OA Annual Report 2023

When she began to think about starting the PM to BSN program, she knew that it would have to be online to allow students to continue their careers as paramedics. “I started the Licensed Practical Nurse LPN to BSN at Indiana State University in an online format, so I was comfortable putting together an online nursing program,” Miller said. “I knew it was doable.” While there were several online PM to RN programs available, there was only one other online PM to BSN program in the country. In designing the program, she understood the need for students to bring credits to the program that they might have earned elsewhere in obtaining their paramedic license and in college. “We structure individualized programs of study based on how many college credits and how much paramedic experience the student brings with them,” Miller explained. Miller presented the program to the Indiana State Board of Nursing in November 2022, and the program was initially approved for 16 seats once a year. In December, she requested the approval be expanded to 24 seats because of the numerous applications submitted in that short time. Miller also asked for the approval of a second cohort each year of 24 seats. The first cohort gathered on campus in January 2023. Jackie Martin, DNP, RN, came to SMWC in July 2023 as the PM to BSN director. Martin is also the trauma program manager at Union Health Systems in Terre

Haute, so she knows what is needed in the field. She also understands the challenges of becoming a BSN as a

Instructors have had to make some adjustments to this unique program as well. “They are adapting to the variety of levels of knowledge of each student. Because it is online, instructors must be available and respond quickly to students’ needs to maintain the personal touch that the SMWC nursing program is known for,” Martin explained. In May 2023, Union Health Systems in Terre Haute announced a $250,000 gift over three years to help expand the PM to BSN program to launch the August cohort with 24 more students. “Union came in as a partner with us because this program is innovative, and it is a way to increase the number of professional nurses in the Wabash Valley,” said Miller. Miller added, “Many paramedics want to further their careers in healthcare. During the pandemic, they were utilized in expanded roles in hospitals and emergency rooms. This just ignited more interest in becoming nurses. Our PM to BSN program will enable them to find a pathway to becoming a nurse with the flexibility to keep their paramedic jobs.” Currently, there are three cohorts with a total of about 60 students enrolled in the PM to BSN program, with the first graduates expected in May 2025. Inquiries and enrollments have come from students around the country.

Martin

paramedic. She was a

paramedic before she became a nurse. “This program is unique because it is 100% online, and that is what is most appealing. Traditional programs are hard for paramedics because of their work schedules,” said Martin. The uniqueness of the program is that every student who starts the program already has a paramedic license. “They already have experience in the field and have honed their instincts, so we just build upon them,” explained Martin. “We work with each student for an individualized program of study based on how many college credits that student brings with them as well as the experience that they have as a paramedic,” said Miller. “Students can get their degree in an average of two years.” Another unique part of the program is that the students will do clinicals in their home area, which are set up by the students and can become a feeder program for those nursing departments. The program also uses simulation for some of the clinical requirements.

Q&A with PM to BSN Student Stephanie McClain

Paramedic from Hodgenville, Kentucky, age 44

Why did you enroll in the PM to BSN program at SMWC? SMWC took my previous credits from my Associates of Arts Degree from1999 and gave credit for my Paramedic license. I have yet to find a college that gives credit for the paramedic license or includes the clinicals and ride time that we had to do to become a paramedic. Other colleges overlook that or just give minimal credit for it.

How long will it take you to get your BSN degree? Just under 2 years.

Could you describe the flexibility of the program? The program is highly flexible. The courses are online, with assignments due weekly. There are a few days that we are required to be in-person, but those are few and far between.

Why do you want to become a nurse? I am ready to move on from paramedicine but want to remain in the medical field.

How long have you been a paramedic? 16 years, 24 in EMS.

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