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
Central New Mexico Community College's Nursing Assistant program delivers an intensive, accelerated curriculum designed to rapidly transform students into competent healthcare professionals. Strategically structured to complete in just one semester, the program equips students with essential clinical skills for diverse medical environments. Students benefit from comprehensive preparation for state certification exams, hands-on training with nursing staff, and flexible learning pathways. The program's robust framework emphasizes practical experience across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. With dedicated faculty-led exam preparation and accessible financial aid options, students receive comprehensive support for launching a successful healthcare career.
Hobbs, NM - Public 2-Year - nmjc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico Junior College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program delivers comprehensive healthcare training designed for aspiring medical professionals. Students dive deep into critical patient care methodologies, mastering essential skills in medical procedures, patient communication, and holistic care approaches. The strategically structured curriculum emphasizes infection prevention, nutritional understanding, and specialized geriatric care techniques. Participants benefit from immersive clinical experiences that provide real-world exposure, preparing them comprehensively for the New Mexico State certification exam. Accessible to individuals with a high school diploma or GED, this program serves as an excellent launching pad for healthcare careers, offering a cost-effective and efficient pathway into nursing and clinical support roles.
Santa Fe, NM - Public 2-Year - sfcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Santa Fe Community College offers a robust Nursing Assistant Certificate designed to accelerate students into healthcare careers. The program strategically prepares learners for immediate employment in diverse medical environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health services. Students gain comprehensive hands-on training in patient care techniques, medical protocols, and essential clinical skills. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, enabling graduates to develop critical competencies in direct patient interaction and basic medical procedures. With a focus on providing foundational healthcare knowledge, this certificate serves as an excellent launching pad for future nursing education and professional advancement in the healthcare industry.
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 |
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| 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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