Jake Flannigan, NP
June 23, 2025
The CNA programs of New Mexico serve as an essential pathway for people to enter healthcare careers. The role of Certified Nursing Assistants involves hands-on patient care activities such as hygiene assistance together with mobility support and vital sign monitoring. The healthcare industry in New Mexico depends on these skilled professionals to work in hospitals alongside nursing homes, assisted living centers, and private homes. Patients in long-term care facilities receive their primary care from CNAs who form strong relationships with both patients and their families.
Albuquerque, NM - Public 2-Year - cnm.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nursing Assistant certificate at CNM offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, enabling students to complete the program in just one semester. Designed for aspiring patient care professionals, this program prepares students to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Competitive tuition and financial aid options make this certification accessible and affordable for career-driven individuals.
Hobbs, NM - Public 2-Year - nmjc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at New Mexico Junior College provides comprehensive training for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students learn critical patient care skills, including basic medical procedures, patient assistance, and communication techniques. The curriculum covers essential topics like infection prevention, nutrition, and care for older adults. Participants gain hands-on clinical experience and become eligible to take the New Mexico State certification exam. With a high school diploma or GED required, this program offers an accessible pathway into healthcare, serving as an excellent entry point for those interested in nursing careers or seeking immediate employment in clinical settings.
Santa Fe, NM - Public 2-Year - sfcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Santa Fe Community College's Nursing Assistant Certificate provides a strategic entry point into the rapidly expanding healthcare sector. This comprehensive program equips students with essential skills to launch a rewarding career in patient care. Graduates can expect to work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health services. The certificate serves as an excellent foundation for further nursing education, with pathways to advanced degrees and credentials. Students learn critical nursing concepts, patient care principles, and gain practical experience preparing them for meaningful healthcare roles.
CNA programs in New Mexico use hybrid formats which combine online theory classes with required in-person clinical practice. Students in these programs access anatomy along with patient rights and safety practices information through online modules. All hands-on training needs to be conducted directly at labs or clinical sites despite the need for online theory learning. The combination of online and in-person learning creates adaptable opportunities for students who need to manage work and family obligations. Educational institutions throughout the state provide evening and weekend classes to support students with various scheduling needs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College |
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| Santa Fe Community College |
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| New Mexico Junior College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a state-approved 75-hour CNA program, clear required health/immunization and criminal-history screenings, and register online via TMU |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement – Certified Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75 total hours (classroom instruction, lab practice, supervised clinical rotation) |
| Exam and Application Fees | Skills test $100, written test $40, oral test $45, fees paid through TMU |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the knowledge (written or oral) test and the hands-on skills evaluation within six months of training completion |
| Registry Activation Time | Added to the TMU registry within two business days of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew biennially in TMU with employer-verified qualifying employment, $25 renewal fee and 30-day grace period before retesting if needed |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via TMU reciprocity with proof of active certification, no additional fee or testing required |
CNA professionals in New Mexico receive entry-level healthcare compensation at $17 to $18 per hour. The annual salary for full-time CNAs ranges between $30,000 to $40,000 based on their work environment. Medical facilities that operate in urban settings along with hospitals provide better compensation than institutions located in rural areas or those focused on long-term care. The state of New Mexico faces a high demand for CNAs because its population is aging and healthcare facilities need more staff. Medical facilities that include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies maintain continuous recruitment of qualified CNAs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Mexico | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,750 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.22 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$39,800 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,750 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$27,900 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~900 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College |
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| New Mexico Junior College |
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| Santa Fe Community College |
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The CNA certification in New Mexico creates multiple pathways for future development in healthcare. The CNA position serves as a starting point for many professionals who choose to earn their LPN or RN licenses. Various community colleges throughout the state provide work-based education programs that enable CNAs to continue their studies while maintaining their jobs. CNA work experience earns recognition through these programs which provide accelerated advancement opportunities for professionals. Certain organizations provide both tuition reimbursement and scholarships to CNAs who want to pursue nursing degrees while working as employees. CNA certification allows professionals to specialize in medication aide, patient care technician roles, and home health specialties after obtaining additional certifications.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Mexico
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