Emergency Medical Services (AAS), Paramedic Concentration

School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)

EMT-Paramedics provide the highest level of care in the prehospital setting and are currently in high demand. The EMS-Paramedic program’s first term courses are typically offered summer and fall term only. This may delay a student’s program start date. Please check with an Academic Coach for more information.

See Required Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

Program Entry Registration Screening

This is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program; students must complete a pre-registration screening process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office before being eligible to register for program courses.

 

Criminal Background

Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions through the New Mexico Department of Health. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.

 

Other Compliance Requirements

Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.

 

Physical Requirements

Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Office for more information.

Program Fees

Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, etc.

 

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.

• Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule

 

Career and Educational Opportunities

This program allows students to take the National Registry paramedic certification exam.

The CNM Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).