To Go National Registry Or Not

[n0ssb]

I am thinking about testing at the National Registry. I am a Basic EMT x 1 year+. Keep in mind I am cert in New York. I have read practice tests on line for the NR and it seems very close to the State test. My question is this. Aside from the ability to have NREMT next to my name, what bennies do I receive for having that title. I was told by one person that NY does not recognize the NR title. The course testing is 70.00 which is really not in my budget.

Any suggestions are appriciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Congratulations on a possible upcomming NREMT test--it will come in Handy should you move or need certification in two states.

It shows that you have achieved competence in the profession

In colorado We use it for testing only and we do not have to keep it-but with cert in Wyoming also, I need--SO goood luck on your tests.. You will do fine..

Edited April 6, 2009 by n0ssb

[Ridryder 911]

I do however disagree with the way the written test is put together. The test bank is derived from way to many sources. The pass/fail ratio of the paramedic exam and the cost of taking/retaking the test is likely why some people feel it is a scam. It's not a scam, but there is room for improvement.

If you can come off the $70.00, go ahead and get the certification. The basic exam is not that hard. I'm about to pay $110.00 for the paramedic exam, plus state fees, plus background check

Do you know the sources? Have you really investigated where or who they are? As one that just returned from the NREMT test writer meeting, I can assure the sources are very limited. That being they are only two things. The NHTSA Curriculum and cardiac material is from the AHA. All questions are reviewed and pilot tested and then restudied and re-critiqued. It is a very scientific process and one that has to be analyzed often for credibility. You can take Brady, Mosby, etc and study from them but the questions are verified to be in the official curriculum.

The costs is nominal in comparison to other professional tests. NREMT did not set the fee, Pearson/Vue costs is what caused the increase. Don't like it.. well I guess we could go back to scan tron grading and awaiting 6 weeks for results.

The pass/fail ratio is one of the highest for a medical examination, so in the real world it probably in comparison too easy of a test. Something most of us educators would like to see changed. Unfortunately, most use the NREMT as a screener to eliminate those that should had never passed any EMT course.

Go take another health professional test, then compare costs of the organization. Usually several hundred dollars are required every two to three years. Part of the problem it is too easy and too cheap to become a medic.

R/r 911

Edited April 6, 2009 by Ridryder 911

[fireflymedic]

I hold and held several states reciprocity within the US while having NR. I have maintained NR as a medic as well and I will say by far it is easier to move within the states as a medic than it ever was as a basic. The gaps in skills between states was incredibly frustrating and the multiple bridge courses required to achieve the reciprocity was annoying as some states have chosen to do away with the emt basic and create their own entry level somewhere between basic and intermediate. If we really did have a national scope of practice to where you could just easily go between states by handing your card and showing proof of successful continuing education as it is for some states, then I would be alot happier. However, that is not registry's problem, it falls to the individual states. Overall though, NR does a reasonable job of evaluating a potential candidate as a basic or medic and as RR911 stated, it is much easier in comparisson than many other licensing/certification exams.

[mrsbull]

i too am looking to take the nremt-b exam. some say its not worth it cause if you go to another state you have to take their exam. to me its worth taking are you using any study guides or just re-reading your text. i am hoping to take it in the next month. good luck.

This is why I have to take mine. I have made the decision that I am moving home to Colorado. I contacted the Co EMS folks today. Colorado has no Reprocity I have to take nationals and submit my prints and ect. This might take a while.

[HERBIE1]

I think that taking the National registry is a personal choice. For some it could be beneficial to their career, for others it will make no difference. Maybe it's a personal challenge, or simply for personal development.

[backinboston]

It doesnt matter if your state is NR or not. Its great to keep your options open. It will make it a lot easier if you in the future decide to move because even if the state your going to doesnt accept the NR, they may allow you to transfer your licence in easier by skipping their practical if you have it. This is all from experience, I never thought id need it eaither, but it really came in handy

[boeingb13]

Unless you plan on moving theres no reason to get it

[Dustdevil]

Unless you plan on moving theres no reason to get it

This is what happens when people reply to a topic without reading it.

[FireMedic65]

Just take it. It's a good thing to have. It shows the employer you tested at a higher standard than needed to and passed at a national level. Why people chose to discourage things that only improve the system or themselves, is beyond me.

Same goes with the "degree" programs. Sure, taking a literature course, a psychology, or some random computer skills class probably does not make you a better paramedic, it DOES prove to yourself you can accomplish it. It shows you want to be educated and not fast track your way into the field. Makes you a more well rounded person that has the ambition to learn.

[backinboston]

I have to disagree with the last poster.

Taking the degree program absolutly makes you a better medic. Higher education is something we can all benefit from. That random "computer class" will only benefit you in the coming years as PCR's move to computers and 12leads/EKG are sent to computers to increase our ability to recognize dysrythmias.

I am so sick of new medics that just do the minimum and think they are strong medics because they can establish Iv's and sink tubes. People, these are Monkey skills that even bucketheads can do. These do not make you a good medic. A good medic knows their meds and when to use them, can recognize EKG dysrthmias and not just the basic ones, dont just look for tombstones to know when a stemi is occuring. I am so sick of these medics that just do the minimum in school and then get their medic just to get on a fire dept and suck.

We are never going to move forward as a profession with just a certificate program to establish you position in our field. I hope the degree program becomes the standard. So many of us are not great in school but you need to be able to read, have advanced math skills etc. Higher learning creates higher thinking, instead of cookbook medicine. Anyone can learn an algorithm or run a "code". Codes can be the easiest calls you ever do, but when you get that sick medical emergency are you going to shit your pants and rely on your partner or step up and know what you are doing.

We as a profession need to take all the courses we can, get all the certifications we can and constantly relearn and upgrade our knowledge.

If you think that taking your National is only useful if your are going to move, then you are lazy. Having your state and national shows you actually care about your professional and realize that just the minimum isnt enough. The national can actually be quite useful, expecally if you have been a medic 1+ year. It causes you to go back and study, relearn and bring out knowledge that you may have put in the back of your head.

We are never going to move up as a profession and progress unless we all take it upon ourselves to bring up the standard and make a cutoff line for these lazy, incompetant medics. The EMT to Medics that had to right taking the EMT course in the first place. I am an FTO at my job and I see it time and time again lately, these kids who are great in school, can regurgitate knowledge with the best of them, but when it comes to applying it, see ya later... just another transfer medic in the making. If the schools are going to continue just passing these kids through over and over again, then we as a profesion need to step up the standard and create some sort of filter. I can tell you one thing, I wouldnt want many of these people taking care of my sick family memeber. Would you?

-Boston

disclaimer: this is my opinion and hope that other agree. Dont take these views too personally and if you do, it may be a wake up call to go and bring your self up to a new standard.