Top RN to MSN Programs in New Mexico
RN-to-MSN programs provide an expedited pathway for students to attain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, equipping them for specialized and supervisory roles in the field of nursing. 
Depending on the individual’s prior educational background and the chosen learning format, it is possible to obtain an MSN in as few as three years. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses (RNs) in New Mexico earn an average annual salary just under $70,000. However, those with an advanced degree garner significantly higher earnings. This page offers a comprehensive overview of RN-to-MSN programs in New Mexico, encompassing details on admission and licensure requirements, the employment outlook for advanced practice nurses, and resources tailored for nursing professionals working within the state. Additionally, our guide includes a ranking of the top RN-to-MSN programs in New Mexico.
Top MSN Programs in New Mexico
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT |
| 2 | American Sentinel University | Aurora, CO |
| 3 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN |
| 4 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ |
Requirements for RN-to-MSN Programs in New Mexico
To enroll in an RN-to-MSN program, possessing an RN license is a prerequisite. Becoming an RN in New Mexico necessitates completion of a state-approved diploma or associate program in nursing, undergoing a criminal background check, and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). RNs are required to renew their license every two years and fulfill a minimum of 30 hours of professional development to qualify for renewal.
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Educational prerequisites vary among programs. While some RN-to-MSN programs admit students with only a nursing diploma, others may specifically require an associate degree. Furthermore, some programs may mandate prospective students to hold a bachelor’s degree, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be in nursing. It is advisable to contact the admissions office of individual schools for precise information. Generally, online programs do not mandate an entrance exam for admission.
Apart from postsecondary training, certain schools may stipulate a specific amount of professional or clinical experience from applicants. Students often fulfill these requirements while working toward earning their RN license, although some programs may prefer candidates with at least two years of experience as a licensed practical nurse or RN.
Once enrolled in an RN-to-MSN program, maintaining a minimum GPA in bachelor’s-level courses may be necessary to gain approval for taking graduate-level classes. Many programs stipulate a 3.5 GPA as a requirement to stay on an accelerated track.
Nursing Licensure Requirements in New Mexico
As previously mentioned, obtaining an RN license in New Mexico involves completing a diploma or associate program in nursing, passing a criminal background check, and successfully passing the NCLEX-RN. Advanced levels of nursing licensure come with additional requirements.
For instance, in addition to being a licensed RN, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) candidates in the state must complete a graduate-level nursing program. These programs must be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Alternatively, APRN education requirements can be met through training and experience in the armed forces instead of earning a graduate degree.
APRN candidates need national certification. To attain national certification as a nurse practitioner, passing an exam administered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners is required. Aspiring nurse anesthetists, on the other hand, must pass an exam offered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. While the content and nature of these tests vary by specialization, significant preparation is essential.
Out-of-state applicants can apply for an APRN license in New Mexico if they can demonstrate at least two years of previous experience as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife in another jurisdiction. All APRNs are required to renew their license every two years and complete at least 50 hours of professional development before renewal. APRNs seeking prescriptive authority must meet additional clinical experience requirements and submit a separate application for prescriptive authority.
Employment Outlook For MSN Graduates in New Mexico
Upon completing an RN-to-MSN program in New Mexico, graduates can pursue licensure as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife. The growing demand for healthcare services and the increasingly central role played by APRNs in providing primary care result in exceptional job prospects for program graduates.
The BLS forecasts a 36% growth in national employment for nurse practitioners through 2026, surpassing the overall economy’s growth rate by more than five times. In New Mexico, approximately 960 nurse practitioners earn an average salary of around $109,000, notably higher than the state’s annual mean wage for all occupations, which is approximately $45,000.
While the BLS projects a more moderate growth rate of 16% for nurse anesthetists through 2026, these positions offer significantly higher salaries. In 2017, about 40 nurse anesthetists in New Mexico earned salaries exceeding $150,000.
Finally, the BLS predicts a 21% increase in employment for nurse midwives in the coming years, with New Mexico having the second-highest concentration of nurse midwife jobs in the country. On average, nurse midwives in the state earn $99,870 per year, slightly below the national median salary for these roles.
The Largest Healthcare Facilities in New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital
Functioning as the sole academic medical center in the state, the University of New Mexico Hospital boasts a workforce of approximately 900 physicians and over 2,700 registered nurses. The facility encompasses 13 specialized pediatric departments, emphasizing its commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
Presbyterian Hospital
Situated in Albuquerque, Presbyterian Hospital employs nearly 600 physicians and just over 1,800 registered nurses. As a nonprofit institution, the hospital offers an array of specialized services, including cardiology, oncology, and radiology, catering to diverse healthcare needs in the community.
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
A pivotal part of the New Mexico VA Health Care System, the Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center operates not only in Albuquerque but also through community-based outpatient clinics across the state. With a total staff of around 2,700 full-time members, the center plays a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to the veteran population.
Explore Top RN to MSN Programs and School Information in New Mexico
Sacred Heart University
Location: Fairfield, CT
Sacred Heart University offers a program tailored for individuals holding an associate’s degree in nursing, aiming to expedite career advancement. Notably, the school provides graduate classes at undergraduate tuition rates, enhancing affordability. Specializations within the program cater to diverse nursing career trajectories.
– Campus: Fairfield, CT
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $530 per credit hour for the BSN portion, $635 per credit hour for the MSN portion
– Degree requirements: RN license, ADN or Nursing Diploma, minimum GPA of 3.0, resume, statement of goals, two letters of recommendation, malpractice insurance
– Minimum time commitment: Varies based on the chosen pathway, with all specializations requiring completion of a practicum.
– Programs: RN to BSN to MSN – Clinical Nurse Leader, Patient Care Services Administration, Nursing Education
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
American Sentinel University
Location: Aurora, CO
American Sentinel University’s RN to BSN/MSN program, accredited by CCNE, is delivered entirely online. This program caters to nurses seeking enhanced career opportunities, allowing them to seamlessly transition from an associate’s degree to an MSN within a single program. The institution prides itself on offering cost-effective tuition.
– Campus: Aurora, CO
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $375 per credit hour
– Degree requirements: Resume, RN license, transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0
– Minimum time commitment: Varies based on the chosen pathway
– Programs: RN to BSN/MSN – Case Management, Infection Prevention and Control, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership.
– School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN
Vanderbilt University offers an accelerated, flexible ASN to MSN program for those aspiring to advance their nursing careers. The program’s structure, featuring distributed course delivery formats and modified class schedules, enables students to achieve their goals in as little as two years without the need for relocation or work interruption.
– Campus: Nashville, TN
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: ACEN
– Tuition: $1,195 per credit hour
– Degree requirements: Transcripts, GRE, three letters of reference, writing samples, prerequisite course, RN license
– Minimum time commitment: Two years
– Programs: RN to MSN – Various specializations including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare leadership, Neonatal nurse practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Informatics, Palliative Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
– School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona presents an online ADN to MSN program that can be completed in just two years. With a fully online format and no residency requirements, the program caters to the needs of working nurses seeking to advance their education and career.
– Campus: Tucson, AZ
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $37,628
– Degree requirements: RN license, ADN, minimum GPA of 3.0, work experience, transcripts
– Minimum time commitment: 44 credits
– Programs: ADN to MSN
– School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
Nursing Resources in New Mexico
New Mexico Nurses Association (NMNA):
NMNA serves as the voice for nurses in the state, working towards advancing nursing practice. The association facilitates networking events, job postings, scholarships for continuing education, and degree programs.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA):
The New Mexico branch of APNA focuses on mental health nursing. It connects members through regional events, online affinity groups, and provides career listings.
New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council (NMNPC):
NMNPC offers resources to its members, including a career center, continuing education workshops, and policy briefs on relevant legislation in the state. Guidance on becoming a nurse practitioner in New Mexico is also provided.
New Mexico School Nurses Association (NMSNA):
NMSNA caters specifically to school nurses in New Mexico, hosting an annual conference and advocating for improved school health services. The association recognizes exemplary school nursing professionals through awards.
New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence (NMCNE):
NMCNE aims to promote excellence among New Mexico’s nursing community by providing scholarships, hosting conferences for nursing educators, organizing lecture series, and offering resources for prospective students on choosing the right nursing program.
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