Thinking of making a switch from EMT to RN? Many EMTs are leaving the field and to pursue nursing because many of the skills overlap. If you have a completed bachelor’s degree, you could earn a nursing degree in as few as 16 months.
Over the past few years, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics have seen high turnover rates. A recent American Ambulance Association survey showed a turnover rate of 36% for EMTs and 27% for full-time paramedics.
Low pay, difficult working conditions, and job stress are common reasons for the high turnover rate among emergency medical services (EMS) staff. If you’re a current EMT thinking of leaving the field in search of better opportunities, consider pursuing a career as a registered nurse (RN). Transitioning from EMT to RN is more feasible than you might think if you already have a college degree.
The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for career switchers like yourself. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to apply. It’s possible to graduate in as few as 16 months with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing.
Before applying to our ABSN program, you’ll want to research the transition from EMT to nursing. Consider your nursing degree options, learn about the process of becoming a nurse, and explore career opportunities in the nursing field.
Why EMTs Make Great Nurses
As an EMT, you likely want to help others in need and have a passion for healthcare, so nursing could be a great fit. Because nursing is a similar career, many of your skills will translate well to the nursing field.
Some skills that overlap these fields include:
- Ability to stay calm and think clearly under pressure
- Communication skills
- Critical care
- First aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and basic life support (BLS)
- Medical equipment proficiency
- Patient assessment
- Patient stabilization
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Nursing does require some additional skills. For example, nurses need an expansive knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology. They also need care coordination and patient education skills. These are all skills you can learn in nursing school.
Why become a nurse? There are so many compelling benefits of switching to nursing.
EMT to RN: Pathways to Becoming a Nurse
There are different pathways you can take to transition from EMT to nursing. To determine which is right for you, consider your academic background and reflect upon your nursing career goals.
Traditional Four-Year Nursing Program
If you don’t yet have a college degree, you could enroll in a traditional BS in nursing program. A four-year nursing degree will include general education courses, as well as nursing-specific classes and hands-on learning experiences. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree is another nursing degree option for those without a prior college degree. The ADN typically takes about two years to earn. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam.
Note that employers generally prefer to hire baccalaureate-prepared nurses over those with associate degrees because nurses with a BS in nursing have been scientifically proven to contribute to better patient outcomes. In addition, holding a bachelor’s degree enables you to work toward career advancement.
Accelerated Nursing Program
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want a BS in nursing, there is no need to go to a traditional four-year nursing school. Instead, you can apply to Mount Saint Vincent’s ABSN program, which allows you to graduate in as few as 16 months.
You’ll receive the same quality nursing education that is offered in a traditional four-year program but in a compressed timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Go from EMT to RN?
The EMT-to-nurse transition can look different for everyone, depending on your starting point. Those without a non-nursing college degree can expect a longer timeline. If you have a college degree and enroll in our ABSN program, you could graduate in as few as 16 months.
Bear in mind, however, that this timeline does not include the admission process or the time required to complete any needed prerequisites. In addition, you’ll have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation.
Discover how ABSN programs can help military medics transition into nursing.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse with an EMT Background
Although the process of switching careers can look a little different for everyone, you’ll likely start by researching nursing programs.
Find the Right Nursing Program for You
First, find the right nursing school for your needs. If you decide that an ABSN program is the best approach for you, you’ll be happy to know that the Mount’s ABSN:
- Is accredited
- Offers a rigorous curriculum to prepare future nurses
- Has five convenient ABSN locations in New York City
- Offers clinical experiences at some of the top hospitals in New York City, including Memorial Sloan Kettering and NYU Langone Health
Navigate the Application Process
At the Mount, you’ll work with a dedicated admission counselor who will walk you through the process. It starts with ensuring you meet the admission requirements, including holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Depending on your prior education, you might also need to complete some prerequisites.
Earn Your Nursing Degree
At the Mount, you’ll complete nursing theory coursework to develop nursing knowledge, along with skills and simulation labs to develop clinical skills and decision-making abilities. You’ll also complete a series of clinical rotations at top medical centers in New York City to gain practical experience. The pace will be intense, but our nursing faculty is committed to helping you succeed.
Pass the NCLEX and Obtain a Nursing License
Spend plenty of time studying for the rigorous NCLEX licensure exam. Some students start preparing for it during their first semester in nursing school. Once you pass it, you can apply for your state-issued nursing license.
Land Your First Nursing Job
When you interview for your first nursing job, you can emphasize your prior healthcare experience as an EMT. This may give you an edge over other new nurse applicants. Work experience in EMS may prove particularly helpful in the ER.
Career Opportunities After EMT to Nurse Transition
As a working nurse, you’ll benefit from many different career opportunities. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which nursing specialty suits you best.
Nursing Specialties
A nursing specialty is a clinical area of practice. Nurses can specialize in patient populations, such as pediatrics or adult-gerontology, or health conditions, such as dialysis or oncology. Other nursing specialties to consider include:
- Community health
- Dermatology
- Home health
- Hospice care
- Occupational health
- Plastic surgery
If you’re interested in a specialty similar to your role as an EMT, consider working in an emergency room, trauma center, or urgent care.
Workplace Possibilities
Many nurses work in hospitals; however, there are plenty of other workplace settings. You might also look for work in:
- Schools
- Private corporations
- Insurance companies
- Legal firms
Advancement Opportunities
A bachelor’s degree provides a firm foundation for pursuing career advancement. You could earn professional certifications and a graduate degree in nursing. With a graduate degree, you may qualify to sit for a board certification exam, which allows you to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Enjoy a Seamless Transition from EMT to Nursing at the Mount
The University of Mount Saint Vincent welcomes future nurses. We offer three start dates each year so we can accept more applicants and help you launch your nursing career sooner. Here, you can expect dedicated assistance from our friendly admission team, exceptional student support from our faculty members, and the camaraderie of a nursing cohort in the heart of New York City.
Contact an admission counselor today to get started on your career transition.