Nursing Programs in Albuquerque, NM

The University of New Mexico's Pre-Licensure BSN program offers five distinct entry paths for students without RN licenses, including freshman direct-entry and campus-based options. This comprehensive program requires completion of prerequisites in biology, chemistry, psychology, and nursing-specific coursework. With in-person clinical training and advanced simulation experiences, the program prepares graduates for modern healthcare environments. For this bachelor's level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required. Recent NCLEX pass rates show consistent performance, with 2024 rates ranging from 92.95% to 93.95% across cohorts, indicating strong preparation for nursing licensure.

• Five BSN entry options
• In-person clinical training
• Multiple campus locations
• Simulation skills training
• Comprehensive prerequisite requirements
• Pathway to graduate studies
• Second degree accelerated option

UNM's Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Option provides a fast-paced 16-month pathway for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees to transition into nursing. The program features an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and diverse clinical placements within the UNM Health System, including access to a Level 1 trauma center. Notably, the program explicitly states no HESI exam is required for admission, though a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and prerequisite courses are necessary. With state-of-the-art simulation labs and interprofessional learning opportunities, graduates are well-prepared for nursing careers, as reflected in strong NCLEX performance with recent pass rates exceeding 92%.

• 16-month program duration.
• 8:1 student to faculty ratio.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• No HESI exam required.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• On-campus program.
• Interprofessional learning opportunities.

The Freshman Direct-Entry BSN Option at UNM offers high school seniors meeting specific criteria a direct path into nursing education. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences from the start, emphasizing patient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice. For this bachelor's level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required as part of admission criteria. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students. The program's foundation in both academic and clinical training contributes to graduates' success on the NCLEX, with recent pass rates consistently above 92%, demonstrating effective preparation for nursing licensure.

• Direct entry for high school seniors.
• Combines academic and clinical training.
• Focus on patient care and leadership.
• Financial aid available.
• Prepares for modern healthcare challenges.

The University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for RN licensure through campus-based education. This program emphasizes cultural competence and rural healthcare, with a curriculum focused on ethics, diversity, and hands-on clinical experience. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program maintains accreditation through ACEN and demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN performance, with recent pass rates reaching 100% for some BSN cohorts and 71.43% for ADN students in 2023, reflecting its commitment to quality nursing education.

• Campus-based program
• Accredited by ACEN
• Focuses on rural healthcare
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Culturally competent training
• Ethics and integrity emphasis
• Hands-on experience
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Student-centered education
• Diversity and community values

Central New Mexico Community College's campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program prepares students for RN licensure through ACEN-accredited training that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences. The program focuses on developing patient care skills, medication administration proficiency, and critical thinking abilities while meeting New Mexico State Board of Nursing requirements. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates showing improvement from 76.03% in 2022 to 85.71% in 2024 for ADN programs. This bachelor's-level program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams but emphasizes financial aid availability and pathways to further nursing education.

• Hands-on patient care training.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• ACEN accredited program.
• Financial aid available.
• Combines classroom and clinical learning.
• Meets NM Board of Nursing requirements.
• Pathway to further nursing education.
• Focus on critical thinking skills.
• Medication administration training.
• Quality care skills development.

Central New Mexico Community College offers a Nursing (AAS) program with an NMNEC Concentration specifically designed for students pursuing nursing careers in New Mexico. This campus-based program requires applicants to achieve a 75% score on the HESI A2 entrance exam along with maintaining a 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses and a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The NMNEC Concentration prepares students for clinical roles through hands-on experience, with seats available every term. Recent NCLEX pass rates for BSN programs at CNM have shown strong performance, reaching 96.61% in 2024 for some cohorts, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure examinations.

• Campus-based program
• NMNEC Concentration
• Requires HESI A2 exam
• 2.75 GPA prerequisite
• 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Seats available every term
• Clinical preparation focus
• Hands-on experience
• Dual degree option
• Mandatory compliance orientation

The LPN to RN Mobility Option at Central New Mexico Community College provides Licensed Practical Nurses with a pathway to advance to RN licensure through an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. This campus-based program requires applicants to hold a current New Mexico LPN license, maintain a 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses, and achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The program recognizes prior learning while emphasizing clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates for CNM's BSN programs demonstrate strong outcomes, with rates reaching 88.46% in 2024, reflecting the program's effectiveness in preparing nurses for licensure and career advancement.

• LPN to RN pathway
• Requires NM LPN license
• 2.75 GPA prerequisite
• 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Credit for prior learning
• Clinical skills focus
• Theoretical knowledge emphasis
• Associate degree program
• Smooth career transition

Brookline College-Albuquerque's CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers a hybrid format that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, covering essential areas like adult health, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. With year-round enrollment and no wait lists, the program provides personalized academic support and career services. NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates have shown improvement, reaching 91.41% in 2023. The program requires SAT or ACT entrance exams for admission and maintains modern simulation labs with experienced faculty to support diverse healthcare training.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Year-round enrollment
• No wait lists
• Personalized academic support
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Financial aid available
• Career services support

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Brookline College-Albuquerque is designed for individuals with prior bachelor's degrees or completed general education credits. This 16-month hybrid program blends online learning with clinical training, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam through coursework in pharmacology, adult health, and healthcare leadership. Admission requires the HESI entrance exam and specific prerequisite courses. The program offers a tuition forgiveness program for eligible students, personalized tutoring, and career services support. NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates at this institution have demonstrated strong performance, with a 91.41% pass rate in 2023.

• 16-month program duration
• Hybrid online and campus learning
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Tuition forgiveness program available
• Personalized tutoring services
• Career services support
• HESI admission assessment required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Financial aid options
• Hands-on clinical training

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque offers an online RN to BSN program designed specifically for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This one-year program focuses on leadership, healthcare management, evidence-based research, and community health perspectives, allowing nurses to enhance their clinical skills while maintaining professional commitments. The program requires an active RN license and 79 semester credits of prior coursework. As a bachelor's-level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not required for this RN to BSN pathway. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for expanded roles in nursing, though specific NCLEX pass rate information for this program is not provided in the available data.

• Online program, one year duration
• Designed for working nurses
• Leadership and management focus
• Requires active RN license
• Accredited by CCNE
• Enhances career opportunities
• Covers evidence-based research
• Community health perspectives