How Do I Become an EMT in New Mexico?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in New Mexico:

Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in New Mexico, must pass an exam organized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). But, before this, they need to complete EMT training program from a state-approved training college or institute. EMT certification in New Mexico is valid for a period of two years only.

In regards to the NREMT exam, the candidate must pass the written exam, which is a test comprising around 70-120 questions that are required to be answered in 2 hours duration. This is an adjustable difficulty computerized exam. The exam includes topics, such as airway management, ventilation, oxygen therapy, EMS operations, cardiology, health emergencies, and general trauma. In the practical examination, a candidate’s capability to handle traumatic situations, such as fractures, bleeding, joint dislocations, etc., are tested. A candidate will also be tested on medical emergencies such as diabetic emergencies, strokes, cardiac arrest, etc. If a candidate fails in the examination, he/she can re-test for the next examination after 15 days. Six attempts can be made by the candidate to pass the exams successfully.

In case, you fail to renew your certificate before or by the expiration date, your certificate will be considered as involuntary inactive. If, after the expiration of the certificate, you fail to recertify it within 180 days, your certificate will get null and void, and you will have to undergo the entire certification cycle, again.

What are the Requirements to Get an EMT Certificate In New Mexico?

Following are the pre-requisites that should be fulfilled by the EMT candidates:

  • EMT candidate must be 18 years of age or more.
  • He/she should have completed a state-approved EMT training program.
  • He/she must possess a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certificate.
  • The candidate is required to qualify the NREMT examination.
  • It is mandatory for the candidates to submit legal evidence of their U.S. nationality.
  • The candidate should be free from any mental or bodily ailment.
  • English fluency is a must for every applicant.
  • The candidate must compulsorily pass a criminal background screening.

Apart from this, there are some special requirements that are also required to be accomplished, like submission of application and applicable fees, and completion of a state-recognized practical exam.

What is the Process of EMT Certification?

Step 1: Get EMT Training

The candidate must successfully complete EMT training before applying for certification. The candidate can contact the local EMS department or any community college that provides training programs.

Step 2: Submit Application for National Certification

In order to get a national certification, a candidate has to appear for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam. Once the candidate has attained the New Mexico license, the submission of NREMT certification for recertification is not necessary. The state of New Mexico makes use of the National Registry only for the purpose of examination. After obtaining the license, it is mandatory for the licensee to complete the Continuing Education (CE) training. If the candidate is nationally registered, he/she is not refrained from fulfilling the Continuing Education (CE) requirements in order to renew the New Mexico license.

  • The candidate should start by creating an account on the NREMT website. Click on “Create New Account”.
  • Next, the candidate must create a new application by clicking on “Create Initial Entry Application”.
  • Now, the applicable fee must be paid by the candidate soon after completion of the online application. Though, the application fee can also be paid afterward.
  • After the candidate is done with the online application, he/she must keep a check on its progress by regularly looking for “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter. This can be done by logging into the website through the password and username, subsequently clicking on the option of “Check Initial Entry Application Status”.
  • The candidate’s details have been submitted by the website if “Submitted” appears beside “Course Completion Verification”, and therefore, it indicates that the approval of the course completion by the education program director is being awaited.
  • Whereas, if “Not Submitted” appears beside “Application Payment”, it clearly means that the candidate must pay the application fee before proceeding further.
  • After the application payment and confirmation by the education program director, the link “Print ATT Letter” will appear.
  • The candidate is required to take a printed copy of his/her ATT Letter and set a timetable for the NREMT exam.

The ATT Letter directs the candidate on scheduling the NREMT examination by using ‘Pearson VUE’ website.

Step 3: Background Check

To complete the process of certification, the candidate must undergo a criminal background check. For this, the candidate can contact his/her course coordinator.

Step 4: License Application

The last step involves applying for the EMT license after fulfilling all the necessary formalities. The documents mentioned below must be attached with your license application:

  • EMT CCC (Course Completion Certificate)
  • Copy of NREMT card
  • Copy of CPR card approved by healthcare provider recognized by EMS Bureau
  • If a candidate is at EMT-Basic level and is applying for EMT-I certification, he/she has to deposit a copy of EMT-Basic license.
  • The application fee to be paid at appropriate levels through check or money order are:
    • EMS First Responder: $25.00
    • EMT-Basic: $65.00
    • EMT-Intermediate: $75.00

Licensing Unit

NM EMS Bureau
Licensing
Attn: Ute Fennicks
1301 Siler Road, Building F
Santa Fe, NM 87507

EMS Training Campuses

  • New Mexico State University-Alamogordo
    Address: 2400 North Scenic Drive, Alamogordo, New Mexico- 88310
    Contact Number: 575-439-3600
    Official Website:http://nmsua.edu/
  • Central New Mexico Community College
    Address: 525 Buena Vista Drive South East, Albuquerque, New Mexico- 87106
    Contact Number: 505-224-3000
    Official Website:http://www.cnm.edu/
  • The University of New Mexico
    Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico- 87131
    Contact Number: 505-277-0111
    Official Website:http://www.unm.edu/
  • New Mexico State University-Carlsbad
    Address: 1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, New Mexico- 88220
    Contact Number: 575-234-9200
    Official Website:http://carlsbad.nmsu.edu/
  • Clovis Community College
    Address: 417 Schepps Boulevard, Clovis, New Mexico- 88101
    Contact Number: 575-769-2811 / 800-769-1409
    Fax: 575-769-4190
    Official Website:http://www.clovis.edu/
  • Dona Ana Community College
    Address:  2800 North Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, Las Cruces, New Mexico- 88011
    Contact Number: 575-527-7500 / 800-903-7503
    Fax: 575-528-7300
    Official Website: http://dabcc.nmsu.edu/
  • Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus
    Address: P.O. Box-6000, Roswell, New Mexico- 88202-6000
    Contact Number: 575-624-7000
    Official Website:http://www.roswell.enmu.edu/
  • Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso
    Address: 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico- 88345
    Contact Number: 575-257-2120
    Fax: 575-257-9409
    Official Website:http://www.ruidoso.enmu.edu/
  • The University of New Mexico-Taos
    Address: 1157 County Road 110, Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico- 87557
    Contact Number: 575-737-6200
    Official Website:http://taos.unm.edu/

New Mexico EMT Contact Information:
New Mexico Department of Health
NM EMS Bureau
1301 Siler Road, Building F
Santa Fe, NM 87507

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