EMS Program
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
(click links for more information)
FAQs Information Sessions Course Descriptions
Certificates of Achievement Paramedic Program Petition/Selection Process
Program Policies/Student Handbook Faculty Directory Accreditation
Graduation Process National Registry Certification NM State Licensure
Career/Education Opportunities Student Resources EMS Refreshers
EMS Continuing Education Out-of-State Transition Other/Contract Courses
Paramedic Graduates - Spring 2009
EMS Program News and Events!!!
Click here for registration difficulties and override requests
Click here for Fall 2009 EMS Course Offerings for EMTs interested in becoming paramedics
Click here for Fall 2009 Albuquerque Fire Department EMT-Basic Courses
Click here for a list of current catalog corrections
Click here for the Paramedic Program Brochure
Degrees and Certificates Offered
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in EMT–Paramedic
- Certificate of Achievement in EMS–First Responder
- Certificate of Achievement in EMT–Basic
- Certificate of Achievement in EMT–Intermediate
- Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Room Technician
Program Description
The EMS program offers courses for students interested in a career in prehospital emergency medical services. Entry-level students must complete the certificate of achievement in EMT-Basic in order to gain EMS licensure in the state of New Mexico. Certificates of Achievement in EMS First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and ERTechnician help improve employment opportunities in the prehospital and emergency hospital setting.
The First Responder course is designed for students not wishing to pursue advanced training in EMS. This course is typically taken by students acting as “first responders” in an industrial or volunteer setting. This is not a pre-requisite to the paramedic program. This course is NOT a pre- or corequisite for any other level of EMS training at CNM.
The EMT-Basic courses are entry-level courses for pursuing a career in EMS. This is a pre-requisite to the paramedic program. The EMT-Intermediate courses offer additional skills and training for EMS personnel. These courses may be taken by students wishing to gain additional medical skills, but not wishing to pursue a paramedic license. These courses may also provide additional training prior to petitioning for entrance into the paramedic program. These courses are recommended for students with limited field experience. This is a recommended pre-requisite to the paramedic program.
The ER Tech courses offer additional skills and training for EMS personnel who want to work in a hospital setting. The EMT-Intermediate course and/or licensure is a pre- or corequisite. This is not a pre-requisite to the paramedic program.
Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic are eligible to take the national licensure exam. EMT-Paramedics provide the highest level of care in the prehospital setting and are currently in high demand.
EMTs and paramedics should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. They also need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision. These workers risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens, back injuries from lifting patients, and may be exposed to communicable diseases.
EMS Program Profiles
EMS Program Profiles provide additional information regarding the each of the EMS programs offered at CNM. Please click here to access the EMS Program Profiles.
Special Requirements
Courses which include patient care experience (out-of-hospital or in-hospital) require the purchase of clinical uniform, patient care equipment (stethoscope, penlight, shears, etc.), drug screening, and a criminal background check. Students with a positive drug screening or felony record may not be allowed to participate in a patient care setting. Students also must show proof of current immunizations (TB and MMR) prior to working with patients in a clinical setting. Proof of personal health care insurance is required for clinical courses.
