How to Become an RN in New Mexico: 5 Steps
Learning how to become an RN in New Mexico requires specialized education, training, and licensure. But if you’re looking for a stable, rewarding career, it could be worth it — New Mexico ranks third in the nation for nursing opportunities and work environment. Plus, the state needs nurses, so you’ll be filling a critical role in keeping NM residents healthy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that RN positions will grow by 6% in the next several years, which is faster than average. Plus, becoming an RN makes it possible to explore roles in advanced practice nursing, education, non-clinical work, and more. Learning how to become a registered nurse in New Mexico could be the start of a long and gratifying career.
What Does an RN in New Mexico Do?
Nursing roles carry different responsibilities and knowledge depending on the setting and specialty. For example, a nurse in the emergency department (ED or ER) helps triage, assess, and treat patients with emergent medical conditions. A research nurse, on the other hand, helps plan and carry out studies that advance evidence-based practice and medicine. Learn about the many nursing specialties.
Here’s an overview of nursing responsibilities that are common in clinical nursing roles:
- Assessments: Perform focused and head-to-toe assessments to determine a patient’s current health status and responses to treatment.
- Patient education: Help patients and their families understand treatment plans, illness, and lifestyle changes.
- Care planning: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans that address the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.
- Time management: Prioritize tasks and balance competing responsibilities throughout a shift, such as medication administration, documentation, and responding to emergencies.
- Critical thinking: Use clinical judgment to assess changes in a patient’s condition, recognize red flags, and intervene or escalate care appropriately.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in New Mexico?
Completing the steps of how to become an RN in New Mexico takes at least two to four years. That’s because there are two educational tracks you can choose from, with different timeframes:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about two years to complete at a community college or vocational school. This is a faster route to becoming a registered nurse, focusing on core nursing skills and clinical experiences. This option is ideal for students who want to enter the workforce sooner or pursue a BSN later.
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree offered through colleges and universities. This path can open doors to more job opportunities, especially in hospitals seeking Magnet status, and it’s often preferred for leadership roles. Most graduate schools require a BSN. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Some students also choose direct-entry or accelerated BSN programs if they already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. If you wish to pursue this option, you may need to first complete additional prereq courses before you can apply. Learn more about the fastest way to become a nurse:
New Mexico has great nursing schools. See some of the top ADN programs below:
- University of New Mexico – Taos
- San Juan College (offers BSN program as well)
- Southeast New Mexico College
- Santa Fe Community College
- New Mexico Junior College
If you’re looking for BSN programs, check out the following schools:
- Eastern New Mexico University
- University of New Mexico – Albuquerque
- Western New Mexico University
- New Mexico State University – Las Cruces
- University of New Mexico – Valencia
As you’re researching programs, be sure the schools you apply for are approved by the New Mexico BON. This ensures that you’ll be able to take the licensure exam and become an RN after you graduate.
How to Become an RN in New Mexico: 5 Steps
Nationally, there’s a similar process for how to become an RN. In New Mexico, the key differences are the licensure application process and renewals. Learn more below.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The first step in how to become an RN in New Mexico is completing a prelicensure nursing program. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN, you can expect to take challenging courses and rotate through different specialties during clinicals. Typical nursing school classes include:
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pediatrics
- Mental health nursing
- Nursing fundamentals
Not sure how to pay for nursing school? See our article on scholarships for nursing students. If you plan to work during nursing school, you’ll have options. Some students choose to work as nursing assistants, which can help them gain confidence in working with patients. Find CNA roles in New Mexico.
Another option is a nurse externship program, where you’ll have duties similar to a CNA but rotate through different units to gain experience. This can give you a leg up when it’s time to look for your first role as an RN. Check out student nurse jobs in New Mexico.
Step 2: Apply for a Licensure by Examination
You’ll apply for licensure by the NCLEX exam in your final semester of nursing school or right after graduation. It’s a multi-step process that includes the following elements:
- Complete an initial exam application through the New Mexico Nursing Portal, including an application fee of $150.
- Request that your university send official transcripts to the BON email address (bon.licensing@bon.nm.gov).
- Complete a criminal background check through IdentoGO.
- Register for Pearson VUE and pay the $200 registration fee.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an authorization to test in your email. Use this link to schedule your exam date. But you don’t have to wait until you’ve passed to look for jobs for new grads — the state allows new graduate nurses to acquire a temporary license, contingent upon passing the NCLEX. Before you begin working, review the New Mexico Nurse Practice Act.
New Mexico is a compact state, so if you meet additional requirements, you can acquire a license that allows you to work in other NLC states. These include:
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX is an adaptive exam, which means that you’ll have a different number of questions — between 85 and 150 — depending on how you answer them. Question formats include multiple choice, select all that apply, and case studies, and the newest version of the NCLEX gives you partial credit. The NCLEX covers the domains below:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Your nursing school may offer NCLEX prep courses to help you prepare. To assess your knowledge gaps, take several practice tests and review content accordingly. Remember to pace yourself and allow ample time for studying so that you’re not cramming before exam day.
Once you complete the test, you’ll be able to view your results two business days later with NCLEX Quick Results. Official results will be sent by the Board of Nursing, and you’ll soon be able to look up your license on the licensure verification page (Nursys).
What if you fail the NCLEX in New Mexico? You can take the NCLEX a maximum of five times within three years of graduation. You’ll need to reapply and register through Pearson VUE again.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to jump into your career as an RN in New Mexico? New grad nurses often take roles in acute care residency programs — such as med-surg, critical care, pediatrics, and oncology — where you’ll be paired with a preceptor and go through additional job training. But non-hospital nursing jobs are available as well, whether you’d like to work in outpatient nursing, ambulatory care, or elsewhere.
View roles with some of the most prominent healthcare organizations in New Mexico:
- Presbyterian Hospital
- Lovelace Medical Center
- Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital (Indian Health Services)
- Carlsbad Medical Center
- Three Crosses Regional Hospital
- University of New Mexico Medical Center
- Providence Covenant Health
- San Juan Regional Medical Center
- Los Alamos Medical Center
- Mimbres Memorial Hospital
What is the salary of a nurse in NM? While salaries vary, the average RN in New Mexico earns $94,360 per year, or $45.37 per hour. Pursuing additional credentials, gaining experience, and moving locations can help you earn more as a nurse. Roles in larger cities tend to pay more, so if you’re open to a move, check out roles in the largest New Mexico cities by population:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Your initial RN license is valid for one year, but after you renew once, your subsequent renewals will be every two years. Learn how to complete your NM RN license renewal in three steps with our guide.
Find Roles for New Mexico Nurses
Now that you know how to become an RN in New Mexico, you might be curious about the nursing roles that an NM license can get you. Sign up for personalized job notifications to see opportunities that match your specialty interests and location.