Overview

Program Information

The Emergency Medical Services curriculum at The University of New Mexico was designed to teach and train paramedic leaders to be better prepared to handle the realities of a new era in prehospital medicine. By the time they leave EMSA, our graduates are excellent clinicians, teachers, researchers and leaders. They have the breadth of knowledge to think independently, and to push the development of EMS. The program prepares students for advanced study; many of our graduates go on to obtain advanced degrees in education and science, medicine, pysician assistant studies and business.

Following the tradition of the UNM School of Medicine, our curriculum places emphasis on both the science and the humanity of prehospital medicine, throughout all four years of study. Our curriculum begins with general education, including courses in the humanities, the social sciences, and the basic sciences. These courses, including work in history, philosophy, language, and anthropology provide a critical general education. Students are then required to undertake advanced coursework in the sciences, which provides a critical framework for subsequent studies in clinical paramedicine. During the first two years of the program, students become EMT-Basics, and learn the fundamentals of prehospital medicine.

The focal point of the BS in EMS program is the core paramedic training courses, which are usually undertaken in the third year of the program. Course content is based on the current Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, and the program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of EMS Programs. These courses are taught by nationally recognized faculty, all who have extensive backgrounds in the delivery of prehospital care. The courses include classroom and laboratory work, as well as clinical experiences in area hospitals and EMS agencies.

During the final year of the program, students undertake advanced coursework in clinical EMS, and in research and education. Students may take advanced coursework offered by the UNM Anderson School of Management, the College of Education, and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Career Opportunities

A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.

• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary  

• Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics