2009 - 2011 CNM Catalog June 2010, Volume 43 with Addendum Information [The CNM Academic Year includes Fall, Spring, Summer Terms]
Emergency Medical Services
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School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
CONTACT INFORMATION
Program information is available from the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office at (505) 224-4111 or Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321 or from Program Director/Chair at (505) 224-5259.
cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs
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 ER-Technician 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 natinal 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.
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
Term 1 of the paramedic program is only offered in the fall and spring. Term 2 of the paramedic program is only offered in the spring and summer.
Petitioning Process: The paramedic program cohort (terms 1 and 2) requires a petitioning process. Students must have completed the following required program courses in order to petition for the paramedic program cohort (terms 1 and 2):
None of these completed courses (listed above) can be older than two years at the time of petition. In addition, students must also have a high school diploma or GED and be licensed in the State of New Mexico as an EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate.
Selection Process: Selection into the paramedic program is awarded to the most qualified applicants. Preference is given to students petitioning for the paramedic program based on the following criteria:
- Completion of other required program courses to include:
- Career or volunteer prehospital EMS experience and/or hospital emergency room experience
- EMT-Intermediate licensure status
- Academic grades in required program EMS courses
- WorkKeys scores in Listening, Teamwork, and Observation
- Other advanced degrees (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s. PhD)
It is recommended that students selected to the cohort work no more than 20 hours per week due to the rigorous nature of class work, lab work, clinical shifts, and internship associated with terms 1 and 2.
External fees may apply.
Career and Educational Opportunities
Paramedics have the most autonomy and greatest latitude in patient care decision-making of any allied health medical provider. Individuals seeking a rewarding and exciting career in patient care should consider this career pathway. Some people become EMTs and paramedics to test their interest in health care before training as registered nurses, physicians, or other health workers. Employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Job prospects should be good, particularly in cities and with private ambulance services.
EMTs and paramedics work both indoors and out, in all types of weather. The nature of this career field requires working days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some of these workers, especially those in fire departments, are on call for extended periods. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others.
Most career EMTs and paramedics work in metropolitan areas. Volunteer EMTs and paramedics are more common in small cities, towns, and rural areas. Emergency medical services personnel of all levels are employed with fire departments, ambulance services, or work as part of the health care team in hospitals. Additionally, experienced paramedics may find employment with specialized hospital units (catheter lab technician, ECG technician, ICU technician, etc.), aeromedical services (flight medicine), or can become supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services. Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors, dispatchers, or physician assistants; others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment.
Completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic allows transition into bachelor’s level EMS programs at the University of New Mexico and other universities.
A list of current transfer agreements are available at cnm.edu/transferout.
Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.
For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.
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