A Rewarding Career for People of All Backgrounds

In New Mexico Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) has been utilized to work with individuals, families and communities to create environments and conditions that support wellness and the ability of individuals to withstand changes. Prevention specialists are qualified to work in the field of substance use.

A Certified Prevention Specialist is an individual who has demonstrated competence related to alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention and who provides services that build capacities of individuals and systems to promote healthy environments, lifestyles, and communities.

Western New Mexico University trains people to become CPSs and serve as liaisons between families and health professionals or social service organizations. This training prepares people of all backgrounds, at any stage of life to work in jobs that are opening with increasing frequency across the state and especially in rural communities.

About WNMU’s Certified Prevention Specialist Program

Training as a community health worker is a low-cost and flexible path toward gainful employment and toward helping others conquer addition, escape abuse, and improve their overall health.

• Two-semesters
• Open to people of all backgrounds in any stage of life
• No experience necessary
• No pre-requisites
• Offered bilingually
• Online coursework can be completed from anywhere.
• Graduates are prepared to become certified by the State of New Mexico.

You’ll learn….

• Coordinate and provided community-based substance abuse prevention programs to teenagers, parents, and elementary school aged children.
• Collaborate with multiple community/county agencies including: Law enforcement, Superintendent of Schools, Environmental Health, and other prevention coordinators.
• Established relationships with community members, elected officials, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders regarding alcohol prevention activities.

Students will be required to complete a clinical agency component. The locations and times for the clinical agency experience will be assigned to students during the course on an individual basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when are classes for Certified Prevention Specialists?
Classes will be held via Zoom weekly.

Do I get college credit?
Students who successfully complete the Certified Prevention Specialist training program at WNMU earn up to six college credit hours. Learn how to obtain your voluntary certification here.

What assistance is available to help pay for the program?
Scholarships and sponsorships may be available for eligible applicants to the program. Contact us to see if you are eligible. Here is a list of foundations that offer financial support for Certified Prevention Specialists in training.

What type of person makes a good Certified Prevention Specialist?
Today, a community health worker is ideally someone who’s been there, so to speak. Often community members relate best to those who’ve overcome the same health issues they’re struggling with, whether diabetes, addiction or obesity.

What’s next after graduation from WNMU’s Certified Prevention Specialist?
Certified Prevention Specialist have a title that matches the jobs that are opening with increasing frequency all across New Mexico.
Certified Prevention Specialists can often find work where they already live so they don’t have to uproot their own families or move to a big city to earn a living.
With two semesters of college experience under their belts, community health workers may desire to continue advancing their educations.