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.

#1

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
Show More 5 Programs ˅
#2

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
#3

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

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Successful DNP program applicants must document satisfaction of the following requirements:

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:

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

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Mexico

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Mexico

Jump to City:

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

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