Fast Track / Accelerated Degree Programs

Earn degrees in Teacher Education, Early Childhood Multicultural Education or a Fire Academy Certification in our accelerated programs.

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For additional information about Fast Track programs, please reach out to the Innovative Programs team.

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About Fast Track 

Our Fast Track programs are designed for busy professionals seeking educational and professional advancement. All classes are conveniently scheduled, so if you work or have a family or other obligations, you can still kickstart your future with a Fast Track program.

The Fast Track format allows for a cohort of students to take classes together and support one another. Students follow a prescribed order of classes each term and registration is completed for students for the length of the program. The Fast Track format also includes support from dedicated faculty and staff.

Entry into the Fast Track program includes a supplemental application (including a personal statement/essay) and required reading and math proficiency, either through a placement test or previous English and Math courses. Placement tests include the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) for reading/writing and the Accuplacer for math. If you need to take a placement test, you can schedule a remote or in-person exam on our CNM Assessment Center page.

Start Your Fast Track Application

Fast Track Pathways

CNM currently offers three Fast Track programs: Early Childhood Multicultural Education, Fire Academy, and Teacher Education.

Early Childhood Multicultural Education

The Early Childhood Multicultural Education Program (Birth-Third Grade Teacher Concentration) offers working and non-working professionals the opportunity to earn an associate degree in 18 months. A flexible, hybrid model (evening and online classes) allows you to learn in both traditional length and seven-week classes.

The degree meets the requirements for the CNM Child Development Certificate, which is in alignment with the New Mexico Child Development certificate and is fully transferable to New Mexico colleges and universities.
Fire Academy

The Fire Science Program offers the CNM Fire Academy Certification through the traditional open-enrollment courses and a structured, demanding 18-week academy with a combination of intersession classes, one 18-week course and two eight-week blocks. 

CNM has developed top-of-class curriculum and training protocols that not only meet national standards but also mirror the kind of training provided by fire departments.
Teacher Education

Earn an Associate of Arts in Teacher Education with a concentration in Elementary/Special Education online in just 15 months. This program is offered in a combination of traditional and seven-week classes. 

This accelerated program will help students condense the length of their bachelor's degree for licensure in the state of New Mexico.

Fast Track Benefits 

In addition to high-quality instruction and a variety of helpful services and resources, students in the CNM Fast Track programs do not have to worry about registering for classes, as our program managers complete your registration for you each term. We also ensure your courses are transferable to most four-year institutions so that you have the option to continue your studies after you graduate from CNM. 

Additional benefits are also available to Fast Track Early Childhood and Teacher Education students, including: 

  • Access to digital textbooks
  • A Windows laptop 
  • Ability to work full-time while you're in the program 
Information Sessions

Interested in a Fast Track program? The best place to start is at an Information Session. We can answer questions about program requirements, schedules, payment options, and more. Unable to attend a live session? Watch a pre-recorded Fast Track Information Session now! 

Fast Track Education Programs 

Information Sessions for the Teacher Education and Early Childhood Education will take place on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Select a date below to register for an upcoming information session: 

Fast Track Fire Academy Program

Select a date below to register for an information session on the Spring 2025 cohort. 

Deadlines

All cohorts begin in the Fall term.

The general 2025 Fast Track application closes on July 18, 2025.

The Spring 2025 Fast Track Fire Academy application closes on December 1, 2024. 

Payment

The Fast Track program is eligible for Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Fill out a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact a CNM Financial Aid Advisor or refer to the myScholarship Application page for more information.