Top Nursing Schools & Programs in New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University's online BSN Completion Program strategically targets registered nurses seeking career advancement through a dynamic, flexible educational pathway. Recognized for its ACEN accreditation, the program enables full-time students to complete their degree within 16 months, featuring innovative 8-week course modules. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, professional development, and ethical patient care across diverse healthcare environments. With an exceptional 98% graduate employment rate, the program provides working professionals an opportunity to elevate their nursing credentials without compromising existing work commitments. No specific entrance exam is required, supporting accessibility for practicing RNs.

• 100% online ACEN accredited program
• 8-week course format
• RN licensure required for entry
• Full-time students complete in 16 months
• 98% employment rate for graduates
• No application fee
• Rolling admission
• Designed for working professionals

The University of New Mexico's Pre-Licensure BSN program offers comprehensive nursing education with five innovative entry paths tailored to diverse student backgrounds. Students immerse themselves in a robust curriculum blending foundational sciences, clinical skills, and advanced simulation training. The program uniquely prepares aspiring nurses through comprehensive prerequisites in biology, chemistry, and psychology, ensuring graduates are equipped with critical healthcare competencies. ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required for admission, with a competitive application process emphasizing academic preparation and commitment to nursing excellence. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences and pathways to advanced nursing studies.

• Five BSN entry options
• In-person clinical training
• Multiple campus locations
• Simulation skills training
• Comprehensive prerequisite requirements
• Pathway to graduate studies
• Second degree accelerated option

Designed for bachelor's degree holders seeking a career transition, UNM's Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Option provides an intensive 16-month pathway into professional nursing. This fast-paced program eliminates the HESI entrance exam requirement, focusing instead on applicants maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students engage in comprehensive clinical experiences within the UNM Health System, leveraging state-of-the-art simulation labs and interprofessional learning opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, community engagement, and preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles with a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized educational support.

• 16-month program duration.
• 8:1 student to faculty ratio.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• No HESI exam required.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• On-campus program.
• Interprofessional learning opportunities.

UNM's Freshman Direct-Entry BSN Option offers high school seniors an exceptional opportunity to launch their nursing career immediately after graduation. This innovative program targets motivated students prepared to commit early to healthcare professions, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences. While ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required, the program emphasizes holistic student potential beyond standardized testing. Focusing on patient care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice, students receive comprehensive preparation for modern healthcare challenges. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities make this direct-entry pathway accessible to promising nursing candidates.

• Direct entry for high school seniors.
• Combines academic and clinical training.
• Focus on patient care and leadership.
• Financial aid available.
• Prepares for modern healthcare challenges.

Brookline College's BSN program in Albuquerque delivers a robust hybrid nursing education designed for comprehensive professional preparation. Students benefit from a flexible learning model combining online coursework with immersive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare environments. The CCNE-accredited curriculum meticulously covers critical nursing domains including adult health, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. Prospective students should anticipate a HESI entrance assessment and prepare for comprehensive NCLEX-RN exam readiness. With year-round enrollment, personalized academic support, and extensive career services, this program provides an integrated pathway for aspiring nurses seeking a dynamic and supportive educational experience. Tuition financial aid options help mitigate educational expenses.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Year-round enrollment
• No wait lists
• Personalized academic support
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Financial aid available
• Career services support

Brookline College's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers an expedited pathway for career changers and non-nursing degree holders. This intensive 16-month hybrid curriculum strategically prepares students for rapid nursing professional entry through comprehensive online learning and hands-on clinical training. Designed for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees or substantial general education credits, the program demands HESI exam completion and specific prerequisite course requirements. The accelerated format emphasizes advanced pharmacology, healthcare leadership, and comprehensive nursing practice across varied clinical settings. With tailored tutoring, career service support, and potential tuition forgiveness, students receive holistic professional development alongside rigorous academic preparation.

• 16-month program duration
• Hybrid online and campus learning
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Tuition forgiveness program available
• Personalized tutoring services
• Career services support
• HESI admission assessment required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Financial aid options
• Hands-on clinical training

Aspiring nurses at New Mexico State University's BSN program will discover a comprehensive educational pathway designed to transform students into competent healthcare professionals. The program strategically integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training across multiple campuses. Students undergo a meticulously structured curriculum that emphasizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive patient care. With a competitive admission process requiring the HESI Admission Assessment and maintaining a minimum 2.75 nursing GPA, the program ensures high-quality candidate selection. CCNE accreditation and New Mexico Board of Nursing approval guarantee educational excellence, while the curriculum prepares students thoroughly for the critical NCLEX-RN licensure examination, positioning graduates for successful nursing careers.

• Four-year, 124-125 credit BSN
• Multiple campus locations
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Competitive admission process
• Minimum 2.75 nursing GPA required
• HESI Admission Assessment required
• Science courses within 7 years
• Clinical vaccination requirements
• CCNE accredited program
• New Mexico Board of Nursing approved

Northern New Mexico College's Associate Degree Nursing program offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, strategically designed for aspiring nurses seeking rapid professional entry. The ACEN-accredited curriculum spans five semesters, emphasizing comprehensive clinical training and personalized educational support. Students benefit from immersive hands-on experiences across diverse healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for dynamic nursing roles. The program uniquely allows prerequisite course completion within a single semester, significantly reducing time-to-credential. With strong community partnerships and exceptional faculty, students receive robust preparation for both immediate nursing practice and potential Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) continuation pathways.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• 5-semester completion.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Exceptional faculty support.
• Strong community partnerships.
• High job security.
• Prerequisites in one semester.
• Campus-based program.
• Prepares for BSN continuation.
• Affordable education.