Let’s be real— medical terminology can be dryer than the Sahara desert. But don’t be dissuaded by the long words you’ve never heard before. With a motivated mindset and a proper study plan, learning all these complicated words on the NREMT will feel a breeze.

Remember that for passing the NREMT, critical thinking is key.

Memorizing and just rereading definitions won’t ensure you’ll get a passing grade.

You need to understand the information in a practical, applicable sense. Remember why you’re testing in the first place—you’re learning the different body systems for vital patient examinations in real life! These people are not a deck of flashcards but a system of organs, nerves, and bones.

Remember passing an exam, doesn’t make you a good EMT. Knowing what to do in real life is the most important part about your EMT education.


Having a good study plan is essential.

Try teaching some complicated thing you are learning to a non-EMS person. This will help you summarize what you’ve learned in a clear way. Be sure to keep a deck of flashcards (including vocab pronunciation) just for quick run throughs. Don’t rely on them solely, however.

Reward yourself.

After getting through a long chapter, why not celebrate with a nice movie night with friends or family? You need to reward yourself or else all this studying will not being sustainable. Pace yourself by taking breaks— you some time to recharge in between class and/or study sessions.

Establish a comfortable study environment.

Having a quiet, comfortable space you can retreat to just for studying is a privilege not all of us have. If you don’t have a space at home, head to your local library for a wonderful, calming work environment. These spaces will help you organize your thoughts and implement your plans without the stresses and noises of daily life.

Those were some tips on how to stay motivated regardless of the dry medical terminology featured on the NREMT.

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