If you’re a paramedic that is planning to become an RN, you probably know there are many different educational options, including paramedic-to-RN bridge programs. What you might not realize is these programs vary dramatically, especially when you consider cost.

Beyond the advertised tuition rate, there are at least seven cost factors you need to consider when choosing a paramedic-to-RN program. Some expenses are a little confusing, however there are expenses that might only be discovered after enrollment. It pays to have a solid understanding of the expenses you could encounter when working towards your RN. Consider the seven costs below when making a decision on an RN bridge program:

1.       Wait Lists

Many nursing programs are limited in terms of class space and nursing instructors. Students are often placed on waiting lists, unable to complete the required coursework until the next semester, or sometimes even the following semester. Meanwhile, they’re delaying graduation, delaying RN certification and missing out on educational benefits that provide career opportunities with higher salaries. The hidden cost is the lost opportunity of thousands of dollars for every month that you do not achieve your RN.  Look for paramedic-to-RN bridge programs where you can start immediately and avoid waiting lists.

2.       Semester Fees

Many schools charge RN students for registration fees, technology fees, program fees and lab fees—not just once, but per semester of enrollment. Search for programs that don’t charge ongoing fees per semester.  Focus on accelerated study options and opportunities to transfer qualifying coursework from former college credits. Both options could reduce the length of your paramedic-to-RN bridge program. The bottom line is that reducing the amount of required semesters automatically will reduce the associated fees.

3.       Repeat Coursework

If you’ve studied and learned the material, you should be able to test out of the course.  If you have previous course credits, they should count towards your requirements. Competency is what counts. A credit by examination model ensures you won’t waste time and money on education that is not required.

4.       Failing Grades

It’s not always easy to juggle nursing programs, work schedules and a personal life.  No student wants to fail a college course or retake it and pay for it again. It is important to ask if a refresher class and/or individual tutoring is available in the event that you do not pass the necessary exam.

 5.       Commuting Costs

What does it cost to sit in traffic for along time with your car idling and your nerves fraying?  What does the average college student pay in campus parking permits? If these are questions you’d rather not answer, consider a paramedic to rn online program. Virtual nursing classes are available for everything but your clinical component. You can enjoy the same exact education — viewing, listening and participating through online attendance. The only real difference is the travel time and expense you’ll save.

6.       Admissions Materials

Some nursing schools ask for a mountain of paperwork up front. Applicants are expected to supply immunization records, proof of CPR certification, standardized exam scores, application fees and sometimes even nursing liability insurance. You could spend hundreds of dollars just trying to register for the program. Focus on programs that make it easy to get started and don’t burden new students with red tape and many associated costs.

7.       Strict Rules About Withdrawing

Traditional nursing programs can’t afford to have open seats in their classrooms and therefore have strict withdrawal policies. So if you need to abandon your study plans for personal or professional reasons, you may only recoup a fraction of your tuition dollars. Many schools hold students liable with a comprehensive contract. Be sure to ask whether your prospective paramedic-to-RN bridge program offers a refund policy in accordance with its withdrawal guidelines. No one plans to withdraw, but it certainly should not be cost prohibitive.

Avoid losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars by looking at how your potential paramedic-to RN bridge program addresses the seven hidden costs.  Achieve Test Prep (ATP) offers flexible, innovative RN bridge programs, designed to help you earn your associate degree in nursing (ASN) without any hidden costs or obligations.  If you found the above tips useful for avoiding hidden costs, contact ATP to learn how you can quickly and successfully achieve your RN.