Advanced Provider (AdP) to Paramedic Bridge Program

Purpose: This program is a self-directed (SDL) course designed to address areas of the National Paramedic Curriculum absent, or not clearly addressed in RN curricula. Concentration will be placed on advanced airway management, pre-hospital patient assessment, trauma and medical emergency management. Pediatrics, 12-Lead ECG’s, trauma and prehospital operations will also be covered. The program will prepare the RN for the National Registry paramedic examination. All didactic coursework will be completed online; psychomotor practice, review and competency checks may either be performed via live feed or through recorded video. Local students may opt to complete their hands-on training on-site at Crowder if desired. Students may engage in clinical rotations in their home state/region, given a contractual agreement has been signed with the respective agencies, and, an emergency physician to act as an associate medical director for that state. Currently, Tennessee, New Mexico, Iowa and Virginia do not allow out-of-state paramedic students to engage in clinical rotations within their state. If you live in one of these states, please contact Crowder EMS before applying to the program.

Students have up to 16 weeks to complete didactic, psychomotor, and clinical requirements.

Why should an RN get a paramedic license?

Employment Opportunities

Becoming well-versed in both fields can assist in expansion of employment opportunity. Companies in the private sector, and organizations in the public domain, desire highly educated people with a well-rounded scope of all around medical care knowledge. RN’s with EMS training and background can find professional specialties that include:

• Flight Nurse
• Intensive Care Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• EMS Instructor
• Local EMS Provider

Steve Cathers, RN, FP-C, 2009 Crowder College Paramedic graduate

The Exhilaration/Adrenalin Rush Influence

Some nurses are drawn to the hectic and often unpredictable world of trauma and emergency. It may be in their nature to take control of an emergency situation or play an intricate part of a quick moving crisis. Some may have witnessed paramedics/EMT’s rush into the hospital and provide the details of the patient event and present the case facts. Others were probably drawn into that “rush” without witnessing a scene like that at all. Regardless, those situations typically arise in an ER trauma unit or in the “field”. An on-the-scene ambulance work environment can provide that lifestyle and may be a better fit than in a slower paced hospital setting for some.

The Autonomy Factor

Some nurses may not like the strict rules and regulations that can apply to nursing. Restrictive guidelines, hospital protocols, and close supervision by a doctor(s) can all contribute to a feeling of not being an independent thinker or having the autonomy to make instant decisions. Even though paramedicine also has rules and guidelines, it may have a different “feel” when you are a first responder and it is YOUR actions and decisions that controls a scene. It can provide a sense of freedom from external control or influence, as well as, an impression of independence.

“ I never doubted my volition to take my paramedic course at Crowder College. The instructors were prudent and goal-oriented. The paramedic foundations they have instilled had directed me to pass both the FP-C and CCP-C exams.” – Brayle Lafasni

Program Goals: At the completion of the program the graduate will be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate the clinical information relative to his/her role as an
entry-level paramedic;
• Technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of an entry-level paramedic; and
• Personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level paramedic.

I have an RN license. Do I qualify, or do I need a specific type of nursing experience? In order to be eligible, you must have: 

Two or more years of Emergency/Critical Care (ICU, CVICU, CCU, etc) experience OR;

One year of emergency and one year of critical care experience OR;

One year of RN experience (ER/Critical Care) with a current EMT license and one year of pre-hospital experience OR;

One year of RN experience with current CFRN, CCRN, CEN or CTRN certification that is within good standing, and is actively working in emergency/critical care AND;

AHA BLS and ACLS Provider within good standing, and Registered Nurse (RN) license must be in good standing with 1000 hours of RN work experience in the last 2 years.
Accreditation: This program is accredited nationally by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).

How do I get started?

1. Submit a college admission application by going here: College Application
2. Submit an application to the program by going here: Program Application
3. Submit proof of RN licensure
4. Have transcripts of previous college courses sent to the college records department

For an estimation of program expenditures for the Fall, 2019- Summer, 2020 semesters, please click here.

Program Requirements:

Physical Requirements: 
An EMS provider is faced with many physical demands and psychological challenges. Please refer to the EMS Education’s Policies and Procedure Manual for more information.

Academic Requirements: 
Students must make a 78% or better as a final grade in this program or is not eligible to take the NREMT-NRP examinations.

Clinical and Behavioral Requirements:
Selected and supervised student experience is required by the program and will be accomplished at selected, regional health care facilities and pre-hospital services. The student is responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as to any scheduled classes. Program preceptors will observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for the profession and communicate those observations to the designated instructor through evaluation instruments, electronic communication or by phone.

Other Requirements:
Applicants accepted to the program are required to submit a health certificate signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or RNP and should include documentation of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox exposure or inoculations; documentation of Hepatitis B inoculation; Tuberculosis testing; and overall general health of the applicant. A criminal background check is also required.

The purchase of items such as uniforms housing, fuel, transportation, patches, stethoscopes, shears and other personal equipment and accessories is the financial responsibility of the individual student.

Our first RN-Paramedic program begins fall, 2018. Apply Now!

For more information, contact Kyle Ritter, RN, FP-C, NRP, at 417-455-5416 or e-mail kyleritter@crowder.edu.