Program Description

The allied health programs include Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-Basic), Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate (EMT-I), Personal Care Attendant (PCA-Home Health Aide), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (PBT). Each program is designed in a short-term format featuring hands-on, skills-based learning techniques in the UNM-Valencia Health Sciences Lab followed by clinical skills training in various healthcare settings specific to each course. A UNM Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of each of the allied health programs.

Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities

Students may enroll in any of the allied health programs offered at UNM-Valencia as they build on basic skills required for the provision of care at various levels in the healthcare field. For example, PCA’s are in demand in assisted living facilities and home healthcare. The basic skills learned in the PCA program are enhanced in the CNA classes and clinical settings and prepare students to sit for the certification exam and for work in healthcare facilities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Phlebotomists are in demand in many healthcare settings as well as in testing and reference laboratories. Prospective nursing students may be advised to take the CNA program prior to enrolling in local schools of nursing. Students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university may enroll in the associate of science in general science which provides the academic core required for many careers in healthcare. For more information, students should confer with an advisor.

Contact and Advising Information

Information about the Allied Health programs is available from the Advisement Center at 505.925.8907 or vcadvise@unm.edu, or the Health Sciences Division at 505.925.8970.

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