Nurses are committed to their patients, professional development, and the elevation of the status of nurses as a whole as an important part of the medical team. With clear pathways to higher education available throughout the state, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates who are innovative and of a goal-setting mindset can continue to advance their career through one of the state's many RN to BSN options.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico RNs who are looking to advance their careers, stay competitive in the healthcare field, and earn higher salaries are starting to enroll in RN to BSN programs to obtain a bachelor's of science in nursing degree. These programs provide nurses with a streamlined educational pathway to reach their professional goals. Online and hybrid RN to BSN programs make things even more convenient, often allowing students to continue working full-time if they wish. To help you find the right RN to BSN program in New Mexico, we have ranked the top schools and programs below.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, NM

Experienced RNs can further their clinical competencies, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and more in Eastern New Mexico University's online RN to BSN. The highly regarded program relies on advanced technology, a modern curriculum, and well-versed instructors.

Quick Facts:
  • 10-month degree completion is possible
  • Full or part-time enrollment options
  • One of the most affordable southwest universities
2.

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Traditional nursing learnings are leveraged online through the University of New Mexico's RN to BSN program. With a focus on caring for vulnerable populations, leadership, and care across the patient lifespan, the convenient and respected program is accessible for RNs endeavoring to do more.

Quick Facts:
  • Loan-for-Service program is available
  • 8-week, all-online courses
  • The state’s flagship higher learning institution
3.

Northern New Mexico College

Espanola, NM

Northern New Mexico College offers an online RN to BSN program that teaches students integrative nursing care as well as complementary and alternative therapies. It is the only program in the state-endorsed by American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corp. (AHNCC).

Quick Facts:
  • Flexible, student-focused program
  • Affordable in and out of state tuition
  • Serving rural and Native American communities

Admissions Requirements for New Mexico RN to BSN Programs

How do RN to BSN programs ensure that they admit candidates that have excellent academics and integrity, and at the same time, are respectful of the diverse makeup of the patient population? The answer lies in fine-tuning the entrance and admissions criteria year after year to shape the body of nurses that graduate as with a baccalaureate (BSN) degree holders. Read on to discover some of the requirements that you will face when you apply.

  • Completed general application form
  • Application fee in U.S. funds (non-refundable)
  • List of any courses in progress
  • Graduate of a regionally accredited college program
  • Submit an official transcript from each college you’ve attended with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Current licensure in good standing for the state of New Jersey
  • Up to date CPR training
  • Current professional resume

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Through the University of New Mexico’s RN to BSN program, faculty strives to prepare nurses for the changes that our century will see. Graduates will have learned to engage in lifelong learning, and provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse body of patients. To aid these and other learning outcomes, students are immersed in courses like:

  • NURS 301 Professional Communication, and
  • NURS 302 Advancement of Professional Nursing

Online RN to BSN Programs in New Mexico

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has shown over repeated studies that nurses with a BSN degree can make a positive difference in a patient’s clinical outcome. There is also a strong correlation between BSN status and making accurate diagnoses. BSN graduates are ‘management ready’ – able to see and strategize problems of policy, staffing, and leadership more easily than their ADN counterparts – if you’re an ADN RN there’s no time like the present to get started on furthering your education.

Admissions and Program Length

RN to BSN programs are generally two years in length and Eastern New Mexico University is no exception. Students must transfer with up to 30 nursing credits from a regionally accredited ADN program, and the remaining 30 should be obtained through ENMU. The other half of general arts credits can be a combination of transfer and courses through ENMU. Nurses may accelerate their program by taking courses throughout the summertime.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition fees are calculated on a per-credit basis. In-state residents have a per-credit fee of about $300 or more, depending on the school; additional fees are applied on top of this base rate. Due to the online nature of the RN to BSN program, the cost of living and dining fees are not applied.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

The data is clear – RNs who choose to become BSN holders experience more opportunities for a higher salary than their ADN counterparts, and for a number of reasons. With more leadership skills and greater opportunities for degrees and further professional advancement, BSN RNs are a ‘good deal’ for employers to hire. Got your BSN? Here are some of the jobs that you might be able to just walk into with your new qualifications:

  • Surgical first assistant
  • Nurse education coordinator
  • Psychiatric nurse

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in New Mexico

There is no direct salary data comparison between ADN and BSN-prepared RNs, however, using salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we can make some assumptions about nursing salaries in the state. The lowest salary bracket for nurses in the state is about $51,000, which would suggest an entry-level ADN salary. ZipRecruiter lists the average salary of a BSN-educated RN in the state as $64,547 annually. This shows that a jump in education for RNs in New Mexico can increase yearly salary by nearly $15,000.

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in New Mexico

Degree programs have become the new standard of health care and New Mexico is no exception. RN to BSN programs are offered at more than 5 different institutions in the state, as identified by the Association of Colleges of Nursing. The state is helping students with the financial burden by offering different scholarship programs. BSN degrees can prepare candidates for higher-paying positions and career options such as working for insurance companies, government organizations, public health care, etc. Wages, depending on location and position, are around $20,000 more annually than an ADN nurse. Take a degree program and earn more than education.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Albuquerque, NM

College of Nursing
2502 Marble Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-6284

Espanola, NM

College of Nursing and Health Sciences
921 North Paseo de Onate
Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 747-2209

Las Vegas, NM

Department of Nursing
Engineering Building, Room 101, Box 9000
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505) 454-3210

Portales, NM

Department of Health & Human Services
1500 S Avenue K
Portales, NM 88130
(800) 367-3668

Silver City, NM

School of Nursing
1000 College Avenue
Silver City, NM 88062
(575) 538-6960

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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