Best Online MSN Programs in New Mexico

The southwestern state of New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment, captivates visitors and residents alike with its rich cultural heritage, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant artistic communities. But New Mexico offers more than just breathtaking scenery and cultural treasures—it is also home to a variety of nursing schools that provide exceptional opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. From the bustling city of Albuquerque to the serene rural areas scattered across the state, New Mexico offers an ideal setting for aspiring nurses. Additionally, with a growing need for healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners, the state provides compelling incentives for those entering the nursing field.

A focus on Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs is particularly warranted, given their critical role in advancing nursing careers. These focused graduate programs are essential for preparing nurses for roles like nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or healthcare administrators. Whether you’re seeking traditional MSN programs or accelerated bridge programs, New Mexico offers a variety of options to meet diverse needs. Below is everything you need to know about qualifying for these programs, finding the fastest and most affordable options, and advancing your nursing career in the state.

2026 Best Online MSN Programs in New Mexico

Finding the best online MSN programs in New Mexico can help you advance your nursing career while balancing work and life. At RegisteredNursing.org, we rank these programs to guide your choice. Our rankings look at factors like quality, flexibility, and support for distance learning. Online programs make earning a degree easier for busy nurses, letting you study from home or anywhere with internet. This virtual approach saves time and fits into your schedule. Check our detailed rankings to find a program that meets your needs. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Leadership and Administration)

Online Learning - Visit Website

New Mexico State University's online Master of Science in Nursing program with a Nursing Leadership and Administration concentration prepares BSN-holding RNs for executive healthcare roles. This flexible distance education program requires no entrance exam and can be completed in 2-3 years while working. The curriculum focuses on developing strategic leadership skills for managing complex healthcare systems, with competitive admission requiring a current RN license and minimum 3.0 GPA. Ideal for working professionals seeking administrative expertise without interrupting their careers.

• Online flexible degree
• RN with BSN required
• 2-3 year completion
• Nursing leadership focus
• Competitive admission process
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN license needed
• Distance education available

#2

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu

BSN to MSN - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of New Mexico's online MSN in Nursing Education prepares working nurses to become educators in diverse healthcare settings. This fully online program features an 8-week course format over two years, offering flexibility for professionals. It focuses on preparing graduates to teach at associate and baccalaureate levels, develop interprofessional education strategies, and lead staff and patient education initiatives. The program emphasizes care for rural and underserved populations and provides scholarship opportunities. No entrance exam is required for this online master's program.

• 100% online program
• 2 years to graduation
• 8-week course format
• Scholarship dollars available
• Prepares faculty for multiple settings
• Focus on underserved populations
• Leadership in education emphasis
• Flexible for working nurses
• Comprehensive nurse educator preparation

#3

Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nurse Educator)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus offers a 100% online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration, designed for working professionals. This ACEN-accredited program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in two years, focusing on evidence-based teaching strategies and curriculum design to prepare graduates for roles in associate and baccalaureate nursing programs. The program qualifies students for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Exam and boasts a 94% employment rate. No entrance exam is required for admission. With affordable in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities, this flexible online program addresses the national nursing shortage by developing skilled nursing instructors.

• 100% online MSN degree
• Nurse educator emphasis
• 36 total credit hours
• Completion within 2 years
• Low in-state tuition rates
• New Mexico Nurse Educator Scholarship
• ACEN accredited program
• 94% employment rate
• Qualifies for CNE Exam
• 12 core credits, 24 education credits

#4

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM - Public 4-Year - nmhu.edu

BSN to MSN - MSN–FNP (Optional Cognate Concentration)

Online Learning - Visit Website

New Mexico Highlands University offers an online MSN-FNP program with an optional cognate concentration, providing nurses with specialized training in advanced patient care. This fully online program requires no GRE/GMAT and can be completed in 2-3 years with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Students complete 800 clinical hours through three practicum courses and a residency, preparing for APRN certification and state licensure. The program features an affordable $625 per credit tuition and allows transfer of up to 6 credits. A mandatory in-person orientation ensures hands-on readiness for diverse healthcare settings.

• Online, flexible 2-3 year program
• 49-58 total credit hours
• Cost per credit: $625
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Transfer up to 6 credits
• Optional 9-credit cognate concentration
• 800 total clinical hours
• Prepare for APRN certification
• Three practicum courses
• Mandatory in-person orientation

BSN to MSN - MSN–FNP

Online Learning - Visit Website

New Mexico Highlands University's online MSN-FNP program enables nurses to advance their careers through comprehensive clinical training without GRE/GMAT requirements. This asynchronous online program offers accelerated full-time or part-time options, completing in as little as two years. Students gain advanced skills through 800 clinical hours across three practicums and a residency, preparing for Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner credentials. With a $625 per credit tuition and optional cognate concentrations, the program emphasizes practical application for diverse patient populations while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.

• 2-3 years program duration
• Cost per credit: $625
• Total credits: 49-58
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Online asynchronous coursework
• 800 total clinical hours
• Optional cognate concentration
• Accelerated track available
• Prepare for APRN certification
• Median salary $120,680

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*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 institutional data.

RN to MSN Programs in New Mexico

RN to MSN program, sometimes referred to as ADN to MSN or RN to NP programs, are bridge pathways designed for registered nurses with an associate degree. These programs allow nurses to earn their MSN without first completing a BSN, offering a more efficient and cost-effective route to advanced practice nursing. Typically, these programs can be completed in two to four years, saving both time and money. In New Mexico, several institutions offer RN to MSN programs, making it more convenient for nurses in the state to advance their careers while addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• New Mexico RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

As of now, you won’t find RN to MSN programs available in the State of New Mexico; however, you can find them located close by. One example is offered by the University of Texas, Arlington (UTA). Remember that if you decide to get licensed or certified, you’ll be required to do so in the state where you receive your MSN before transferring it back to New Mexico.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in New Mexico

When selecting nursing schools to apply to, cost and program length are often key factors for most students. To save both time and money, it's wise to prioritize finding the fastest and most affordable programs available. Below is information to help guide your search in New Mexico.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

For many nurses, managing a demanding work schedule while pursuing a graduate degree can feel challenging. Fortunately, MSN programs are designed with flexibility in mind, often requiring no more than four years of full-time study—and sometimes as little as two years or less. You can save even more time by choosing online classes or enrolling in summer courses. Among the fastest MSN programs available in New Mexico is Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), which can be completed in as little as 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

The thought of returning to school often raises a common concern—tuition costs. While pursuing an MSN degree requires an investment, many programs in New Mexico are relatively affordable compared to those in other states. Tuition rates can vary based on factors such as program size, whether you are a New Mexico resident, and additional considerations. One of the cheapest options for nursing students in New Mexico is New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) MSN program, which can be completed for as little as $5,000 to $19,000 per year.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

If you’re looking for options in New Mexico for MENP programs, you’re unfortunately out of luck — New Mexico currently does not offer these programs within the state. However, they are available in neighboring states, such as the University of Texas (UT Austin)’s direct-entry program.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

The opportunity to specialize in a specific area of practice is a major motivator for many nurses considering graduate school. Specialized MSN programs enable students to earn certification in their chosen field, increase their autonomy as practitioners, or advance into leadership and executive nursing roles. For example, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) offers a Community & Rural/Frontier Health MSN program.

What is MSN Accreditation?

In addition to cost and time investment, one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting an MSN program is accreditation. Completing an unaccredited program may disqualify you from obtaining licensure or certification. When researching programs, ensure the MSN program is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). If you're uncertain about a program's accreditation status, don't hesitate to contact the school's admissions department for clarification.

2026 List of MSN Programs in New Mexico

Finding the perfect MSN program takes time. If you're still looking for a good fit, take a look at the full list of MSN programs offered in New Mexico below:

MSN Programs By City:

• Albuquerque MSN Programs