Welcome
We are pleased that you have chosen to study allied health and are delighted to have the opportunity to assist in achieving the academic and personal goals of each student. This is an exciting and challenging time to prepare for entry into healthcare. Students are encouraged to work diligently toward their goals to find personal and career fulfillment.
The Allied Healthcare program at DACC affords students the opportunity to become Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, EKG technicians, and members of a rewarding profession. Our Allied Healthcare program offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in a variety of healthcare settings. From assisting with patient care to performing medical tests and procedures, our program prepares you for a successful career in this fast-growing industry. With hands-on training from experienced professionals, you'll be ready to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to the health and well-being of your community.
Special Requirements
Physical Requirements
Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require students to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program-specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the Student Accessibility Services for more information.
Criminal Background
Students are required to undergo a criminal history screening through the New Mexico Department of Health, which includes state and federal felony background checks with fingerprints before starting their program. Prospective students must also complete digital fingerprinting and obtain a clearance letter from the Department. A history of criminal offenses may disqualify students from certification, clinical clearance, enrolling in courses, or securing employment in the field. Students with a disqualifying conviction may appeal through the New Mexico Department of Health; however, depending on the program, they may or may not be allowed to remain in the program during the appeal process. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be permitted to start or continue in the program. Even if an appeal is successful, it does not guarantee eligibility for licensure in professions that require it after graduation.
Please note: A social security number or ITIN number is needed to complete the background check.
Other Compliance Requirements
Students are required to undergo a routine 10-panel drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations and proof of positive titers, and have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate, N95 mask fit test, and other training prior to beginning the program. These are verified through CastleBranch.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (Clinical courses at healthcare facilities, hospitals, externships, etc.)
Please be advised that Allied Health courses will not be offered during Summer 2026, with the exception of Medical Terminology.
We understand this is an early notice, but we want to ensure students can plan accordingly—especially those anticipating graduation in Summer 2026. If you are counting on Allied Health courses for your program completion, please work with your advisor now to adjust your course schedule as needed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for planning ahead.
Please note: A State of New Mexico legislative update introduces new screening procedures for caregivers, effective July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance the safety of care recipients.
Implementation Date: July 1, 2025
Legislative House Bill 131
Screening Details: Disqualification Criteria for Caregiver Employment Based on Criminal History and Unreasonable Risk Assessment
- "Unreasonable risk" is defined as a level of risk a reasonable person would not accept regarding the safety or welfare of a care recipient.
- Certain felony convictions automatically disqualify applicants from caregiver roles, including crimes of (1) homicide; (2) trafficking controlled substances; (3) kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated assault or aggravated battery, including aggravated battery of a household member; (4) rape, criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact, incest, indecent exposure or other related sexual offenses; (5) crimes involving adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation; (6) crimes involving child abuse or neglect; (7) robbery, larceny, burglary, fraud, extortion, forgery, embezzlement, credit card fraud or receiving stolen property; (8) an attempt, solicitation or conspiracy involving any of the felonies in this subsection; (9) human trafficking; (10) assault of a peace officer; (11) identity theft; or (12) cruelty to animals.
- Additional disqualifying offenses include human trafficking, aggravated assault on a peace officer, identity theft, and animal cruelty.
The health care authority can disqualify applicants if they pose an unreasonable risk, determined by assessing all relevant circumstances using reliable information like court records.
An applicant may be found to pose an unreasonable risk if there is a preponderance of evidence, such as:
- Two or more convictions for abuse, neglect, or exploitation within the past ten years.
- A single conviction or pending charge related to abuse, neglect, exploitation of a care recipient, human trafficking, sexual offenses, battery of a household member, or child abuse.
The assessment process involves verifying if charges are within the past ten years and analyzing the number and nature of convictions or charges. Decisions are based on evidence from rap sheets or court documents.
Applicants disqualified under these rules are allowed an administrative reconsideration process.
Doña Ana Community College & the nursing program do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in employment or college-administered programs. This policy complies with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended by 11375, section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and subsequent revisions
Advising
East Mesa Campus
East Mesa Campus
Sunland Park Campus
Please note: DACC does have designated days for remote work. Please make an appointment to ensure being seen in person.
All emails and phone calls will be returned within 48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays, in the order they are received.