How To Become a Nurse in New Mexico 2025

Nursing is a high-demand and rewarding field for those with compassion and the proper training. Perhaps you're considering a nursing career in your home state of New Mexico and are wondering what it takes.

Keep reading as we explore how to become a nurse, including essential education requirements and RN licensure. We'll also discuss some top accredited nursing programs in New Mexico and answer various questions you may have.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse performs many job duties in clinical settings such as hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and public health facilities. These duties may include:

• assisting other healthcare professionals with procedures and operations
• performing CPR, first aid, and assisting with other life support interventions
• administering medications, taking vital signs, and preparing patients for procedures
• educating patients about medical conditions, procedures, and self-care
• advocating for patients' needs

Registered nurses commonly work in supervisory roles, managing teams of certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or other entry-level healthcare professionals. They often work closely with physicians and specialists to provide various levels of patient care.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in New Mexico?

Students who are attending college and seeking nursing licensure for the first time typically enroll in associate or bachelor's degree programs. These nursing education programs typically last about two to four years.

If you already have a bachelor's degree and have worked in a field other than nursing, you may qualify to complete a 12-month accelerated nursing program. This type of program builds on your previous education, making it possible to earn a second degree quickly.

Finally, LPNs, paramedics, and other entry-level healthcare professionals may be able to enroll in RN bridge programs. Like accelerated nursing programs, they build on students' previous experience and education to help them earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing within as little as a year.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in New Mexico

You'll need to meet various educational requirements for nurses to become a nurse in New Mexico. Let's take a look at each requirement and the step-by-step process you can follow to reach your career goals.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Anyone hoping to attend nursing school will need to complete a high school diploma or GED. All nursing programs require this basic level of education or equivalent knowledge.

Students who are still in school can take advanced classes in math and science to help them prepare for the rigors of college education. Some options to consider include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and statistics.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Nursing Program

Next, you'll want to enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Either of these college degrees will prepare you for seeking RN licensure.

ADN programs last about two years for full-time students and consist of at least 60 college credits. BSN programs are more in-depth; they typically take about four years to complete and comprise at least 120 credit hours.

Both programs provide a blend of coursework, simulation lab training, and hands-on clinical experiences, providing students with a well-rounded education. Programs should come from accredited institutions and hold specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission (ACEN) on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Step 3: Complete Clinical Training

As part of your education program, you'll gain real-world nursing experience by working clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Faculty members at your school will assist you with scheduling and coordinating these experiences.

Clinical training is an important part of nursing education, as it helps prepare students for real scenarios. Students have opportunities to practice the skills they learn in the classroom under the supervision of experienced RNs, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam and Meet Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed your training, you can begin the process of obtaining your New Mexico state nursing license. You'll start by completing an application and submitting it, along with a background check, to the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

You may receive a permit to practice as a graduate nurse if a facility is looking to hire you immediately following graduation. However, this permit is only valid until you complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.

Passing the NCLEX is a national requirement for all candidates looking to earn state nursing licensure. You can sign up to take the exam online; you'll receive authorization to test, then schedule the time and place for the exam. You'll receive your license once you have passed the NCLEX.

Step 5: Complete Continuing Education

To maintain your nursing license, you'll need to complete continuing education on an ongoing basis. This continuing education helps nurses keep their skills fresh and stay up to date on changes in the field of nursing.

New Mexico requires RNs to renew their nursing licenses every two years. As part of the license renewal process, you'll need to submit documentation that you have completed 30 hours of continuing education during the previous two years.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in New Mexico

Pursuing a nursing career starts with getting educated. Let's look at some top ADN and BSN programs available in New Mexico, including online nursing programs.

1. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico is a public research university in Albuquerque. It offers several nursing degrees for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Learners pursuing a bachelor's degree can enroll in traditional BSN and RN to BSN programs � both of which offer online options. Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,140 (in-state); $33,060 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is located in Las Cruces, NM. This public school contains a school of nursing that offers BSN programs, along with master's degrees and doctoral programs in nursing.

The BSN programs include a traditional option and two accelerated options that allow learners to graduate in as little as 19 months. Both of the graduate programs are available in a flexible online format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,183 (in-state); $25,307 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Northern New Mexico College

Northern New Mexico College is a public school located in Espanola, NM. Students at this school can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing within two years to earn their initial RN license.

Additionally, an online RN to BSN program is available for students who already hold an associate degree and want to earn their bachelor's degree. Both degrees focus on a holistic approach to nursing education to help students learn to provide expert care.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,400 (in-state); $14,328 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell

Eastern New Mexico University's main campus is located in Portales, NM; however, its branch campus in Roswell, NM, also awards associate degrees and certificates. One of the programs available is an associate degree in nursing.

The program requires one year of prerequisite courses and two years in the program itself, so students typically graduate within three years. Those hoping to earn their bachelor's degree after completing this program can transfer seamlessly to Eastern New Mexico's online RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,256 to $2,424(in-state); $5,616 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Central New Mexico Community College

Central New Mexico Community College is a public school in Albuquerque. It offers an AAS degree in nursing to prepare students to earn their RN licenses.

Students in this six-semester program study essential nursing courses like microbiology, principles of nursing practice, and nursing pharmacology. Labs and clinical experiences round out the program to help students prepare for successful careers in patient care.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,060 (in-state); $8,684 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Mexico

New Mexico employs more than 18,000 nurses in the state, most of whom find work in the large cities and metro areas. The median annual salary for RNs in New Mexico is $92,140, which is slightly below the national average of $93,600.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for nurses is expected to increase nationally by 6% by 2033. This is faster than average for all occupations, suggesting that nurses in New Mexico and throughout the U.S. can expect to remain in demand throughout the next several years.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in New Mexico

If you still have questions about becoming a nurse in New Mexico, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in New Mexico?

Tuition rates vary widely from school to school. Among the colleges featured in this article, average annual tuition costs range from just over $2,000 to more than $10,000 for in-state students. Attending online colleges that accept FAFSA can help students save money by earning financial aid toward their degree.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Many nursing programs require students to complete prerequisites to ensure they have the proper foundation before they start taking nursing courses. Common prerequisites include sciences such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology; some programs may also require courses in mathematics, psychology, communication, and more.

Many schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online to help students complete these requirements on a flexible schedule that works for them.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse typically involves completing an associate degree in nursing. Students in these programs can graduate and earn their RN license within as little as two years. If you already have a bachelor's degree or some healthcare experience, bridge programs may be available to help you complete your nursing education within as little as one year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

All nursing degrees feature challenging courses and should not be considered easy. That said, ADN programs are sometimes considered the easiest nursing degrees because they consist of the fewest credit hours and most entry-level courses. Regardless of the program you enroll in, choosing the best laptop for nursing students can help you get through your courses and complete your education more easily.

Find a Nursing Degree

If you're ready to get started in nursing school so you can begin looking for a nursing job, explore the colleges and universities here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools for more information about their available programs and to choose the best option for you.