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
2025 Best DNP Programs in New Mexico
Looking for the best DNP programs in New Mexico? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your journey to advanced nursing practice with confidence. Check out our rankings to make an informed decision. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specialized DNP program preparing pediatric nurse practitioners to deliver comprehensive child healthcare from newborns to young adults. With a remarkable 100% licensure certification pass rate, students gain advanced skills in preventive management and prescriptive authority. The program emphasizes serving underserved New Mexico communities through small class sizes, high-tech simulation learning, and dedicated clinical training. Scholarships support students committed to rural healthcare, while the 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized education.
- 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
Comprehensive 70-credit DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration that transforms healthcare professionals into independent primary care providers. Students complete 825 clinical hours, developing advanced skills to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions across diverse populations. The hybrid learning format balances flexibility with intensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates for national certification and holistic, patient-centered care with a strong emphasis on health equity.
- 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 - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Advanced DNP program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner training that equips registered nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Designed with a unique focus on rural and underserved populations, the hybrid program offers small class sizes and faculty actively practicing in clinical settings. Students receive robust training in evidence-based psychiatric care, full prescriptive authority, and extensive clinical placement support without GRE requirements.
- 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
Nationally ranked #11 DNP Nurse-Midwifery program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare, with a distinctive emphasis on rural and underserved communities. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-instructor ratio, hands-on clinical experiences, and dedicated placement support. Over 80% of graduates serve rural populations, receiving full prescriptive authority training and evidence-based care education with scholarship opportunities and flexible admission requirements.
- 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
Innovative Post-Bachelor's DNP program in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner training, designed to develop advanced nursing professionals for complex healthcare environments. The hybrid curriculum spans nearly three years, requiring 1,000 clinical hours to prepare graduates for sophisticated healthcare challenges. Focusing on rural and underserved communities, the program offers financial aid and scholarships while emphasizing system-level knowledge and specialized acute care expertise.
- 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
Fully online DNP in Nursing Administrative Leadership targeting healthcare professionals seeking transformative leadership roles. Designed for working nurses, the program enables students to develop advanced skills in driving organizational change and enhancing care quality. With no GRE requirement, flexible part-time study, and expert faculty, graduates are prepared for roles as nurse managers, directors, and executives while maintaining current employment and accessing scholarship opportunities.
- 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-Main Campus
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-Main Campus offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program with a unique concentration in integrated primary and mental health care. This hybrid program spans three years, delivering 74 credits through a flexible online format complemented by essential on-campus orientation. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, requiring over 1000 clinical hours. Designed to tackle healthcare provider shortages, the curriculum prepares graduates for national certification exams, equipping them with leadership and evidence-based practice skills for patient-centered care across all age groups. Admission demands a 3.0 minimum nursing GPA and a current RN license, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence in nursing education.
- 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
The University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Nurse Leadership, tailored for nurses aiming to take on executive roles in healthcare. This 100% online program equips students with the skills to lead healthcare teams, implement evidence-based practices, and improve patient care outcomes. Designed for working professionals, it combines flexibility with rigorous academic standards, preparing graduates for the challenges of modern healthcare leadership. Highlights include a specialized focus on nurse leadership, advanced healthcare management training, and opportunities for career advancement without the need for on-campus attendance.
- 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-Main Campus
- 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 - DNP 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
- 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
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-Main Campus
- 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