Moving Forward in Your Nursing Career

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Abby Nieten

For us who nurse, our nursing is a thing which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back.
Florence Nightingale

Well known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale advocated for continued advances in healthcare and nursing throughout her life. And although she died over a century ago, her famous words about forward movement in the nursing field still ring true. In order to keep up with the ever-changing healthcare industry, nurses must continue to grow in their profession through the pursuit of advanced education. 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing highlights eight recommendations for nurses, and three of those recommendations push nurses to attain higher levels of education. The following educational recommendations aim to prepare nurses for improved patient care and continued advancements in the nursing field:

  • Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020.
  • Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
  • Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

If you're ready to improve the future of nursing by moving forward in your career, The College Network can help you take the next step. We offer the following online associate's, bachelor's and master's nursing degree programs:

  • LPN/LVN to RN (associate's degree)
  • Paramedic to RN (associate's degree)
  • LPN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to MS in Nursing
  • MS in Nursing

Make Florence Nightingale proud, and decide to advance your nursing education this week, month and year! For more information about the online nursing degree programs available through The College Network, visit our nursing degrees page.

31,000 New Health Care Jobs in October

Thursday, November 15, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

Although the unemployment rate increased slightly in October-going from 7.8% to 7.9%-the United States still added 171,000 new jobs. Amongst the top industries contributing to these new jobs was health care with 31,000 new positions added.

If you are unemployed or just looking for a more stable career, health care is an excellent choice, and The College Network can help get you started down this new path. We have several different programs for you to choose from to earn an online degree in the health care field:

Associate's Degree Programs

  • LPN/LVN to RN
  • Paramedic to RN

Bachelor's Degree Programs

  • LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • RN to BS in Nursing
  • Health Care Administration
  • Health Information Management
  • Healthcare Management

Master's Degree Programs

  • RN to MS in Nursing
  • MS in Nursing

The College Network offers academic support for our portion of these degree programs from leading universities, so when you enroll with us, you are never alone. Your success is just as important to us as it is to you, and we will work with you as much as you need our help to ensure that you master the knowledge you are learning. There has never been a better time to begin a career in the healthcare industry, so if you would like more information on our online degree programs call 1-800-395-1014.

 

What's the Difference?

Sunday, July 22, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Many people I have the pleasure of talking to on a day-to-day basis ask me to help differentiate The College Network from Excelsior College® in obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree.  For your information, I'd like to go over a brief synopsis of what roles we each have in this process.

Excelsior College® is the school in the matter, and where you will earn your degree.  The Excelsior College® Associate Degree in Nursing program is a completely online, self-paced, test-out program to help Paramedics and LPNs/LVNs transition to get their degree and RN license.  Excelsior College® is regionally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by many state boards of nursing, and approved .
 
What The College Network does is streamline the test-out process of the program by providing the educational materials (our modules) to help students test out of their general education and nursing courses instead of taking a full-blown semester-based class or buying all the books for the course and trying to figure out what to study on their own.  We have subject matter experts and college professors help us create our educational materials (modules) that significantly help students obtain the knowledge they need to earn their college credits, and eventually degree.  All of our modules come with an academic guarantee that you will pass each course that you use them for, or we will supply a tutor and pay for any exams you need after 2 attempts.
 
Once the customer finishes all their courses, they then move on with Excelsior College® to complete the remaining requirements to obtain their degree.  They must finish these last things before they can graduate with their Associate Degree in Nursing.
 
I hope this helps in your understanding of the LPN/LVN/Paramedic to RN program.  As always, let us know if you have any other questions or would like to enroll!
 
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Popular Online Degrees

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 by Kevin Burton

I came across this article on yahoo recently that outlined the most popular online degree programs:

Click here: Popular Online Degrees

Much to my surprise, there were several degree options that we at The College Network can help you obtain.  We offer online Nursing Independent Study programs, that can help Paramedics or LPN/LVNs transition to their degree and RN license, as well as Business, Criminal Justice, and other options for folks through our partnership with Bellevue University.

So if online learning is something you are interested in, The College Network is the one-stop-shop to help you learn what you need to know and get started on your degree!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Paramedic Works Toward His RN Online

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by TCN Success
Ian Stewart became a paramedic in 2010. Although he loves his job, a life-changing event has led him to consider a new career. “My wife is pregnant with our second child. I’m a paramedic now, and I like the work. I’m proud of what I do, but it simply doesn’t pay very well. Using my certifications as a springboard to a better paying job just seemed logical,” he said.

Ian decided to pursue his Associate of Science in Nursing degree. After researching various programs, he chose to earn his degree online through Excelsior College® with help from The College Network™. “The College Network offered the most resources for the best rates—not to mention the fact that, with this program, I don’t have to be online at specific times or write papers. It’s a no-nonsense, streamlined program,” Ian said. 

To Ian's surprise, earning a degree online has proved to be very efficient and productive. "I didn't realize prior to this course of study how much time in class is occupied by things not related to actual learning - roll call, class breaks, having to settle a class down, even time spent while the teacher answers other student's questions. That all adds up. With the self-paced learning, you can move a lot faster," Ian explained.

Continue reading Ian's success story here.


Wanted: New RNs

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Kevin Burton
During my usual morning routine while reading the news online, I came across this article that made me stop.  Titled, "10 Hot Careers for 2012 - And Beyond," it takes a look at fields that are in need of more qualified employees.  Not surprisingly, #2 on the list is healthcare professionals.  Take a look at this link.  

As you can see, with an average salary of over $64,000 per year, the U.S. will be in need of 103,900 RNs PER YEAR.  So for all you LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there wanting to boost your career, receive a pay raise and a steady job, look no further than the advanced nursing education provided by The College Network and leading universities.  We can take you from your LPN/LVN/Paramedic to your associate degree in nursing or BS in Nursing degree and have you earn the RN money and stability you're looking for.  Give us a call today!  

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Kevin Burton
As we approach the holiday season that brings gifts to many of us, it always reminds me of that spirit I get around this time of year.  It brings out the kid in me, and thinking of all those toys from the past takes me back to my childhood.  So, I'd like to ask you a question: What did you want to be when you grew up?

AstronautI remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds.  I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut.  Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?"  After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by.  You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go.  Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?

NurseThe College Network can make these dreams possible.  We have higher education online from our partner universities in the form of professional certificates and degree seeking programs.  So if you wanted to be a lawyer, you can pursue the Boston University Paralegal Certificate and work your way into the legal field.  If you wanted to be an astronaut like me, consider the Project Management Certificate through Boston University Corporate Education Center or the Lean Six Sigma Certificate program through a leader in the aerospace industry, Purdue University.  If you wanted to be in the medical field, and you are an LPN/LVN or Paramedic now, we can help you become an RN and move up the ladder in your career.

So, if you think you're a grown up, but still have childhood dreams, feel free to contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help in assisting you toward your goals.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Single dad joins college sons in earning a degree

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by TCN Success
Lloyd Snider is a single dad of two sons, a caretaker for his elderly father and a full time paramedic. For Lloyd, his 23 years of service as a paramedic, working 24 hour shifts at a time and lifting lots of heavy loads, has taken a toll on his body.

“I am nearing the end of my [paramedic] career. Health care is a logical choice for me, so nursing was a great choice,” Lloyd says. His two sons are both in college and Lloyd has used that to motivate himself. “My goal is to get a degree before each of my boys finish,” he explains.

“This has not interfered with any aspect of my life. It’s self paced, so any pressure is self applied—which is really cool because a traditional college would disrupt your life,” Lloyd says. “It’s really excellent for someone who has the kind of commitments I do, but still wants to pursue a degree. This is really career based education and it’s kind of refreshing.”

Read more of Lloyd Snider's inspiring story or or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about how The College Network's online Paramedic to RN program from an accredited university can change your life.


Ironman Bachelors Degree

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Kevin Burton
Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition.  It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power.  The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.

Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.

Stage 1 - The SwimPhase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

  •  Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
  •  Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
  • Work at your own pace  (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
  •  Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
  •  Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Stage 2 - The Bike RidePhase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

  • Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
  • Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
  • Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Stage 3 - The MarathonPhase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

  • Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
  • Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
  • All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
  • Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
  • Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
    • Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
  • Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
  • Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!
So what are you waiting for?  Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree?  Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Congratulations Ian!

Thursday, September 15, 2011 by Ein Peck
As much as I do love the name Ian (especially when it is spelled E-I-N), I will honestly say that his name has nothing to do with this.

Congratulations to Ian from Aiken, South Carolina. Although Ian was very modest when I spoke to him this afternoon, I was extremely impressed with his scores.

Ian actually received a PERFECT score on the Analysis and Interpretation of Literature exam as well as an A on Microbiology and several other great scores. 

Not only has Ian been doing very well on all of his coursework for the online paramedic to RN program, he also has been completing it very quickly. Ian has passed six of his exams (with a grade of B or higher) in the last three months!

Congratulations from all of us here at The College Network Ian, you've earned it!

Going the Distance

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Landon Jones
After a seven-month protest, I finally decided to get cable.  The first thing I watched was Toddlers and Tiaras. It's strange - I know, but everything else that was on television was either something I owned on DVD, or as my partner so eloquently put it, "WHY WOULD YOU WATCH SOMETHING THAT WE COULD WATCH ON NETFLIX!"  She also pointed out how immediate everything is in our lives.  

We sat in our living room with the television on, laptops open, cell phones not only presenting me with messages, but tweets also.  We are in the 21st century - where a buffer queue on YouTube makes our heart stop.  In this age, if we hear a song on the radio we haven't heard in a long time, we can easily go home and following an Internet search, we're listening to it.  A system that places the world beneath our fingertips and connects us with our grammar school crush is sometimes taken for granted and doesn't always live up to the sharing is caring hype.

Enter the new social media tool Lift which I believe will be a way to amplify you and your passions.  It's a great idea because it will be a great way for many people to finally pursue their dreams and hopefully step away from their computers and step out into the world.

I'm excited for Lift because it shares a lot of similarities and ideals we share at The College Network. Through our distance nursing programs, nurses and paramedics are able to receive degrees through online nursing programs from leading universities.  Along the way, The College Network supports them as they attain higher education online through our website and a team dedicated to providing academic support. One could say we do everything we can to lift our nurses up.  

It shows when I receive phone calls from people just like yourself who want to enroll in our programs because they know a colleague who became a RN or a family member encouraging them to go back to school and pick up where they left off on their road to becoming a RN.

Technology has brought us to this point where we can do it with a worldwide network of support, its time we began looking beyond the limit.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator






Two Bits, Four Bits...

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 by Kevin Burton
Go, Team, Go!Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar!  All for Alysha, stand up and holler!

(Please stand up with me right now and holler)

Everyone who has been to an elementary, junior high, or high school sporting event has heard that cheer.  Well, what does it have to do with higher education online with The College Network?

I'm so glad and proud that recently I was able to help Alysha from Texas start on her Online Paramedic to RN program.  One thing that we talked about was that we at The College Network are here to cheer her on while progressing through her program (using pom-poms and megaphones, of course).  Anytime you have questions about our program, course content, or just need a fun cheer like 'Two Bits' from us, you can always give us a call, both our Academic Support team, and even your program advisor like myself.  We care about helping you achieve your degree and goals.

Rah-rah!Changing lives everyday is what we all do here at The College Network.  Alysha is one example of someone I enjoyed working with and helped take the next step in her life.  Needless to say, we even had a little fun in the process.

If you would like to speak about any of our programs at The College Network, or are a current customer that needs a cheer, please give me a call and let me know.  We may even have fun in the process.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734. kburton@collegenetwork.com

RN degree provides new opportunity for paramedic

Sunday, July 3, 2011 by TCN Success
“After working for 11 years as a paramedic, I decided I couldn’t be doing the constant wear and tear on my body. I had maxed out where my career would go.” Bryan explained. “After a long, deep look inside to figure out where I wanted to be in 15 years, providing pre-hospital care 50 hours a week was not in the best interest of myself, my health and my family.”

Bryan searched the Internet for online nursing degrees and found The College Network™. He was able to register for a self-paced Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree program from Excelsior College®

Along with pursing his degree, Bryan had a full load with working full time as a paramedic, being a dad to two children under the age of four, and buying a new house. “The program is not for the weak of mind or weak of heart. It was all drive. Knowing that I didn’t have to go to class, I could have slacked off a lot, but I didn’t. I wanted to get this done,” Bryan explained.

Read more of Bryan Platt's success story or call 1-800-395-1014 today.

The Center for Learning Empowerment

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Carla A. Downing, Ph.D.
The College Network’s Center for Learning Empowerment is really beginning to take form. Just yesterday we launched a second sample title in our one-of-a-kind learning environment to help our customers become more effective and efficient learners.
CLE Logo
CLE Logo
We are very excited about this unique approach to helping our customers conquer the world of online learning. But, not only are they becoming more effective online learners, they are also being challenged to become more engaged in workplace learning opportunities and lifelong learning in general.

You see, The College Network is not just the key to earning a degree through one of our partner universities; we are also helping our customers improve their thinking and learning skills.  These are real skills that once learned can be passed on to their children and grandchildren. This is the type of learning that changes lives.

Whether you are considering earning your Six Sigma Green Belt Certification online or completing an online Paramedic to RN Program, give The College Network a call at 1.800.395.1014 and let us help you reach your learning goals.

cd

                  
                      

Floating on the Path to RN

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 by Joel Kimzey

Amanda began The College Network's online paramedic to RN program a little over a year ago. She lives in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Amanda is a busy mother with one child and works full time. During her studies she also became engaged and is planning on relocating to Wisconsin. One of the amazing attributes of using The College Network to complete your paramedic & LPN to RN program is it's portability-the customer can move to multiple states during the program! The exams one needs to complete the program are offered at multiple testing locations in every state.

Amanda told me after taking her first exam and passing with a good grade, she was "floating!" She makes it a point to carry a printed version of a comprehensive learning module from The College Network in her back pack all of the time. The reason why she explained is when she finds herself with as little as 15 to 30 minutes, she takes this time to study.

The path to becoming an RN is not an easy one no matter what program the nurse or paramedic chooses. College degrees are not acquired by osmosis. However, the program offered from The College Network makes the dream of becoming an RN significantly easier for the LPN or paramedic than the traditional path. The Associate of Science in Nursing online program never requires any classroom attendance. If you are a paramedic or LPN/LVN and want your RN but would prefer to fit your education around your life instead of your life around your education, then contact The College Network online at www.collegenetwork.com/blog or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more.

We at The College Network are Here For You

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Stanley Dixon
I am currently working on a project at The College Network which emphasizes our commitment to our customers' success. We offer an a plethora of courses for adults looking to continue their education.

Whether you are looking to earn a better salary by upgrading your EMT to RN (with the Online Paramedic to RN Program), RN to MSN, or even LVN to BSN programs with inexpensive nursing degrees from our partner universities. We also partner with leading universities to offer certificate programs such as: Project Management, Paralegal, or Lean Six Sigma Online. 

With our programs you can earn online degrees and certificates from leading universities such as Regis University, Indiana State University, Purdue University, Boston University, and even eCornell.

But, The College Network support is what I am focusing on in this blog entry. Online classes can be daunting. You might start thinking: "How can I get help?" "How can I contact my peers?" "What if I am confused about a certain area of study?" The College Network has taken into account these aspects of online education, and we strive to make sure you know that online doesn't have to mean alone.

We have many systems in place to help ensure success. Online live chat with one of our specialists is just one way to get help. You may also contact us via telephone or email. We have specialists just waiting to help students having trouble. Being that we offer online courses, it is especially great that we have staff to make sure you are not alone in your studies. Online discussion boards are also in place to contact other students. 

Remember, You Are Not Alone.
you're not alone

So don't be afraid to enroll in online education with the help of The College Network. We will be with you along every step of the way.

Bridge from Paramedic to RN with the Help of The College Network

Friday, October 29, 2010 by TCN Success
“Now that I’ve been a paramedic for three years, I want to continue to advance my knowledge and abilities to continue providing an even higher level of patient care. In addition, as a paramedic, I’ve reached the top skill level as a pre-hospital provider. Getting a degree in nursing opens up a whole new world of possibilities as far as furthering my education and giving me options for my future,” Katharine Jackson said.

Finding The College Network was a quick and easy process for Katharine, and she hopes that others find the program as easily as she did. “I heard through the grapevine that there was an all-online program through which I could pursue an associate’s degree, so I typed “online paramedic to RN” into Google and was taken right to The College Network. Now that I’m enrolled in the program, I make sure to tell anyone who will listen about it because when I found out about it, my only disappointment was that I hadn’t found out about it sooner,” she said.

Katharine definitely doesn’t regret her decision to join The College Network and expand her career opportunities. “Enrolling in this program has been the best decision I’ve made for myself and my family. In this economy everyone is feeling the financial squeeze, and when things are looking bad, I can remember that I’ve done the best thing I can to secure my family’s financial future. This definitely helps motivate me to keep working toward my goal and to do my best in every class so I’m prepared to pass the NCLEX and get started in my new career,” she said.

Read more of Katharine's story.

Beyond the Numbers

Thursday, October 14, 2010 by Stefanie Kinsey

PurposeBusiness intelligence is, by its very nature, dynamic; ever changing; and fast paced. A hybrid between teaching and forensics - my job provides the truth in a world of chaos and urgency. The data drives falsehood and lies from business decisions and provides the team the guidance needed to accomplish purpose.  Business Intelligence allows managers to see things more clearly.  In fact, the goal of Business Intelligence is to illustrate the picture so clearly that the picture is more than what it was originally. 

The College Network is more than just a resource to online degrees from leading universities.  Just as the picture to the left is more than a couple enjoy a view of a lake.  We are a team of adults like you who want more.  We believe there is more to education than just books.  We believe eduction should be inspired by life and integrated into our lives, whatever the circumstances!  We strive and push one another to:

  • Make a difference
  • Challenge the routine
  • Have an impact

I encourage you to view the College Network Reviews.  You will find there are lots of educational opportunities.  Some like Associate Degree in Nursing ADN, Online Paramedic to RN Program, accelerated RN to BSN, MS in Nursing Management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and PMP Preparation course, but if you look through the surface, I hope you will see more than educational opportunities.

Some would say the purpose of Business Intelligence is to provide information as to what has been accomplished and how we are doing; key performance indicators.  Business Intelligence is so much more.  The goal is to use the data and information to go beyond the numbers.  Business Intelligence is clearly painting the picture so the future can be predicted.  The College Network is more than an educational services company.  The College Network is your team and support to finding a new life through education.


Nurses, Doctors Disagree on Role Nurses Should Play

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by College Network
There was an article this morning on msnbc.com that talks about how a report done by the Institute of Medicine discusses how nurses should "take on a larger and more independent role in providing health care in America, something many doctors have repeatedly opposed, citing potential safety concerns. It calls for states and the federal government to remove barriers that restrict what care advanced practice nurses -- those with a master's degree -- provide and includes many examples of nurses taking on bigger responsibilities."
 
Part of the argument for this change in nurse's current responsbilities is to help with the additional multi-million Americans who are going to receive coverage thanks to the new health care law. "Experts predict that more physicians, nurses and other medical professionals will be needed to care for the 32 million additional Americans who will get coverage beginning in 2014 under the sweeping new health law. Nurses' groups say they can help ease a physician shortage. Last week, a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges said that in 2015, there will be a shortage of nearly 63,000 doctors across all specialties in America."
 
However, doctors argue that nurses don't have the same medical training and are therefore unqualified to perform the same tasks as doctors. "Doctors maintain that even with an advanced degree, these nurses do not have the same education that physicians get in medical school and residency programs and that patient safety could be compromised. They are also wary that their practices could see significant patient losses if the nurses were allowed to practice more independently."

But like it or not, changes are already happening across the country. "Colorado, for instance, recently became the 16th state to allow nurse anesthetists to work without a doctor's oversight. In Michigan, nurses are pushing for legislators there to allow advanced practice nurses to prescribe drugs. Other fights over scope of practice for registered nurses loom in Kentucky, North Caroline, Iowa and Minnesota."

The battle continues to wage and it will certainly be interesting to see how it plays out.

So tell me, how do you feel about about the topic? Would you be okay with an advanced practice nurse having the same role, or nearly the same role as a doctor?


The College Network offers several online nursing programs through leading universities to help nurses reach their goal of advanced education while they work. If you are interested in learning more about earning an inexpensive nursing degree such as LVN to BSN programs, accelerated RN to BSN, RN to MSN bridge program and online paramedic to RN program, contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 today. 

From ambulance to hospital

Monday, October 4, 2010 by John Smilanich
As a counselor with a vast scope of experience enrolling health care professionals into related degrees, one of the more interesting questions I get from paramedics is, "Should I get my RN license?"

Looking at the job of a paramedic, it is very much like a nurse who gets focuses on a particular specialty. In the case of a paramedic, the specialty happens to be trauma, which is one of the most critical and high pressure areas of medicine. Most of the paramedics I have met have nerves of steel and ice water running through their veins! This is actually a great mentality to have as a nurse in high pressure areas of a hospital.

Once a paramedic, it is very possible to go from a medic to a nurse - even in an online setting. Much of what is required to be an RN is "book learning" with courses including anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and developmental psychology.

A lot of paramedics tell me that they need more clinical time than many programs offer. One solution I have always recommended is working with a preceptor at a facility you frequent. Often times, approaching an HR manager or a Director of Nursing will offer you many answers to your clinical questions.

Finally, many of the best and most highly trained medics I see are still making less than their nursing counterparts. Is it worth $10,000 to get your Associate Degree in Nursing ADN and take your RN boards? Only you can decide! But it sure seems like an avenue worth exploring!!!

If you are interested in Paramedic to RN programs available, contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 or visit us online for more information.