University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Emergency Medical Services Academy at the University of New Mexico represents one of the foremost educational establishments in EMS training globally. Since its inception in 1972, the program has augmented the accessibility and quality of EMS education throughout New Mexico, cementing its status as a leader in this domain. Faculty members at the Academy engage actively in various state and national forums, making significant contributions to teaching, committee work, conferences, and pre-hospital medical research.

Mission and Vision Statements

The Academy's mission revolves around delivering exceptional prehospital medical education and comprehensive training for educators. It also aims to act as a resource for EMS professionals, primarily those serving in underserved regions of New Mexico. Moreover, the Academy is committed to advancing knowledge and practices within the field of emergency medical services.

The vision outlined by the Academy is to establish itself as a national center of excellence in EMS education, fostering a community dedicated to superior health care and dedicated to exploration and discovery in emergency medical services.

Core Values

The Academy emphasizes several core values, including:

• Excellence and accountability in education, research, patient care, and community service.
• Diversity, honoring the unique backgrounds of all individuals.
• Integrity and professionalism grounded in ethical conduct.
• Social responsibility through education concerning the social determinants affecting health.
• Creativity and innovation translating research into community health initiatives.

Educational Programs Offered

The Emergency Medical Services Academy provides a range of EMS training courses that span from First Responder to Paramedic levels. This includes continuing professional education and multiple licensing renewal opportunities. Among its educational offerings is a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Services, recognized nationally for its competitive academic rigor.1

Emergency Medical Services Curriculum

The curriculum comprises foundational courses such as:

• EMT - Basic/National Registry EMT: Approximately 180-192 hours involving didactic and psychomotor skills instruction along with a practical component requiring assessment of at least 10 patients.
• EMT - Intermediate/National Registry AEMT: Building on basic skills with additional clinical rotations and components totaling 178 didactic hours and at least 72 clinical rotation hours.
• Paramedic Program: This 12-month endeavor involves roughly 1280 hours covering lectures, labs, clinical experiences, and internships, designed to fulfill state and national DOT Paramedic curriculum standards.

Graduates of these programs are prepared to qualify for the appropriate certification examinations and to obtain New Mexico EMS licensure. The admissions process, especially for advanced programs such as the Paramedic Program, is highly competitive, requiring evaluation on several criteria including GPA, test scores, recommendations, and interviews.2

International Applicants

The Academy prioritizes admission for in-state New Mexico residents, followed by out-of-state and then international applicants, typically admitting one qualified international student per annum. International candidates must prove English proficiency through the TOEFL, ensuring they meet the minimum score requirements crucial for the technical nature of the EMS training.3

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Emergency Medical Services Academy offers visa sponsorship primarily for F-1 and J-1 visa types, supporting international students as they integrate into the program. The program is characterized as being competitive; however, it maintains a favorable stance towards DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), facilitating a diverse and inclusive student body.

Application Requirements

Key application requirements include holding relevant EMT certification, a current CPR card, and, for out-of-state candidates, being in the process of transferring certification to New Mexico. Specific courses have different prerequisites, which must be diligently fulfilled to secure admission. Additionally, the program specifies policies against advanced placements for applicants holding other medical licenses, ensuring a consistent standard of education and training.4

Support and Resources

The program is committed to supporting its students through an array of resources including academic advising, scholarship opportunities, and robust partnerships with local hospitals and EMS services. This enables hands-on experience and robust learning outcomes for all enrolled students.

The University of New Mexico's Emergency Medical Services Academy continues to lead by integrating remarkable educational practices with ongoing research and innovation in emergency medical services, all while ensuring that services are accessible, particularly to those in New Mexico's rural and underserved communities.