Program of Study

Paramedics who enter the accelerated Paramedic to RN Mobility Track Program study only three semesters to gain the knowledge, skills and credential needed to practice nursing as a registered nurse. Students must successfully complete all required courses, graduate from Southwest with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, and achieve a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to practice nursing. 

Students begin coursework during summer semester (June to May), enter the fall semester with generic track students, and complete their degree in spring semester. 

 

Eligibility Requirements

Southwest’s Nursing Department evaluates and identifies qualified applicants through a competitive process. Applicants must meet the following requirements for consideration:  

• Apply for admission to Southwest
• Apply for the Paramedic Mobility Track via the Special Admissions Program 
• Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
• Have a college grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or better
• Have a grade of C or better in all required science courses (Microbiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II)
• Is eligible to enroll in English Composition I and Statistics
• Provide a copy of his or her active paramedic license and CPR card
• Provide three letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals

 

Career Opportunities 

There are a wide range of career options for registered nurses. Job opportunities include permanent direct care positions (acute care, long-term care, clinics, community health, home health, etc.), direct care travel positions, and such non-direct care positions as administrators, educators, recruiters, etc. The average hourly pay for nurses in Tennessee is $30.83 per hour (nurses.org).

 

Degree Requirements

The Paramedic Mobility Track is a 67-credit hour program that includes: 

• 33 credit hours of nursing courses
• 27 credit hours of general education courses
• 7 credit hours awarded in recognition of previous paramedic coursework 
  

 

View Academic Map

 

For more information about our nursing program’s accreditation and learning outcomes, visit Nursing Program.