How We Rank the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Mexico?
Choosing a nursing program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. By encompassing a broad spectrum of factors such as tuition costs, student/faculty ratio, programs offered, NCLEX passing rates, 3rd party rankings and accreditation, you can refine your starting point about what program best suits your career aspirations.
This is our comprehensive evaluation approach, which empowers you to make a strategic decision for the nursing program you decide to attend. First, we assemble a list of all accredited nursing schools offering MBA programs in New Mexico, and then rank them based on our methodology and the following factors:
- Program quality and desirability: tuition costs, student/faculty ratio, programs offered, NCLEX passing rates, 3rd party rankings and accreditation CCNE or ACEN accreditation: 50%
- RNCaree.org’s editorial ranking of the nursing school’s reputation: 10%
- The affordability of the programs offered by the nursing school: 20%
- The NCLEX passing rate as it reflects on the overall program quality: 20%
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Mexico
#1 in New Mexico
University of New Mexico
College of Nursing- Health Sciences Center
1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM - 87106
(505) 277-0111
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 2046
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,905
Book and Supplies: $1,194
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,327
Percent Admitted: 96%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Highlights for NP Students
- Award-winning Excellence: #1 Best Nursing Program in NM by Best-Nursing-schools.com.
- Research Powerhouse: Part of the esteemed 115 Carnegie Classified R1 universities in the nation.
- Unique Initiatives: The sole College of Nursing with a Primary Care TeleECHO Clinic.
- Financial Support: Up to $15,000 in educational assistance through the ANEW program for primary care NP and nurse-midwifery students.
- Structured Clinical Placements: The dollege has a dedicated Clinical Affairs team to find student placements and select preceptors.
- State-of-the-Art Simulation: Students have access the 28,000 sq. ft. Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center, exclusively designed for realistic nursing simulation.
- Certified Simulation Education: Learn from experts, including a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator®.
- Holistic Skill Evaluation: Engage in the Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) Program, which simulates real-world clinical scenarios.
About the University of New Mexico's College of Nursing
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is a public research institution in Albuquerque. It was established in 1889. Its College of Nursing was founded in 1955 under the guidance of Marion Fleck and Mary Jane Carter. Since then, the college has continued to grow, catering to over 1,150 nursing students. With its programs securing top national rankings from U.S. News & World Report, it's no surprise that the college is New Mexico's number one choice for nursing.
The college's commitment to innovation and hands-on learning is evident in its wide range of offerings. The innovative Primary Care TeleECHO Clinic serves all New Mexicans regardless of location. Financial support is at the forefront of the ANEW program, granting eligible students up to $15,000. Furthermore, students gain invaluable experiences from their clinical placements, thanks to the dedicated Clinical Affairs team. The state-of-the-art simulation labs, including the expansive Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center, offer students risk-free, realistic nursing experiences, ensuring they're industry-ready. Moreover, the college's commitment to maintaining international standards is evident through its affiliation with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and having experts like Adreanne Cordova, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator®, on board.
About the University of New Mexico's NP Programs
Concentration:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
UNM's 2-year, 9-month Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares students to handle the growing complexity of healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. Students gain clinical, leadership, and health care system expertise. One distinguishing feature is the rich coursework rooted in evidence-based practice coupled with clinical education across five specialized nursing concentrations. Another hallmark is the emphasis on inclusivity, health equity, and the unique needs of diverse populations. The program requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical/practice hours, with variations based on concentration-specific requirements. The program offers tuition reciprocity arrangements for those from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states.
Concentration:
UNM's Post-Master's Certificate Program is designed for master's-degreed nurses who want to specialize. Recognizing the diverse educational backgrounds of its students, UNM offers two tracks for completion, ensuring a customized learning journey. The quality of education is evident in its 100% pass rates in certification. In terms of financial aids, grant dollars and scholarships are available.
Concentration:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The UNM College of Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Program is designed for nursing graduates who want to specialize. This curriculum is perfect for those who want to change their communities, especially in New Mexico. This program's concentrations demonstrate UNM's flexible and comprehensive advanced nursing education. Options range from adult and elderly urgent care to pediatric primary care and mental health.
#2 in New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
- 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, NM - 88003-8001
- (575) 646-0111
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 802
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,301
- Book and Supplies: $1,240
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,520
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
Highlights for NP Students
- Strategic Location: Experience unmatched clinical training opportunities thanks to NMSU's proximity to the United States-Mexico Border.
- Diverse Learning: A number of NMSU's nursing programs are available fully online.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The SON Skills and Simulation Center ensures practical training with three lab rooms, two simulation rooms, and the latest equipment.
- Interactive Simulations: Complement your classroom learning by integrating the nursing process with simulated patient-care scenarios.
- Renowned Honor Society: Be a part of Sigma Theta Tau-Pi Omega, the local chapter promoting the nursing profession in community involvement, education, and evidence-based practice.
- Comprehensive Campus Partnerships: Connect with diverse programs such as the American Indian Program, Black Programs, and University Honors Program, among many others.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Utilize Scholar Dollar$ for streamlined scholarship applications and financial assistance.
About the New Mexico State University-Las Cruces' Nursing School
Mexico State University, founded in 1888, is a public land-grant research university dedicated to teaching, research, public service, and outreach. The university, distinguished as a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report by the National Science Foundation, boasts a commendable position for research, science, and engineering funding, as recognized. NMSU's School of Nursing is housed under the College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation. Over the past decade, the school has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of students, with many courses transitioning to an online format. Located near the U.S.-Mexico border, the school provides its students with unparalleled clinical experiences in both acute care and community-based settings.
The Skills and Simulation Center at the School of Nursing elevates the learning experience with state-of-the-art equipment and simulation rooms aimed at mirroring real-world clinical environments. Such integrative learning ensures students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also hone their practical skills, resulting in well-rounded, competent nurse practitioners. Furthermore, the affiliations with Sigma Theta Tau-Pi Omega showcase NMSU's commitment to community involvement and evidence-based nursing practices. Given the accolades, strategic collaborations, and cutting-edge facilities, NMSU School of Nursing is an excellent choice for aspiring nurse practitioners.
About the New Mexico State University-Las Cruces' NP Programs
Concentration:
This DNP program at NMSU is delivered through NMSU-Online, combining both synchronous and asynchronous distance education methodologies. The program requires more than 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences, primarily in a student's local community. A project highlighting leadership, research translation, and clinical skills is mandatory. The university offers two specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with additional focus on population health leadership. students must secure their own clinical preceptors and practicum sites, ensuring that affiliation agreements are in place.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track concentrates on primary health care throughout one’s life, combined with specialty seminars and clinical experiences. This track uniquely emphasizes integrated primary and mental health care. After completion, graduates can appear for certification exams by ANCC and AANP. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track zeroes in on mental health. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC PMHNP certification exam.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificates
Concentration:
Offered through NMSU-Online, the Post Graduate APRN Certificates program is tailored for certified nurses with Master’s or doctorate degrees who seek additional certification in another specialty. Each certificate demands 18 credits, incorporating a minimum of 500 clinical hours that are indispensable for national certification. The didactic component of the program employs a blend of synchronous and asynchronous distance education. With options in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties, this certificate program serves as a conduit to additional nursing expertise. Admission criteria are stringent, requiring an active APRN license and certification, a Master's or DNP degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prior completion of specific advanced courses. The selection process is competitive and incorporates an interview.
See our Ranking Methodology
10 Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Students
- Carol Lee Taylor Scholarship: Offered by the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council (NMNPC), it provides four $500 scholarships annually to NP students – New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council
- Nightingale Scholarship: Available through the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence, this scholarship is offered to nursing students at all levels, including NPs – New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence
- Del Norte LOV Foundation Nursing Scholarships: These scholarships are offered to students pursuing nursing at various levels, including advanced practice, in Northern New Mexico – Del Norte LOV Foundation
- UNM Hospitals Scholarship Programs: Scholarships for students enrolled in the College of Nursing at the University of New Mexico, which includes NP students – UNM College of Nursing Scholarships
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services Scholarship: For students in health-related fields, including NPs, particularly those willing to work within Presbyterian Healthcare Services after graduation – Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Though not a scholarship, this program offers loan repayment to NPs who commit to practicing in underserved areas of New Mexico – NM HPLRP
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council Awards: NMNPC also offers various awards and grants that can be used towards NP education – NMNPC Awards and Scholarships
- Indian Health Service Scholarships: For Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing health professions, including nurse practitioners – Indian Health Service
- National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program: While this is a federal program, it applies to NP students in New Mexico who are willing to serve in high-need areas after graduation – NHSC Scholarships
- Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship: Specifically for NP students who commit to working in rural New Mexico upon graduation.
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Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.
