In New Mexico, once you successfully pass a paramedic training program (and pass the NREMT-P examinations), you will be eligible to submit proper documents and your National Registry card so that you may be issued a New Mexico provider license.
What are the requirements for a paramedic program in New Mexico?
·In New Mexico, like most states, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
·You will also need to provide a copy of your current New Mexico EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate license. Remember that your state license and your National Registry certification are not one in the same.
For more on becoming nationally certified with the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians), which is a non-governmental agency that registers and maintains a database of certified EMTs, visit www.nremt.org.
·You will need to have CPR certification. Depending on the program, an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification is required, as well.
·Some programs may also require prospective students to pass a Paramedic Entrance Exam. You may also need to complete the COMPASS placement test, as well. This is a computer adaptive test, and it helps educators better evaluate students’ skill levels in Reading, Writing Skills, Writing Essay, Math, and English as a Second Language.
Sample questions from the COMPASS placement test can be found here.
·Any paramedic program you apply to will also require proof of vaccinations (TB skin test, Hepatitis B vaccination, MMR vaccination and Chicken Pox titer or vaccination). This is required because you’ll be getting hospital experience as part of the course.
·You may also need to provide proof of citizenship. You’ll likely need to go through a criminal background check and drug screening, too. Written references may or may not be required, so check with the college or paramedic program you’re interested in to learn what is explicitly required.
Paramedic Training in New Mexico
Below, please click on a school to get admissions information on their programs:
Central New Mexico Community College – Albuquerque, NM
5600 Eagle Rock Avenue, NW
Albuquerque, NM – 87113
Dona Ana Community College – Las Cruces, NM
2800 North Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
DASR 210L
Las Cruces, NM – 88011
Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell, NM
52 University Blvd
Roswell, NM – 88202
San Juan College – Farmington, NM
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
EMS Education Program
4601 College Blvd
Farmington, NM 87402
University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
Emergency Medical Services Academy
700 Camino de Salud Suite 1500
Albuquerque, NM – 87131
PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAM DETAILS
Now, you will need to complete a paramedic training program. Paramedic training courses can typically be found at community colleges. An EMT-P course often provides students with a mixture of classroom and in-hospital clinical experience, as well as some field experience.
You will want to make sure that whichever paramedic training program in New Mexico you select is an accredited program.
Where can I find an accredited paramedic training program in Iowa?
In general, make sure you visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) to find an accredited paramedic training program. This is important, because as of January 1 2013, all students will need to complete paramedic education at an accredited school in order to take the paramedic NREMT exam.
Do I need EMT experience to apply to a paramedic training program?
This varies from school to school, so check be sure to check around for a program that fits you best. Typically, experience is not required (though it is recommended) because proper experience can takes years to acquire.
Do note that paramedic courses can be quite grueling and require your full attention and commitment for success.
At Central New Mexico Community College, they recommend that those interested in their paramedic program work no more than 20 hours a week at their jobs due to the demanding classroom, clinical experience, and internship work that’s required.
How long will it take me to become a paramedic?
This really depends on the college and training program you select. Typically, a paramedic program can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete.
How much will a paramedic training program cost?
All paramedic courses are a bit different and vary college to college. But, typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 for a quality and thorough paramedic training course. Some programs can most certainly exceed that cost, however.
TAKING THE PARAMEDIC NREMT EXAM
After you successfully complete the required paramedic training course, you will need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. This is both a computer adaptive test (cognitive examination) as well as a skills test (psychomotor examination).
Cognitive Examination
The cognitive examination will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care. This includes Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation, Trauma, Cardiology, Medical, and EMS Operations. The maximum amount of time you will be given to pass this portion of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Psychomotor Examination
The psychomotor examination consists of 12 separate skills laid out in a scenario-type format to approximate the abilities of the EMT-Paramedic to function in the out-of-hospital setting. Those taking the test are actually allowed to bring their own equipment to the exam provided it is approved for testing by the National Registry Representative in attendance at the examination.
The psychomotor exam portion of the paramedic NREMT exam will test your knowledge and competency in each of the following skills: Patient Assessment-Trauma, Ventilatory Management, Cardiac Management Skills, IV and Medication Skills, Oral Station, Pediatric Skills, and Random Basic Skills.
PRACTICING AS A PARAMEDIC
Upon successful completion of your paramedic program of choice, you will eligible to take the NREMT exams and apply for state licensure.
How much money does a paramedic make annually?
An average paramedic salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011, is about $34,030 per year.
Learn more about online paramedic training, as well as local programs in your area, by revisiting our helpful homepage.
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