You can transition from EMT to nurse in just four steps: find a nursing program, apply to nursing school, earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN. Once you pass the NCLEX, you can register with your state’s board of nursing to earn a nursing license and start working.
Changing careers from EMT to nurse will broaden your scope of practice and provide many benefits, such as higher earning potential and diverse areas of specialization. At the University of the Incarnate Word, the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track can help you make the EMT to registered nurse (RN) transition quickly and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months.
While not an EMT to nurse program, the ABSN track is designed to help students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits earn a quality nursing education quickly. Learn how you can make the career change to nursing in four steps.
Why Change Careers from EMT to Nursing
Becoming a nurse allows you to continue using the skills and experience you’ve acquired as an EMT and apply them toward nursing. As a nurse, you will have a broader scope of practice as you shift your goal from stabilizing patients for transportation to providing patient care.
A nursing career has many benefits. You will have a higher earning potential with a strong career outlook and many areas of specialization to choose from. You can find the specialty that best fits your skills and interests, such as emergency room nursing, pediatric nursing or oncology nursing.
Learn about the different nursing specialties to decide what type of nurse you should be.
4 Steps to Transition from EMT to Nurse
You can transition from EMT to nurse in four steps: Find an EMT to nursing program or an accelerated track, apply to nursing school, earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Step 1: Choose a Nursing Program
The first step in your transition from EMT to RN is finding the right nursing program. You will need to decide whether you want to earn an associate degree or a BSN. While both options qualify you for the NCLEX, many employers prefer hiring nurses with a BSN.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits, an accelerated BSN program might be right for you. While not an EMT to nursing program, accelerated BSNs are designed for career changers. The accredited ABSN track at UIW in San Antonio, Texas, can help you become a nurse fast while earning a high-quality BSN.
As you search for a program, keep in mind the following factors:
- Timeline: Consider the length of the program and when you can reasonably expect to graduate.
- Accreditation: Look for a nursing program that is regionally accredited and approved by the state’s board of nursing.
- Location: Because nursing programs cannot be completed entirely online, look for programs you can reliably commute to, or consider relocating.
- Clinical partnerships: Clinicals are where you will first experience what it’s like to work as a nurse. Consider the program’s clinical partnerships and variety of placements.
Step 2: Apply to Nursing School
The application process varies across nursing programs; however, you will likely need to meet GPA requirements and take admissions exams. At UIW, an admissions representative will guide you through the process, helping you stay on track for your target start date.
The UIW ABSN admission process includes:
- Contact an admissions representative.
- Create an academic plan to meet requirements in time for your target start date.
- Complete prerequisite courses.
- Pass the HESI Admission Assessment Exam (HESI A2).
- Submit your nursing school application.
Financial planning is an important step in the application process. Learn how you can pay for nursing school.
Step 3: Earn a BSN
Nursing school prepares you to become a practice-ready RN. Because you’re transitioning from EMT to nursing, you are already skilled in providing life-saving care. In the ABSN track, you will utilize these skills as you learn nursing theory and how to care for patients.
The UIW ABSN track curriculum includes:
- Online coursework: Online coursework is completed on an engaging e-learning platform, where you will learn core nursing concepts.
- Nursing Labs: Nursing labs include skills labs and nursing simulation labs. In skills labs, you will learn core skills, such as nasogastric intubation, while working with high-tech medical manikins. In simulation labs, you will work as a team to treat these manikins in mock clinical scenarios.
- Clinical Rotations: During clinical rotations, you will complete over 900 clinical hours within the CHRISTUS Health System, Methodist Healthcare System, University Healthcare System and other healthcare clinical sites, exploring several nursing specialties and providing direct patient care at healthcare and community sites throughout the San Antonio area.
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX
The last step in transitioning from EMT to nurse is passing the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a nationally recognized nurse licensure exam that tests your clinical judgment. It’s best to start preparing for the exam while in nursing school, then study full-time during the months after graduation, leading up to exam day.
Once you pass the NCLEX, you can register with your state board of nursing to earn an RN license.
Learn how to prepare for the NCLEX with these five tips.
Start Your Nursing Journey with UIW Today
Make the transition from EMT to nurse with UIW’s ABSN track in San Antonio. With three start dates a year, you can get started sooner than you think. Contact an admissions representative today to learn how the ABSN track can set you on the path toward becoming a nurse.