How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Mexico

New Mexico map

As you dive into a new career as a nurse, prepare yourself for registered nurse training in New Mexico.

There are several registered nurse schools in New Mexico that are ready to train you as a student today.

This includes online classes, as well as in-person on-campus classes.

You also get to train in laboratories and practice medicine as an RN clinical in a work setting.

Discover how easy it is to become a registered nurse and New Mexico with this guide.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in New Mexico

University of New Mexico College of Nursing

University of New Mexico College of Nursing Logo

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing has a bachelor of science in the nursing program.

Students can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree that prepares them for a career as a registered nurse (RN).

This program includes the option for 100 percent online training, as well as a BSN dual degree and freshman direct entry.

The registered nurse program at the UNM includes a pre-licensure program, along with an RN to BSN online track.

The cost for the pre-licensure BSN program is $510 a credit hour.

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University Logo

At New Mexico State University, students can pursue a degree as registered nurses.

The program is $7,810 a semester and requires students to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree.

The campuses are located in Grants and Alamogordo, NM, as well as in Las Cruces, where the main campus is situated.

As a result of the BSN requirement, students will need to take at least four years to complete this program.

New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University Logo

The New Mexico Highlands University campuses located in Roswell, Las Vegas, Farmington, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe all have training for registered nursing students.

Earn your degree in nursing and sit for the national boards to be certified as an RN as soon as possible without sacrificing the quality of education with NMHU.

Ranked as one of the top schools for nursing in the state, the cost of tuition for in-state students is $6,168 a year.

Taos-University of New Mexico

Taos-University of New Mexico Logo

At the Taos, NM University of New Mexico campus, registered nursing students are able to branch out–literally–with this location.

The UNM-Taos location provides a top-rated training opportunity for registered nurses.

Students can save money with low rates on tuition at $1,902 a year.

The program provides students with an associate’s degree, rather than the traditional four-year bachelor of science degree.

This cuts down on the time frame to complete the program, which takes two years compared to a BSN, which takes four years.

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University Logo

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in Roswell, NM has another affordable option for registered nursing hopefuls.

Here, students can train to become an RN working locally.

The training program results in a certificate or an associate’s degree.

At ENMU, the graduates are also encouraged to pursue a four-year degree with the bachelor of science nursing program readily available at the main campus, which is in Portales, NM.

Registered Nurse Schools in New Mexico – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in New Mexico

School NameAddress
UNM College of Nursing2502 Marble Ave, Albuquerque, NM 87131
New Mexico State University1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003
New Mexico Highlands University1005 Diamond St, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Taos-University of New Mexico133 Bent St, Taos, NM 87571
Eastern New Mexico University1500 S Avenue K, Portales, NM 8813

Registered Nurse Salary in New Mexico

As you consider a career as a registered nurse in New Mexico, consider that this job pays an average salary of $66,300 in the US.

This pay rate varies according to experience, location, and job setting.

The more experience you have as a registered nurse in NM, the greater your salary range.

Annual Salary Range:
$54K
$60K
$69K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in New Mexico

City NameSalary
Albuquerque$62,170
Las Cruces$56,450
Santa Fe$62,760
Rio Rancho$61,970
Roswell$58,240
Farmington$61,470
Alamogordo$59,240
Clovis$59,820
Hobbs$59,280
Carlsbad$58,240
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in New Mexico

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Albuquerque, NM10,070$92,350$44.4$124,800$76,320
Farmington, NM800$86,420$41.55$108,780$68,070
Las Cruces, NM1,420$82,950$39.88$101,760$64,230
Santa Fe, NM800$94,090$45.23$118,990$69,300
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to be an RN in New Mexico?

If you want to become a registered nurse in New Mexico, you can do this in 18 months.

This includes laboratories and clinical, as well as preparations for the national certification board exam.

What are the state board certification requirements for registered nurses in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, registered nurses must get a board certification at the national level.

This is available through the NCLEX-RN board exam.

To be eligible for this exam, students must graduate from an accredited training program and have in-person experience through clinical.

In addition, the cost of sitting for the NCLEX-RN is $200.

How much does it cost to become a registered nurse in New Mexico?

The total cost will vary but includes registered nursing training at a college, as well as the certification boards.

This may be as little as $2,000 but as much as $85,000 depending on the college.

Does New Mexico have a 100 percent online nursing program?

There are no 100 percent online nursing programs in NM at this time.

However, hybrid online classes are available at many colleges.

In addition, some of the training modules may require students to attend some courses that are only offered online.

Yet, since students have to provide documentation that they have been involved with in-person clinical trials before they can register for the board exams, no school in NM can offer 100 percent online nursing programs.

What is the quickest RN program in NM?

The quickest RN program in New Mexico is a certificate program.

This typically takes 12 to 18 months, but may also take up to two years.

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