Some reports predict that New Mexico will need more than 8,000 nurses by 2030. Nurses with advanced degrees can help close this gap in several ways, including educating the next generation of nurses and assuming leadership roles to help develop and advocate for organizational and legislative policies that can attract more professionals to the profession and retain those already working at the bedside.
Students in New Mexico interested in pursuing a DNP have various options, both within the state and regionally. Below, we cover the details so you can find a program that meets your personal and professional needs.
New Mexico DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in New Mexico: 2
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 9
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: About $40,500 for BSN to DNP; $18,000 for MSN to DNP
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to two universities that offer a variety of DNP options, including various specialties and entry points. While there are only 10 programs in total, they offer online and hybrid options, as well as a variety of NP and leadership options to choose from.
New Mexico BSN/MSN to DNP Programs
The University of New Mexico offers the most DNP programs in the state, with six different BSN-to-DNP tracks and a post-MSN option. Five of the six BSN-to-DNP programs are considered hybrid and offer classes with face-to-face components. Below, we look at these programs and the school’s post-MSN track.
University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $628.22 per credit + fees for residents; $1,405.62 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of New Mexico offers multiple DNP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses. Most programs can be completed in three years, except for the Nursing Administrative Leadership program, which takes four years to complete and is also the only program offered entirely online. These programs include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 65 credits, 750 clinical hours, 50 lab/simulation hours, and 300 project hours
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 70 credits, 825 clinical hours, 125 lab hours, and 300 project hours
- Nurse-Midwifery: 71 credits, 950 lab and clinical hours, and 300 systems project hours
- Nursing Administrative Leadership: 63 credits, 700 practice hours, and 300 project hours
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care: 63 credits, 750 clinical hours, 100 lab hours, and 300 project hours
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 69 credits, 750 clinical hours, 100 lab hours, 300 systems project hours
UNM also offers a two-year MSN to DNP option, which requires a minimum of 30 credits, 200 practice hours, and 300 project hours. This program is offered entirely online.
Key highlights:
- Multiple BSN to DNP tracks to choose from
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care programs all boast a 100% exam-pass rate
Additional considerations:
- Many tracks are considered hybrid and may have on-campus requirements
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Online DNP Programs in New Mexico
The online programs at New Mexico State University may be a good fit for nurses interested in a program with minimal on-campus requirements. The school also offers an online post-master’s DNP that is entirely online.
New Mexico Online BSN/MSN to DNP Programs
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $444.40 per credit base tuition + $49 per credit tuition differential + fees
Program Overview:
New Mexico State University offers two BSN-to-DNP options: a BSN to DNP PMHNP and a BSN to DNP FNP track. Both options can be completed in three years full-time and require 74 credits, with 1,000 hours of clinical experience completed in the final year of the program. Classes are entirely online, with an on-campus orientation at the beginning of the program and a one-week on-campus intensive session before the start of clinical experiences.
NMSU also offers an MSN to DNP in Population Health Leadership. This post-master’s program is 36 to 42 credits and can be completed within two to three years. All coursework is completed online; however, an on-campus orientation is required.
Key highlights:
- All coursework can be completed online, but an on-campus orientation is required
- BSN to DNP students must attend on-campus intensives before starting clinicals
Additional considerations:
- Clinical experiences can be completed locally
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
Students who reside in New Mexico also have some regional options to consider, though some travel may be required. Below, learn more about DNP programs at the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado-Denver Anschutz Medical Campus that are open to New Mexico residents.
University of Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50-86
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies per speciality
Program Overview:
DNP programs at the University of Arizona meet the state requirements for New Mexico. Students can finish this hybrid program in as little as 2.5 years full-time.
UoA offers a number of DNP tracks, including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Executive Health Systems Leadership
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- DNP/PhD Dual Degree Program
- DNP-FNP and Certificate-AGACNP Option
- Post-Master’s DNP
These programs are considered hybrid and have on-campus requirements, which may be challenging for New Mexico residents, particularly those in remote locations. Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona, about a two-hour drive from the New Mexico border and about a six-hour drive from Albuquerque.
Key highlights:
- Nine DNP tracks available, including a unique DNP-FNP and Certificate-AGACNP Option
- These programs meet the state requirements for New Mexico
Additional considerations:
- On-campus visits are required throughout the program
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
University of Colorado-Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
- Aurora, Colorado
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $16,821 to $48,861 + fees, depending on the program
Program Overview:
Because New Mexico and Colorado are both members of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), students from New Mexico can meet state requirements by attending the DNP programs at CU Anschutz. There are five DNP tracks to choose from, detailed below:
- DNP/MPH Dual Degree in Nursing and Public Health: 61 credit hours, 675 clinical hours, 99% online
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: 26 credit hours, 540 hours of clinical experience, hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Health Systems Leadership: 35 credit hours, 540 DNP project hours, hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Public Health Nursing: 20-21 credit hours, 630 clinical hours, hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership: 41 credit hours, 620 practicum hours, hybrid
While much of the coursework for these programs is offered online, some tracks require visits to the Aurora campus, which is approximately a three-hour drive from the New Mexico/Colorado border.
Key highlights:
- Five DNP tracks to choose from, including unique options like Doctor of Nursing Practice Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership, and a DNP/MPH Dual Degree in Nursing and Public Health
- Students from New Mexico get a discounted tuition rate as residents of a WICHE state
Additional considerations:
- Travel to the Aurora campus may be required for some programs
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in New Mexico
If you’re interested in completing your DNP as soon as you can, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
All of the BSN to DNP programs in the state take only three years to complete, with the exception of the Nursing Administrative Leadership at the University of New Mexico, which takes four years.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The post-master’s option at the University of New Mexico is the shortest, taking only two years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in New Mexico
Some of the DNP programs that stand out are the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care programs at the University of New Mexico, as they all boast a 100% pass rate on the certification exams.
Cheapest DNP Programs in New Mexico
While every university and program has different fees and costs, the most affordable programs per credit are offered at New Mexico State University, where the cost per credit is $444.40, plus a $49 tuition differential per credit, for a total of $493.40 per credit.
FAQs
Can NPs practice independently in New Mexico?
Yes, NPs can practice independently in New Mexico, which means that they can assess, diagnose, and treat patients without the supervision of a doctor and even open their own practices.
What’s the average cost of a DNP program in New Mexico?
Both of the Universities that offer DNP programs in New Mexico are public universities, which makes them a little more affordable. On average, the tuition for a BSN to DNP program costs around $40,500, with additional costs and fees. An MSN to DNP program typically costs around $18,000, plus additional expenses and fees.
What career opportunities are available with a DNP degree in New Mexico?
Nurses with DNP degrees have numerous opportunities in New Mexico, including roles as nurse practitioners in various specialties, nurse educators, or nurse administrators.