About Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
Where are you located?
1301 Siler Rd, Bld F, Santa Fe, NM 87507
How much are additional EMS patches?
$3.00 each
How can I get a DNR form? How many can I get?
DNR forms can be found on-line under the left tab "Forms and Information", just download the form and follow the directions. To "order" a DNR form download the "order form" on the same page. The cost are: 10 DNR forms for $5.00, 50 forms for $20.00, 100 form for $30.00. There could be a slight increase in forms soon.
How do DNR forms work?
A DNR form should be signed by the caregiver or doctor or nurse. The original order (top page) should be placed in the EMS DNR envelope and put in a spot where it could be found easily by the EMTs if called. The EMT's are trained to look on the fridge, night stand, above the bed. Also, a copy can be placed with the patient’s doctor. This Order applies only to resuscitation attempts by health care providers in the prehospital setting i.e.in patients’ homes, in a long-term care facility, during transport to or from a health care facility, or in other locations outside acute care hospitals.
How long is the EMT basic course? where can I find one?
The EMT Basic is 160 hours and available at 5 New Mexico EMS training centers
Who do I make the
check/money order out to?
NM EMS Bureau
How can I change my address?
Submit a "Change of Address" form to the EMS Bureau. The form can be found under the left tab "Forms and Information"
How can I change my name on my license?
Written request to the EMS Bureau. Please include a marriage certificate or court order.
How can I get a replacement license?
Send in a written request to the EMS Bureau with $10 check or money order.
What is the process for creating a CE program for my service?
You will need to submit a “Notification of Intent to Conduct a Continuing Education Program”. You can find this document on our website under Continuing Education. It is important that a CE Coordinator be designated and that this person read the CE Manual. It will give all the information you need to set up a CE Program including what documents need to be submitted, conducting a CE course or conference, required, record keeping and documentation, and information on CE audits.
I have a complaint about a EMT and or service who should I contact?
Complaints should be submitted to the EMS Licensing Manager using the New Mexico EMS Complaint Form (found under the left tab "Programs & Services" and "Enforcement").
Basic and Intermediate Licensing
Who do I make the check/money order out to?
NM EMS Bureau
What is the initial licensing/testing fee?
- EMD $25.00
- FR $25.00
- EMT-B $65.00
- EMT-I $75.00
- EMT-P $85.00
When does my course completion certificate expire?
Your initial state exam has to be completed within 9 months of course completion.
How long do I have to complete all my testing?
If you did not pass your initial state exam you have two years to complete your testing process.
Which CPR cards do you accept?
- American Red Cross “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” or “BLS Instructor Card”
- American Heart Association Health Care Provider “BLS Provider” or “BLS Instructor Card”
- National Safety Counsel “Level III CPR Course”, “Professional Rescuer CPR Course” or “BLS Instructor Card”
- Medic First Aid “Healthcare Provider ” CPR Course or “BLS Instructor Card”
- American Safety & Health Institute “CPR Pro”
- Military Training Network "BLS Healthcare Provider"
- EMS Safety Services "CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer"
- Emergency Care and Safety Institute "Professional Rescuer CPR"
What do I have to do to get a NM EMT license? I have an out-of-state/National Registry certification basic and Intermediate.
Call (505) 476-8200 and request a reciprocity application packet. Once received, complete the enclosed application and return it along with a copy of your CURRENT out-of-state/National Registry certification, a current healthcare provider CPR card and the appropriate fee. After a background check with National Registry or the state in which your certification/license was issued we will issue you a temporary license good for 6 months. You will need to locate a transition course taught by one of the 5 approved EMS training institutions. Once completed send in a copy of your transition course completion certificate and we will schedule you for state testing. Once successfully completed, I will issue you a NM EMT license.
If I let my license expire, how long do I have to get it reinstated via re-entry?
Two (2) years from the date of expiration.
What documentation do I have to submit to apply for my initial test site?
A completed “Test Request Application” or letter asking to be scheduled for a state test a copy of your course completion certificate, a copy of your current healthcare provider CPR card and the appropriate testing fee.
What documentation do I have to submit to apply for a re-test?
Remove and complete the bottom portion of your failure letter and send it along with the appropriate retest fee as listed on your failure letter.
Where do I find the annual testing schedule?
The front page of our website
Can I pay with a credit card?
No, not at this time.
Can I register on line?
No, not at this time.
How do I apply for a seasonal/temporary license?
Send in a letter requesting a seasonal/temporary license along with a copy of your out-of-state/National Registry certification a copy of your current healthcare provider CPR card and the appropriate licensing fee.
How long will it take to receive a confirmation letter?
Once you send in all your documentation and your testing packet is complete you should receive a confirmation letter within 2 weeks.
Do I qualify for a graduate license and when does it expire?
Once you apply for testing, I will issue a graduate license to all eligible candidates. A graduate license is valid for six months from the day on your course completion certificate. It will expire exactly six months after that date no matter when you apply for it. If six months already have passed before you apply for a test site you are no longer eligible for a graduate license.
What happens if I do not show up at my scheduled test site and I do not call to cancel?
If you do not show up for your scheduled state exam, you will lose your exam fee and have to pay the current re-test fee for your level in order to reschedule. You will also loose one of your exam attempts.
When is the deadline for canceling a test site without being charged a fee again?
The deadline for canceling a test site without any penalty is close of business Thursday right before the test site. This of course does not include emergencies.
Can I just show up at a test site and see if there are no-shows so that I can have that spot and test?
Absolutely not, if you are not scheduled for a test site you can not just show up to test.
If my course completion certificate is expired, can I just take a refresher to make it current again?
No, once your course completion certificate has expired, you will have to repeat your entire EMT course.
How much time to I have to complete my written exam?
You have 2 ½ hours to complete your written exam.
I am completing the “Test Request Application” and I do not know my course number. Where can I find it?
Your course number is located on your course completion certificate. Most training institutions print it either in the middle of the certificate or the bottom left corner. The course number always has three numbers, then three letters and three numbers again, for example “999UMF123”
Paramedic Licensing
What do I need to do to get my New Mexico Paramedic license?
If you are a recent graduate of a New Mexico training institution, you will need the following documents:
- A copy of your course completion certificate
- A copy of your current ACLS card
- A copy of your current CPR card
- Verification from the National Registry of EMT’s
- $85.00 payable to the EMS Bureau (check, PO, or money order)
- Completed application
If you are from out of state, you will need the following:
- A copy of your course completion certificate or completed Training Program information sheet*
- A copy of your current state paramedic license
- A copy of your current ACLS card
- A copy of your current CPR card
- Verification from the National Registry of EMT’s
- $170.00 payable to the EMS Bureau (check, PO, or money order)
How long will it take to process my New Mexico Paramedic license?
Please allow 10 business days once your application is received for us to process your license. Please do not call before this time and allow time for postal delivery.
How do I get an application form?
Download here or call 505-476-8200 to request an application.
Where can I get a refresher course?
The EMS Bureau does not keep a list of classes or refreshers. We recommend that you contact one of the Bureau approved training institutions or local fire/EMS agency for this information. There is a list of EMS services who allow EMT’s from outside their service to participate in their classes. You can find this list on our website under the CE tab, “Statewide CE Offerings”.
How do I register for a National Registry Exam?
For the practical portion, please call a New Mexico approved training institute for their schedule. For the written portion, please contact the National Registry of EMT’s directly to schedule your exam. Their website is www.nremt.org. Their phone number is 614-888-4484.
Can I get CE credit for college courses?
Some college level courses are eligible for CE credit. These include, but are not limited to, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Psychology, Nursing, Physician’s Assistant, Sport’s Medicine, Pharmacology.
Keep in mind that not all courses in these disciplines are eligible. If approved, you will receive the same number of hours as the number of credit hours given by the college. The classes must have been taken within your renewal period and you must have received a grade of C or above. If you would like your college courses to be evaluated, please mail or email an unofficial transcript along with a description (course catalog description, class syllabus or outline, etc.) to the EMS Training and Development Specialist at 505-476-8247.
Can I get CE credit for carded courses?
- If you received it as part of a Bureau approved, formal refresher OR as part of your CE equivalent/blueprint in lieu of a formal refresher, you may NOT use it for any of your additional CE hour requirement.
- If a carded course was NOT part of a refresher, you may use the class hours for CE.
- If you took a carded course for the second time during your renewal period, the following policy applies:
- CPR: A second CPR course/refresher taken during the renewal period will count for a maximum of 4 hours of additional CE credit.
- CPR Instructors may receive 8 hours.
- ACLS: A second ACLS course/refresher taken during the renewal period will count for a maximum of 8 hours of additional CE credit.
- ACLS Instructors may receive 12 hours.
- EMT-Basics and EMT-Intermediates may receive CE credit for taking ACLS and PALS courses. One each per renewal period.
- Other carded courses
may be taken more than once during a renewal period but the second
time will only count for half of the hours.
- Example, if you took a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) course, you would receive 12.0 hours Medical Emergencies, 12.0 Trauma Emergencies, and 6.0 hours Operations.
- If you took this course a second time, you would then receive 6.0 hours Medical Emergencies, 6.0 hours Trauma Emergencies, and 3.0 Operations.
My Paramedic license expired. How can I regain it?
- If you completed all the renewal requirements by the December 31 cutoff date but simply failed to submit your paperwork by the March 31 deadline, you may submit your paperwork up to May 31 of the expiration year and pay a late fee.
- If you do not meet the circumstances listed above and are within 2 years from your expiration date, you must complete a Bureau approved refresher course (or CE blueprint equivalency) since your expiration date, provide evidence of a current CPR card and ACLS card, provide evidence of current National Registry certification, and submit the required application and fees.
- If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will be considered an initial applicant. See What do I need to do to get my New Mexico Paramedic license?
Is there a test for First Responder?
Not at this time, there are future plans to test at this level
I met the deadline for the test site I wanted but didn't get in, why?
Because the test site filled up before the deadline. When that happens, the candidate will automatically scheduled for the next available test site.
Out of State
What does the transition course consist of?
The transition course is a standardized 16 hour course covering the scope of practice for EMT-B or EMT-I in New Mexico and the state testing system.
If I want to take the the national registry and the New Mexico state exam what is the best way to do both ?
The state of New Mexico does not recognize National Registry at the EMT-B and EMT-I levels. If you want that level of certification you have to contact them on their website http://www.nremt.org/and follow the application process. At the EMT-B level ONLY National Registry will accept our state practical exam for one year. Once you passed the NM practical exam and you have applied for NR we will verify your successful exam and you only have to complete the NR written exam. At the EMT-I level NR does not accept our practical exam. You will have to follow NR's instructions regarding their exam.
Renewal
Where can I send in my renewal documents?
1301 Siler Rd, Bldg F, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Do I need to send in originals documents with my recert or do I send copies?
The application should be the original signed document. Copies of all other documentation are acceptable. Original CE's and course completion certificates should be retained for your records should be.
How many hours of CE can I do over the internet for my renewal?
If you attend a formal, Bureau approved refresher course, you may use up to 12 hours and a maximum of 10 hours can be used if you opt for the refresher blueprint/CE equivalency program.
Where can I find a refresher course?
Individual need to check with the training institutions for upcoming courses. Also all three EMS Conferences offer refresher courses.
What do if I am not working for a service and do not have a medical director to sign my renewal?
FR & EMT-B’s not currently with a service need to initial the statement on the renewal application stating they are not currently practicing any advanced skills needs MD signature. EMT-I/EMT-P’s not currently with a service need to submit, in writing, a request for waiver to the regulation requiring MD signature.
When is the renewal requirements due?
Renewal requirements must be completed no later than December 31 prior to expiration. Individuals have until the last day of February to submit requirements under the normal fee. Renewals submitted in March will be assessed a higher fee with an additional fee increase for those submitted in April or May.
I do not have enough CE's for renewal is there anything I can do?
If an individual fails to complete the renewal requirements within the time allowed, they must take a refresher, be current in CPR, and successfully complete the state written and practical exam. If you have a special circumstance you may petition the EMS Licensing Commission for a waiver. Please contact the EMS Licensing Manager..
Where can find out what CE's can be used for relicensure ?
On the website under
CE is a description of CE categories and CE with standing approval.
Individuals can also contact the Bureau at 505-476-8200.
Special Circumstances
How old do I have to be to take the state EMS exam? how old do I have to be to work for a service?
To take the EMT basic exam you must be 18 years of age or 17 with a guardian approval and service affiliation.
Can I take the EMT state exam with a DUI, misdemeanor, or felony history?
The EMS Licensing Commission will determine the ability to license an individual based on the severity of the offense and proven rehabilitation please contact the EMS Licensing Manager on how to proceed.
What Papers do I need from the courts for a felony, misdemeanor, or DUI conviction?
- Papers needed include a personal statement regarding the details of the offense,
- Judgment and Sentence,
- Probation/parole information,
- Court summaries showing requirements of the court have been met.
The offense review timeline will vary per individual.