New Mexico’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Now is the perfect time to start your nursing career in New Mexico. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031. However, New Mexico has a projected registered nurse growth rate of 14% between 2020-2030. With 1,300 RN job openings annually in New Mexico, there are plenty of job opportunities to choose from.
New Mexico is the perfect place to live and explore if you love being outdoors. Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment for its scenic beauty, rich multicultural history, and various art scenes, there is something for everyone to enjoy in New Mexico. The northern part of the state offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, camping, and backpacking, as it is covered with mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. The southern part of the state contains White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns, both offering breathtaking scenery.
Being one of the sunniest states in the nation, you will have plenty of lovely days to enjoy the outdoors. New Mexico’s dry climate makes breathing easier for people with chronic asthma, allergies, and upper respiratory illnesses.
New Mexico offers a low cost of living, making it the second most affordable state in the western half of the United States. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average. With housing being below the national average in addition to less expensive utilities, groceries, and most everyday items, your dollar will stretch further in New Mexico.
Emerging as a healthcare leader, New Mexico has pushed the Affordable Care Act and prescription drug coverage for its residents. This shows that it is important to the residents of the state to make healthcare more affordable. Additionally, WalletHub has ranked New Mexico as the third-best state to work as a nurse. This makes New Mexico the perfect place to start your nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in New Mexico
Learn more about the best nursing schools in New Mexico to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in New Mexico based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the New Mexico Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN & BSN Programs:
#1 New Mexico Nursing Program
University of New Mexico-Taos
The University of New Mexico-Taos Nursing Program, located in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, provides a unique opportunity for nursing students to transform their lives into professional nurses who strengthen the health of their culturally diverse community. Offering both an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and a BSN, students can choose which path to earn their nursing degree. Their nursing program has adopted a concept-based statewide curriculum through the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC).
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,004
Out-of-State: $5,078r
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,004 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,078 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
90.9% |
| Employment Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,046 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 New Mexico Nursing Program
San Juan College
San Juan College is a public college located in Farmington, New Mexico. They offer two convenient paths to earn your RN degree. Students can complete their two-year ADN or four-year BSN nursing programs, where they learn to become excellent nurses who will succeed in helping the people around them. Hands-on learning opportunities occur in their Health Sciences Simulation Center to help students build on the skills they need to provide quality care. In addition, students will also have clinical rotations at various healthcare centers.
Average Tuition
In-State: $1,618
Out-of-State: $4,546
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$1,618 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,546 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
ADN 41.7%
BSN 67.1% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,240 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 New Mexico Nursing Program
New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University is a public university in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They offer two paths for students to obtain their BSN. Their traditional four-year BSN is for students who do not currently have a bachelor’s degree. They also provide a Roadrunner and Pathway 2nd degree option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to obtain their nursing degree. Students are given hands-on learning experiences in their nursing simulation lab, skills lab, and clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,301
Out-of-State: $23,767
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,301 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$23,767 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.33% |
| Admission Rate |
78% |
| Retention Rate |
72% |
| Students Enrolled |
13,904 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
75% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Mexico
When choosing a nursing program in New Mexico, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 16 ADN and 4 BSN programs in New Mexico are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in New Mexico
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and New Mexico estimates a nursing growth of 14% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
Ranked third in the country by WalletHub for the best places to work as a nurse means that nurses have plenty of job opportunities in the state and enjoy working there. New Mexico has also become a leader in the Affordable Care Act and prescription drug coverage. This shows that its residents value healthcare affordability and quality.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $85,580. While this is just below the national average, New Mexico is the second most affordable state to live in, so your dollar will stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Mexico
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in New Mexico is $85,580, and it employs 15,910 nurses. New Mexico also employs 1,650 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $129,560.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in New Mexico for RNs |
| Santa Fe, NM |
$88,870 |
| Albuquerque, NM |
$87,240 |
| Norther New Mexico nonmetropolitan area |
$83,770 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Mexico
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in New Mexico, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in New Mexico:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- Once you have been issued your first New Mexico RN license, you must renew it every two years. New Mexico RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education before license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in New Mexico:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in New Mexico.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric.
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- New Mexico APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs must complete 50 hours of continuing education before license renewal which includes 30 hours of continuing education for licensure as an RN, five hours related to the practice of specialty, 10 hours in pharmacology-related practice, and five hours in the management of non-cancer pain. If you do not have a DEA license, you should complete 10 hours related to the practice specialty, and no hours are needed in the management of non-cancer pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Mexico
Is New Mexico a good place for nurses to work?
WalletHub has ranked New Mexico as the third-best state to work as a nurse. The state has also become a leader in pushing the Affordable Care Act and prescription drug coverage. This makes New Mexico the perfect state to start your nursing career.
Is New Mexico a compact state for nursing?
Yes. New Mexico is a compact state for nursing. This means that RNs issued by your primary state of residence will be recognized in New Mexico and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in New Mexico?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the
NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your New Mexico RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before license renewal, you must complete 30 continuing education hours.
How much does a New Mexico RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take the NCLEX-RN in New Mexico, with a $150 application fee. Licensing by endorsement has a $150 licensing fee. Renewing your New Mexico RN license costs $110.
