OCTC's EMT Students Earn 87% First Time Pass Rate

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OWENSBORO, KY (08/30/2018) Owensboro Community & Technical College's (OCTC) Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) program graduates have achieved an 87% first time pass rate on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician's (NREMT) licensure exam.

"Our aim is to give the students the best educational experience possible. By finding the right combination of lecture and hands-on work, they have a solid knowledge-base to work from which allows for their best chance at success in the field," reports Jimmy Van Cleve, Area 3 Coordinator.

In comparison, the national average for first time pass rates is 70%, incorporating retakes on the exam up to 6 times, increase the pass rate to 81% nationally. Statewide the Kentucky first time pass rate is 65%, and after taking the exam up to 6 times, it increases to a 78% pass rate. In addition to the 87% first time pass rate for the OCTC students increased to a 96% pass rate after taking the exam up to 6 times.

Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President added, "I am very proud of both our staff and the students' accomplishments, as evidenced by these recent results for the National Registry certification exam. But the numbers aren't the most important element at work here. By improving the first time pass rate, OCTC helps ensure a steady supply of qualified EMT professionals for the community and it means that our students are well prepared to join the workforce."

All OCTC technical programs have some form of an end of program assessment. The performance instrument allows students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in their field. It is beneficial to the faculty to measure effectiveness in the classroom, allows them to identify individual and classroom achievement and identify areas for improvement. For colleges, the test scores create a positive impact, meets state and federal accountability requirements and provides educators with valuable assessment data.

The curricula meets EMT instructional guidelines set forth by the National EMS Education Standards and the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS). Graduates are eligible to take the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) National Registry Examination. This is a limited admission program and interested students should be certified as an EMT.

Questions about the program may be directed to jimmy.vancleve@kctcs.edu, students interested in enrolling in the program should contact Kay Whittington kay.whittington@kctcs.educall 270-686-4490, apply online at Owensboro.kctcs.edu or stop by the START Center on the Main Campus at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro. The START Center is open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.