Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Certificates
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at San Juan College prepares you for a career in prehospital emergency medicine. We offer four certificate programs that equip you for four levels of service:
- Emergency Medical Responder Certificate
- Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
- Paramedic Certificate
You can complete each EMS certificate in one calendar year or less. Gain basic skills, earn an emergency medical technician (EMT) certificate, or pursue paramedic training. Each EMS program features lectures and practical training that build your knowledge and skills. Start your journey to becoming an emergency medical service worker at SJC.
Why Enter an EMS Training Program?
As an EMS professional, you'll be on the front lines of emergency medical care as you respond to various health situations and provide critical care. It's a challenging and rewarding field that can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Start your career by completing an EMS Certificate. Learn from experienced professionals and practice your skills in real-world scenarios, or get the additional training and experience you need to take on higher positions and more responsibilities.
Why Earn an EMS Certificate at San Juan College?
Four Certificate Options
SJC offers multiple EMS certificates that introduce you to the field and lead all the way to preparation to become a paramedic. You’ll get to see if a job as an EMT is right for you or get the training you need to advance in your career. Get specifics about each certificate option in the "What You'll Learn in Each EMS Program" section below.
Quality Education
All levels of EMS education at San Juan College meet or exceed New Mexico EMS Curriculum Standards, National Registry Standard Curriculum, and National EMS Education Standards. As a graduate, you will qualify to take the National Registry of EMT examination.
Practice Using State-of-the-Art Equipment
SJC's hands-on learning environment will help you develop essential critical thinking and teamwork skills. Learn with the latest equipment to help you improve patient safety and health:
- An advanced simulation laboratory
- High-fidelity mannequins and live patient simulations
- The latest cardiac monitors for cardiology and EKG training
- The latest ultrasound devices that assist in patient diagnoses
Learn and Work with the Best
Our EMS program is proud to have a working partnership with San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC). Their EMS Department is the best in the state, the only one in New Mexico that received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award in 2022.
As an SJC EMS student, you'll complete clinical shifts and internships at SJRMC and learn from some of the best professionals in the field as they respond to emergencies and join them in caring for patients.
You'll also gain real-world experience at other medical facilities, such as:
- Cardiology labs
- Emergency rooms
- EMS agencies
- Nursing homes
- Psychiatric units
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our EMS Certificates are a great investment for you. Get the training you need to start a new career or advance in your field. You may also qualify to get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in Each EMS Program
This one-course program offers the most basic level of EMT training. You'll learn lifesaving skills, such as:
- Airway management
- Basic medical and trauma care
- CPR
- Patient assessment
Enroll in this certificate if you want to learn basic lifesaving skills without pursuing a career in emergency medical services. It can also be useful if you want to explore EMS as a possible career.
Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to enter the National Registry of EMTs and become a licensed first responder.
The EMT Certificate provides the classes you need to become a licensed EMT in New Mexico. You can complete this two-course program in one semester. Learn important skills, such as:
- Airway management and CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Automated external defibrillator (AED) administration
- Care of special patient populations, including pediatrics
- Medical and trauma care
- Patient assessments
Your course also includes a clinical or field component to help apply your knowledge in real patient care situations.
Note: See the certificate curriculum for prerequisite information.
The Advanced EMT certificate program builds on the EMT Certificate and gives you more training and experience in emergency patient care. You can complete this program in less than one year. Build skills in:
- Advanced patient assessment
- Expanded medication administration
- Intravenous (IV) access and IV fluid resuscitation
You'll practice what you learn in class through labs and simulated patient care scenarios. You'll also complete a clinical or field internship.
Note: See the certificate curriculum for prerequisite information.
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate - Advanced Curriculum
Provide high-quality prehospital care as a paramedic. In only one year, you can complete the program's requirements, including clinicals, labs, field assignments, and internships.
Courses include:
- Assessment & Clinical Decision Making
- Basic Vehicle Extrication
- Emergency Pharmacology
- Medical Emergencies I and II
- Trauma Management
Note: To qualify for this program, you must already have current New Mexico licensure or National Registry certification at the minimum level of Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or be an EMT who is approved by the Paramedic Program Director. See the certificate curriculum for more prerequisite information.
Simulation Center
Practice your EMS skills at our Health Sciences Simulation Center, working with state-of-the-art mannequins and advanced hospital equipment to build your skills. Our instructors guide your simulations to help you provide quality care. In addition, each room is equipped with cameras, microphones, and monitors so our faculty can suggest improvements.
Careers and Outcomes
Take on a challenging and rewarding career as an emergency medical service worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of paramedics to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. Your EMS Certificate helps you start or advance your career in various settings, including:
- Ambulance services
- Doctors' offices
- Emergency rooms
- Flight centers
- Fire departments
- Hospitals
- Police departments
Graduates of our program have gone on to work for:
- San Juan Regional Medical Center-EMS, ER
- Jicarilla EMS
- Navajo Nation EMS
View EMS and Paramedic Job Listings
Next Steps
Take the next step to earn an Emergency Medical Services Certificate by applying to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, we encourage you to talk to your advisor about our EMS Certificate programs before applying.
