Emergency Medical Services
Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services |
Save people’s lives! Be a hero!
Are you interested in a fast-paced career saving lives and making a direct, tangible difference in your community? The Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services will help prepare for employment as an EMT in ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and other emergency response agencies.
This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and real-world clinical and field experience to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality emergency medical care in a variety of settings. In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are essential for working effectively in high-stress, time-sensitive environments.
Experiential Learning
In the EMT classes, you will practice skills in realistic settings, including a high-tech simulated ambulance, emergency room, and home settings, along with realistic computerized “dummy” patients. In this way, you will learn to use the specialized equipment necessary for pre-hospital treatment and stabilization of patients. During the 84 clinical hours of the course, you will gain experience by training in real healthcare settings.
Specific job skills include:
- Airway maintenance and BVM ventilation
- Bleeding control and shock management
- Cardiac monitoring and use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED)
- Administration of medications and IV fluids
- Bone, joint, and spinal immobilization techniques
- Patient assessment and management
Faculty Expertise
Your instructor has a bachelor's degree in emergency medical services, specialized training in EMS instruction, and years of experience in the field. Your instructor works closely with all students to ensure their success in the program.
Career Opportunities
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing job sectors in New Mexico and the U.S., with a median annual salary of $38,930 for EMT’s and $53,180 for paramedics in 2023. As an Emergency Services professional, you will work with a team of healthcare providers, where you can further develop your knowledge and skills. Emergency services professionals are in high demand, working for ambulance services, local fire or police departments, or hospitals. And this degree can be a stepping-stone to many more advanced professional healthcare programs, such as paramedic, registered nurse (RN), and physician’s assistant.
Occupational Outlook: EMTs & Paramedics
Program Highlights
In the classroom, you will practice skills in realistic settings, using a variety of simulated environments, specialized medical equipment, and realistic “dummy” patients.
During the clinical portions of the program, you will gain experience working with real patients during a total of 84 hours of training in real healthcare settings.
Program Details
Program Cost
Information on tuition and fees can be found here:
Typical additional costs include textbooks, lab fees, and fees for a background check, drug screen, vaccinations, and uniform.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Department of Sciences
Dr. Robin Kelly
Lecturer III, Chemistry
robinkelly@unm.edu