Best Nursing Schools in New Mexico

New Mexico's best nursing schoolsWhether you live in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, or somewhere else in New Mexico, you have access to the training you need to become a nurse. The fact is that nurses are necessary parts of the medical industry because they keep other professionals working efficiently. If you would like to take advantage of the many job opportunities here, there are some great nursing schools in New Mexico to help you do just that. Let us show you what these schools can do for you.

How to Become a Nurse in New Mexico

You need to go to school to become a nurse, but some nursing degrees only require a short amount of your time. You can earn a diploma in less than a year, and you could at least start working as a nursing assistant with that in hand. The type of nursing degree that you go through will depend on the type of nurse you see yourself being. Find a school that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to guarantee that you get the best education possible.

Here is a look at the types of degrees you will likely see in New Mexico nursing schools:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

Once you have completed your degree or diploma, you will need to apply for a nursing license. You may also want to consider getting certifications related to different skills in nursing. Each nursing profession requires a different set of licenses and certifications. You can contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing to find out more.

Tuition for New Mexico Nursing Schools

Tuition rates in New Mexico vary from one school to the next. Most nursing students will attend community college for their first two years of school so they can earn an associate’s degree. Then they transition to a public university to keep their costs down. The statistics below are from the College Board, and they will show you roughly what you might pay for your annual tuition.

  • Public Two Year College: $1,696 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $6,618 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $32,948 per year

Job Prospects for New Mexico Nurses

The BLS predicts great job growth for nurses throughout the country, and New Mexico is no exception. The amount of money you earn as a nurse will depend on several circumstances, such as the type of job you get and the environment you choose to work in. Average salaries for nurses in New Mexico include:

  • Nursing Assistant: $26,750 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $46,760 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $66,030 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $106,170 per year

Find a nursing school in New Mexico to help you reach your goals.


Nursing Schools in New Mexico

Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University is a unique institution for higher learning that offers more than academics. WNMU is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution with over 50% of the students being Hispanic. Located in Silver City but close to Metropolitan Cities and close to Gila National Forest, whether you like the night life or the outdoors there is something for you at WNMU. WNMU is an institution that has a long history of academic excellence and commitment to providing quality health care. The nursing program is fully accredited. WNMU offers online and face to face courses. A variety of nursing disciplines are provided, allowing our students a comprehensive education.

    • Location: Silver City
    • Student Enrollment: 3,479
    • Type of School: Public
    • College Accredited: Yes
    • Offers Online Programs: Yes
    • Western New Mexico University Nursing Programs: LPN to RN, RN to BSN, BSN
    • Tuition: $3,200

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

At UNM the college of nursing promotes developing solutions for the most important nursing challenges pertaining to human health and health equity in our communities through education, scholarship, practice, and service.

The mission is “to provide exemplary and innovative education, research, practice, service, and leadership that improves state, national, and global health. The College’s efforts focus on the scholarship of nursing education, research, practice, and policy to inform and lead in the delivery and analysis of nursing and health care.”

  • Location: Albuquerque
  • Student Enrollment: 27,353
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • University of New Mexico Nursing Programs: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $6,664

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Nursing is a wonderfully diversified profession, offering opportunities for service, altruism, personal and professional fulfillment, advancement and success. The BSN completion program, which is available exclusively online, uses nursing theoretical principles to enhance your critical thinking, natural curiosity, experiential awareness and enhanced clinical judgment. There is also an exclusive RN to BSN program offered, students seeking to enter this program need to enter this program need to be a licensed RN prior to applying for admission in to the program.

  • Location: Portales
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Degree Level: RN to BSN, BSN
  • Tuition: $4,8584

New Mexico State University – Carlsbad

NMSU is truly reflects the region’s vibrant communities – an exciting place for academics, tackling challenges, studying important issues and preparing for the future. Graduates of NMSU Nursing program will be prepared to promote health and improve the quality of life of the people of New Mexico through nursing education, research, practice and public service, recognizing the state’s multicultural heritage and dynamic border environment. Currently the Carlsbad campus offers an Associate degree in nursing.

  • Location: Carlsbad, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 1,100
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • New Mexico State University – Carlsbad campus Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $6,093

New Mexico State University

NMSU is truly reflects the region’s vibrant communities – an exciting place for academics, tackling challenges, studying important issues and preparing for the future. Graduates of NMSU Nursing program will be prepared to promote health and improve the quality of life of the people of New Mexico through nursing education, research, practice and public service, recognizing the state’s multicultural heritage and dynamic border environment. NMSU offers a variety of dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs which provide a wide variety of options for the beginning and advanced nursing student. Over the past 5 years, the programs have expanded and changed to offer more degree plans in both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as the delivery of a variety of courses now fully online.

  • Location: Las Cruces, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 12,500
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • New Mexico State University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $6,093

Northern New Mexico College

Northern New Mexico College is a Hispanic- and Native American-serving comprehensive institution that is culturally diverse that offers quality education and created strong communities. NNMC promotes student success by providing access to affordable, community-based learning opportunities that meet the educational, cultural, and economic needs of the region. Northern offers an accredited RN to BSN Program that is unique, holistic, and designed for the working nurse. The nursing curriculum is based on Theory of Integral Nursing.

  • Location: Espanola, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 2,065
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Northern New Mexico College Nursing Programs: Associate, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $4,060

San Juan College

If you are seeking a career in the health care industry that has exponential growth and stability, nursing is a excellent option. It is projected to grow another 20% in next 5 years. San Juan College can help jump start a career in the nursing profession as students earn an Associate degree in nursing. Graduates can either take licensure exams and enter the health care industry as a nursing professional or transfer to a four year college to earn a BSN.

  • Location: Farmington, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 12,723
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • San Juan College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $1,312

University of New Mexico – Gallup

At UNM the college of nursing promotes developing solutions for the most important nursing challenges pertaining to human health and health equity in our communities through education, scholarship, practice, and service.

The mission is “to provide exemplary and innovative education, research, practice, service, and leadership that improves state, national, and global health. The College’s efforts focus on the scholarship of nursing education, research, practice, and policy to inform and lead in the delivery and analysis of nursing and health care.”
The Gallup campus offers a jump start for students ready to begin their education in nursing at a smaller campus in Gallup, graduates can transfer to the main campus in Albuquerque.

  • Location: Gallup, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 2,600
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of New Mexico Nursing Programs: Associate

Central New Mexico Community College

The Nursing program of Central New Mexico Community College was established to assist with Industry shortages by developing a workforce for the local market. This program is designed to educate students to become employable in the nursing industry and provide advancement opportunity. CNM offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing that emphasizes a holistic approach that encourages students to embrace the concepts of clear communication, critical thinking, and compassion when caring for patients.

  • Location: Albuquerque, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 28,263
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $1,376

Santa Fe Community College

As a Vet and Military friendly institution for higher learning, Santa Fe Community College has been the gateway to success for individuals and the community by providing affordable, high quality educational programs that serve the social, cultural, technological and economic needs of a diverse community. SFCC’s comprehensive Nursing Program prepares students for a solid career in a growing industry. Students learn about nursing concepts, nursing practice principles, pharmacology, health and illness concepts, care of patients with chronic conditions, and emergency medicine. SFCC is partnered with University of New Mexico to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing so students can obtain an associate and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing without leaving the community

  • Location: Santa Fe, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 6,480
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN, RN to BSN
  • Tuition: $1,494

Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell

Nursing is a wonderfully diversified profession, offering opportunities for service, altruism, personal and professional fulfillment, advancement and success. The BSN completion program, which is available exclusively online, uses nursing theoretical principles to enhance your critical thinking, natural curiosity, experiential awareness and enhanced clinical judgment. There is also an exclusive RN to BSN program offered, students seeking to enter this program need to enter this program need to be a licensed RN prior to applying for admission in to the program.

  • Location: Roswell, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 4,350
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate
  • www.roswell.enmu.edu

New Mexico State University – Alamogordo

NMSU is truly reflects the region’s vibrant communities – an exciting place for academics, tackling challenges, studying important issues and preparing for the future. Graduates of NMSU Nursing program will be prepared to promote health and improve the quality of life of the people of New Mexico through nursing education, research, practice and public service, recognizing the state’s multicultural heritage and dynamic border environment.

  • Location: Alamogordo, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 3,240
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate
  • nmsua.edu

Albuquerque Public Schools Career Enrichment Center

CEC’s philosophy of nursing education promotes the development of student’s knowledge and skills while encouraging personal and professional growth. Within this context, the nursing program is committed to creating an environment that is respectful and nurturing to students while upholding high academic standards.

  • Location: Albuquerque, NM
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Albuquerque Public Schools Career Enrichment Center Nursing Program: LPN
  • www.cec.aps.edu

Clovis Community College

DO you want to make a difference in life, in other people’s lives? Many people are drawn to nursing because it is a career that offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people including your own. Many people are drawn by the desire to make a difference in a career that is about care giving and compassion. Pursuing a career that is inspiring and serves the greater good is the core of a nurse’s practice. Being a nurse stimulates the mind as well as the heart, and is an art of caring though it requires critical thinking rooted in evidence based practice.

  • Location: Clovis, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 4,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Clovis Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • www.clovis.edu

New Mexico State University – Dona Ana

NMSU is truly reflects the region’s vibrant communities – an exciting place for academics, tackling challenges, studying important issues and preparing for the future. Graduates of NMSU Nursing program will be prepared to promote health and improve the quality of life of the people of New Mexico through nursing education, research, practice and public service, recognizing the state’s multicultural heritage and dynamic border environment.

  • Location: Las Cruces, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 9,020
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • New Mexico State University – Dona Ana Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN, RN-to-BSN
  • dabcc.nmsu.edu

Luna Community College

Luna Community College is the only community college in northeastern New Mexico. The mission and vision of LCC is to prepare students for success. Students interested in the field of health care can participate in the nursing program offered at LCC. Students will learn applied science theory in nursing and gain clinical experience prior to graduation. Graduates will qualify to take the licensure exams and begin working as part of a health care team at an entry level.

  • Location: Las Vegas, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 2,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: No
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Luna Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • www.lvti.cc.nm.us

New Mexico Junior College

NMJC offers a Nursing Program that currently has a two-year registered nursing education program. The curriculum includes classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical instruction.The mission of the NMJC Nursing Program is to promote success through learning by facilitating acquisition of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for entry-level nurses to provide legal, ethical, safe, and effective nursing care for individuals, families, and groups within our community across the life span.

  • Location: Hobbs, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 3,200
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • New Mexico Junior College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $1,248
  • www.nmjc.edu/

Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque

Nurses are at the core of of the medical system. They work directly with patients and handle a wide range of responsibilities. They can be employed in a variety of settings such as labor and delivery, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, trauma and more. Their days are equally diverse as their patient’s needs.

Students of the Pima Nursing Program are prepared with the soft and hard skills necessary to begin a career in health care as an entry-level registered nurse. In school, students take accelerated courses in anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing theory and skills for patient care across the life span.

  • Location: Albuquerque, NM
  • Student Enrollment: 35
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • https://pmi.edu/locations/new-mexico/albuquerque