The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the preeminent degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.
In New Mexico, a post-master's DNP program will typically require students to complete between 28 and 38 credit hours, depending on the track selected. Conversely, BSN to DNP students will generally need to complete 65 to 72 unit hours in addition to clinical hours devoted to precepted NP practice.
Core competencies that DNP students will have mastered after finishing the program will include the following:
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care
- Scientific underpinning for practice
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health
- Advanced health and physical assessment
- Leadership
- Advanced pharmacology
- Evaluate systems responses to health and illness as a basis for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health and functional abilities and the prevention of illness
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence-based practice
2025 Best DNP Programs in New Mexico
Looking for the best DNP programs in New Mexico? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your journey to advanced nursing practice with confidence. Check out our rankings to make an informed decision. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to children from newborns to young adults. Students gain specialized skills in well-care, prevention management, and prescriptive authority, partnering with families to optimize pediatric health outcomes. The program features a 100% licensure certification pass rate, small class sizes, and hands-on learning in high-tech simulation centers. Scholarships and grants are available, with a focus on serving underserved and rural New Mexico communities.
- 3-year doctoral program
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio
- 100 lab hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Full prescriptive authority
- BSN from accredited university
- 1 year healthcare experience
- Dedicated clinical placement team
Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals a comprehensive pathway to becoming independent primary care providers. This rigorous 70-credit program prepares nurses to deliver holistic, patient-centered care across diverse populations, emphasizing health equity and evidence-based practice. Graduates gain extensive clinical skills through 825 clinical hours, enabling them to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions independently. The hybrid format allows flexible learning, with on-campus and clinical rotation experiences preparing students for national certification.
- 8 consecutive terms
- 70 total credits
- 825 clinical hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Nationally certifiable graduates
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Small class sizes
Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN, this hybrid program focuses on rural and underserved populations, offering small class sizes and an 8:1 student-instructor ratio. Students benefit from faculty actively practicing in clinical settings, ensuring current, evidence-based training. No GRE is required for admission, and the program provides clinical placement support, making it an attractive pathway for nurses seeking to advance their psychiatric mental health expertise.
- Hybrid program format
- 100% certification pass rate
- No GRE required
- Clinical placements provided
- 8:1 student-instructor ratio
- Focus on rural healthcare
- Full prescriptive authority
- 100 lab training hours
Doctorate - DNP Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's DNP Nurse-Midwifery program is a top-ranked nationally recognized pathway for aspiring nurse-midwives. Ranked #11 nationwide, the program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive women's healthcare with a unique focus on rural and underserved populations. Students benefit from small 8:1 student-instructor ratios, hands-on clinical experiences, and a dedicated clinical placement team. The program offers full prescriptive authority training, emphasizes evidence-based care, and boasts over 80% of graduates serving rural communities. With scholarship opportunities and no GRE requirement, students can enter with a BSN and one year of nursing experience.
- No. 11 Nationwide Nurse-Midwifery Program
- 8:1 Faculty-Student Ratio
- Small Cohort Sizes
- No GRE Required
- Full Prescriptive Authority Training
- Clinical Placements Provided
- Focuses on Underserved Populations
- BSN with 1-Year Experience Required
- WICHE Resident Tuition Rates Available
- Scholarship Opportunities
Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality healthcare in complex acute settings. This hybrid program takes just under 3 years to complete, requiring a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates emerge equipped to address sophisticated healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Financial aid options are available, with scholarships ranging from $200-$5,000 annually. The program emphasizes system-level knowledge, leadership skills, and specialized acute care expertise.
- 8 consecutive terms to complete
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Hybrid learning model
- New Mexico RN license required
- Clinical placements throughout state
- Supports rural healthcare needs
- Competitive admissions process
Doctorate - DNP Nursing Administrative Leadership
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico's DNP in Nursing Administrative Leadership empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program prepares students to drive change, enhance quality care, and address critical health challenges. Ideal for aspiring nurse managers, directors, and executives, the program offers flexible part-time study with expert faculty. No GRE is required, and students can develop advanced leadership skills while continuing their current healthcare roles.
- 100% Online Program
- 4 Years to Graduation
- No GRE Required
- Small Supportive Cohorts
- BSN Degree Prerequisite
- 1 Year Nursing Experience
- Scholarships Available
- Western Regional Tuition Options
- Focus on Healthcare Leadership
- Diverse Faculty Expertise
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical healthcare provider shortages. The three-year, 74-credit online program blends theoretical coursework with over 1000 clinical hours, focusing on integrated primary and mental health care. Students develop leadership skills and evidence-based practice techniques, gaining comprehensive training to provide patient-centered care across the lifespan. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and can work in diverse healthcare settings, with a competitive admission process requiring a 3.0 nursing GPA and current RN license.
- 3-year online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- 1000+ clinical hours
- Integrated primary/mental healthcare
- Flexible distance education format
- National certification exam preparation
- Full-time study commitment
- 3.0 minimum nursing GPA required
- On-campus orientation included
- Interprofessional education opportunities
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM - Private 4-year - usw.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Nurse Leadership concentration at University of the Southwest provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to elevate their strategic leadership skills. This fully online doctoral program is designed for experienced nurses seeking to transform healthcare delivery and drive organizational change. Graduates develop advanced clinical expertise, evidence-based practice knowledge, and comprehensive leadership capabilities essential for high-level nursing roles in complex healthcare environments.
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- Specialized Nurse Leadership Focus
- Advanced Healthcare Management Skills
- Flexible Graduate-Level Learning
- Career Advancement Opportunity
Choosing a DNP Program
Prospective students are encouraged to research DNP programs thoroughly. By keeping a few key elements in mind, selecting the right program can be stress-free.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for the University of New Mexico's DNP program is as follows:
- If you are a resident of the state: $588/unit hour
- If you are a non-resident of the state: $1,192/unit hour
- Online Campus options— The University of New Mexico DNP program is offered fully online, however, students are required to attend an on-site orientation at the beginning of each year.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of New Mexico are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies— Clinical fellowships and residencies are a crucial part of the hands-on experience portion of the DNP learning journey. We do suggest that you consult with DNP faculty at your school of choice to see if there are any clinical residency opportunities in the state.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Successful DNP program applicants must document satisfaction of the following requirements:
- BSN with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
- Current unencumbered RN license from the U.S. or U.S. territory
- Eligible for licensure in New Mexico
- Completion of an upper division (400-500 level) inferential statistics course within 5 years of the application date
- Participation in a face-to-face interview with graduate faculty members
- A letter of intent specifying career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance the applicant's clinical practice
- Current CV/resume
- A two to four-page description of an example of a common occurrence in clinical practice that the applicant would like to see changed
- Three references from colleagues in clinical practice
- After acceptance into the program, applicants will be required to submit a criminal background check and toxicology screen. Failure to provide these screening items will result in dismissal and/or non-acceptance. Positive toxicology results and/or criminal background checks that do not meet the NM DOH clearance standards will mean dismissal or non-acceptance from the program
Certification
New Mexico DNP programs allow for students to sit for certification testing. Depending on the school and tracks offered, students may become certified in a number of advanced practice nursing specialties.
Licensing
For the state of New Mexico, nursing students who've completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Complete an application
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Pass a criminal background checks
- Complete fingerprinting
New Mexico BSN to DNP Program Options
At this time, there are no colleges in New Mexico that offer a BSN to DNP pathway. National online programs may be available to those who wish to pursue this degree type.
Related Education Paths
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Programs
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- New Mexico FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Mexico
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
- 3-year doctoral program
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio
- 100 lab hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Full prescriptive authority
- BSN from accredited university
- 1 year healthcare experience
- Dedicated clinical placement team
- Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 8 consecutive terms
- 70 total credits
- 825 clinical hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Nationally certifiable graduates
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Small class sizes
- Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 100% certification pass rate
- No GRE required
- Clinical placements provided
- 8:1 student-instructor ratio
- Focus on rural healthcare
- Full prescriptive authority
- 100 lab training hours
- Doctorate - DNP Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Website
- No. 11 Nationwide Nurse-Midwifery Program
- 8:1 Faculty-Student Ratio
- Small Cohort Sizes
- No GRE Required
- Full Prescriptive Authority Training
- Clinical Placements Provided
- Focuses on Underserved Populations
- BSN with 1-Year Experience Required
- Doctorate - Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 8 consecutive terms to complete
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Hybrid learning model
- New Mexico RN license required
- Clinical placements throughout state
- Supports rural healthcare needs
- Competitive admissions process
- Doctorate - DNP Nursing Administrative Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 4 Years to Graduation
- No GRE Required
- Small Supportive Cohorts
- BSN Degree Prerequisite
- 1 Year Nursing Experience
- Scholarships Available
- Western Regional Tuition Options
Hobbs, NM
University of the Southwest
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- Specialized Nurse Leadership Focus
- Advanced Healthcare Management Skills
- Flexible Graduate-Level Learning
- Career Advancement Opportunity
Las Cruces, NM
University of the Southwest
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- Specialized Nurse Leadership Focus
- Advanced Healthcare Management Skills
- Flexible Graduate-Level Learning
- Career Advancement Opportunity