A person can earn an LPN license by graduating from a New Mexico-approved LPN school and clearing the NCLEX-PN examination.
The LPN program is an easier and faster way to kick-start your nursing career.
Your choice of school will influence the speed you can earn your license and the quality of your skills.
Enrolling in an appropriately accredited LPN school is the first step to ensuring that your education is of the greatest quality.
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5 LPN Schools In New Mexico
The top five schools offering LPN in New Mexico include:
1. New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College tops the list of schools offering the top LPN curriculum.
Students who finish Level 3 of the NMNEC RN nursing program and a program on LPN tasks concurrently will receive an LPN Certificate from NMJC.
With this certificate, the students are qualified to take the practical nursing examination and can begin working.
The New Mexico Board of Nursing has authorized NMJC to grant an LPN Certificate at the conclusion of Level 3 (third semester) of the NMNEC program and one extra concurrently completed the course, NU212 Professional Issues in PN Practice.
The program spans two years, and tuition is subject to your residency.
Residents of the New Mexico district who wish to attend New Mexico Junior College full-time will pay $9,522 each year, and in-state students will cough up $10,178.
2. Clovis College Community
Clovis course is a two-level curriculum that enables students to become licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.
ACEN has granted full accreditation to this institution’s nursing program.
Students at this college have a high success rate on the NCLEX examinations and find employment in the nursing field relatively easily.
This course offers students the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as professional nurses in various medical settings.
Following the first two semesters of a four-semester nursing degree, the student earns their LPN licensure.
The 45-credit-hour LPN program costs $1980 for in-district students, $2430 for in-state students, $4,995 for students from out-of-state.
3. Northern New Mexico College
Without LPNs, hospital operations will not run smoothly.
To excel at your work, you must acquire training from a facility that prepares you for success.
Northern New Mexico College is popular for being among the best LPN accredited schools.
The duration of training for full-time students is around one year.
The 12-month program covers essential disciplines, and students may require extra time and effort to complete required courses.
The tuition fee for the LPN program is $5,500,
4. Dona Ana Community College
The Nursing program at DACC operates on a trimester basis.
The DACC curriculum does not offer a summer break; all students will follow a trimester schedule (spring, summer, and fall).
The student must satisfy all university credential requirements, including General Educational qualifications and elective classes totaling at least 54 credits.
Your residency and the number of credits you are enrolled in determine your tuition rate.
In-district students pay $921 for 12–18 credits of a full-time program, while out-of-district students pay $1119, and international students pay $2940.
5. New Mexico State University
The NMSU LPN program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to maximize their learning potential.
These skills are essential to becoming competent and knowledgeable LPNs.
With the right and polished skills, students can get recognition at work which helps strengthen their portfolio.
New Mexico is one of the universities in New Mexico that offers a practical LPN curriculum.
This college’s graduates have prosperous professions and regularly return to school to advance their education.
The course lasts one year and costs $7,300.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in New Mexico – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in New Mexico
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Junior College | 5317 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240 |
| Clovis College Community | 417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101 |
| Northern New Mexico College | 921 N Paseo De Onate, Española, NM 87532 |
| Dona Ana Community College | 3400 Espina St, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
| New Mexico State University | 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
Salary
The incomes of licensed practical nurses in New Mexico may not be the highest compared to those in other states, but they are nonetheless respectable.
In New Mexico, LPNs averaged $29.84 per hour and $7,875 per year in overtime pay.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $47,378 |
| Las Cruces | $43,016 |
| Santa Fe | $47,824 |
| Rio Rancho | $47,227 |
| Roswell | $44,383 |
| Farmington | $46,842 |
| Alamogordo | $45,142 |
| Clovis | $45,589 |
| Hobbs | $45,177 |
| Carlsbad | $44,383 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,050 | $52,860 | $25.41 | $72,200 | $36,570 |
| Farmington, NM | 50 | $64,950 | $31.23 | $75,410 | $60,180 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 210 | $60,280 | $28.98 | $74,120 | $49,850 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 50 | $66,590 | $32.01 | $79,300 | $51,950 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the predicted growth rate of LPN jobs in New Mexico?
From 2014 to 2024, LPN employment in New Mexico is projected to increase by 6.2%.
Does New Mexico accept compact licenses?
New Mexico is one of the 25 states that accept compact licenses, allowing nurses to work in other states without undergoing the application process.
This process streamlines employment and allows nurses to work and travel concurrently.
What requirements must an LPN in New Mexico meet to be licensed?
To be eligible for licensure via examination, candidates must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass a background check.
LPNs from non-compact states must get a license through an endorsement or temporary permission before employment.
What does an LPN in New Mexico do?
In New Mexico, Licensed Practical Nurses comply with instructions to provide fundamental nursing care.
They do numerous technical jobs following their training.
They assist in coordinating patient care.
In certain circumstances, experienced LPNs assume administrative responsibilities.
Which cities in New Mexico provide the highest earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses?
- Santa Fe, NM- $30.42 per hour
- Albuquerque, NM- $30.04 per hour
- Artesia, NM- $29.45 per hour
- Hobbs, NM- $28.46 per hour
- Rio Rancho, NM- $28.25 per hour
- Farmington, NM- $27.85 per hour
- Las Cruces, NM- $27.80 per hour
- Raton, NM- $27.71 per hour
- Bloomfield, NM- $27.57 per hour
