Jake Flannigan, NP
July 14, 2025
New Mexico’s NP programs train registered nurses for advanced practice in settings from the University of New Mexico’s urban medical centers to rural health clinics statewide. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks, offered by UNM, New Mexico State, Eastern New Mexico, and other universities, cover specialties such as family practice, psychiatric‑mental health, adult‑gerontology, and pediatrics. Graduates qualify for national certification and New Mexico APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority, enabling independent patient assessment and management.
Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate at New Mexico State University prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan. This 18-credit online program equips experienced nurses with advanced skills in health assessment, pathophysiology, and clinical management. Designed for certified nurse practitioners seeking specialty expansion, the curriculum includes intensive coursework and 500 clinical hours, preparing graduates to sit for national Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Ideal for nurses looking to broaden their clinical expertise and career opportunities in primary care settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at New Mexico State University prepares advanced practice nurses to specialize in mental health care across all life stages. This intensive 18-credit program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in health assessment, mental disorder diagnosis, psychotherapy techniques, and medication management. Designed for certified nurse practitioners, the curriculum develops critical competencies in healthcare systems, evidence-based research, and quality improvement. Graduates are well-positioned to sit for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam, expanding their professional opportunities in mental health care.
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical healthcare provider shortages. The three-year, 74-credit online program blends theoretical coursework with over 1000 clinical hours, focusing on integrated primary and mental health care. Students develop leadership skills and evidence-based practice techniques, gaining comprehensive training to provide patient-centered care across the lifespan. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and can work in diverse healthcare settings, with a competitive admission process requiring a 3.0 nursing GPA and current RN license.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program at New Mexico State University prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across the lifespan. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus orientations and clinical practicums in the student's community. Focused on evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and leadership, it includes over 1000 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification. The program emphasizes integrated primary and mental health care, addressing critical provider shortages. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum covers advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, and health assessment, with a special focus on pediatrics and women's health.
Online Learning - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) program equips nurses to address critical mental healthcare shortages nationwide. This comprehensive three-year online program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver expert mental healthcare across patient lifespans. With over 1,000 clinical hours and a curriculum focusing on evidence-based practice, students gain skills in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and substance use disorders. Graduates become eligible for ANCC certification and can pursue diverse roles in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and integrated care settings.
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to children from newborns to young adults. Students gain specialized skills in well-care, prevention management, and prescriptive authority, partnering with families to optimize pediatric health outcomes. The program features a 100% licensure certification pass rate, small class sizes, and hands-on learning in high-tech simulation centers. Scholarships and grants are available, with a focus on serving underserved and rural New Mexico communities.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals a comprehensive pathway to becoming independent primary care providers. This rigorous 70-credit program prepares nurses to deliver holistic, patient-centered care across diverse populations, emphasizing health equity and evidence-based practice. Graduates gain extensive clinical skills through 825 clinical hours, enabling them to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions independently. The hybrid format allows flexible learning, with on-campus and clinical rotation experiences preparing students for national certification.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN, this hybrid program focuses on rural and underserved populations, offering small class sizes and an 8:1 student-instructor ratio. Students benefit from faculty actively practicing in clinical settings, ensuring current, evidence-based training. No GRE is required for admission, and the program provides clinical placement support, making it an attractive pathway for nurses seeking to advance their psychiatric mental health expertise.
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality healthcare in complex acute settings. This hybrid program takes just under 3 years to complete, requiring a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates emerge equipped to address sophisticated healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Financial aid options are available, with scholarships ranging from $200-$5,000 annually. The program emphasizes system-level knowledge, leadership skills, and specialized acute care expertise.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Post-Bachelor's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice in diverse, rural, and under-resourced communities. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, requiring a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Designed for working professionals, it spans eight terms, just under three years. Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, are available to help manage costs. Applicants need a New Mexico RN license and must submit through NursingCAS and UNM. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical skills, and meeting New Mexico's healthcare needs, making it ideal for nurses aiming to elevate their practice.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across all ages. With a focus on rural and underserved populations, students benefit from a unique 8:1 student-instructor ratio, hands-on clinical experiences, and faculty actively practicing in the field. The program offers full prescriptive authority, high-tech simulation learning, and dedicated clinical placement support. Admission requires a BSN, current RN license, and one year of healthcare experience, with no GRE needed.
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico offers a Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care. This hybrid program prepares nurses for advanced practice in pediatric primary care, focusing on rural and underserved communities. It requires 8 consecutive terms to complete, with over 1,000 clinical hours. Admissions require a NursingCAS application, a supplemental UNM application, and a minimum GPA of 3.00, though exceptions are considered. Financial aid options are available to help offset costs. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical skills, and system-level knowledge to improve healthcare outcomes in diverse settings.
Las Vegas, NM - Public 4-Year - nmhu.edu
Concentration: Optional Cognate Concentration - Online Learning - Visit Website
New Mexico Highlands University's online Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across diverse populations. Designed for working professionals, this flexible two to three-year program offers an affordable pathway to advanced practice nursing. Students gain advanced clinical skills through hands-on practicums and a residency, preparing them for national certification and state licensure. With a competitive total tuition of $30,625-$36,250 and no GRE/GMAT requirement, the program offers an accessible route to a rewarding healthcare career.
Online Learning - Visit Website
New Mexico Highlands University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program empowers working nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, comprehensive curriculum. Designed for busy professionals, the program can be completed in as little as two years, with full-time and part-time options. Students gain advanced clinical skills through three practicum courses and a residency, preparing them for national certification and state licensure. With an affordable tuition of $625 per credit and no GRE/GMAT requirement, this program offers an accessible pathway to becoming a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Online Learning - Visit Website
New Mexico Highlands University's online MSN-FNP program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles with a focus on family care. This affordable, flexible program offers a comprehensive curriculum, including hands-on practicums and a residency, without requiring GRE/GMAT scores. Students can transfer up to six credits and choose an optional cognate concentration. The program is designed for working nurses, offering asynchronous coursework and personalized faculty support. Graduates are ready for APRN certification and licensure, with a median salary potential of $120,680.
Many New Mexico NP programs use a hybrid format, delivering lectures and discussions online through asynchronous modules and live webinars, with periodic on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to fulfill practicum requirements close to home. A handful of schools offer fully online didactic phases, requiring only brief in‑person visits for hands‑on assessments.
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New Mexico State University
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University of New Mexico
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New Mexico Highlands University |
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Certifying Board | New Mexico Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Section |
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Certification | Must hold an active, unencumbered New Mexico RN license (or compact multistate RN license), graduate from an accredited NP program, and maintain current national NP certification |
License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal due October 31 of even-numbered years via the Nurse Portal |
Continuing Education | National NP certification satisfies the 30-hour CE requirement for both RN and APRN every two years, CEUs must be uploaded to CE Broker, APRNs with DEA licensure must complete 5 hours of non-cancer pain management CE |
License Application Fee | $100 initial APRN licensure fee (non-refundable, application valid for one year) |
Clinical Hours | Submit official graduate transcripts verifying the supervised clinical practicum hours as required by the NP program |
Application Processing Time | Applications and fees remain active for one year, complete applications are typically processed within four to six weeks |
License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must obtain (or hold) a New Mexico RN license and provide primary-source verification of NP education and national certification to apply by endorsement |
Nurse practitioners in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of about $136,770, with entry‑level positions often starting near $100,000 and seasoned practitioners, particularly in Albuquerque and other metro areas, earning up to $150,000 or more. Many employers sweeten compensation with sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages. Advanced certifications and leadership roles can further elevate earning potential.
Salary & Career Outlook | New Mexico | USA |
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Avg Annual NP Salary | $120,300 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $57.85 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$137,000 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $120,300 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$102,500 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~44% | 3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~280 | ~54,000 |
Data from Indeed.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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University of New Mexico
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New Mexico Highlands University |
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New Mexico State University
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After initial NP certification, many pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, academic, or executive positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable NPs to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Mexico
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Optional Cognate Concentration - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website