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

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

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Mexico

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

2502 Marble Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-0858

Las Cruces, NM

P. O. Box 30001, MSC 3185
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(575) 646-3812

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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