Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in New Mexico

Whether you live in a small town such as Taos or in the urban sprawl of Albuquerque, nurses have plenty of opportunities to advance their careers into something more rewarding and more representative of their specific interests. Becoming a nurse practitioner can be a fulfilling option for many nurses who may feel stuck in their current position and it offers a variety of specializations in fascinating practice areas. Learn how you can become a nurse practitioner by taking a look at the sections below. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Before diving into becoming a nurse practitioner, there are several primary concerns that RNs in New Mexico typically consider. Two of the most common ones is the cost associated with tuition and the time that it typically takes to complete an NP program. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options for RNs to become nurse practitioners in New Mexico, especially if they have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and some nursing experience.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The fastest option when it comes to nurse practitioner programs is usually the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. This will take much less time (usually around 2 years) than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program (typically takes around 6 years or even more). Among the fastest MSN programs available in New Mexico is Eastern New Mexico University which can be completed in as little as 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re like most students, you’re looking for the best possible value for your nurse practitioner education. MSN programs are usually the most frugal choice as you’ll be required to be enrolled for a shorter amount of time. You can make the most of your savings by establishing residency in the state and choosing schools with smaller nursing programs. One of the cheapest options for nursing students in New Mexico is New Mexico State University’s MSN program which can be completed for as little as $5,000 to $19,000 per year.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

If you’re looking specifically for nurse practitioner programs that allow you to specialize in an exciting area such as family practice or cardiology, you can find them widely available in New Mexico. Specialized nurse practitioner programs, such as PROGRAM are great for nurses who are interested in a particular practice area and make it easier to get certified later on down the line. Western New Mexico University for example offers a Community & Rural/Frontier Health MSN program.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond the traditional programs like MSN and DNP programs, there are also many other types of accelerated and bridge programs that you may be interested in depending on your individual background and the level of degree and experience you already have.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, most nursing students decide on Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs due to their speed, cost, and their entry requirements. MSN programs located in New Mexico include:

• University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
• Eastern New Mexico University – Portales, NM

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are an umbrella term that typically refers to ADN to MSNs, in which RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) complete accelerated BSN and MSN-level nurse practitioner coursework. As of now, these types of programs are not offered to students in New Mexico, but you can find them in neighboring states such as Texas such as the RN to MSN program offered by the University of Texas, Arlington.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs typically take 4-6 years to complete, though this may be higher or lower depending on the number of credits you enroll with. DNP programs located in New Mexico include:

• University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
• New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, NM

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

A Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is designed for MSN-educated nurse who want to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, they’re a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. New Mexico offers these types of programs at the following schools:

• New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, NM
• University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor’s degree program with a non-nursing major but would like to become nurse practitioners without getting another bachelor’s degree. They are longer than a traditional MSN program, but they are shorter than having to earn two degrees. While New Mexico doesn’t currently offer this type of program within its borders, you can find them readily available in Texas. The University of Texas’s direct-entry program is just one example.

General Admissions Requirements

The exact types of admissions requirements you’ll need to meet will vary depending on the nurse practitioner programs you apply to, however, in general you can expect the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

New Mexico NP License and Certification Requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner in New Mexico involves meeting several specific requirements, which are in place to ensure that individuals are fully qualified to practice in advanced roles. Key eligibility criteria include:

• Valid RN License: Candidates must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license issued by the state of New Mexico.
• Completion of an Accredited NP Program: Applicants must graduate from a nationally accredited nurse practitioner program. This education typically involves advanced coursework and hands-on clinical training in a specific area of specialization.

Once these prerequisites are met, prospective nurse practitioners need to gather and submit supporting documentation, which includes proof of licensure, transcripts from their nurse practitioner program, and verification of clinical hours. Additionally, candidates will need to complete an application and pay an associated fee, which is usually around $150. For detailed information on the application process and instructions, applicants can refer to New Mexico’s Board of Nursing website.

Certification in a specialty is required for NPs in New Mexico, and this can be obtained through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). In general, certification requires holding an active RN license and completing a graduate-level program that aligns with the candidate's specialty. Successfully passing a certification exam is also necessary.

As of 2024, New Mexico grants nurse practitioners full practice authority, which allows them to independently diagnose, manage, and treat patients without needing a physician's supervision. This autonomy enables NPs to provide a wide range of healthcare services across various settings. New Mexico nurse practitioners can access additional resources and professional support through the New Mexico Nurses Association (NMNA), which offers continuing education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

List of NP Programs in New Mexico