Wash. College Approved as EMT Testing Center

Dec. 28--MOSES LAKE -- Big Bend Community College has been approved as a testing site for candidates working to qualify as emergency medical technicians. Big Bend is the fifth site in the state to offer the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians.

Passing the NREMT test is one of the requirements for initial EMT certification in Washington. Prospective EMTs must be associated with an EMS agency licensed by the Washington Department of Health, according to the DOH website, a law enforcement agency or a business with an approved safety team.

Applicants also must supply personal data and information on any other states where they are licensed, according to the DOH website. That and other requirements are in addition to the test.

The college was certified as a testing center by Pearson Vue, the computer testing service that administers the exam. The company also operates testing sites in Everett and Yakima, and two in Seattle.

"This service will meet the needs of communities in eastern (Washington) and north central Washington by making this required testing more accessible and less expensive," said BBCC president Terry Leas. "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 test is administered through BBCC's Center for Business and Industry Services, which is tasked with "directing, planning and operating industry and business training in BBCC's service district," said Matthew Killebrew, BBCC director of communications.

Killebrew said the test is an example of the kind of services the college wants to offer. "Until now, the first responders in those regions, a lot of whom are volunteers, were required to travel 100 miles or more in some instances to take the NREMT exam. To be able to help and provide a logistical solution for the first responders in our area is something we hold in high regard," he said.

Students can sign up to take the test through the Pearson Vue website, although it must be taken at one of the testing sites. People also can register to take the test at BBCC by calling 509-793-2064.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.

Copyright 2016 - Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.