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
EMS Program News and Events!!!
Check out our YouTube Video / Learn to Earn
Click here for the YouTube link to our latest commercial to promote the Paramedic Program
The commercial should begin airing in August on select Comcast cable channels. Thanks to Albuquerque Ambulance for letting our marketing and communications office shoot fottage at their facility and thanks to Philip Baker for being the willing student (and star) for our commercial!!! Thanks to the CNM Marketing and Communications Office for working to promote our program!!!
Additionally, you should be seeing CNM Paramedic Program advertisements on 14 electronic billboards throughout Albuquerque!
Registration Difficulties and Overrides
"Open enrollment" paramedic courses: due to the high demand for arts & science courses at CNM, some students may experience difficulties finding open sections of the required arts & science pre- or co-requisites needed to register for the "open enrollment" courses for the paramedic program. If this is the case, please contact one of the full-time faculty members so that we may work more closely with you to find an open seat or discuss other options.
EMT-Intermediate: this course is currently full to capacity for fall term. You may want to consider the educational services of other EMS Programs for EMT-Intermediate opportunities, to include:
EMS Academy (UNM): 505 272-5757
Santa Fe Community College: 505 428-1820
Eastern NM University - Roswell: 575 624-7359
Click here for more information regarding registration difficulties and override requests
Click here for Fall 2010 EMS Course Offerings for EMTs interested in becoming Paramedics
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. ER TECH COURSES ARE BEING RE-DESIGNED AND ARE NOT CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED.
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.
