The Occupational Training Program is designed for students with disabilities to provide vocational and life skills training on a university campus. It provides specialized certificate programs in office skills, health occupations, child care, auto mechanics, sanitation technology/building maintenance/grounds keeping, auto body/detail, welding, heating and air conditioning repair, animal care taking, floral design, fashion merchandising veterinarian assistant, and other topics as necessary to fulfill students' career needs. Class sizes are small and emphasis is on the completion of skills necessary to gain and keep employment. It is a three semester certificate program. Upon completion of program requirements, students receive a Certificate of Occupational Training.

The Special Services Department works closely with vocational rehabilitation agencies (e.g., DVR, DARS), Commission for the Blind, and other local and state agencies that support individuals with disabilities.

Entrance Requirements:

Entrance Requirements for the Special Services Occupational Training Program are different from the Academic Programs of Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell. A student will be accepted into the Occupational Training Program if the following documentation and skill requirements are met:

1. Vocational Evaluation/Assessment - The vocational assessment must show the students abilities and skills in relation to the specific vocational fields they are interested in receiving training. In addition, it should address the student’s time management abilities, self-management abilities, and self-medicating abilities as outlined below.
2. The student themselves are expected to:
1. Exhibit time management skills including getting up to an alarm, completing homework on time, and following a schedule.
2. Exhibiting self-medicating skills if taking medication or if prescribed medication for an illness by a physician while attending ENMU-Roswell.
3. Exhibit self-managing skills including managing own laundry and personal hygiene.

A high school diploma is not required; however, it is encouraged. We do have GED testing available through our campus for any student interested.

How do I apply?

1. Apply to be accepted for admission to ENMU-Roswell through regular admission process. On application identify the Special Services Occupational Training Program as interested area of study.
2. Additional documentation is required by the Special Services Department for enrollment into the Occupational Training Program. They are listed below and can be downloaded if applicable:
   • Vocational Assessment
   • Release of Information (PDF)
   • Medical Information and Consent to Treat form (PDF)
   • Medical Statement form
   • Copy of medical insurance
   • Copy of shot record
   • Copy of most current IEP and testing completed related to disability
   • Resident Halls Application and $50 deposit (PDF)

Gather all information and mail it to the Special Services Department at the address provided below by August 1st for Fall Semester admittance and January 1st for Spring Semester admittance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can a student take academic classes concurrently with the Occupational Training Program?

If a student is interested in taking academic classes concurrently with the Special Services Occupational Training Program, or seeking a Degree through any Academic Area, they must meet the entrance requirements of Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell, including placement testing. For more information on entrance requirements for Academic Courses, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (575)624-7141.

What are the employment placement rates for graduates?

The Special Services Department contacts students after graduation to monitor employment placement rates. Over the last five years, employment placement rates have remained at 70% or higher.

What are the graduation rates?

The average graduation rate over the last three years is 84%. Students must meet entrance requirements, including a vocational evaluation, to be accepted into the program. This evaluation assists the Special Services Department in selecting students that have the skills and abilities necessary to be successful in this program.

Do you do provide employment placement services after students graduate?

Students will leave the Occupational Training Program with a resume and job experience which will assist them in obtaining employment. However, the Special Services Department does not provide employment placement services. Students are encouraged to work with their vocational rehabilitation agency to assist them in finding employment opportunities in their local area.