Best Nursing Schools in New Mexico

2025 Best Nursing Schools in New Mexico

Finding the right nursing school in New Mexico is a big step toward a successful career in healthcare. At registerednursing.org, we've ranked the best nursing schools in the state based on their NCLEX-RN pass rates to help you make an informed decision. These pass rates are a key indicator of a program's ability to prepare students for the real challenges of nursing. Schools with higher pass rates often provide the quality education and support needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try. Choosing a school with a high pass rate can set you up for success from the start. For more details on how we rank these schools, check out our rankings methodology. It's important for future nurses to pick schools with higher NCLEX pass rates because it shows the school's commitment to student success and readiness for the nursing profession. A strong pass rate means you're more likely to be well-prepared for your licensure exam and your future career.

#1

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, NM - Public 2-Year - sfcc.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Santa Fe Community College stands out with its Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program, designed to equip students with essential nursing skills and knowledge. The program emphasizes nursing concepts, pharmacology, and comprehensive patient care, offering a seamless transition to a BSN through the University of New Mexico. Notably, the program boasts a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for the nursing profession. With affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, it provides an accessible path to a nursing career. Admissions are available in fall and spring, catering to aspiring nurses seeking a supportive and rigorous educational environment.

• Campus-based program
• Pathway to BSN
• High NCLEX pass rates
• Affordable tuition
• Financial aid available
• Fall and spring admissions
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum
• Supportive learning environment
• Eligible for NCLEX exam
• Part of NMNEC

#2

Brookline College-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Brookline College-Albuquerque stands out for its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, tailored for those holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree or completed general education credits. This hybrid program efficiently combines online learning with in-person clinical experiences, enabling students to complete their BSN in just 16 months. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering critical areas such as pharmacology, adult health, and healthcare leadership, all aimed at preparing students for success on the NCLEX-RN exam. Unique benefits include a tuition forgiveness program for qualifying students, personalized tutoring, and dedicated career services. Admission requires passing the HESI exam and completion of prerequisite courses, with various financial aid options available to assist students.

• 16-month program duration
• Hybrid online and campus learning
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Tuition forgiveness program available
• Personalized tutoring services
• Career services support
• HESI admission assessment required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Financial aid options
• Hands-on clinical training

#3

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM - Public 2-Year - cnm.edu

Associate - Nursing (AAS), NMNEC Concentration

Concentration: NMNEC - Campus Based - Visit Website

Central New Mexico Community College's Nursing (AAS) program with an NMNEC Concentration is tailored for those entering nursing, focusing on the NMNEC curriculum. It demands a 2.75 GPA in prerequisites and a 2.0 cumulative GPA, alongside a 75% score on the HESI A2 exam. This campus-based program offers termly admissions, emphasizing clinical readiness and hands-on learning. With a dual degree option and mandatory compliance orientation, it's ideal for students seeking a comprehensive nursing education in New Mexico. The program's structure supports aspiring nurses in achieving their goals efficiently.

• Campus-based program
• NMNEC Concentration
• Requires HESI A2 exam
• 2.75 GPA prerequisite
• 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Seats available every term
• Clinical preparation focus
• Hands-on experience
• Dual degree option
• Mandatory compliance orientation

Associate - Nursing (AAS), LPN to RN Mobility Option

Concentration: LPN to RN Mobility - Campus Based - Visit Website

The LPN to RN Mobility Option at Central New Mexico Community College provides a streamlined path for Licensed Practical Nurses to advance to RN status through an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Requiring a current NM LPN license, a 2.75 GPA in prerequisites, and a 2.0 cumulative GPA, this program is designed for career progression. It focuses on blending clinical skills with theoretical knowledge, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. This option recognizes prior learning, facilitating a smooth transition for LPNs into more advanced nursing roles.

• LPN to RN pathway
• Requires NM LPN license
• 2.75 GPA prerequisite
• 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Credit for prior learning
• Clinical skills focus
• Theoretical knowledge emphasis
• Associate degree program
• Smooth career transition

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*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

New Mexico Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

To begin your nursing career in New Mexico, earning a degree is essential for licensure eligibility. Common entry-level nursing degree options include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each of these pathways offers distinct advantages and requirements. Explore the details below to better understand the differences and determine which path might suit you best.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

Starting a nursing career can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding on the right degree. New nurses in New Mexico generally follow one of three primary educational paths: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All three qualify you for entry-level positions, but each option has distinct benefits. An ADN or diploma program is the quickest path, typically allowing you to complete your education and obtain a license within 1 to 2 years. A BSN takes about four years of full-time study, but it broadens your career opportunities. If you're currently an LPN, there are accelerated LPN to RN bridge programs available to help you earn an ADN or BSN faster.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in New Mexico include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in New Mexico.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

Although ADN programs and nursing diplomas offer faster entry into the workforce, earning a BSN can be a worthwhile investment for many students. Employers often prefer hiring nurses with a BSN over those with an ADN or diploma, and a BSN provides a strong base for those interested in advancing to graduate-level nursing degrees. If you're already an RN with an ADN, you could complete a BSN in as little as two years. Alternatively, if you hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN program may allow you to finish in just one year, depending on your existing credits.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in New Mexico typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

Nurses in New Mexico looking to further their education and obtain a BSN degree can take advantage of the RN to BSN programs available within the state. These programs are tailored for licensed RNs, often those with an ADN and at least a year of nursing experience. Many nurses can complete their RN to BSN studies in as little as two years, allowing for a flexible and efficient route to career advancement.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree, even in a non-nursing field, you can transition to nursing and earn your BSN in one to two years through a New Mexico ABSN program. This pathway is ideal for those considering a career change later in life and looking for a fast track into nursing.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

If your goal in New Mexico is to practice independently as a nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse, you'll need to complete a graduate program, such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced degrees typically require an additional 2 to 6 years of study beyond the bachelor's level.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in New Mexico:

• New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Programs
• New Mexico MSN Program
• New Mexico RN to MSN Programs
• New Mexico Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• New Mexico DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in New Mexico

To practice as a nurse in New Mexico, you'll need to obtain RN licensure. This process involves passing the NCLEX-RN exam after completing an accredited nursing program. Once you've successfully passed the exam, the final step is to submit an application to the New Mexico Board of Nursing and pay the required fee.

Requirements for RN Licensure in New Mexico

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the New Mexico Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Whichever program you choose, it's essential to verify that the RN program accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards set by the state nursing board. When applying to nursing programs in New Mexico, confirm that they are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).