programs like Xavier’s are ideal for career switchers who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or have started but not finished a previous degree because they enable students to graduate in a shorter timeframe than a traditional program. Be sure to select an accredited program.
2. Earn a Nursing Degree
Within nursing, there are several levels of education and scope of practice. Research has shown that nurses with a BSN positively impact patient outcomes, and many healthcare organizations require their nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Traditional nursing programs typically last four years, but accelerated BSN programs enable students to graduate in less than two years.
3. Become Licensed
Once you earn your BSN degree, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure in your state. The NCLEX 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.
Why Choose an Accelerated BSN Program for EMT to Nursing Transition?
An ABSN program, such as the one offered by Xavier University, is a great option for an EMT holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or someone that began but didn’t finish a bachelor’s degree because it will enable entry into the nursing field sooner than a traditional program.
Xavier’s Accelerated BSN program is comprised of three main components:
- Online coursework that covers nursing fundamentals and can be completed on your schedule
- Nursing skills and simulation labs at either the Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio, campus
- Clinicals at local healthcare facilities to gain real-world experience
The Xavier ABSN offers three start dates per year, in January, May or August, enabling you to start sooner than programs offering only one start date per year.
Ready to start your nursing school application? Learn how to put your best foot forward.
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. Xavier’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 hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, Xavier’s ABSN program could enable you to graduate in 16 months.
What Are the Prerequisites for EMTs Entering a Nursing Program?
The number of prerequisites an accelerated nursing program requires depends on the program. Xavier’s ABSN program only requires four:
- Microbiology
- Human Anatomy OR Anatomy & Physiology I with a lab
- Human Physiology OR Anatomy & Physiology II with a lab
- Statistics
As an EMT, you might have already taken some or all these courses. An admissions adviser can review your transcripts and determine what you need to take.
Do EMTs Have an Advantage in Nursing School?
Yes. An EMT’s direct healthcare 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 (AEDs)
Start Your Journey from EMT to RN at Xavier
If you’re ready to advance your career by becoming a nurse, contact an admissions adviser today to chart your path.