Paramedics looking to jump into the high demand field of nursing will be able to quickly make that transition through College of the Canyons’ new ‘paramedic to RN’ program.

Providing yet another potential solution to California’s statewide nursing shortage, the recently introduced ‘paramedic to RN’ program will fast track qualified students through the process needed to obtain licensing as a registered nurse — in as little as 15 months.

Expected to launch in January 2010, the program will offer students an intense package of accelerated course offerings designed to accommodate working adults who are unable to attend school full time.

After completing an introductory semester of classes focusing on nursing theory and process and the role of nurses in the Healthcare industry, students will progress into entry level courses dealing with pathophysiology, pediatric obstetrics and mental health nursing.

Qualified students can then challenge out of the final two semesters of medical surgical training by passing the final exams and clinical practicum demonstrations required for completion of those courses.

After completing all coursework and successfully challenging those exams, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN), as required by all United States and territorial Boards of Nursing.

“At College of the Canyons we recognize the great skill and knowledge that trained paramedics bring to the nursing program,” said Sue Albert, dean of Allied Health at the college. “Our goal is to allow students the opportunity to utilize their previous training and experience in order to become registered nurses at an accelerated rate.”

To be eligible for enrollment into the program, students must have completed at least four units of prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology and microbiology and three units in a college transferable English course.

In addition, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA in all prerequisite and core nursing coursework and complete both Psychology 101 and Communication Studies 105 or 123.

Applications for the ‘paramedic to RN’ program can be submitted between August 1 and August 31, 2009. A series of orientation seminars will then be held in November, with classes expected to begin in January 2010.

For more information about the College of the Canyons ‘Paramedic to RN’ program please contact Sue Albert, Dean, Allied Health at (661) 362-3366 or sue.albert@canyons.edu