Big Bend Approved as NREMT Testing Site

First responders in North Central and Eastern Washington looking to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam won’t have nearly the out-of-pocket costs and travel expenses now that Big Bend Community College has earned approval as a testing site from Pearson Vue — a leading computer-based testing service.

Until now, first responders in these regions, a lot of whom are volunteers, were required to travel 100 miles or more in some instances in order to take the NREMT exam. This scenario proved quite the hardship for those who make it their personal responsibility to keep our rural communities safe in addition to holding down full-time employment.

“Big Bend Community College is pleased to gain approval as part of the national registry for Emergency Medical Technician testing,” said BBCC President Dr. Terry Leas. “This service will meet the needs of communities in Eastern and North Central Washington by making this required testing more accessible and less expensive.

“Big Bend’s participation in the EMT testing program aligns with our commitment to provide education and training resources to residents of our service district.”

The new location along the I-90 corridor should ease the burden for interested applicants. Anyone who needs to register to take the exam at Big Bend should contact the BBCC Testing Center at 509-793-2064 or you can register online directly on the Pearson Vue website.

“This is a testament to the type of resource that Big Bend wants to be for our service area,” said Director of Communications Matt Killebrew. “To be able to help and provide a logistical solution for the first responders in our region is something we place in high regard.

“These are the men and women who show up in the middle of the night to our auto accidents, the fires in our homes and businesses, and make the safety of our communities a priority. Many of them do so without any compensation. BBCC is proud to be able to help those who already do so much for us.”

Big Bend’s Center for Business and Industry Services (CBIS) is responsible for directing, planning, and operating industry and business training in BBCC’s service district. The Center works with other campus departments to provide customized services to a diverse clientele, including rapid start‐up training for new employers and programs, and securing training subsidies for employers.

From basic skills to strategic planning, CBIS offers affordable training for a competitive world as it responds to the changing workforce needs of local communities. For more information, contact Beth Laszlo at (509) 793-2425 or bethl@bigbend.edu.

NREMT Map Washington State