Guide a newbie

Ladies and gentlemen I am in need of some major help. About ten years ago I started pre nursing then started actual nursing school. I stopped and went to EMT school then paramedic school. Along the way I picked up about 200 classes with certificates. I never received a degree just a technical diploma for EMT and Paramedic. My dilemma is I cannot be promoted without actually holding a degree. This recently just changed.

What I need from everyone is some honest advice and guidance. I have about 45 credits from community college, another 35 ish from medic and EMT school, I never had my fema and other certs checked for credit, I would like to obtain a Bachelors and maybe a Masters afterwards. I have been reading this board for the last month and I am thoroughly confused. I literally need someone to guide me on my path. I am not ashamed to say I can't do this on my own. I thank you for your time.

MedicOne

 

Apply to Charter Oak State College, Excelsior College, and Thomas Edison State College. See which one will accept the most credits toward a degree program. These three schools only require one or two courses to be taken with them at the most. They're very flexible about accepting transfer credits from regionally-accredited schools, ACE-approved courses, NCCRS-approved courses, CLEP, DSST, Excelsior Exams, Uexcel, TECEPs, other exams, and certifications.

 

Kudos to you for wanting to further advance your education. You could probably start researching your alternatives at one of the Big-3 schools (TESC, COSC, Excelcior). These schools have very liberal policies when it comes to granting credit, be it academically, CLEP, FEMA and so forth. I'm sure others here will chime in as well and guide you on your path. Welcome to the forum, and my hats off to you, it takes a big person to admit that they need help. :yup::biggthumpup:

Excelcior College.
Charter Oak State College.
Thomas Edison State College.

These schools are regionally accredited, and won't break the bank.

These threads will give you more background info on the Big-Three:

The Big Three Poll.
"Big Three" DL College feature/Cost.
The Big Three and Credit Transfer.

 

I followed a path similar to yours, Charter Oak was the place for me...credit for EMT/Medic, took in all of my credits from the various false starts I had over the years, worked with my financial situation (I think they are the cheapest of the Big 3). I will shoot you a PM

 

Many years ago I used to work full-time as an EMT. I did this for six years in my early twenties while working through my degree with Excelsior. One of the best ways I've seen for EMTs/Medics to move up the ladder in their careers is to become Registered Nurses. The guys (and gals) who were both medics and RNs were the ones who got their pick of positions. These are the guys who ended up getting the coveted flight medic positions with the air ambulance companies and hospitals that had their own helicopters.

Since you are already a paramedic, why don't you check into Excelsior's RN program. Paramedics qualify for entry into the program. And since you already have years of experience working in the medical field, completing the program probably won't be that difficult for you.

By the way, my boss at the ambulance service I worked for was both a paramedic and an RN. He earned his degree in nursing through Excelsior College.

http://www.excelsior.edu/school-of-nursing

 

I went with Thomas Edison State College as they accepted the most credit I earned throughout the years. Excelsior and Charter Oak State College required either to many upper level or general education requirements that I just didn't have (As I initially wanted to go to Excelsior and/or COSC). Nonetheless, all three schools will help you complete your degree. They are very flexible. I am seeking grad school opportunities right now, I want to complete my MBA.