Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate provides a specialized pathway for experienced nurses to enhance their clinical capabilities. This rigorous 18-credit online program transforms certified nurse practitioners into comprehensive primary care specialists through intensive coursework and 500 clinical training hours. Targeting professionals seeking expanded healthcare expertise, the curriculum emphasizes advanced health assessment techniques across patient lifespans. Students develop sophisticated skills in pathophysiology and clinical management, preparing them comprehensively for national Family Nurse Practitioner certification and broader career opportunities in primary healthcare settings.

• 18 total credit hours
• 500 clinical hours required
• Online post-graduate certificate
• For certified nurse practitioners
• Prepares for national certification exam
• Focuses on family health across lifespan
• Advanced health assessment training

New Mexico State University's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate offers advanced nurses an intensive 18-credit online program targeting comprehensive mental healthcare delivery. Designed for certified nurse practitioners, this specialized curriculum develops critical competencies in mental disorder diagnosis, psychotherapy techniques, and medication management across all life stages. With a minimum of 500 clinical hours, students gain sophisticated training in evidence-based research, healthcare systems, and quality improvement strategies. Graduates are strategically positioned to excel in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam, expanding professional opportunities in mental health care.

• 18 total credit hours
• Minimum 500 clinical hours
• Prepares for certification exam
• Four core PMHNP competencies
• Online post-graduate certificate
• Covers lifespan mental health
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Recommended for current APRNs

New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program addresses critical healthcare provider shortages through an innovative three-year, 74-credit hybrid curriculum. Focusing on integrated primary and mental health care, students undergo comprehensive training featuring over 1000 clinical hours and theoretical coursework. The program cultivates advanced leadership skills and evidence-based practice techniques, preparing nurses to deliver patient-centered care across diverse life stages. With a competitive admission process requiring a 3.0 nursing GPA and current RN license, graduates become highly qualified professionals eligible for national certification exams and prepared for multifaceted healthcare environments.

• 3-year online DNP program
• 74 total credit hours
• 1000+ clinical hours
• Integrated primary/mental healthcare
• Flexible distance education format
• National certification exam preparation
• Full-time study commitment
• 3.0 minimum nursing GPA required
• On-campus orientation included
• Interprofessional education opportunities

New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive hybrid program combining online learning with community-based clinical practicums. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and leadership development, this 74-credit program provides over 1000 clinical hours across three years. Students gain advanced expertise in nursing theory, pharmacology, and health assessment, with specialized focus on pediatrics and women's health. Graduates become eligible for ANCC or AANP certification, addressing critical provider shortages while developing sophisticated skills to deliver integrated primary and mental healthcare across patient lifespans.

• Hybrid program format
• Over 1000 clinical hours
• Focus on primary and mental health care
• Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification
• BSN and RN license required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 74 credit hours
• 3 years full-time
• Online with on-campus sessions
• Focus on pediatrics and women's health

New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program addresses nationwide mental healthcare gaps through a comprehensive three-year online curriculum. This 74-credit program equips advanced practice nurses with expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health and substance use disorders. Featuring over 1,000 clinical hours, the program develops sophisticated skills in evidence-based practice and holistic mental healthcare approaches. Students prepare for ANCC certification and diverse professional roles in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and integrated care settings, emphasizing flexible distance education and interprofessional learning opportunities.

• 3-year online doctoral program
• 1,000+ clinical experience hours
• Substance use disorder focus
• Flexible distance education format
• ANCC certification preparation
• 74 total credit hours
• Interprofessional education opportunities
• Holistic mental healthcare approach
• Competitive admission process
• Clinical practicum in hometown

UNM's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care transforms advanced nurses into specialized child healthcare experts. This comprehensive program cultivates critical skills for delivering holistic pediatric care from newborn to young adult stages. Students benefit from an exceptional 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 100% certification pass rate, and extensive hands-on training in high-tech simulation centers. With no GRE/GMAT requirement and full prescriptive authority, graduates are strategically positioned to serve New Mexico's underserved and rural communities, addressing critical healthcare gaps.

• 3-year doctoral program
• 8:1 student-faculty ratio
• 100 lab hours
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Full prescriptive authority
• BSN from accredited university
• 1 year healthcare experience
• Dedicated clinical placement team

UNM's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP pathway equips healthcare professionals to become independent primary care providers through an intensive 70-credit curriculum. Spanning 8 consecutive terms, the program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care with 825 comprehensive clinical hours. The hybrid learning format allows flexible educational progression while ensuring graduates develop advanced diagnostic, treatment, and management capabilities. Nationally certifiable and CCNE accredited, this program prepares nurses to navigate complex health landscapes with evidence-based practice and cultural competence.

• 8 consecutive terms
• 70 total credits
• 825 clinical hours
• Hybrid course delivery
• CCNE accredited program
• Nationally certifiable graduates
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Small class sizes

UNM's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP offers a cutting-edge hybrid program targeting rural and underserved populations. Designed for registered nurses, this innovative curriculum provides advanced mental health training across patient lifespans. With no GRE admission requirement, an intimate 8:1 student-instructor ratio, and 100% certification pass rate, students receive rigorous, practice-oriented education. Faculty actively practicing in clinical settings ensure contemporary, evidence-based learning, preparing graduates for comprehensive psychiatric care with full prescriptive authority.

• Hybrid program format
• 100% certification pass rate
• No GRE required
• Clinical placements provided
• 8:1 student-instructor ratio
• Focus on rural healthcare
• Full prescriptive authority
• 100 lab training hours

UNM's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP prepares advanced nursing professionals for complex healthcare environments. This hybrid program demands a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, strategically developing expertise in acute care settings. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum spans just under three years, emphasizing leadership, system-level knowledge, and specialized acute care skills. With competitive admissions and targeted support for rural healthcare needs, graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners equipped to address sophisticated medical challenges.

• 8 consecutive terms to complete
• Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
• Hybrid learning model
• New Mexico RN license required
• Clinical placements throughout state
• Supports rural healthcare needs
• Competitive admissions process

UNM's Post-Bachelor's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program champions healthcare access in diverse, under-resourced communities. Blending online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, this hybrid program requires 1,000+ clinical hours and spans eight terms. Tailored for working professionals, the curriculum prioritizes leadership, clinical excellence, and New Mexico's unique healthcare landscape. With financial aid options, scholarships up to $5,000, and a commitment to serving rural populations, graduates develop comprehensive skills to transform primary care delivery.

• Hybrid program model.
• 8 terms to complete.
• 1000+ clinical hours required.
• New Mexico RN license needed.
• Financial aid available.
• Focus on rural healthcare.
• Leadership and clinical skills.
• Diverse patient populations.
• Scholarships up to $5,000.
• Application via NursingCAS.

UNM's Post-Bachelor's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP cultivates advanced practice nurses capable of delivering comprehensive mental healthcare across all age groups. With a distinctive 8:1 student-instructor ratio, the program emphasizes rural and underserved population needs. No GRE is required, and students benefit from full prescriptive authority, high-tech simulation learning, and dedicated clinical placement support. The curriculum integrates hands-on experiences with faculty actively practicing in the field, preparing graduates for impactful mental health intervention.

• 100% Certification Pass Rate
• Hybrid Program Format
• No GRE Required
• Full Prescriptive Authority
• Small Cohort Sizes
• Clinical Placement Support
• Focus on Rural Healthcare
• Diverse Faculty Expertise

UNM's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care DNP offers a transformative hybrid program targeting advanced pediatric healthcare. Spanning 8 consecutive terms with over 1,000 clinical hours, the curriculum prioritizes rural and underserved community needs. Applicants undergo a comprehensive NursingCAS and UNM application process, with a minimum 3.00 GPA. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical skills, and system-level knowledge, preparing nurses to deliver exceptional primary pediatric care through diverse clinical experiences and statewide placement opportunities.

• Hybrid program model.
• 8 terms to complete.
• Over 1,000 clinical hours.
• Focus on rural healthcare.
• Financial aid available.
• Minimum GPA 3.00 required.
• NursingCAS application needed.
• Supplemental UNM application.
• Leadership and clinical skills focus.
• Prepares for pediatric primary care.

New Mexico Highlands University's MSN-FNP program offers an innovative online pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. With an optional cognate concentration, students can customize their educational journey across a flexible two to three-year timeline. The program distinguishes itself by eliminating GRE/GMAT entrance requirements, making advanced nursing education more accessible. Featuring 800 total clinical hours, three comprehensive practicum courses, and a mandatory in-person orientation, students develop robust skills in patient-centered care. Competitively priced at $625 per credit, the program prepares graduates for national certification while accommodating working professionals through asynchronous learning strategies.

• Online, flexible 2-3 year program
• 49-58 total credit hours
• Cost per credit: $625
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Transfer up to 6 credits
• Optional 9-credit cognate concentration
• 800 total clinical hours
• Prepare for APRN certification
• Three practicum courses
• Mandatory in-person orientation

Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, New Mexico Highlands University's online MSN-FNP program delivers a comprehensive curriculum that bridges academic excellence with practical expertise. The program's accelerated track allows completion in as little as two years, with flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students benefit from 800 clinical hours, hands-on practicum experiences, and personalized faculty guidance. Without GRE/GMAT barriers, the program offers an affordable $625 per credit tuition, positioning graduates for a lucrative career with a median salary potential of $120,680. The curriculum ensures comprehensive preparation for APRN certification and advanced family healthcare roles.

• 2-3 years program duration
• Cost per credit: $625
• Total credits: 49-58
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Online asynchronous coursework
• 800 total clinical hours
• Optional cognate concentration
• Accelerated track available
• Prepare for APRN certification
• Median salary $120,680

New Mexico Highlands University's online Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program represents a strategic educational investment for working nurses. Emphasizing flexibility and affordability, the curriculum eliminates traditional entrance exam requirements while providing comprehensive clinical training. Students can transfer up to six credits and explore an optional cognate concentration, enabling personalized academic progression. The program's asynchronous format supports working professionals, delivering hands-on practicums and a residency experience. Graduates emerge fully prepared for APRN certification, equipped with advanced skills in family healthcare and positioned for a competitive career trajectory with significant salary potential.

• Online coursework
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Transfer up to six credits
• Optional cognate concentration
• Affordable tuition
• Hands-on practicums
• Residency included
• Flexible for working nurses
• Personalized faculty support
• Prepares for APRN certification