Nurse Educator Schools in New Mexico
Nurses in New Mexico who currently work in practice but would like to shift their career to another focus should consider nursing education as an alternative. If education is of interest to you, read on for more details about how you can enter this exciting career.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in New Mexico?
How do you change from practice nursing to education in New Mexico? Firstly, you will need an undergraduate degree – either an ADN or BSN are acceptable for this career. A registered Nursing license is mandatory even if you don't want to work as a clinician beyond the necessary mandated hours. Finally, you need a master's degree (MSN). Universities offer either a dedicated Nursing Education of Master of Science in Nursing or a standard Nursing MSN with an education path.
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in New Mexico
Finding the best nurse educator programs in New Mexico is key for your career growth. At nurseeducator.com, we've ranked the top programs to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and how well they prepare you for the job. We aim to guide you to the right program that fits your goals. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern New Mexico University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers a dynamic online nurse educator program designed for professional nurses seeking to expand their impact. The two-year program prepares students to become nursing instructors in associate and baccalaureate degree programs, addressing the critical national nursing shortage. With flexible, affordable tuition and a focus on evidence-based teaching strategies, graduates can qualify for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Exam while developing advanced leadership and curriculum design skills.
- 100% online MSN degree
- Nurse educator emphasis
- 36 total credit hours
- Completion within 2 years
- Low in-state tuition rates
- New Mexico Nurse Educator Scholarship
- ACEN accredited program
- 94% employment rate
- Qualifies for CNE Exam
- 12 core credits, 24 education credits
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Master's - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's MSN in Nursing Education equips working nurses to become transformative educators across diverse healthcare settings. This fully online, flexible program spans two years with 8-week courses, preparing graduates to teach at associate and baccalaureate levels, develop interprofessional education strategies, and lead in staff and patient education environments. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes rural and underserved population care, with scholarship opportunities available to support student advancement.
- 100% online program
- 2 years to graduation
- 8-week course format
- Scholarship dollars available
- Prepares faculty for multiple settings
- Focus on underserved populations
- Leadership in education emphasis
- Flexible for working nurses
- Comprehensive nurse educator preparation
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
New Mexico has two BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs – one of which is hybrid, and the other (Eastern New Mexico University) is fully online. Students learn the teaching of diagnostics and treatment, assessment skills, and matters related to the curriculum. Your entry requirements are usually:
- A regionally accredited BSN
- Official transcripts
- Unencumbered in-date RN license – send a copy
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Application letter
- Non-native English speakers are required to pass a language proficiency test and send the scores
Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.
The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).
There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at New Mexico State University.
The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of New Mexico offers a great program for this specific degree.
Universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees for nurse educators, but New Mexico does not offer any such programs at this time.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in New Mexico
Nursing educators in New Mexico must maintain all standards for ongoing licensure even if the intent is to work full-time as an educator.
Also, consider non-mandatory professional certification for your work as an educator. CNE can benefit your career, and some employers prefer it. The three types are:
- CNE: For academic professionals in colleges and universities
- CNEcl: For educators of clinical professionals in hospitals and clinics
- CNEn: For novices of the other two categories. You may apply with under three years of experience in either field
Certification also requires you to adhere to some eligibility standards throughout.
RN licensing in New Mexico is $150 for the exam, $60 for the reexamination, and $150 for endorsement. Those from compactor states don't need to apply. The renewal cost is $110. CNE cost is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members, as it is in all states.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in New Mexico?
The roles you might find available to you in New Mexico once you have qualified include:
- Academia: US colleges and universities need advanced teaching staff to educate new nurses and graduate students
- Professional: Instead of formal education, you'll train professional nurses and other clinicians with ongoing skills development needs
- Private training provision: You may train medical professionals, but this may also include support staff who need some medical knowledge
- Charity: The non-profit sector employs both medical and non-medical staff who may need a wide variety of training types
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in New Mexico
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in New Mexico? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Albuquerque, NM
The University of New Mexico
- Nursing Education Hybrid
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-0858
Portales, NM
Eastern New Mexico University
- Online MSN - Nurse Education Online
Portales, NM 88130
(575) 562-1011
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