Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is proud to announce that paramedics are now able to continue their post-secondary education with a new Associates in Nursing (ASN) transitional track for paramedics who meet general education requirements.
Aco Sikoski, Chancellor and Campus President at the Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus, is excited to highlight both the new ASN transitional track for paramedics and simulation labs to accompany the new program.
“It is a really outstanding program. With the best faculty we have, the best equipment, the best labs available, our campus makes this program worth it for nursing candidates and students who need to be successful and earn these credentials,” said Sikoski.
For those individuals who have completed an Associates of Applied Science degree in paramedic sciences and wish to continue to become a registered nurse, this program is a great option to expand upon their current knowledge. Students will need to complete additional prerequisite courses including Anatomy and Physiology I (APHY 101), English Composition (ENGL 111), and Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101), which is due to start on November 17. Prospective students must also take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam from Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI) before December 1. Those interested can learn more by visiting ivytech.edu/nursing.
The full track ranges from 76 to 79 credit hours. The degree can be completed in less than two years. After completing the program, ASN graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Graduates who successfully pass the NCLEX-RN examination have opportunities to obtain entry-level nursing positions in a variety of healthcare areas or transfer to a four-year university where they can earn an RN to BSN baccalaureate degree or an RN to MSN master’s degree in nursing.
“We need registered nurses more than ever. At this time, we all know these hospitals and clinics are asking for more and more nurses,” said Sikoski.
Because of the greater need for nurses throughout the Region, Ivy Tech raises the bar by expanding this ASN program to make current Ivy Tech students more marketable and knowledgeable before entering the field.
“We are proud of our graduates, and we wanted to expand opportunities for these candidates,” said Sikoski.
The college recognized that paramedics are increasingly seeing more physical demands for the job. Paramedics students also were in need of a more in-depth look at their field to help them better assist patients in accidents and in hospital situations. This program expands upon and meets the students' needs for greater medical terminology and developing knowledge of diagnosis and managing medication. Most importantly, this program helps expand job options for students by preparing them to take the appropriate tests to become a registered nurse or move on to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“This program is for people who really just have a desire to advance their healthcare education, and improve their quality of life,” said Sikoski. “That’s why we are proud of this program.”
Ivy Tech Community College is also excited to highlight its new simulation labs, which were created to meet a pandemic need of educating students when they couldn’t attend in-person clinicals. These labs are still in use and are an attractive way for students to get early hands-on experience at Ivy Tech.
“Now, students have a state-of-the-art opportunity to gain all of those nursing skills they're at college before going to the clinical sites,” said Sikoski.
Sikoski encourages potential students to visit and apply as soon as possible. Ivy Tech works with the needs of its students and offers multiple starting points throughout the school year. Students are eligible to apply to the program at the start of each fall semester since the track begins at the start of each spring. There are many financial aid options available for students.
For those who may have questions, please email Dr. Marinaro, dean of the School of Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso, at rmarinarokrous@ivytech.edu or admissions at valparaiso-admissions@ivytech.edu.