Olivia Chen, NP
June 4, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses serve as vital personnel in the healthcare services provided to New Mexico. LPNs function under RN and doctor supervision to provide direct patient care thus supporting the healthcare needs of a state with many underprivileged rural areas that lack permanent medical services. The large rural population combined with the extensive remote areas of New Mexico makes LPNs essential for providing essential medical care in clinics and long-term care facilities and home healthcare environments.
Hobbs, NM - Public 2-Year - nmjc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing at New Mexico Junior College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. With a curriculum that includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction, students gain hands-on experience in real and simulated environments. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Practical Nurse. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and inter-professional collaboration, preparing students for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, and applications are accepted until May 20th for fall enrollment.
Carlsbad, NM - Public 2-Year - senmc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast New Mexico College's Licensed Practical Nursing program provides a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding healthcare career. The curriculum prepares students for diverse nursing roles across multiple healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. Students gain practical skills through a career mobility format, ensuring they're ready for entry-level nursing practice. The program boasts impressive outcomes, with a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% employment rate, reflecting its high-quality education and strong industry connections.
Albuquerque, NM - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Program at Brookline College in Albuquerque, NM, prepares students for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just 48 weeks. This accelerated program combines core nursing classes with general education, focusing on patient-centered care, pharmacology, and anatomy. Graduates are ready to take the NCLEX-PN exam. With fixed tuition costs and financial aid options, this program is designed for those seeking a fast-track into the healthcare field.
Las Cruces, NM - Public 2-Year - dacc.nmsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate of Completion at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana offers a fast-track to a nursing career. This 55-credit program prepares students for the LPN licensure exam, focusing on foundational nursing skills, pharmacology, and patient care. With a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience, students gain the knowledge needed for immediate employment in healthcare settings. Admission requires a strong foundation in science and mathematics, with specific course prerequisites. Financial aid options are available to eligible students, making this program accessible to a wide range of aspiring nurses.
Alamogordo, NM - Public 2-Year - alamogordo.nmsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certificate of Achievement in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo prepares students for the NCLEX-PN examination. This program spans four semesters, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed by experienced faculty. It aims to increase the number of professional nurses in the workforce, focusing on practical skills and knowledge in the evolving healthcare system. Admissions requirements and costs are competitive, making it an accessible option for aspiring nurses. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Committee, ensuring a quality education that meets industry standards.
The practice-based nature of nursing prevents New Mexico from offering fully online LPN programs but several schools provide hybrid programs which combine online learning with practical training. The hybrid programs allow students to complete theory-based classes such as medical terminology and anatomy using online modules. The mandatory in-person completion of clinical parts together with lab work and hands-on training happens at healthcare facilities that have received approval. Some educational institutions offer flexible scheduling choices that include evening or weekend classes to help students with work and family responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Brookline College-Albuquerque |
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| Santa Fe Community College |
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| Southeast New Mexico College |
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| Certifying Board | New Mexico Board of Nursing, Regulation and Licensing Department |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $150 initial licensure-by-exam fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, fingerprint-based state and federal background check required, optional $60 temporary permit fee |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued within 1–2 weeks, permanent license generally issued within 30 days of passing NCLEX and completing all requirements |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal via Nurse Portal every two years with a $110 renewal fee, renewal window opens 60 days before expiration |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours of board-approved continuing education required each renewal cycle, proof must be uploaded to CE Broker prior to renewal |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs apply with a $150 endorsement fee, verification of a current unrestricted license, fingerprint-based background check, and proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher. |
LPNs in New Mexico earn competitive salaries and enjoy promising employment opportunities. The average LPN salary in New Mexico stands at $56,000 annually but actual compensation depends on both job location and professional experience along with employer selection. The city of Albuquerque along with Santa Fe provide higher salary rates due to their high cost of living and increased healthcare demands but rural locations offer additional benefits to recruit medical staff. The demand for LPNs will continue to grow during the upcoming ten years because of both population aging and improved healthcare service availability. The healthcare shortage in New Mexico’s rural and underserved regions creates a critical need for LPNs to serve as essential healthcare providers. Home health agencies and long-term care facilities together with hospitals currently seek qualified LPNs to fill their employment needs. The career stability and rewarding nature of practical nursing in 2025 becomes even more appealing because of its strong job market alongside good salaries.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Mexico | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $53,196 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $25.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$59,451 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $52,806 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$47,953 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 15.9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~180 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University-Dona Ana |
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| Santa Fe Community College |
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| New Mexico State University-Alamogordo |
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The state of New Mexico offers multiple ways for LPNs to advance their professional careers. LPNs often select LPN-to-RN bridge programs which serve as the route to gain RN licensure. LPNs who enroll in these programs receive education credit and experience recognition which enables them to finish their associate or bachelor’s degree faster than standard students. RN status provides a broader range of practice capabilities and typically brings both increased compensation and more professional opportunities. Specialized certifications for IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology lead LPNs to positions that require both greater responsibility and higher pay. Experienced LPNs who want to move into leadership roles can pursue supervisory positions in long-term care facilities while helping to train new nursing staff members. Employers commonly provide assistance for LPNs who want to obtain additional credentials through their continued education programs. LPNs who plan their careers correctly while showing dedication can develop enduring healthcare careers which align with industry developments in New Mexico.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Mexico
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