We’ve seen a lot of common mistakes that students make when preparing for their NREMT exams. Let’s dive into some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and succeed.
1. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself with Resources
Many students sign up for multiple courses, apps, and programs but end up not completing any of them. This leads to confusion and a lack of focus on exam day.
Stick to one study plan and complete it thoroughly. We recommend using our EMS Prep app, the recommended reference textbooks, and going through our entire question bank at least once.
2. Understand the NREMT Exam Structure
Know that the NREMT exam includes “pilot questions” that are being tested and don’t count towards your score. If you encounter a tough question, it might just be a pilot question. Do your best and move on.
Familiarize yourself with the five sections of the exam (six on AEMT and Paramedic):
- Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation
- Cardiology and Resuscitation
- Trauma
- Medical, Obstetrics, and Gynecology
- EMS Operations
- Clinical Judgment (AEMT and Paramedic only)
Also, remember that the content will cover both adult and pediatric cases.
3. Master the Content
Use the “One, Two, Three, Four” method to break down diseases and emergencies:
- What is the disease?
- What are the risk factors?
- What are the hallmark signs and symptoms?
- How do we treat it?
4. Know Your Medications and Cardiology
It’s crucial to be confident in your knowledge of medications and cardiology, especially for paramedic students. Many students struggle with these areas, and confidence can be the difference between passing and failing.
5. Follow a Stepwise Approach
When managing a patient, follow a stepwise approach. For example, with airway management:
- Open the airway.
- Ensure the airway is clear.
- Secure the airway with an adjunct.
- Ventilate if needed.
6. Balance Studying and Practice Questions
Remember, practice questions assess your knowledge but don’t always teach you new material. Ensure you study the textbook content and then use Pocket Prep’s practice questions to evaluate your understanding and prepare for the NREMT’s question style.
7. Take the Exam Sooner Rather Than Later
Don’t wait too long after finishing school to take your exam. The longer you wait, the more you might forget. If you do fail, take a few weeks to revise your study plan before retaking the exam.
8. Utilize Resources Effectively
Our recommendation is to use resources that combine study material and assessment. This dual approach ensures you’re gaining knowledge and also testing yourself.
Pocket Prep’s Level Up quiz mode, detailed answer explanations, mock exams, and textbook references will help you gain and retain the knowledge you need to pass the NREMT and be successful in the field.
If you follow these guidelines, you’re setting yourself up for success. Keep focused, study smart, and you’ll be ready to pass your NREMT exam. Good luck, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!
