2026 Best New Mexico Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Post-master’s certificates allow nurses with an MSN or DNP to add a new specialty or advanced practice credential in 12 to 24 credits, typically completed in one year of part-time study. For nurses already working in New Mexico’s healthcare system, these focused programs offer an efficient way to expand clinical skills, meet certification requirements for a different APRN role, or pivot to high-demand specialties without repeating foundational graduate coursework.

Given the state’s rural geography and provider shortages, particularly in behavioral health and primary care, these certificates can position nurses to fill critical gaps while gaining full practice authority under New Mexico’s independent APRN practice laws.

Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification in their new specialty and apply for APRN licensure with the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Below, find program details, admission requirements, and costs to help you choose the right post-master’s certificate for your goals.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in New Mexico

Nurses that plan to enroll in a post-graduate certificate in nursing program at a New Mexico college or university need to check the admission requirements of each school. The admission requirements likely vary somewhat from one school to another in areas such as whether there is a requirement for an essay, or specific work experience.

The admission requirements for the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at New Mexico State University include:

• Submission of a current resume or curriculum vitae

• Submission of a completed application

• Current certification as a nurse practitioner or other professional nurse as required by the school

• Prior completion of a MSN or DNP degree

• Admission to the New Mexico State University Graduate School and the specific program

Check with the nursing department and admissions department for any additional admissions requirements.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

Nurses considering enrolling in a New Mexico Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program should consider the required courses and classes when planning for completion of the program. Students complete some programs within a couple of semesters, while other program classes require considerably more time for successful completion.

The required courses for the post-graduate certificate in Nursing Administration at the University of New Mexico includes:

• NURS 514 – Transforming Organizations

• NURS 518 – Population Health for Nurse Leaders

• NURS 501 – Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice

• NURS 503 – Research in Nursing I

• NURS 505 – Health Care Policy, Systems & Financing for Advanced Practice

• NURS 508 – Human resources

• NURS 513 – Quality

• NURS 512 – Finance

• NURS 595 – Fieldwork Part I

• NURS 595 – Fieldwork Pat II

Program Length

Although the post-master’s nursing administration certificate program at the University of New Mexico State University consists of 48 credit hours, other post-graduate certificate in nursing programs at the same school vary in program length. One example of how program length varies is the New Mexico State University Nurse – Midwifery post-graduate program, which consists of 55 credit hours of study.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition sometimes varies considerably across different universities for the post-graduate in nursing certificate programs in New Mexico. It is important to understand that the tuition rate covers only the cost of attending classes. It does not cover costs related to books, fees, supplies, or other costs.

Tuition at the University of New Mexico is $607.66 per credit hour.

Online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs in New Mexico

Some students prefer to complete post-graduate certificate in nursing programs in an online format. Nurses that are currently employed, or that have responsibilities outside of work often do not have the time commitment required for on-campus program completion.

Online programs possibly opens more doors for pursuing a specific post-master’s certificate in nursing because online programs offer certificate programs available to students in other states.

Featured Online School

New Mexico State University Online offers several post-master’s certificate programs in nursing. Their online graduate certificate options include the Family Nurse Practitioner certificate as well as the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. NMSU Online students meet the same departmental and institutional academic and curricular requirements as campus-based programs. Online programs also offer the same curriculum and are taught by expert faculty.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in New Mexico 

There are many career pathways for post-graduate certificate prepared nurses in New Mexico. Some of the possible career pathways include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Nurse Midwife 

• Clinical Nurse Leader 

• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook

Nurses that earn a post-graduate nursing certificate enjoy a salary range above the salary of many other nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the annual average salary for nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists at $113,930 for the year 2018.

The job outlook for nurses that pursue advanced education by completing a post-graduate nursing certificate is ‘much faster than average,' compared to some other nursing professions.

List of New Mexico Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Discover the options available to RNs that want to pursue a post-graduate certificate in nursing in New Mexico.