The Early Bird Gets the Worm: The Adverse Impact of Delay Upon Successfully Completing the National Registry EMT Exam on the First Attempt

• In Event: Special Topics in Career and Technical Education & Workplace Learning

Abstract

Emergency Medical Technicians provide lifesaving medical care to injured and sick patients. After passing a state-approved course, which includes cognitive training and psychomotor testing of lifesaving skills, EMT certification requires that students pass a National Registry multiple-choice computer-based adaptive examination. This study was undertaken to determine if a delay in taking the national exam is associated with failure on that exam. This study also includes an analysis and discussion of the role of EMTs in the emergency medical care system in the United States and the national certification process. This study furthermore tests a critical question in career and technical education, which is whether the course of study improves the opportunities of candidates to successfully enter an occupation and succeed.

Authors

• Peter G. Kreysa, California State University - Long Beach

• Linda K. Martinez, California State University - Long Beach

• Henry O'Lawrence, California State University - Long Beach