EMT to RN
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are valuable members of the community, providing emergency care to patients in the field before transporting them to a healthcare facility. Some people choose to become EMTs as an entry point into a healthcare career, gaining valuable knowledge about basic emergency care along the way.
The knowledge and skills EMTs possess can be a wonderful foundation for a nursing career. This guide will discuss the different ways an EMT can become a registered nurse (RN).
What is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?
Emergency medical technicians are licensed medical personnel who are specially trained to handle emergency situations out in the community. EMTs are sometimes confused with paramedics and the titles are often used interchangeably. While the two careers have many similarities, paramedics actually undergo more schooling and training than EMTs. Because of this, there are certain tasks that paramedics are allowed to perform that EMTs are not. When there is an emergency out in the community, usually both EMTs and paramedics are dispatched to the scene.
Becoming an EMT is considered an entry-level career, so no college degree is required. However, EMTs must complete a certification program, during which they are trained to provide emergency care to people experiencing life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, or emergency care training academies and take approximately 6 months to complete. Paramedic programs take longer to complete, usually between 1-2 years.
EMTs and paramedics usually arrive first to the scene and are responsible for providing initial treatment and stabilization attempts before the patient is transported to the hospital for further care. This often involves performing CPR, stabilizing neck injuries, splinting broken bones, controlling blood loss, administering oxygen, and more. EMTs are also responsible for transporting patients to hospitals or other facilities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for emergency medical technicians is $36,680. The median annual wage for paramedics is $49,090.
What is the Difference Between an Emergency Medical Technician and a Registered Nurse?
While some training and skills overlap, the key differences between an EMT and an RN involve education requirements, work location, and scope of practice.
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics usually work out in the community, responding to emergency calls and treating patients in the field before they can be transported to a medical facility.
Examples of tasks performed by EMTs and paramedics include:
- Assessing the patient’s condition and level of consciousness
- Administering CPR
- Stabilizing neck injuries and broken bones
- Providing basic wound care and controlling blood loss
- Administering oxygen
- Operating emergency vehicles to and from emergency scenes and to and from healthcare facilities
- Assessing and managing the scene, including crowd control and safety
Additional tasks that are usually only performed by paramedics due to their additional training include:
- Administering medications
- Inserting intravenous lines
- Performing intubation
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings and provide more advanced direct patient care than EMTs. RNs are sometimes employed by certain emergency transport services, especially flight transport. Generally, patients who require flight transport are more unstable, requiring the expertise of a registered nurse to care for them on the way to a healthcare facility.
Examples of tasks performed by RNs include:
- Conducting patient assessments
- Administering medications
- Obtaining vital signs
- Inserting and maintaining intravenous lines, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters
- Performing phlebotomy
- Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
- Providing wound care
- Providing education to patients and their families
Another key difference between EMTs and RNs is the amount of required schooling.
EMTs usually require a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of an EMT certification program and the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam. RNs must obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
How to Transition From EMT to RN
Some colleges offer EMT-to-RN bridge programs that are specifically designed to build upon the skills that EMTs already have. These programs usually take around 2 years to complete. Being an EMT or paramedic can be a huge advantage when applying to a nursing program because you already have a good foundational knowledge of emergency care.
There are multiple paths to consider when transitioning from EMT to RN. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so long-term career goals, financial considerations, and personal responsibilities must all be taken into account.
Option #1: EMT to ADN
This is the quickest path for an emergency medical technician to become a registered nurse. EMT-to-ADN programs are usually offered at community or technical colleges and take approximately 2 years to complete. Credit is often given for the student’s prior coursework during EMT school, especially if the program is an EMT-to-RN program specifically.
After completing an ADN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for RN licensure within the state you wish to practice.
It is important to consider that although obtaining an ADN is the fastest way to become an RN, it does not provide as many job or advancement opportunities as a BSN does. If your long-term career goals involve a leadership position or seeking a graduate degree, you may prefer to obtain your BSN instead.
Option #2: EMT to BSN
This is a longer path for an emergency medical technician to become a registered nurse, but it does have some advantages. BSN-prepared nurses tend to have an advantage during the hiring process since many employers prefer to hire nurses who have at least a BSN. BSN-prepared nurses are also considered for advancement opportunities more often than ADN-prepared nurses. In general, a BSN will provide you with more career opportunities than an ADN or LPN.
Most EMT-to-BSN programs take around 3 years to complete. Credit can usually be received for prior coursework completed during EMT school, but it is at the nursing school’s discretion. Always check with the school to determine if this is an option for you.
After graduating from a BSN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to apply for your RN license for the state you wish to practice in.
If you want to pursue graduate school in the future, obtaining a BSN is your best option. You cannot pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher without first holding a BSN.
Option #3: EMT to LPN to RN
This is the longest path to becoming a registered nurse, but it is a great choice if your goal is to become a nurse as quickly as possible.
Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs are usually offered at community colleges or technical schools. An LPN program usually requires 1 year of full-time study to complete. Similar to an ADN or BSN program, EMTs are often able to apply prior coursework credits to their nursing classes, but it is recommended to check with the nursing school and ask if this is an available option.
After successfully completing an LPN program, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to obtain your LPN license. After becoming an LPN, you will be able to work and gain experience within the healthcare setting as a nurse.
From there, the next step to becoming an RN would be to enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program. LPN-to-RN bridge programs can take between 2-4 years to complete. The amount of time it takes depends on whether you are pursuing an ASN or BSN.
After graduating from an ASN or BSN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to apply for your RN license within the state you wish to practice.
