The Best Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs in 2025

Paramedics are first responders who help patients in the field and then transport them to emergency rooms or other healthcare settings.

Paramedics play a critical role in the healthcare system, but it is relatively easy for paramedics to change careers, building on their knowledge and expertise to become registered nurses (RN), which can also increase income potential.

A paramedic-to-RN bridge program allows you to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in 1-2 years. You can qualify for more job opportunities and take on greater clinical responsibilities by becoming an RN.

We’ve identified the best paramedic-to-RN bridge programs in the country. Explore common admission requirements for training, salary, and career outlooks after graduation.

Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs prepare graduates for RN licensure. However, not every program comprises the same curriculum or format, and some may take longer to complete than others.

When looking for the right program for your needs, consider the following factors:

Accreditation ensures a quality education and verifies a graduate’s preparedness for nursing careers. The accreditation process benefits nursing as a whole and ensures students can sit for the NCLEX-RN. Upholding industry standards also provides better nursing care outcomes.

The nursing programs in our ranking hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Here’s why nursing school accreditation matters for nurses:

Paramedic-to-RN bridge programs build on your prior medical training and clinical skills to prepare you for licensure as an RN. You complete courses in health assessment, evidence-based practice, and patient care, while also gaining hands-on skills through clinical rotations and labs.

If you choose to attend a paramedic-to-RN bridge program online, you may take classes virtually while meeting clinical requirements in person, often in your local area. Online programs may offer asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid delivery formats, which provide flexibility for paramedics who plan to work while earning a nursing degree.

Find out more information about clinical experiences as an online nursing student and the differences between in-person and online nursing programs with our helpful guides.

Before paramedics can take nursing classes, they need to apply to paramedic-to-RN programs. That means meeting the admission requirements.

Most paramedic-to-RN bridge programs require:

You may need to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and essays during the admission process. Many programs also require a background check and updated immunizations.

Becoming an RN can boost your earning potential, but paying for a paramedic-to-RN bridge program poses a barrier for many students.

It’s important to understand your financial aid options to help pay for your nursing degree. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal, state, and private funding sources.

Next, research grants and scholarships for nursing students. Because they do not require repayment, grants and scholarships are ideal sources of funding.

As a prospective healthcare worker, you can also explore details on student loan forgiveness programs and employer tuition reimbursement, which can help you cover costs.

After graduating from a paramedic-to-RN program, you can take the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure. If you earned an ADN, you can also consider an RN-to-BSN program to enhance your clinical knowledge and move into specialized roles.

The scope of practice for RNs and paramedics varies. For example, RNs can work in many more clinical settings, including hospitals and medical offices.

Like RNs, paramedics can insert IVs, give medications, and provide life-saving interventions, but paramedics can intubate patients in emergencies while RNs cannot. Nurses help determine and deliver patient care in all settings and situations, including emergencies and non-emergencies.

Many RNs work in hospitals, while others find employment in ambulatory healthcare services, nursing and rehab facilities, medical practices, and government agencies.