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Author: Ellery Weil, PhD
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Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
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Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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Online Nursing Schools in NM: Reviewing Top Programs

Whether you’re an experienced RN looking for the next step in your career, or a high school student considering working in healthcare, this guide shows how New Mexico’s online nursing programs have plenty of options to consider. From certificates to get you on the job as quickly as possible, to advanced postgraduate degrees, you can study from home and save time, money, and hassle, while earning qualifications to help you work in New Mexico’s health system.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

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Author: Ellery Weil, PhD
A smiling woman with short dark hair, holding a red and transparent umbrella, is photographed outside with green blurred background.
Ellery Weil, PhD Arrow up right
Staff Writer
Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
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Wes Ricketts Arrow up right
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
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Inside Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in New Mexico

Nursing programs in New Mexico can range from non-degree programs for high school graduates, to doctoral programs requiring a master’s degree to apply. Further, online learning programs vary, with some offering a fully digital schedule and others requiring on-campus coursework and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Have a look at the distinct types of online nursing schools in New Mexico to see which suits your needs.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

For recent high school grads or those looking for a career change, an undergraduate nursing program is the place to start. Undergraduate nursing programs are meant for anyone without bachelor’s-level nursing education, but can include two-year degrees, four-year degrees, and certificates. Here are the program types available:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, work alongside nurses in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings. CNAs typically help with activities of daily living (ADLs), in addition to taking vital signs and administering medication. Online and hybrid CNA programs often take a year or less to complete.

Example: Central New Mexico Community College

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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

An LPN, or licensed practical nurse, is like a CNA in that they are responsible for aiding doctors and nurses in checking patient vitals and helping with ADLs like movement and eating. High school students can enroll in some LPN programs and can take anywhere from a few months to two years to complete.

Example: Albuquerque Public Schools Enrichment Center

  • Cost: $0
  • Length: 2 Years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs help you gain the experience you’ll need to work as a registered nurse. New Mexico nursing programs offering an ADN usually take two years to complete and can help prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. This type of program is ideal for aspiring RNs who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible.

Example: Northern New Mexico College

  • Cost: $211/credit (in-state); $597/credit (out-of-state)
  • Length: 2 Years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN, is considered the most thorough and advanced undergraduate nursing program. These programs typically include general education, as well as nursing-specific, course requirements, and often have a lengthy time to completion. Many postgraduate nursing programs require you to hold a BSN to apply.

Example: New Mexico State University–Pathways

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

An accelerated BSN program can help you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree faster than in a traditional program. Accelerated programs typically take about 12 to 18 months of full-time study to complete, depending on the school and the program. Most accelerated programs are year-round and offer fewer breaks.

Example: Eastern New Mexico University

  • Cost: $2,097/semester
  • Length: 16 Months
  • Mode: Online

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This type of New Mexico nursing program provides graduate-level training so you can obtain your master’s degree and pursue various leadership roles within your field of nursing. Many MSN programs offer students specialty tracks such as leadership, administration, or higher education. However, you’ll need a BSN degree to enroll.

Example: Eastern New Mexico University

  • Cost: $317/credit
  • Length: 2.5 Years
  • Mode: Online

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

There are multiple types of doctoral degrees in nursing: a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a research-based PhD, and a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) degree. These programs are designed for those who already hold a BSN and MSN degree and want to advance their education to the highest level, often in preparation for teaching and leadership roles.

Example: New Mexico State University

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

A post-graduate certificate program is meant for nurses who’ve earned a master’s degree but still want to gain specialized knowledge. Although it could add another year or two of graduate study, a post-graduate certificate can give you an opportunity to grow your career by allowing you to specialize in a certain field within nursing.

Example: New Mexico State University

Bridge Degree Programs

Bridge programs are meant to take you through an accelerated track to complete an advanced nursing qualification. Typically designed for working professionals, these are often flexible programs with full- and part-time options meant to take you to the next step in your nursing career.

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

Bridge programs help working nursing students, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), advance their careers. LPN to RN programs, for example, can help prepare you to take the NCLEX exam so you can practice as an RN. Furthermore, some programs can earn you a degree, such as a BSN. These programs build upon your LPN experience and education.

Example: Central New Mexico Community College

RN to BSN

RN to BSN programs are designed for working RNs who want to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many colleges and universities offer these programs online or as a hybrid, which can take up to two years to complete. Programs often require students to transfer a certain number of credits, showing they’ve completed prerequisite coursework.

Example: Northern New Mexico College

  • Cost: $295/credit
  • Length: 15 Months
  • Mode: Online

Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in New Mexico

To become a registered nurse, graduating from an appropriate nursing program is only one part of the process. In New Mexico, you’ll need a state-specific license to apply for jobs and begin working as a nurse. Check out this step-by-step guide to what you’ll need to do.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

In order to obtain a license, you’ll first need to complete an accredited nursing program and graduate with a certification or degree. Of course, each school and program have its own set of requirements for future nursing students.

Regardless of any individual program requirements, all nursing programs need to earn and maintain approval by the New Mexico Board of Nursing — ensuring the nursing program has met the minimum requirements approved by the board and is in good standing.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

According to the state Board of Nursing website, you’re only eligible to take the exam if you’ve graduated from a nursing program within the last three years. Applications for the exam are only valid for six months from the time the initial application is submitted.

Keep in mind: You can’t take the NCLEX exam more than three times. Once you pass the exam, you can obtain your license to practice as either a practical nurse or a registered nurse in New Mexico.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

Every state has its own licensure requirements, outlined by the state government. In New Mexico, the relevant government agency is the New Mexico Board of Nursing, which grants nursing licenses for newly qualified nurses, as well as those who just moved to the state. They will provide the detailed instructions for how to get licensed, which will include a licensure fee and passing a background check, before you are officially licensed to work as a nurse in the State of New Mexico.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Even when you’ve earned your license, you’re not “finished” with the licensing process. You will need to ensure that your license remains valid. In New Mexico, that means going through the renewal process, including paying the necessary fees and submitting the paperwork outlined by the New Mexico Board of Nursing, every two years. The renewal process can be different for RNs and LPNs, so be sure to keep up to date with your relevant requirements.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Once you have your license, you can begin working as a nurse in New Mexico, but you may want to specialize further along in your nursing career. As noted above, there are post-master’s certificates, as well as other certifications and forms of further education for nurses in New Mexico who wish to take on specialized technical or leadership roles. If you’re interested in one of these, you may have to apply for another educational program.

Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in New Mexico

Area ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ Median ↕ 90th Percentile ↕
New Mexico $70,630 $88,260 $121,200
Albuquerque, NM $79,700 $89,590 $120,850
Farmington, NM $63,280 $81,530 $113,880
Las Cruces, NM $62,410 $80,520 $105,850
Santa Fe, NM $72,080 $91,750 $108,760

Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
New Mexico 19,020 21,940 2,920 15.40% 1,390

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs in New Mexico

Which nursing programs are “best” can be a highly personal matter, but there are some metrics all students should consider. When determining rankings, we consider multiple factors, including availability and ease of online learning, student resources, costs and availability of financial aid, and graduation rates and time to completion. For further details, check out the methodology section. Otherwise, here are the top online nursing programs in New Mexico:

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
1
53% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
92% Students w/ Aid
2
2
52% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
73% Students w/ Aid
3
3
45% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
74% Students w/ Aid
4
4
44% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
80% Students w/ Aid
5
5
43% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
55% Students w/ Aid
6
6
41% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
35% Students w/ Aid
7
7
27% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
41% Students w/ Aid
8
8
20% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
49% Students w/ Aid
9
9
26% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
38% Students w/ Aid
10
10
38% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
23% Students w/ Aid

Ellery Weil, PhD AUTHOR

Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.

Read More About Ellery Weil

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
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