DUBLIN – Bladen Community College is poised to begin a paramedic-to-RN program with the upcoming spring semester of 2018.
The bridge will allow currently certified paramedics to earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Nursing.
“This is a huge step forward for our nursing program,” remarked Director of Allied Health Programs Sharron Thomas. “We are one of only three community colleges in the state that can facilitate this transition from paramedic to registered nurse.”
To qualify for the program, a student must have current registration as a paramedic with the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services or the National Registry, have scored at least a 58 on the TEAS test, and have an Associate of Applied Science degree in emergency medical services (EMS).
“If a paramedic does not have an associate degree,” explained Thomas, “he or she may bridge into the two-year program for an associate of applied science degree in EMS.”
The Bladen Community College bridge program was first announced online one week ago. “We received 4,000 hits immediately from as far away as New York,” stated Thomas. “This is a way for medical professionals to expand their degrees manageably.”
Potential students may also take advantage of the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) initiative offered through Bladen Community College in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Students enrolled in RIBN take classes at BCC for three years and automatically transfer to UNC-P for their fourth academic year. “With the RIBN enrollment, students save thousands of dollars by attending a community college and still graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Nursing degree,” explained Thomas.
RIBN is endorsed by the Foundation of Nursing Excellence and is currently operating in less than half of the community colleges across North Carolina.
“This is an exciting opportunity for students in our area to have a four-year college degree with less costs and travel, and guaranteed acceptance into a university,” stated Thomas. “It is a win for everyone.”
TEAS testing is available at BCC through Tuesday, November 21, 2017. To schedule a test time, call Tommy Rains at 910 879-6002.
For more information about the Paramedic to RN Bridge or the RIBN program, contact Sharron Thomas at 910 879-5532, or via email at sthomas@bladencc.edu.
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