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Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Service in action

Preparation for EMT—Basic Licensure

Preparation for EMT–Intermediate Licensure

Paramedic Certificate

Associate of Applied Science Degree

(575) 527-7645     Department's Page

Information based on the 2009-10 DACC Catalog

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:

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 150OEEM 150: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate - 5 cr.
Theory of the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of the EMT-Intermediate. Assessment and management of respiratory, cardiac, trauma, environmental, behavior, reproduction, and childhood emergencies. Prerequisites: current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor. Corequisites: OEEM 150L and OEEM 151. Requires a C or better to pass.. Any student entering OEEM 150OEEM 150: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate - 5 cr.
Theory of the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of the EMT-Intermediate. Assessment and management of respiratory, cardiac, trauma, environmental, behavior, reproduction, and childhood emergencies. Prerequisites: current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor. Corequisites: OEEM 150L and OEEM 151. Requires a C or better to pass. must have a current New Mexico EMT–Basic license (see course descriptions for OEEM 120OEEM 120: Emergency Medical Technician Basic - 6 cr.
Covers EMT-Basic skills instruction to include care of soft tissue and muscular/ skeletal injuries, circulatory, nervous, general medical and respiratory systems emergencies. Corequisites: OEEM 101, OEEM 120L, and OEEM 121, or consent of instructor. Requires a C or better to pass. or OEEM 115OEEM 115: First Responder Prehospital Professional - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Provides training in prehospital medical and traumatic emergencies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Corequisite: OEEM 101. Requires a C or better to pass. Restricted to majors. and OEEM 116OEEM 116: Emergency Medical Technician Bridge - 5 cr. (3+6P)
Enhanced skill instruction and didactic integration designed to meet the requirements for an EMT-Basic certificate. Prerequisites: OEEM 101 and OEEM 115, and consent of instructor. Corequisite: OEEM 121. Requires a C or better to pass. Restricted to majors..)

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.


Technical Requirements      10 Credits
  OEEM 101OEEM 101: CPR for the Health Care Professional - 1 cr.
Students learn identification and response to airway and circulation emergencies, including use of a SAED and accessing the EMS system. This course is taught using the American Heart Association guidelines for course completion. Required: grade of C or better. – CPR for the Health Care Professional		 1
  OEEM 120OEEM 120: Emergency Medical Technician Basic - 6 cr.
Covers EMT-Basic skills instruction to include care of soft tissue and muscular/ skeletal injuries, circulatory, nervous, general medical and respiratory systems emergencies. Corequisites: OEEM 101, OEEM 120L, and OEEM 121, or consent of instructor. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Basic		 6

OEEM 120 LOEEM 120 L: Emergency Medical Technician Basic Lab - 2 cr. (6P)
EMT-Basic skills development with emphasis on assessment, skills competency and team-work in patient care in the prehospital setting. Corequisites: OEEM 101 or OEEM 120, and OEEM 121, or consent of instructor. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Basic Lab		 2
  OEEM 121OEEM 121: Emergency Medical Technician Basic Field/Clinical - 1 cr. (3P)
Covers the patient care experience provided through assigned shifts in the hospital and/or ambulance setting. Corequisites: OEEM 101, OEEM 120, and OEEM 120L, or consent of instructor. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Basic Field/Clinical		 1


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.


Prerequisites
1 New Mexico State Emergency Technician–Basic Licensure
2 Successful completion of pre-entrance examination
3
 Documentation of rubella test within the last twenty years and tuberculin test with expiration date past end of semester

Technical Requirements      9 Credits
  OEEM 150OEEM 150: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate - 5 cr.
Theory of the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of the EMT-Intermediate. Assessment and management of respiratory, cardiac, trauma, environmental, behavior, reproduction, and childhood emergencies. Prerequisites: current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor. Corequisites: OEEM 150L and OEEM 151. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate		 5
  OEEM 150 LOEEM 150 L: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Lab - 2 cr. (6P)
EMT-Intermediate skills development with an emphasis on assessment, skills competency, and team work in patient care in the prehospital setting. Corequisites: OEEM 150. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Lab		 2

OEEM 151OEEM 151: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Field/Clinical - 2 cr. (6P)
Patient care experience provided through assigned shifts in the hospital and/or ambulance setting. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Corequisites: OEEM 150 and OEEM 150L. Requires a C or better to pass. – Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Field/Clinical		 2


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 (74-80 credits)

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


Core Requirements      16 Credits

OR
OR		 COMM 265GCOMM 265G: Principles of Human Communication - 3 cr.
Study and practice of interpersonal, small group, and presentational skills essential to effective social, business, and professional interaction. – Principles of Human Communication
COMM 253GCOMM 253G: Public Speaking - 3 cr.
Principles of effective public speaking, with emphasis on preparing and delivering well-organized, logical, and persuasive arguments adapted to different audiences. – Public Speaking
OEHO 101OEHO 101: Communication for Health Care - 3 cr.
Oral, written, and affective communication skills for individuals interested in pursuing a career in health care. Restricted to: All Community Colleges. – Communication for Health Care		 3
  ENGL 111GENGL 111G: Rhetoric and Composition - 4 cr.
Skills and methods used in writing university-level essays. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 16 or higher during regular semester (20 or above during summer) or successful completion of a developmental writing course or the equivalent. – Rhetoric and Composition		 4

OR
OR
OR
 ENGL 203GENGL 203G: Business and Professional Communication - 3 cr.
Effective writing for courses and careers in business, law, government, and other professions. Strategies for researching and writing correspondence and reports, with an emphasis on understanding and responding to a variety of communication tasks with a strong purpose, clear organization, and vigorous professional style. – Business and Professional Communication
ENGL 218GENGL 218G: Technical and Scientific Communication - 3 cr.
Effective writing for courses and careers in sciences, engineering, and agriculture. Strategies for understanding and presenting technical information for various purposes to various audiences. – Technical and Scientific Communication
BOT 209BOT 209: Business and Technical Communications - 3 cr.
Effective written communication skills and techniques for career success in the work place. Composition of letters, memos, short reports, forms, and proposals, and technical descriptions and directions. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G and computer keyboarding ability or consent of instructor. – Business and Technical Communications
OECS 105OECS 105: Introduction to Microcomputer Technology - 3 cr.
History and impact of computers on the economy and society. Development of basic skills in operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. – Introduction to Microcomputer Technology		 3

OR		 MATH 120MATH 120: Intermediate Algebra - 3 cr.
Linear and algebraic functions as they arise in real world problems. Exponential and logarithmic functions. Equations and inequalities and their solutions considered symbolically, graphically and numerically. Prerequisite: adequate score on the Mathematics Placement Examination (see note above.) – Intermediate Algebra
OEHO 116OEHO 116: Math for Health Occupations - 3 cr.
Principles of math and pharmacology necessary for administration of medications. Prerequisite(s): CCDM 114N or equivalent. Restricted to: All Community Colleges. – Math for Health Occupations		 3

OR		 PSY 201GPSY 201G: Introduction to Psychology - 3 cr. (3+3P)
Methods and principles of behavior. Topics include human evolution and development, biopsychology, perception, learning, thinking, motivation, social interaction, and the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. – Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101GSOC 101G: Introductory Sociology - 3 cr.
Introduction to social theory, research, methods of analysis, contemporary issues in historical and cross-cultural contexts. Covers groups, deviance, inequality, family, gender, social change, and collective behavior. – Introductory Sociology		 3

Related Requirements      13 Credits

BMGT 140BMGT 140: Principles of Supervision I - 3 cr.
Principles of supervision emphasizing planning, organization, rating of employees and procedures to develop good morale. Introduction to interpretation of case studies. Restricted to: Community College campuses only. – Principles of Supervision I		 3
  OEHO 120OEHO 120: Medical Terminology - 3 cr.
Study of medical terminology as it relates to understanding diseases, their causes and effects, and the terminology used by the medical specialties. Stress is placed on medical terms, their use, spelling, English translation, and pronunciation. Same as NURS 150 and BOT 150. – Medical Terminology		 3


OR
 OEHO 140OEHO 140: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology - 4 cr. (3+3P)
Essentials of anatomy and physiology for those considering a career in health as well as those interested in understanding their own body and the basics of health. – Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology

SP M 271SP M 271: Human Systemic Anatomy - 3 cr.
Detailed study of human anatomy with emphasis in skeletal, muscular, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Designed specifically for students interested in allied health occupations. Consent of instructor required. Corequisite(s): SP M 271L. – Human Systemic Anatomy
+ SP M 271 LSP M 271 L: Human Systemic Anatomy Laboratory - 1 cr.
Detailed, hands-on study of human skeletal, muscular, nervous and cardiovascular anatomy. Designed specifically for students interested in allied health occupations. Consent of instructor required. Corequisite(s): SPM 271. – Human Systemic Anatomy Laboratory

 4
  Approved elective 3

Technical Requirements      45-51 Credits

**OEEM 201OEEM 201: Human Pathophysiology - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Overview of anatomy and physiology. Emphasis on human body pathophysiology including a medical illness component. Prerequisites:OEEM 120. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – Human Pathophysiology		 3
  OEEM 202OEEM 202: EMT-Paramedic I Respiratory Emergencies - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Review anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system. Assessment and management of respiratory emergencies and acute respiratory failure in the prehospital setting. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic I Respiratory Emergencies		 3
OEEM 203OEEM 203: EMT-Paramedic II Trauma Emergencies - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Study of the effects of trauma on the human body. Assessment and management of trauma patients and scenes, including vehicular extrication. Prerequisites: OEEM 202 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic II Trauma Emergencies		 3
  **OEEM 206OEEM 206: Introduction to Advanced Prehospital Care - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Overview of prehospital care including roles and responsibilities of EMT-P, EMS systems, medical, legal, ethical issues, stress management, medical terminology, medical report writing and communication. Includes ride-along with ambulance and dispatch observation. Requires a C or better to pass. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. – Introduction to Advanced Prehospital Care		 3
  **OEEM 207OEEM 207: EMT-Paramedic Pharmacology - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Drug actions, factors modifying drugs and dosages: characteristics of drug effects, and drug history and dosages. Prehospital protocol, transport, and common patient prescription medications. Prerequisites: OEEM 120 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Pharmacology		 2
  OEEM 210OEEM 210: Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Cardiac conduction system: electrophysiology, electrocardiogram, monitor, atrial, sinus, ventricular and junctional dysrhythmias, multiple lead EKG and 12 lead EKG interpretation. Prerequisites: OEEM 203, OEEM 230 and OEEM 240. Requires a C or better to pass. – Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation		 3
  OEEM 212OEEM 212: EMT-Paramedic Cardiovascular Emergencies - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Review anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular system. Assessment and management of cardiovascular emergencies in the prehospital setting. Prerequisites: second semester standing in EMS program and consent of instructor. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Cardiovascular Emergencies		 3
  OEEM 213OEEM 213: EMT-Paramedic: Medical Emergencies I - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Study of the disease process; assessment and management of neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal emergencies and infectious disease. Prerequisites: OEEM 212, OEEM 230 and OEEM 240. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic: Medical Emergencies I		 3
  OEEM 214OEEM 214: EMT--Paramedic: Medical Environmental Emergencies II - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Study of disease process, assessment, and management of poisoning, drug and alcohol abuse, environmental, behavioral and geriatric emergencies. Prerequisites: OEEM 213, OEEM 230 and OEEM 240. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT--Paramedic: Medical Environmental Emergencies II		 3
  OEEM 216OEEM 216: EMT-Paramedic: Reproductive and Childhood Emergencies - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Covers anatomy, physiology, disease processes, assessment and management of male and female reproductive system emergencies, childhood emergencies and growth and development. Prerequisites: OEEM 214 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic: Reproductive and Childhood Emergencies		 2
  OEEM 230OEEM 230: EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience I - 3 cr. (9P)
Assigned clinical experiences in patient assessment and specific management techniques. Successful completion includes minimum required hours and completion of course objectives. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience I		 3
  OEEM 231OEEM 231: EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience II - 3 cr. (9P)
Assigned clinical experiences in patient assessment and specific management techniques. Successful completion includes minimum required hours and completion of course objectives. Prerequisites: OEEM 230 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience II		 3
* *OEEM 235OEEM 235: EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience III - 1-3 cr.
Continuation of OEEM 231. Prerequisites: second semester standing in EMS program, OEEM 231, and consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Clinical Experience III		 1-3
  OEEM 240OEEM 240: EMT-Paramedic Field Experience I - 3 cr. (9P)
Advanced prehospital skills and knowledge. Successful completion of at least the minimum required hours and course objectives. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Field Experience I		 3
  OEEM 241OEEM 241: EMT-Paramedic Field Internship I - 3 cr. (9P)
Continued focus on advanced prehospital skills and knowledge, with increasing responsibility for patient care. Successful completion includes meeting at least the minimum required hours and course objectives. Prerequisites: OEEM 240 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Field Internship I		 3
  OEEM 242OEEM 242: EMT-Paramedic Field Internship II - 3 cr. (9P)
Emphasis on total patient care responsibility and team leadership skills. Successful completion includes meeting the minimum hours required and course objectives. Prerequisites: second semester completion in EMS program, OEEM 241, and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Field Internship II		 3
  OEEM 243OEEM 243: EMT-Paramedic Preparation for Practice - 2 cr.
Comprehensive final program testing to prepare for licensing examination. Prerequisites: OEEM 216 and OEEM 242. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Preparation for Practice		 2
* *OEEM 245OEEM 245: EMT-Paramedic Field Internship III - 1-3 cr.
Continuation of OEEM 242. Prerequisites: OEEM 242 and consent of instructor. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. – EMT-Paramedic Field Internship III		 1-3
  * NOTE: OEEM 235 and 245 may not be required for all students. Check with program director.