MA EMT-B written test

feldy

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What is the MA EMT-B written test like?
 

MRE

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The following was true when I took the test 2 years ago.

The MA Basic written test is computer based but not adaptive. I want to say that there were around 100 questions, but I can't rememeber. There is a 2 hour time limit and you need to get a 70% score or better to pass.
 

silver

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W1IM is correct with that.
Here is the story Ill tell you. I was unpacking for college 2 weeks ago and decided it was a good time to take it. Signed up the night before, reviewed a bit. Took an hour T ride, and finished in 40 minutes.

Review the Mass protocols, your textbook for general knowledge and the in this situation do this stuff. And lastly review operational things as well.

Im sure youll do well
 
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feldy

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are the questions from all areas or primarily just from a few topics? Also are those the MA protocols from the book or the treatment protocols from OEMS.
 

silver

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they have a few OEMS protocols (ie. that 300page pdf). and it covers a wide range of questions. except i didnt have many environmental or OB/GYN (dont know if i had any), however still study for that.
 

Guardian Angel

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Once you finish your test, are test scores automatically posted, or, do you have to wait for your score by snail mail?

Thanks:rolleyes:
 
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feldy

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thats awesome...i just took my practicals this past weekend and i feel pretty good about it...im glad once i take the written that i wont have to wait.
 

Guardian Angel

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thats awesome...i just took my practicals this past weekend and i feel pretty good about it...im glad once i take the written that i wont have to wait.


Congrats on the practicals! Where did you take yours? Are you already scheduled to take your written yet?

I think I would be less nervous with the written than the practicals. I know I will suffer from stage fright and performance anxiety. :lol:

Good Luck! I wish you well!:)
 
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feldy

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i took my at north shore community college...i was a bit nervous but you just have to take your time, dont rush. The examiners know how to keep a straight face so it was really hard to read them. I did have to re-test a section but when i did the examiner told me to go home and relax...so i hope that means i passed but we'll see. if you have any other questions about it feel free to ask.

where are you taking your class?

and by the way...it takes 3-6 weeks to find out if you pass your practicals so i can schedule my written until i get the postcard saying i passed or failed in the mail.
 
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Guardian Angel

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Omg

OMG,:excl: I would and will go nuts waiting that long!!!! I am taking my course in Salem---'When Seconds Count'. They also offer refresher courses and other training such as AED, CPR, First Responder, etc...

You can also apply your training as College Credits, like NSCC. Just FYI, if you may be interested in taking Nursing or some other Degree, it will count towards your Open and I believe Liberal Arts credit requirements.


BTW, I went to NSCC for my Liberal Arts Degree, and may be entering the RN program for fall of '10. I was too late for this years enrollment:sad:.

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for ya! Keep me informed!
 
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feldy

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good luck to you and thanks...three weeks is going to feel like a long time.

when seconds count i heard is good too...i think they have their own ambulance to practice in...i did ride alongs (on my own time not clinical hours) with Trinity EMS...i got some good experience with them and they let me help out and were willing to teach me.

the nscc instructor was really good...it was the only place i could take the course within the time period i had before i went back to school out of state. unfortunately they did not accept my credits but i wanted to do it anyway.
 
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silver

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good luck!

did you have to take both the practical and the written or just the written? and did you come from a nremt state or one like MA

just written. The practical is kinda ridiculous compared to the national though and I am not a fan (wouldnt consider it harder though). In mass if you have a current state EMT card you dont need the practical. However if you only have NREMT and no state you will need to take both practical and written.

CT is a nremt though.
 
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feldy

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just written. The practical is kinda ridiculous compared to the national though and I am not a fan (wouldnt consider it harder though). In mass if you have a current state EMT card you dont need the practical. However if you only have NREMT and no state you will need to take both practical and written.

CT is a nremt though.

good to know...b/c once i get my MA cert im taking the NREMT test b/c i go to school in louisiana and my school has their own EMS units so i could join w.o having to take the nremt course.
 

medicdan

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Studying the statewide treatment protocols is good because it provides you with a summary of the condition, a set of treatment priorities, then Basic Procedures. It is only ~160 pgs, and a worthwile read when preparing for the test, and for work in MA EMS.

PSI Exams, an outside company administers the exam-- they can be the problematic piece in the puzzle. Several students I have worked with had trouble with PSI's website (best to view in IE), signing up for courses (beginnings of the month tend to be best), and with card printers "not working". The standard response is "We'll send it to you in the mail"-- and 4-5 weeks later, they are still cardless. Be prepared.
 

Guardian Angel

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National Cert

So, if I decide to go for National Certification, it will allow me to work in any state, but, I would need to take that states written exam?
 

aebensen

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i took my practical on aug 8th and still haven't received notification of my written exam! they said 4-6 weeks but i expected it much earlier than now (sept 21). who should i call?
 
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