Emergency Medical Services

Preparation for EMT—Basic Licensure

Preparation for EMT–Intermediate Licensure

Paramedic Certificate

Associate of Applied Science Degree

(575) 527-7645     Department's Page

Pre hospital emergency medical care is a challenging and exciting profession. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.

Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals may work at any of four different levels: first responder, EMT–basic, EMT–intermediate, and paramedic. Upon successful completion of training, students are eligible for employment in many types of emergency medical systems nationwide—in fire departments, municipal services, private ambulance services, federal services, industry, hospital emergency departments, and hospital-based ambulance systems. The demand for EMS professionals is increasing.

DACC offers all levels of EMS education, as well as an opportunity to earn an associate of applied science degree at the paramedic level. Successful completion of an EMS program will allow for certification/ licensure testing at the state and national level. The Emergency Medical Services program is nationally accredited by the Committee on Accreditation on Education for the EMS Professions and approved by the New Mexico Office of Health Emergency Management. At each EMS program level, students gain additional knowledge and skills to enable them to function in the clinical and field settings with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. In classes, students learn about anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of diseases, traumatic injuries, pharmacology, and cardiac care. Students
acquire skills through laboratory practice, clinical experience in hospitals, and field experience with ambulance services throughout the state. Students may be scheduled at a variety of clinical and field sites which include areas outside Las Cruces.

EMS Entrance Requirements

Specific entrance requirements and prerequisites vary depending on the qualifications of the applicant and the level of training/licensure sought:

EMT–Basic: No prerequisites

EMT–Intermediate:

• Successful completion of EMT–Basic coursework
• EMT–Basic license in hand prior to admission, or by end of sixth week of EMT–Intermediate program
• Score of no less than 80 percent on departmental exams

EMT–Paramedic: Applicants will be judged according to the following criteria and submissions:

• Copy of current New Mexico state EMT–Basic or EMT–Intermediate
  license
• Written, oral, and practical assessment exams at the EMT–Basic or EMT–Intermediate level, depending on current licensure
• Score on HOBET Exam
• Completion of basic anatomy and physiology course (OEHO 140, 153, or 154; SP M 271; or equivalent)
• Copy of current healthcare provider CPR card
• High school and/or college transcript(s) and GPA
• COMPASS/ACT scores in English and math
• Completed departmental application, including résumé and letter of intent
• Letters of recommendation
• Completion of background check

The EMT–Paramedic certificate program consists of a minimum of 45 credits, while the associate of applied science degree program is a minimum of 74 credits in length. Students may take the general education courses for the associate of applied science degree at any time; however, courses listed in the “Program requirements” section (which are common to both the associate degree and certificate programs) must be taken in the prescribed sequence. In order to
progress through the program, students must meet specific departmental grading criteria in every course taken. This portion of the curriculum must be completed within a three-year period. Thus, those opting to study on a part-time basis are advised to plan carefully in order to take courses in the correct sequence.

Students who are currently licensed in New Mexico at the EMT–Intermediate level may be allowed to take a proficiency exam in lieu of OEEM 150. Any student entering OEEM 150 must have a current New Mexico EMT–Basic license (see course descriptions for OEEM 120 or OEEM 115 and 116.)

Applications for the Paramedic program may be requested from the Health and Public Services Division office (room DAHL190, telephone 527-7660) or directly from the EMS office (room DAMA72, telephone 527-7645). In order to graduate with a certificate or an associate degree, students must earn a C or better in all required courses (departmental and non departmental courses).

Preparation for EMT–Basic Licensure (10 credits)

This program makes possible rapid completion and quick entry into the workforce. Those who complete the program will be qualified to work in various settings within the emergency medical services field, including hospitals, ambulance services, and fire departments. The credits earned also may be applied toward completion of the EMT–Intermediate program and the associate degree in emergency medical services.

Preparation for EMT–Intermediate Licensure (9 credits)

This program, which prepares students for EMT–Intermediate licensure, is also designed for those who desire to enter the workforce quickly. Graduates will be qualified to work in various settings within the emergency medical services field, including hospitals, ambulance services, and fire departments. Credits earned in this program also apply toward the associate degree in emergency medical services.

Paramedic Certificate (45–49 credits)

Students pursuing the paramedic certificate take only the technical requirements listed for the associate degree in Emergency Medical Services.

Associate Degree (74 credits)

NOTE: Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.