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
New Mexico Junior College offers a Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing, a campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum includes classroom, lab, and clinical training, emphasizing hands-on experience in real and simulated healthcare environments. Focused on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and inter-professional collaboration, it equips graduates for diverse roles in nursing. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, with applications due by May 20th for fall enrollment. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this certificate-level program.
Carlsbad, NM - Public 2-Year - senmc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast New Mexico College's Licensed Practical Nursing program offers a robust curriculum approved by the NM Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Located in Carlsbad, NM, it prepares students for diverse healthcare roles in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings through a career mobility approach. The program boasts a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% employment rate, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for entry-level practice without requiring an entrance exam.
Albuquerque, NM - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brookline College-Albuquerque's 48-week Practical Nursing Program offers an accelerated path to becoming an LPN, focusing on patient-centered care, pharmacology, and anatomy through campus-based learning. It includes hands-on clinical experiences in modern simulation labs, day and evening classes, and year-round enrollment. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam, with fixed tuition costs, financial aid options, and career services support available.
Las Cruces, NM - Public 2-Year - dacc.nmsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana's Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate of Completion is a 55-credit, campus-based program designed for swift entry into nursing. It emphasizes foundational skills, pharmacology, and hands-on patient care, preparing students for the LPN licensure exam. Admission requires a strong background in science and math, with financial aid available. This program combines classroom learning with practical experience, offering a direct pathway to healthcare employment without requiring an entrance exam, as it's a certificate-level program.
Alamogordo, NM - Public 2-Year - alamogordo.nmsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo's Certificate of Achievement in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) is a four-semester campus-based program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a curriculum developed by experienced faculty, it emphasizes practical nursing skills and knowledge to address the evolving healthcare needs, aiming to boost the professional nursing workforce. Accredited by the Higher Learning Committee, the program features competitive admissions and costs, making it an accessible choice for aspiring LPNs in New Mexico.
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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