Program Specifics
PROGRAM PROFICIENCIES
See CNM Catalog at cnm.edu for the most current program information.
Click the link for Course Catalog/Addendum, go to Enrolling at CNM and
choose Program Proficiency and Prerequisite Guide.
• Coordinated Entry Program
• English 2 Proficiency • Reading 2 Proficiency
• Math 2 Proficiency or MATH 1310 (recommended)
COORDINATED ENTRY PROGRAM
Students must complete an application process through the Coordinated
Program Entry Office and be selected to enter this program. Students
are encouraged to enroll in the Pre-Health Science Pre-Paramedic program
while they take prerequisites and prepare to apply. Please visit cnm.edu/
programentry for information on the application process.
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
PATHWAYS to SUCCESS in HEALTHCARE: Paramedic
Associate Degree - 5 terms
Transfers to Bachelor’s Degree Program at the University of New Mexico
REQUIRED PROGRAM COURSES
CREDITS
BIO 1410 Biology for Health Sciences
3
EMS 1053 EMT Basic Theory
6
and EMS 1093 EMT Basic Lab
2
and EMS 1190 EMT Basic Clinical
1
or
EMS 1412 Advanced EMT (EMT-I) Theory
6
and EMS 1493 Advanced EMT (EMT-I) Lab
2
and EMS 1890 Advanced EMT (EMT-I) Clinical
2
ENG 1101 College Writing
3
HLTH 1001 Clinical Preparation 1
MATH 1210 Methods of Problem Solving or higher (except MATH 2110)
4
(MATH 1315 recommended if planning on transferring to a 4-year degree)
PSY 1105 Introduction to Psychology
3
TERM 1 (SUMMER OR FALL ONLY)
CREDITS
EMS 2103 Human Systems Pathophysiology and Development
3
or
BIO 2310 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
(Must be current within the past 5 years)
EMS 2203 Drug Calculations
1
EMS 2207 Legal Issues and Report Writing
2
EMS 2213 Endocrine and GI/GU Theory
1
EMS 2217 Pharmacology Theory 3
EMS 2223 Advanced Trauma Theory
3
EMS 2293 Advanced Trauma Lab
2
TERM 2
EMS 2303 Cardiovascular Theory
EMS 2307 Respiratory Theory
EMS 2313 Neurological Theory EMS 2380 Clinical Review I (CR/NC)
EMS 2390 Hospital Clinical I
EMS 2393 Paramedic Lab I
EMS 2490 Prehospital Field Clinical I
CREDITS
3
2
2
1
2
3
3
TERM 3
EMS 2503 Pediatric and Gynecology Theory
EMS 2507 Environmental Theory EMS 2513 Behavioral Emergencies and Communication EMS 2580 Clinical Review II
EMS 2590 Hospital Clinical II
EMS 2593 Paramedic Lab II
EMS 2690 Prehospital Field Clinical II
EMS 2999 Paramedic Capstone
CREDITS
3
3
1
1
1
2
4
1
Associate of Applied Science in Emergency
Medical Services, Paramedic
LEARN MORE TODAY!
Contact an advisor in the School of
Health, Wellness & Public Safety,
call (505) 224-4111 or visit cnm.edu/ems
Brochure funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career
Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 and the
New Mexico Public Education Department
In support of sustainability at CNM this publication is printed
on Recycled Paper.
72-74
REV 6/12
Help People When They
Need It Most with a Career
as a Paramedic!
}} High-demand job skill for the
next 15 years
}} Excellent pay and a variety of
work schedules
}} Rewarding work as the first link in
the chain of healthcare providers
Why a Career as a
Paramedic?
Program at a
Glance
Do you enjoy helping people in emergency
situations? A career as a paramedic might be
right for you. Paramedics work in ambulance
services, fire departments or hospitals. They
work a variety of schedules including days,
nights, weekends and holidays. Paramedics
are in good physical condition because they
are required to climb and lift as part of their
job.The first link in the chain of health care
providers, paramedics care for patients and
transport them to a medical facility.
Central New Mexico Community College
offers an EMS-Paramedic associate degree. The
CNM program is a leader in the nationwide
trend toward degrees instead of certificates for
paramedic training. After students satisfy the
prerequisites and gain admission, the program
takes five terms to complete. The EMS program
includes classroom instruction, lab time and
clinical experience.
When students successfully complete the core
required program courses (see back page), they
will be eligible to take the National Registry
Paramedic Test.
Completion of the AAS Degree allows students
to transfer to the Bachelor’s Degree program
at the University of New Mexico, which offers
three tracks of study: Management, Clinical
(Community and Public Health) and Austere
and Wilderness (providing care where there
is not an emergency room or medical center
nearby). The higher degree provides more
opportunities for career advancement.
Students spend approximately 20-24 hours
per week in class. They will be scheduled for
additional clinical shifts outside of class. The
final two terms include field clinical experience
with local EMS services. It is recommended
that students not work more than 20 hours a
week when taking the EMS classes.
Future Outlook
for EMS
Multiple Career
Pathways
The EMS field is expected to grow significantly
over the next 15 years, both in New Mexico
and across the country. The entry-level salary
for paramedics is $38,000-$45,000. Senior or
supervising paramedics can earn up to $58,000
or more.
CNM has three other options for students
seeking a career in emergency medical services.
Paramedics have several advancement options
in the health care field. Some EMTs and
paramedics become managers, instructors,
dispatchers or physician assistants, or move
into sales or marketing of emergency medical
equipment; others continue their education to
become nurses and doctors.
1. Progress from EMS-Basic to earn the
EMS-Intermediate Certificate of Completion.
2. Earn the AA Degree in Pre-Health Sciences
with a concentration in Pre-Emergency
Medical Services for transfer to UNM or
another four-year school.
3. Earn an AAS Degree at CNM in Fire
Science with a concentration in Emergency
Medical Services.