The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the preeminent degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.
In New Mexico, a post-master's DNP program will typically require students to complete between 28 and 38 credit hours, depending on the track selected. Conversely, BSN to DNP students will generally need to complete 65 to 72 unit hours in addition to clinical hours devoted to precepted NP practice.
Core competencies that DNP students will have mastered after finishing the program will include the following:
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care
- Scientific underpinning for practice
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health
- Advanced health and physical assessment
- Leadership
- Advanced pharmacology
- Evaluate systems responses to health and illness as a basis for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health and functional abilities and the prevention of illness
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence-based practice
2026 Best DNP Programs in New Mexico
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care offers an intensive pathway for advanced practice nurses specializing in comprehensive child healthcare. Targeting professionals seeking expertise in pediatric primary care, this program uniquely prepares students to provide holistic health management from newborn to young adult stages. With a remarkable 100% licensure certification pass rate and no GRE/GMAT requirement, students benefit from small class sizes, high-tech simulation training, and dedicated clinical placement support. The curriculum emphasizes preventative care, prescriptive authority, and serving New Mexico's underserved rural communities.
- 3-year doctoral program
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio
- 100 lab hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Full prescriptive authority
- BSN from accredited university
- 1 year healthcare experience
- Dedicated clinical placement team
Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
UNM's Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive 70-credit program designed for healthcare professionals seeking independent primary care provider status. This hybrid learning model encompasses 825 clinical hours, enabling students to develop advanced diagnostic, treatment, and management skills across diverse patient populations. Emphasizing health equity and evidence-based practice, the program prepares graduates for national certification with flexible learning formats and extensive clinical experiences. CCNE-accredited and focused on delivering patient-centered care, this DNP pathway ensures comprehensive professional development.
- 8 consecutive terms
- 70 total credits
- 825 clinical hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Nationally certifiable graduates
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Small class sizes
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a transformative hybrid educational experience for registered nurses seeking advanced mental health expertise. Designed with an 8:1 student-instructor ratio, the program prioritizes training for rural and underserved populations. Students benefit from faculty actively practicing in clinical settings, ensuring contemporary, evidence-based training. With no GRE requirement, full prescriptive authority, and comprehensive clinical placement support, graduates develop sophisticated skills to address complex mental health challenges across patient lifespans.
- Hybrid program format
- 100% certification pass rate
- No GRE required
- Clinical placements provided
- 8:1 student-instructor ratio
- Focus on rural healthcare
- Full prescriptive authority
- 100 lab training hours
Doctorate - DNP Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Visit Website
UNM's nationally ranked #11 DNP Nurse-Midwifery program provides an exceptional pathway for advanced practice nurses dedicated to women's comprehensive healthcare. With an impressive 8:1 student-instructor ratio, the program emphasizes training for rural and underserved communities. Students receive full prescriptive authority training, hands-on clinical experiences, and dedicated placement support. Over 80% of graduates serve rural populations, reflecting the program's commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With no GRE requirement, scholarship opportunities, and WICHE resident tuition rates, this program offers an accessible route to specialized midwifery practice.
- No. 11 Nationwide Nurse-Midwifery Program
- 8:1 Faculty-Student Ratio
- Small Cohort Sizes
- No GRE Required
- Full Prescriptive Authority Training
- Clinical Placements Provided
- Focuses on Underserved Populations
- BSN with 1-Year Experience Required
- WICHE Resident Tuition Rates Available
- Scholarship Opportunities
Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Post-Bachelor's DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals for complex healthcare environments. This hybrid program, completed in under three years, requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, emphasizing system-level knowledge and specialized acute care expertise. Tailored for nurses seeking leadership roles in challenging medical settings, the program supports rural healthcare needs with strategic clinical placements throughout New Mexico. Competitive admissions and financial aid options, including scholarships ranging from $200-$5,000 annually, make this an attractive advanced practice opportunity.
- 8 consecutive terms to complete
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Hybrid learning model
- New Mexico RN license required
- Clinical placements throughout state
- Supports rural healthcare needs
- Competitive admissions process
Doctorate - DNP Nursing Administrative Leadership
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNM's fully online DNP in Nursing Administrative Leadership empowers healthcare professionals to become transformative leaders. Designed for working nurses seeking executive roles, this flexible program develops advanced leadership skills without interrupting current careers. With no GRE requirement and part-time study options, students can enhance their strategic healthcare management capabilities. The curriculum supports aspiring nurse managers and directors, offering expert faculty guidance, small supportive cohorts, and scholarship opportunities. Ideal for BSN-prepared nurses with one year of experience seeking to drive meaningful healthcare innovation.
- 100% Online Program
- 4 Years to Graduation
- No GRE Required
- Small Supportive Cohorts
- BSN Degree Prerequisite
- 1 Year Nursing Experience
- Scholarships Available
- Western Regional Tuition Options
- Focus on Healthcare Leadership
- Diverse Faculty Expertise
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's DNP-FNP program offers a transformative three-year journey into advanced nursing practice, strategically designed to combat healthcare provider shortages. With a unique focus on integrated primary and mental health care, the 74-credit hybrid program provides over 1000 clinical hours, enabling students to develop robust leadership skills and evidence-based practice techniques. Students benefit from a flexible distance learning format that includes an on-campus orientation, preparing them comprehensively for national certification exams. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 nursing GPA and an active RN license, ensuring a rigorous and selective educational experience for aspiring family nurse practitioners.
- 3-year online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- 1000+ clinical hours
- Integrated primary/mental healthcare
- Flexible distance education format
- National certification exam preparation
- Full-time study commitment
- 3.0 minimum nursing GPA required
- On-campus orientation included
- Interprofessional education opportunities
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM - Private 4-year - usw.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of the Southampton's DNP program in Nurse Leadership delivers a comprehensive online doctoral experience targeting seasoned nursing professionals seeking transformative leadership capabilities. Uniquely structured to empower nurses, the curriculum emphasizes strategic healthcare management, evidence-based practice implementation, and advanced organizational change strategies. Students develop sophisticated leadership competencies essential for navigating complex healthcare environments. The program's 100% online format provides maximum flexibility, accommodating working nurses pursuing advanced career trajectories. Graduates emerge prepared to drive innovative healthcare solutions, influence policy, and assume executive-level nursing roles across diverse clinical settings.
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- Specialized Nurse Leadership Focus
- Advanced Healthcare Management Skills
- Flexible Graduate-Level Learning
- Career Advancement Opportunity
Choosing a DNP Program
Prospective students are encouraged to research DNP programs thoroughly. By keeping a few key elements in mind, selecting the right program can be stress-free.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for the University of New Mexico's DNP program is as follows:
- If you are a resident of the state: $588/unit hour
- If you are a non-resident of the state: $1,192/unit hour
- Online Campus options— The University of New Mexico DNP program is offered fully online, however, students are required to attend an on-site orientation at the beginning of each year.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of New Mexico are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies— Clinical fellowships and residencies are a crucial part of the hands-on experience portion of the DNP learning journey. We do suggest that you consult with DNP faculty at your school of choice to see if there are any clinical residency opportunities in the state.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Successful DNP program applicants must document satisfaction of the following requirements:
- BSN with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
- Current unencumbered RN license from the U.S. or U.S. territory
- Eligible for licensure in New Mexico
- Completion of an upper division (400-500 level) inferential statistics course within 5 years of the application date
- Participation in a face-to-face interview with graduate faculty members
- A letter of intent specifying career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance the applicant's clinical practice
- Current CV/resume
- A two to four-page description of an example of a common occurrence in clinical practice that the applicant would like to see changed
- Three references from colleagues in clinical practice
- After acceptance into the program, applicants will be required to submit a criminal background check and toxicology screen. Failure to provide these screening items will result in dismissal and/or non-acceptance. Positive toxicology results and/or criminal background checks that do not meet the NM DOH clearance standards will mean dismissal or non-acceptance from the program
Certification
New Mexico DNP programs allow for students to sit for certification testing. Depending on the school and tracks offered, students may become certified in a number of advanced practice nursing specialties.
Licensing
For the state of New Mexico, nursing students who've completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Complete an application
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Pass a criminal background checks
- Complete fingerprinting
New Mexico BSN to DNP Program Options
At this time, there are no colleges in New Mexico that offer a BSN to DNP pathway. National online programs may be available to those who wish to pursue this degree type.
Related Education Paths
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Programs
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- New Mexico FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Mexico
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico
- Doctorate - DNP Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Website
- No. 11 Nationwide Nurse-Midwifery Program
- 8:1 Faculty-Student Ratio
- Small Cohort Sizes
- No GRE Required
- Full Prescriptive Authority Training
- Clinical Placements Provided
- Focuses on Underserved Populations
- BSN with 1-Year Experience Required
- Doctorate - DNP Nursing Administrative Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 4 Years to Graduation
- No GRE Required
- Small Supportive Cohorts
- BSN Degree Prerequisite
- 1 Year Nursing Experience
- Scholarships Available
- Western Regional Tuition Options
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
- 3-year doctoral program
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio
- 100 lab hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Full prescriptive authority
- BSN from accredited university
- 1 year healthcare experience
- Dedicated clinical placement team
- Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 8 consecutive terms
- 70 total credits
- 825 clinical hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Nationally certifiable graduates
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Small class sizes
- Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 8 consecutive terms to complete
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Hybrid learning model
- New Mexico RN license required
- Clinical placements throughout state
- Supports rural healthcare needs
- Competitive admissions process
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 100% certification pass rate
- No GRE required
- Clinical placements provided
- 8:1 student-instructor ratio
- Focus on rural healthcare
- Full prescriptive authority
- 100 lab training hours
Hobbs, NM
University of the Southwest
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- Specialized Nurse Leadership Focus
- Advanced Healthcare Management Skills
- Flexible Graduate-Level Learning
- Career Advancement Opportunity
Las Cruces, NM
New Mexico State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- 1000+ clinical hours
- Integrated primary/mental healthcare
- Flexible distance education format
- National certification exam preparation
- Full-time study commitment
- 3.0 minimum nursing GPA required