New Mexico is experiencing a shortage of nurses, especially in rural areas. Attending nursing school in New Mexico can allow you to take advantage of this demand.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing programs in New Mexico, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP) license, and expected nurse salaries.
The Best Nursing Schools in New Mexico
There are fewer nursing programs in New Mexico than in many other states. However, prospective students can still find a program to match their background, experience, and career goals.
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list has not been updated for 2025.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Mexico
Whether you're looking for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), important considerations include tuition and other costs, financial aid for nurses, and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate. Other factors are acceptance rate and program logistics. For online nursing programs in New Mexico, check to see if you can get clinical placement in your community.
This guide lists only accredited nursing programs, as unaccredited programs can prevent you from getting licensure and employment.
Why Become a Nurse in New Mexico
New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which means that you can earn a multistate license that lets you practice in any of the 37 participating states.
The state also offers up to $12,000 in loan forgiveness for nurses in New Mexico each year to eligible nurses. You must be a New Mexico resident (who has lived in the state for 12 months or longer), attend nursing school in New Mexico, and work in an underserved area after graduation.
The New Mexico Nurses Foundation also offers scholarships.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Mexico
New Mexico expects an additional 2,080 jobs for RNs and 90 for NPs by 2028, according to the Health Care Workforce in New Mexico. The cost-of-living index is 90.6 compared to 100 nationally, allowing salaries to go farther, depending on where you live.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for an RN in New Mexico is $75,700, just over the national median of $75,330. The average NP salary is $117,050, compared to a median $111,680 nationally.
Loan forgiveness for nurses through the state program or federal programs can further stretch your income.
Santa Fe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southwest U.S., especially for art lovers. Albuquerque is also home to a strong arts scene, with both cities being popular retirement destinations, guaranteeing ongoing demand for nurses.
New Mexico is full of outdoor recreation opportunities and Native American historical and cultural sites.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $77,830 |
| Albuquerque | $76,740 |
| Farmington | $74,260 |
| Las Cruces | $73,870 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Mexico
The New Mexico Board of Nursing issues licenses for all practicing nurses in the state. The board oversees the approval and accreditation of all traditional and online nursing programs in New Mexico, ensuring each maintains minimum standards.
The board also requires licensed nurses to engage in continuing education (CE) to ensure they consistently advance their knowledge.
Certified nursing assistants are required to complete at least 75 hours of an approved in-state nursing program, followed by passing the Nurse Aide Competency Exam. And, like nearly half of all U.S. states, New Mexico allows NPs to engage in full practice. Thus, NPs can serve as primary care providers, issue prescriptions, and provide treatment similar to the duties of a physician.
RN Requirements
To apply for an RN license, individuals must first hold an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing degree from one of the accredited traditional or online RN programs in New Mexico. Depending on the program, students must complete a certain number of clinical hours before graduating and sitting for the NCLEX-RN.
The RN license process includes a $110 application fee, $44 criminal background check fee, and $200 exam fee. The board usually takes 3-4 weeks to process the application before issuing an approval. Students should submit their applications before graduating from nursing school.
Practicing RNs must renew their licenses, which comes with a $93 fee. Nurses must engage in at least 30 CE hours for renewal.
APRN Requirements
To receive licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), individuals need a master's in nursing or doctor of nursing practice from an accredited program. They must also take an exam from an approved certification body. The exam depends on the nurse's specialty area.
Because the state's nursing board can take several weeks to issue a license, nurses may secure a temporary permit to practice. An individual's employer receives this permit on the nurse's behalf as long as the employer intends to hire the nurse.
To gain authorization to prescribe medications, NPs must complete 400 hours of preceptorship training, along with demonstrated coursework in assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Applying for APRN licensure comes with a $100 fee.
Professionals must renew their license every two years while also engaging in at least 50 CE hours during each license period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Mexico
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