LTC paramedic instructor instrumental in validation of national exam questions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/20/2011
 LTC Instructor Kerry Campbell |
CLEVELAND, WI –
When LTC paramedic instructor Kerry Campbell opened an email inviting him to assist in the validation of test questions used on a national standards exam, he was extremely excited and honored.
The test, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, is used in 44 states — including Wisconsin — to license paramedics.
“It is a huge honor to be part of this,” Campbell said. “The NREMT sets the standard for emergency medical technicians nationwide, and assisting in the development of the exam is very gratifying.”
Campbell was among five content experts from around the country invited to validate 250 questions related to Advanced Cardiac Life Support, or ACLS. Campbell also was the only participant from Wisconsin.
Other experts included a physician, two authors of the updated American Heart Association ACLS guidelines, and the person who developed the curriculum for teaching the new AHA guidelines.
The group met May 11 and 12 in Columbus, Ohio. The group thoroughly examined the questions, ensuring they address the new guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association.
“ACLS is my passion and I’m very outspoken when it comes to the exam and the education of our future paramedics,” Campbell said. “This exam verifies that our students are learning the skills it takes to save a life at a moment’s notice. This is very important and I take this responsibility very seriously.
This isn’t Campbell’s first interaction with the NREMT. About 14 years ago, the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Service, overseen by the Bureau of Communicable Disease and Emergency Response, recommended Campbell to the NREMT to help write exam questions. Three years ago, Campbell again helped develop test questions.
Campbell said his experience writing and validating exam questions benefits LTC students because he can better understand the focus of the concepts being questioned on the test. Campbell, however, is strictly prohibited from providing any questions to students, he said.
Test takers answer up to 150 questions on the exam and the questions are randomly selected from a bank of 4,000, of which 250 are directly related to ACLS.
The first-time pass rate for the National Registry exam nationwide is 70 percent. The first-time pass rate for Lakeshore Technical College students is 91 percent.
About Lakeshore Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College is a leading provider of technical education offering 100 career programs including associate degrees, technical diplomas, technical certificates, and apprenticeship programs. In addition, LTC offers distance learning, customized training to business and industry, and continuing educational opportunities.
Serving a 200,500-resident population in east central Wisconsin, LTC operates a main campus in Cleveland; additional learning sites at LTC Manitowoc and LTC Sheboygan; Community Education Centers at area high schools in Kiel, Mishicot, Plymouth, Random Lake, Reedsville, and Two Rivers; and 27 distance learning sites. LTC’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the economy by preparing a workforce that is skilled, diverse and flexible. On average, 79% of LTC graduates work in the LTC District which includes Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties, and parts of Calumet and Ozaukee Counties. Visit LTC at: gotoltc.edu.
