Blinn's inaugural Paramedic-to-RN graduating class posts 100% pass rate on the national licensure exam

Through the Paramedic-to-RN Program, paramedics have a streamlined pathway to their nursing degree

October 23, 2023

The Blinn College District’s inaugural Paramedic-to-RN graduating class is off to a perfect start.

All eight graduates of Blinn’s Paramedic-to-RN Program passed their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) on the first attempt, qualifying them for careers in a wide array of nursing positions, including pediatric, geriatric, hospice, school, and clinical nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing reports that the statewide NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022 was 84.28% and the national pass rate was 79.91%.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Karla Ross, Director of Blinn’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. “This 100% first-attempt pass rate is a historic achievement for our Paramedic-to-RN Program and sets a high standard for future classes. I am confident that this success will inspire and motivate future students to strive for excellence and continue to raise the bar for nursing education at Blinn.”

Blinn’s 2023 Paramedic-to-RN graduating class includes Parker Arrants (Montgomery), Brandon Beck, Ramiro Gutierrez (Houston and Leona), Makayla Hallman, Krysten Cooper (Magnolia), Mark Rosenbaum (Brenham), Kyle Shimerka (Houston), and Tyler Vitek (Keller).

“I cannot say enough about the experience I had during my time in school,” said Beck, who was offered his current position at Baylor Scott & White in College Station prior to graduation. “I second-guessed myself every step of the way, but every time the instructors were there to show me how far I had come and how much I had learned. I had such a great time that I actually miss going to class.”

The 60-credit-hour paramedic-to-RN transition pathway is an accelerated program that allows paramedics who wish to build upon their extensive medical training and experience to earn their nursing degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 median salary for paramedics was $49,090 per year while registered nurses earned a median salary of $81,220.

At the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex, Blinn ADN students gain hands-on skills utilizing the facility’s 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratories. Blinn’s Associate Degree Nursing Program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the state by NursingProcess.org, RNCareers.org, and RegisterNursing.org.

“I could not be happier that I chose to go to Blinn when I did,” Beck said. “With so many instructors from various areas of nursing and so much knowledge they wanted to share, I am thankful for all of them.”

For more information regarding the Paramedic-to-RN Transition Program, visit www.blinn.edu/adn/paramedic-to-rn. A link to register for upcoming information sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Tuesday, Jan. 30, are available on the website.