New Mexico may be known for hatch chiles, hot air balloons, and sweeping national and state parks, but it’s also a land of enchantment for many others. In fact, New Mexico was ranked as one of the best places to work as a nurse. When comparing data points including starting salaries, job openings, and average number of working hours for registered nurses, Wallet Hub named New Mexico the fifth best state to work as a registered nurse in 2021. New Mexico was home to 17,100 registered nurses and 1,900 licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly a third of New Mexico’s more than 2 million residents make their home in Albuquerque, according to U.S. Census data. But for nursing students in Albuquerque and the rest of the state, there are a wide variety of New Mexico nursing resources and scholarships available.
New Mexico Nursing Useful Sites
New Mexico Board of Nursing — The New Mexico Board of Nursing oversees nurse licensing and regulations. The website also contains useful information about continuing education and news for nurses in the state. New Mexico Nurses Association — NMNA aims to promote educational and professional advancement for all levels of nurses in the state. New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence — A nonprofit organization, NMCNE is dedicated to improving the health of New Mexico residents through nursing excellence. New Mexico Native American Indian Nurses Association — This association is for current registered nurses and LPNs/LVNs who are American Indians, as well as qualifying students enrolled in nursing programs. Albuquerque Chapter of AACN — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses chapter in Albuquerque is one of the oldest in the country and is committed to improving healthcare locally.
New Mexico Nursing Scholarships
Nightingale Scholarships — Each year, the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence provides 20 scholarships to nursing students throughout the state. These $1,000 scholarships are open to current nursing students pursuing their Associate Degree in Nursing or higher. NMNAINA Scholarships — The New Mexico Native American Indian Nurses Association awards up to $2,500 per scholarship. Students who are registered members of federally recognized Natie American tribes are eligible. Indian Health Services Scholarships — While not specific to New Mexico, IHS provides scholarships to high school students who are members of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe and are pursuing a health profession. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 14.5% of New Mexico residents identify as Native American, making it the state with the third highest proportion of American Indians. Albuquerque Community Foundation Davis-Kozoll Scholarship — This scholarship is awarded to students who live in northwest New Mexico and plan to pursue a degree in a science or human service discipline or who plan to pursue a degree or vocational certificate that they will use in the northwest New Mexico community. One to two awards of $1,000 to $5000 will be given annually.
Nursing Programs in Albuquerque
If you want to join the ranks as a nurse in Albuquerque or the greater New Mexico community, Carrington College offers two paths to professional nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing Program in Albuquerque
Carrington College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program is designed for students who would like to become registered nurses. Courses, which are a mix of classroom lectures, practical training and clinical exercises, cover topics including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, maternal child nursing, medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology. Carrington’s ADN program in Albuquerque can be completed in as few as two years. Learn More.
Practical Nursing Program in Albuquerque
Students who want to work in an entry-level nursing career and want to complete training in as few as 12 months, can pursue Carrington’s Practical Nursing program in Albuquerque. This program helps students prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam* through courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and nursing fundamentals. Learn More. *Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
