PROSPECTIVE FLORIDA PARAMEDIC CHANGES

MackTheKnife

MackTheKnife

BSN, RN-BC, EMT-P, TCRN, CEN
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Looking for some info. Just re-certified ACLS and one of my instructors said that there has been a major change with FL. He said that for at least the next six months FL is going back to the state test and ditching NREMT-P testing as the pass rate is </= 40%. So until they figure out what the long-term answer is, this is happening. My question is this- what is or was the FL test like? I've heard it was pretty easy.My instructor said this means that challenging the test is OK again. Apparently he went to some recent FL EMS meeting and this was what he found out.
I'm asking because I'm an RN, NREMT whose PM has lapsed. I want to get into flight rescue and having a dual qual would help alot. Looking for Florida PM's who have some idea of what I'm talking about. Thanx.
 
Don't mean to hijack your question. But to understand what you're saying, the pass rate for NREMT P testing in Florida is <40%? As in, less than 40% of people in Florida that take the NREMTP are passing?
 
nightmoves123 said:
Don't mean to hijack your question. But to understand what you're saying, the pass rate for NREMT P testing in Florida is <40%? As in, less than 40% of people in Florida that take the NREMTP are passing?
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Yeah, that's what I was told.

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nightmoves123 said:
Don't mean to hijack your question. But to understand what you're saying, the pass rate for NREMT P testing in Florida is <40%? As in, less than 40% of people in Florida that take the NREMTP are passing?
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I guess when the shift was made to the National test in place of FL's, they weren't expecting such a high failure rate. I know when I took my National years ago, most failures were on what we called the "stations". Now called psychomotor, correct?
 
The FL test is pretty easy. It's just a bunch of multiple choice and very little actual ALS stuff (only a handful of drug questions).
 
Welcome to the land of Fire Rescue...where the IAFF lobbys and gets what they want. Shame a bunch of firefighters cannot pass an entry level exam into their "career". 46% is abysmal...and other states? Welcome to Flor-duh!
 
akflightmedic said:
Welcome to the land of Fire Rescue...where the IAFF lobbys and gets what they want. Shame a bunch of firefighters cannot pass an entry level exam into their "career". 46% is abysmal...and other states? Welcome to Flor-duh!
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I was shocked when I heard about the change. The test is too hard so we'll give you the easier test? However, if I can actually challenge it, I will. From what I've heard here and elsewhere, it's not difficult.

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It is a stupid easy test...6th grader should pass it. When I first moved to FL in 1999, even though I had NR, the rules at the time meant I was eligible to sit for their state exam....was done quick, fast and in a hurry. Other people there scratching their heads and failing left and right! FYI, they graded our exams on the spot. I was amazed at the fail rate on the exam.
 
akflightmedic said:
It is a stupid easy test...6th grader should pass it. When I first moved to FL in 1999, even though I had NR, the rules at the time meant I was eligible to sit for their state exam....was done quick, fast and in a hurry. Other people there scratching their heads and failing left and right! FYI, they graded our exams on the spot. I was amazed at the fail rate on the exam.
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We'll see what happens. I took advantage of applying for a FL EMT license and am awaiting approval. Once that goes through, I'll see if I can actually challenge. I'm hoping my friend was correct..

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He is. When I saw your post, I called a high level official friend of mine....he confirmed it as he was in on the board. Note that they are NOT happy, neither was the State office actually. The mandate came from a higher power...
 
akflightmedic said:
He is. When I saw your post, I called a high level official friend of mine....he confirmed it as he was in on the board. Note that they are NOT happy, neither was the State office actually. The mandate came from a higher power...
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Thanx.

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Ugh I still need to finish my FL reciprocity stuff. I was.hoping the registry thing would stick around so I didn't need.to challenge the state test
 
As a professional medical type, I cannot fathom why you have a high failure rate, after making the change, and then changing back. If you want medics, you want the best and the brightest. And when the change was made to National, what research was done in support of this change? Did anyone look at prior pass rates for FL medics taking NREMT-P before the change, or look at the pass rate on the NREMT website for all states?
 
Saw today that the change is effective as of 1 August. You get the choice between National an State exam. Doesn't mention challenging. Anyone know about challenging?

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This is all I could find on challenging the paramedic exam:

'Q: As a physician, dentist or RN, how do I become certified?

A: A Florida licensed physician, dentist, or nurse may apply for certification as a paramedic and subsequently challenge the paramedic exam, provided he/she holds a Florida EMT certificate which is current and in good standing. You are required to submit a copy of your current Florida license or registration.'
 
Martyn said:
This is all I could find on challenging the paramedic exam:

'Q: As a physician, dentist or RN, how do I become certified?

A: A Florida licensed physician, dentist, or nurse may apply for certification as a paramedic and subsequently challenge the paramedic exam, provided he/she holds a Florida EMT certificate which is current and in good standing. You are required to submit a copy of your current Florida license or registration.'
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Thanx!

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Checked my status again today. I applied for EMT reciprocity on 20 July. Status still says "Open". Started /reviewing/looking at Rambling Thoughts today.
 
Just make sure it is an updated version. :)

That thing has been around since I first challenged FL exam back in 1999. You know how the original came to be?
 
akflightmedic said:
Just make sure it is an updated version. :)

That thing has been around since I first challenged FL exam back in 1999. You know how the original came to be?
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Wasn't it just a study guide from one of the paramedic instructors?
 
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