LPN Programs in New Mexico

Check out the top ranked LPN programs, career outlook, and salary requirements in New Mexico.
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Updated June 20, 2023

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The US Department of Health and Human Services projects that New Mexico will be short more than 2,000 licensed practical nurses by 2025. While 282 LPN licenses were granted in 2015, more qualified practical nurses will be needed to support the projected demand. Colleges in New Mexico are stepping up by offering quality nursing programs at all levels to prepare future generations of LPNs and RNs.

In the following guide, aspiring practical nurses can get information on LPN programs in New Mexico, as well as details regarding state licensure requirements and salary and employment.

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Top LPN Programs in New Mexico

Methodology +

Lpn Programs The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including Student-to-faculty ratio In-state tuition Graduation rate Additional details for each school were included: Count of programs available Public and not-for-profit schools Normalized on a 100 percent curve The methodology used for tie-break is as follows... Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships). If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
  1. Luna Community College
    Location

    Las Vegas, NM

  2. New Mexico Junior College
    Location

    Hobbs, NM

  3. Clovis Community College
    Location

    Clovis, NM

  4. Northern New Mexico College
    Location

    Española, NM

  5. Santa Fe Community College
    Location

    Santa Fe, NM

  6. New Mexico State University - Carlsbad
    Location

    Carlsbad, NM

  7. New Mexico State University - Dona Ana
    Location

    Las Cruces, NM

Explore LPN Degree Programs

LPN Programs in New Mexico

Prospective practical nursing students can find LPN programs at large universities such as New Mexico State University and Western New Mexico University, as well as smaller institutions such as Clovis Community College and Luna Community College. To learn more about your options, use the search tool below to browse schools by acceptance rate, number of nursing programs offered, school type, student population, and tuition. You can also choose to see a side-by-side comparison of your top selections by clicking the compare schools button at the top. 

Licensure Requirements for New Mexico LPNs

New Mexico is one of 25 states to honor compact licenses which allows nurses to work outside of their home state without having to go through the approval process. This gives nurses the opportunity to travel and work at the same time and makes the hiring process easier. Find out more about the New Mexico's licensing process, what education is required and what to do when it's time to renew a license.

Basic Eligibility

  • Complete an Initial Application
  • Register with 3M Cogent
  • Send it to the Board of Nursing

Education & Training Requirements

In order to obtain a license, LPN applicants must complete a program that has been approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

Additional Requirements for Licensure

  • Submit a $110 fee to the Board
  • Submit fingerprint cards to complete a background check
  • Pass the Pearson VUE NCLEX-PN
  • Prove education by having nursing school transcripts, or certificate of eligibility for graduation, sent to the Board

Renewing Your License

The Board of Nursing renews LPN licenses every two years, which costs $93. Applicants must complete 30 hours of continuing education by the time they're ready to renew their license.

Salaries for New Mexico LPNs

Depending on where they work, LPNs in New Mexico can make good salaries. Although data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average salary for New Mexico LPNs is $46,360, specific wages depend on where in the state these professionals work. For more information about the earning potential of nurses in different metropolitan areas, continue reading.

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas

LPN Employment Trends in New Mexico

According to the 2015 New Mexico Board of Nursing Annual Report, 93% of LPNs are New Mexico residents. From Albuquerque to Farmington, this section breaks down what areas of the state have the most LPN opportunities.

Top Locations for Employment

AreaTotal Employment (2014)
Albuquerque870
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area510
Las Cruces240
North and West Central New Mexico nonmetropolitan area160
Santa Fe140
AreaTotal Employment (2014)
Farmington100
Southwestern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area70

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Employment of LPNs in New Mexico

2012 3,230

2022 3,650

Average Annual Openings 120

Source: Projections Central

New Mexico LPN Resources

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