New Mexico Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in New Mexico can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term New Mexico education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or New Mexico Registered Nurse?
New Mexico Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in New Mexico before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many New Mexico nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of New Mexico.
To help students search for the best nursing school in New Mexico, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in New Mexico?
- Is New Mexico a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in New Mexico?
- How much does nursing school in New Mexico cost?
- Is it hard to get into a New Mexico nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in New Mexico.
How do I become a nurse in New Mexico?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of New Mexico, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your New Mexico practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of New Mexico, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your New Mexico registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
Is New Mexico a nursing compact state?
Yes, New Mexico is part of the nursing license compact. New Mexico recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse or a New Mexico Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in New Mexico?
The amount of time you spend in a New Mexico nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a New Mexico Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in New Mexico. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of New Mexico, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of New Mexico, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Mexico earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which New Mexico nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in New Mexico cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in New Mexico will cost between $1,500 to $4,500 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in New Mexico cost more between $4,500 to $7,500 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in New Mexico, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a New Mexico nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each New Mexico nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in New Mexico provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 60% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a New Mexico nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In New Mexico
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in New Mexico. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the New Mexico Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any New Mexico nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Albuquerque Public Schools
6400 Uptown Blvd. NE Suite 385 West,
Albuquerque,
NM
87110
505-880-3700
Albuquerque Public Schools is a institution with a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: LPN
Brookline College
4201 Central Avenue N.W., Suite J,
Albuquerque,
NM
87105-1649
505-880-2877
Brookline College is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Albuquerque, New Mexico campus for Brookline College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 528. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator
- Acceptance Rate Open
Central New Mexico Community College
900 University Blvd. SE,
Albuquerque,
NM
87106
505-224-3000
Central New Mexico Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Albuquerque, New Mexico campus for Central New Mexico Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 19,095. In-state tuition and fees were $1,858 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $1,858
- Acceptance Rate Open
Clovis Community College
417 Schepps Boulevard,
Clovis,
NM
88101
575-769-2811
Clovis Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Clovis, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Clovis, New Mexico campus for Clovis Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,303. In-state tuition and fees were $1,736 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $1,736
- Acceptance Rate Open
Dona Ana Community College
3400 South Espina Street,
Las Cruces,
NM
88011
575-527-7500
Dona Ana Community College is a institution with a campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell
PO BOX 6000,
Roswell,
NM
88202-6000
575-624-7000
Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell is a Public institution with a campus in Roswell, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Roswell, New Mexico campus for Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,856. In-state tuition and fees were $2,424 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,424
- Acceptance Rate Open
Eastern New Mexico University, Portales
1500 South Avenue K,
Portales,
NM
88130
575-562-1011
Eastern New Mexico University, Portales is a Public institution with a campus in Portales, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Portales, New Mexico campus for Eastern New Mexico University, Portales is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,106. In-state tuition and fees were $6,863 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN
- Tuition Cost $6,863
- Room and Board $8,170
- Acceptance Rate 28%
- ACT Score 16-22
Luna Community College
366 Luna Drive,
Las Vegas,
NM
87701
505-454-2527
Luna Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Las Vegas, New Mexico campus for Luna Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 774. In-state tuition and fees were $1,538 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $1,538
- Acceptance Rate Open
New Mexico Highlands University
1005 Diamond St.,
Las Vegas,
NM
87701
505-454-3210
New Mexico Highlands University is a Public institution with a campus in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Las Vegas, New Mexico campus for New Mexico Highlands University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,677. In-state tuition and fees were $7,140 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $7,140
- Room and Board $9,302
- Acceptance Rate Open
New Mexico Junior College
1 Thunderbird Circle,
Hobbs,
NM
88240
575-392-4510
New Mexico Junior College is a Public institution with a campus in Hobbs, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Hobbs, New Mexico campus for New Mexico Junior College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,228. In-state tuition and fees were $1,920 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $1,920
- Room and Board $4,400
- Acceptance Rate Open
New Mexico State University
2049 S Triviz Dr,
Las Cruces,
NM
88001
575-646-3812
New Mexico State University is a Public institution with a campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Las Cruces, New Mexico campus for New Mexico State University is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,662. In-state tuition and fees were $2,238 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition Cost $2,238
- Acceptance Rate Open
New Mexico State University Alamogordo
2400 North Scenic Drive,
Alamogordo,
NM
88310
575-439-3600
New Mexico State University Alamogordo is a Public institution with a campus in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Alamogordo, New Mexico campus for New Mexico State University Alamogordo is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,032. In-state tuition and fees were $2,520 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN
- Tuition Cost $2,520
- Acceptance Rate Open
New Mexico State University Carlsbad
1500 University Drive,
Carlsbad,
NM
88220
575-234-9200
New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a Public institution with a campus in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Carlsbad, New Mexico campus for New Mexico State University Carlsbad is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,673. In-state tuition and fees were $1,968 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $1,968
- Acceptance Rate Open
Northern New Mexico College
921 North Paseo de Onate,
Espanola,
NM
87532
505-747-2100
Northern New Mexico College is a Public institution with a campus in Espanola, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Espanola, New Mexico campus for Northern New Mexico College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,154. In-state tuition and fees were $5,064 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $5,064
- Acceptance Rate Open
Pima Medical Institute
4400 Cutler Ave N.E.,
Albuquerque,
NM
87110
800-477-7462
Pima Medical Institute is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Albuquerque, New Mexico campus for Pima Medical Institute is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 690. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Acceptance Rate Open
San Juan College
4601 College Boulevard,
Farmington,
NM
87402
505-326-3311
San Juan College is a Public institution with a campus in Farmington, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Farmington, New Mexico campus for San Juan College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,454. In-state tuition and fees were $1,714 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $1,714
- Room and Board $10,480
- Acceptance Rate Open
Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Avenue,
Santa Fe,
NM
87508
505-428-1000
Santa Fe Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Santa Fe, New Mexico campus for Santa Fe Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,266. In-state tuition and fees were $2,505 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $2,505
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of New Mexico
1 University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque,
NM
87131
505-277-0111
University of New Mexico is a Public institution with a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Albuquerque, New Mexico campus for University of New Mexico is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 21,953. In-state tuition and fees were $8,076 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, Certified Nurse Midwife
- Tuition Cost $8,076
- Room and Board $10,916
- Acceptance Rate 96%
- ACT Score 18-25
University of New Mexico - Gallup
705 Gurley Ave,
Gallup,
NM
87301
505-863-7500
University of New Mexico - Gallup is a Public institution with a campus in Gallup, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Gallup, New Mexico campus for University of New Mexico - Gallup is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,113. In-state tuition and fees were $2,646 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,646
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of New Mexico - Taos
1157 County Road 110,
Ranchos de Taos,
NM
87557
575-737-6200
University of New Mexico - Taos is a Public institution with a campus in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico campus for University of New Mexico - Taos is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,222. In-state tuition and fees were $2,004 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,004
- Acceptance Rate Open
Western New Mexico University
1000 W. College St,
Silver City,
NM
88062
575-538-6336
Western New Mexico University is a Public institution with a campus in Silver City, New Mexico. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The Silver City, New Mexico campus for Western New Mexico University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,378. In-state tuition and fees were $7,657 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $7,657
- Room and Board $10,940
- Acceptance Rate Open
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of New Mexico nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in New Mexico and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: June 1, 2025
References:
- New Mexico Nursing License Requirements. State of New Mexico, Board of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- New Mexico State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of New Mexico Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- New Mexico Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.