Emergency Medical Technician
The Emergency Medical Technician program prepares students for employment as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) in fire departments, private ambulance services, and hospital-based systems. The curriculum focuses on the study of anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of diseases, traumatic injuries, pharmacology, and cardiac care. Students will develop their knowledge and skill through both laboratory and clinical field experiences.
Graduation Requirements
Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic: A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. The minimum number of credits required to be completed at SENMC for each certificate is listed below:
EMT Basic minimum of 6 hours required
EMT Intermediate minimum of 7 hours required
EMT Paramedic minimum of 15 hours required
AAS in Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic: ENGL 1110G Composition I with a C or higher; placement into college-level math and reading courses or completion of developmental courses with a C or higher; cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. A minimum of 15 of the 60 credits for the associate’s degree must be completed at SENMC.
Required Skills and Abilities
All EMS programs require that the student be able to:
- lift, carry and balance up to 120 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)
- carry out emergency and non-emergency patient care, including, light extrication (i.e., be able to assume a variety of postural positions and be capable of physical maneuvers ranging from crawling, kneeling, squatting, twisting, turning, and bending, to climbing stairs and ladders)
- withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture
Program Entrance Requirements
- EMT Basic:
- Immunizations below are required before starting clinicals
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
- Immunizations below are required before starting clinicals
- EMT Intermediate
- Copy of current health care provider CPR card
- Successful completion of EMT Basic coursework
- Immunizations below are required before starting clinicals
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
- EMT-Basic license in hand by the end of the sixth week of EMT-Intermediate classes
- EMT Paramedic
- EMT Basic or EMT Intermediate license
- Written, oral, and practical assessment at the EMT Basic or EMT Intermediate level depending on current licensure
- HOBET exam
- Copy of current health care provider CPR card
- Completed departmental application including resume, letter of intent, and recommendation letters
- Immunizations below are required before starting clinicals
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
OEEM 101 CPR for the Health Care Professional 1 Credit (1)
This course is designed for healthcare providers and trained first responders who provide care to patients in a wide variety of settings or by those in a healthcare training program. 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. Requires a C or better to pass. Upon successful completion, students will receive an AHA BLS Provider course completion card, valid for two years
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the importance of high-quality CPR and its impact on survival
- Describe all of the steps of the Chains of Survival and apply the BLS concepts of the Chains of Survival
- Recognize the signs of someone needing CPR
- Perform high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Describe the importance of early use of an AED and demonstrate its use
- Provide effective ventilation by using a barrier device
- Describe the importance of teams in multirescuer resuscitation and perform as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR
- Describe the technique for relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for an adult, a child, and an infant
OEEM 103 Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED 1 Credit (1)
This course utilizes the American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED guidelines and is geared towards anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for their job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Students learn how to identify and respond to airway, circulation and basic first aid emergencies, to include use of a SAED and accessing the EMS system. Requires a C or better to pass. Upon successful completion, students will receive an AHA Heartsaver course completion card, valid for two years.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how high-quality CPR improves survival
- Explain the concepts of the Chain of Survival
- Recognize when someone needs CPR
- Perform high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Use an AED on an adult, child, and an infant
- Describe when and how to help a choking adult, child, and infant
- Give effective breaths by using mouth-to-mask for adult, child and infant
- Describe the techniques that help prevent drowning emergencies
- Describe how to help someone with drug overdos emergencies 1
- List the priorities, roles, and responsibilities of first aid rescuers 1
- Describe the key steps in first aid 1
- Describe the assessment and first aid actions for the following life-threatening conditions: heart attack, difficaulty breathing, choking, severe bleeeding, shock, and stroke 1
- Recognize and care for common illnesses and injuries 1
- Recognize and care for bleeding emergencies 1
- Describe how to prevent illness and injuries 1
- Recognize the legal aspect that applies to first aid rescuers
OEEM 115 Emergency Medical Responder 3 Credits (3)
This course provides instruction and laboratory experiences to prepare students to assist in workplace medical and trauma emergencies, in non-transport situations or industrial settings. Some fire and law enforcement require First Responder certification as minimum requirement for employment. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMR Licensure. Requires a C or better to pass.
Corequisite(s): OEEM 101 or current BLS certification
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and respond to medical and trauma emergencies in infant, child or adult.
- Recognize and respond to situations requiring cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
- Recognize and respond to choking situations for adult, child, and infant.
- Recognize the priority of scene safety for self, crew and patient with primary assessment, treat life threats and when appropriate do a secondary assessment and make needed adjustments to patient treatment.
OEEM 120 Emergency Medical Technician Basic 9 Credits (9)
An entry-level course which prepares students to respond to and provide care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, basic life support, airway management, trauma, medical, environmental emergencies, medical/legal, emergency operations, and other related topics. This is the classroom portion of EMT-Basic. It will encompass all required skills for this level of licensure at both state and national levels. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Basic Licensure.
Learning Outcomes
- Function as an entry-level EMT as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Perform an appropriate patient assessment to form an accurate diagnosis.
- Describe the roles of EMS in the health care system.
- Demonstrate the professional attributes expected of EMTs.
- Perform the roles and responsibilities of an EMT with regard to personal safety and wellness, as well as the safety of others.
- Perform the duties of an EMT with regard for medical-legal and ethical issues, including functioning under medical direction and within the scope of practice.
- Proficiently perform skills and procedures for an entry level EMT. 1
- Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life-span development, and therapeutic communications to the assessment and management of patients. 1
- Identify the need for and perform immediately life-saving interventions to manage a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. 1
- Assess and manage patients of all ages with a variety of complaints, medical conditions, and traumatic injuries. 1
- Apply principles of emergency medical services operations, including considerations in ambulance and air medical transportation, multiple casualty incidents, gaining access to and extricating patients, hazardous materials incidents, and responding to situations involving weapons of mass destruction.
OEEM 120 L Emergency Medical Technician Basic Lab 2 Credits (2)
An entry-level course which prepares students to respond to and provide care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, basic life support, airway management, trauma, medical, environmental emergencies, medical/legal, emergency operations, and other related topics. This is the field/clinical portion of EMT-Basic. It will encompass all required skills for this level of licensure at both state and national levels. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Basic Licensure. Requires a C or better to pass.
Learning Outcomes
- Function as an entry-level EMT as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Perform an appropriate patient assessment to form an accurate diagnosis.
- Describe the roles of EMS in the health care system.
- Demonstrate the professional attributes expected of EMTs.
- Perform the roles and responsibilities of an EMT with regard to personal safety and wellness, as well as the safety of others.
- Perform the duties of an EMT with regard for medical-legal and ethical issues, including functioning under medical direction and within the scope of practice.
- Proficiently perform skills and procedures for an entry level EMT. 1
- Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life-span development, and therapeutic communications to the assessment and management of patients. 1
- Identify the need for and perform immediately life-saving interventions to manage a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. 1
- Assess and manage patients of all ages with a variety of complaints, medical conditions, and traumatic injuries. 1
- Apply principles of emergency medical services operations, including considerations in ambulance and air medical transportation, multiple casualty incidents, gaining access to and extricating patients, hazardous materials incidents, and responding to situations involving weapons of mass destruction.
OEEM 121 Emergency Medical Technician Basic Field/Clinical 1 Credit (1)
An entry-level course which prepares students to respond to and provide care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, basic life support, airway management, trauma, medical, environmental emergencies, medical/legal, emergency operations, and other related topics. This is the field/clinical portion of EMT-Basic. It will encompass all required skills for this level of licensure at both state and national levels. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Basic Licensure. Requires a C or better to pass.
Learning Outcomes
- Function as an entry-level EMT as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Perform an appropriate patient assessment to form an accurate diagnosis.
- Describe the roles of EMS in the health care system.
- Demonstrate the professional attributes expected of EMTs.
- Perform the roles and responsibilities of an EMT with regard to personal safety and wellness, as well as the safety of others.
- Perform the duties of an EMT with regard for medical-legal and ethical issues, including functioning under medical direction and within the scope of practice.
- Proficiently perform skills and procedures for an entry level EMT. 1
- Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life-span development, and therapeutic communications to the assessment and management of patients. 1
- Identify the need for and perform immediately life-saving interventions to manage a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. 1
- Assess and manage patients of all ages with a variety of complaints, medical conditions, and traumatic injuries. 1
- Apply principles of emergency medical services operations, including considerations in ambulance and air medical transportation, multiple casualty incidents, gaining access to and extricating patients, hazardous materials incidents, and responding to situations involving weapons of mass destruction.
OEEM 150 Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate 6 Credits (6)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) provide pre-hospital emergency care to individuals who experience a sudden illness, injury, or trauma. They work under protocols approved by a physician medical director to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies and transport critically ill or injured patients to acute health care facilities such as hospitals. They are employed by hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, and other agencies that have a public safety component as their missions. The EMS curriculum (OEEM) follows national standards and the New Mexico Joint Organization of Education (JOE) requirements. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Intermediate/Advance Licensure. Requires a C or better to pass.
Prerequisite(s): Current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice of the Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate as it relates to the health care system.
- Evaluate occupational exposures, environmental safety hazards, high-risk situations, and emergency responses related to health care professions.
- Apply anatomy and physiology principles to patient care across the lifespan in emergency situations.
- Demonstrate ability to gather and document patient information including history, patient assessment, and condition.
- Practice critical thinking, soft skills, and professionalism when communicating with and/or instructing patients or non-healthcare personnel on first aid procedures.
- Demonstrate collaborative communication and teamwork when working in emergency settings.
- Prepare a plan of care based on needs of patient: considering condition, patient history and assessment, and emergency procedures
OEEM 150 L Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Lab 2 Credits (2)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) provide pre-hospital emergency care to individuals who experience a sudden illness, injury, or trauma. They work under protocols approved by a physician medical director to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies and transport critically ill or injured patients to acute health care facilities such as hospitals. They are employed by hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, and other agencies that have a public safety component as their missions. The EMS curriculum (OEEM) follows national standards and the New Mexico Joint Organization of Education (JOE) requirements. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Intermediate/Advance Licensure. EMT-Intermediate skills development with an emphasis on assessment, skills competency, and team work in patient care in the prehospital setting. Requires a C or better to pass.
Prerequisite(s): Current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice of the Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate as it relates to the health care system.
- Evaluate occupational exposures, environmental safety hazards, high-risk situations, and emergency responses related to health care professions.
- Apply anatomy and physiology principles to patient care across the lifespan in emergency situations.
- Demonstrate ability to gather and document patient information including history, patient assessment, and condition.
- Practice critical thinking, soft skills, and professionalism when communicating with and/or instructing patients or non-healthcare personnel on first aid procedures.
- Demonstrate collaborative communication and teamwork when working in emergency settings.
- Prepare a plan of care based on needs of patient; considering condition, patient history and assessment, and emergency procedures.
OEEM 151 Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Field/Clinical 2 Credits (2)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) provide pre-hospital emergency care to individuals who experience a sudden illness, injury, or trauma. They work under protocols approved by a physician medical director to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies and transport critically ill or injured patients to acute health care facilities such as hospitals. They are employed by hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, and other agencies that have a public safety component as their missions. The EMS curriculum (OEEM) follows national standards and the New Mexico Joint Organization of Education (JOE) requirements. Emergency Medical Services Licensure: After successful completion of the EMT Basic course, students who are 18 years old are eligible to take the National Registry written examination and are eligible to apply for New Mexico State EMT-Intermediate/Advance Licensure. Patient care experience provided through assigned shifts in the hospital and/or ambulance setting. Requires a C or better to pass.
Prerequisite(s): Current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice of the Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate as it relates to the health care system.
- Evaluate occupational exposures, environmental safety hazards, high-risk situations, and emergency responses related to health care professions.
- Apply anatomy and physiology principles to patient care across the lifespan in emergency situations.
- Demonstrate ability to gather and document patient information including history, patient assessment, and condition.
- Practice critical thinking, soft skills, and professionalism when communicating with and/or instructing patients or non-healthcare personnel on first aid procedures.
- Demonstrate collaborative communication and teamwork when working in emergency settings.
- Prepare a plan of care based on needs of patient: considering condition, patient history and assessment, and emergency procedures.
OEEM 153 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for the EMS Provider 3 Credits (3)
This course integrates diseases and disorders within each body system to maximize learning. Easy-to-understand language and numerous illustrations make the course ideal for learners in an introductory anatomy and physiology course with little or no science background or learners continuing their medical education. Highlights and class discussions that emphasize clinical applications help keep the material interesting and new. A review of Medical Terminology in each chapter helps fine tune medical language skills. Infection Control and Standard Precautions chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and safety in the health care work environment. This course approaches the learning of anatomy and physiology through a “Systems Approach” which provides a good, basic understanding of the subject. The course utilizes case studies, discussions and various other methods to help the student understand the relationship of anatomy and physiology to the patient in the medical setting. This course will also assist the student in developing a better understanding and interest in the medical field. Requires a C or better to pass.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the relationship between structure and function within each body system.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how each system helps to maintain homeostasis.
- Build an anatomical/physiological vocabulary that is essential to success in this course and in future careers in healthcare.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human development and apply that knowledge to the healthcare setting.
- Apply the scientific method when thinking and learning about human anatomy and physiology.
OEEM 155 Special Topics 1 Credit (1)
Specific topics to be listed in Schedule of Classes. Repeatable: for a maximum of 10 credits.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor approval needed
Learning Outcomes
- Varies
OEEM 177 Emergency Medical Services Instructor 4 Credits (4)
This course provides instructor candidates with the basic training and information needed to become an instructor for any of NAEMT's continuing education courses.Theory of student learning, methodology, instructional components, evaluation, and course coordination for the EMS profession. Requires a C or better to pass. Completion of the NAEMT Instructor Preparation Course, along with successful completion of the provider course and a monitored teach-back for the NAEMT program that you wish to teach, is required to be recognized as an NAEMT instructor.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Current EMT-Basic license, pretest, and consent of instructor
OEEM 201 Human Pathophysiology 3 Credits (3)
Overview of anatomy and physiology. Emphasis on human body pathophysiology including a medical illness component. Requires a C or better to pass.. (2+3P)
Prerequisite(s): OEEM 153 or equivalent and Consent of Instructor required
Learning Outcomes
- Understand principles of human anatomy and physiology
- Understand human pathological processes.
- Demonstrates understanding of human life span development.
- Uses appropriate written or electronic tools to effectively document the essential elements of patient care and transport.
- Understands the interrelationships among organ systems within the human body.
- Recognizes conditions that exist in the human body which cause deviations from homeostasis.
OEEM 206 Introduction to Advanced Prehospital Care 3 Credits (3)
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. Consent of instructor required. Restricted to: OEEM majors. (2+3P)
Prerequisite(s): OEEM 120
Learning Outcomes
- See course syllabus.
OEEM 207 Introduction to Pharmacology 3 Credits (3)
Drug actions, factors modifying drugs and dosages: characteristics of drug effects, and drug history and dosages. Prehospital protocol, transport, and common patient prescription medications. Requires a C or better to pass. Restricted to: OEEM majors. (2+3P)
Prerequisite(s): OEEM 120
Learning Outcomes
- See course syllabus.
OEEM 210 Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation 3 Credits (3)
Cardiac conduction system: electrophysiology, electrocardiogram, monitor, atrial, sinus, ventricular and junctional dysrhythmias, multiple lead EKG and 12 lead EKG interpretation. Requires a "C" or better to pass. Restricted to: OEEM majors. (2+3P)
Learning Outcomes
- See course syllabus.
OEEM 218 Pediatric Advance Life Support for the Healthcare Profession 1 Credit (1)
Taught using the American Heart Association guidelines for course completion. The PALS Provider Course aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest by using high?performance team dynamics and high?quality individual skills. The course includes a series of case scenario practices with simulations that reinforce important concepts. Upon successful completion, students will receive an AHA PALS Provider course completion card, valid for two years Graded S/U.
Prerequisite(s): OEEM 101
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the scientific basis for PALS treatment recommendations based on the current science guidelines.
- Perform prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early AED use.
- Apply the BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessment sequence for a systematic approach to the evaluation of pediatric emergencies.
- Model effective communication as a member of a high performance team.
- Recognize the impact of team dynamic on overall team performance.
- Perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac arrest care.
- Demonstrate team member behaviors during management of PALS core cases.
OEEM 219 Advance Cardiac Life Support for the Healthcare Provider 1 Credit (1)
Taught using the American Heart Association guidelines for course completion. The course incorporates students to direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies and for personnel in emergency response. This course is for those who are proficient in performing BLS and ACLS skills, reading and interpreting ECGs, understanding ACLS pharmacology; and who regularly lead or participate in emergency assessment and treatment of prearrest, arrest, or postarrest patients. Upon successful completion, students will receive an AHA ACLS Provider course completion card, valid for two years. Graded S/U.
Prerequisite(s): OEEM 101
Learning Outcomes
- Identify key science that drives increased patient survival.
- Apply the BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessment sequence for a systematic evaluation of adult patients.
- Perform prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early AED use.
- Recognize and perform early management of respiratory arrest.
- Demonstrate effective and safe use of manual defibrillator.
- Discuss early recognition and management of acute coronary syndrome, including appropriate disposition.
- Identify early recognition and management of stroke, including appropriate disposition.
- Model effective communication as a member of a high performance team.
- Recognize the impact of team dynamic on overall team performance. 1
- Recognize cardiac arrest. 1
- Perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care. 1
- Recognize bradyarrhythmias that may result in a cardiac arrest or complicated resuscitative outcome. 1
- Perform early management of bradyarrhythmias that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation. 1
- Recognize tachyarrhythmias that may result in a cardiac arrest or complicated resuscitative outcome. 1
- Perform early management of tachyarrhythmias that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation. 1
- Perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac arrest care. 1
- Demonstrate team member behaviors according to roles during megacode cases.