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 done the research for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that prepare nurses for advanced practice. We focus on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting or advancing your nursing career, our list can help you find the right program. Check out our rankings to see which schools stand out. 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 DNP program specializes in Pediatric Primary Care. This three-year program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive care for newborns to young adults, focusing on wellness, prevention, and prescriptive authority. With a 100% licensure certification pass rate, students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio and 100 hours of hands-on learning in simulation centers. The program emphasizes community service within underserved and rural New Mexico populations, and scholarships and grants are available. No GRE/GMAT is required.
- 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 offers a hybrid format, post-bachelor's DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This 70-credit program prepares nurses for independent primary care practice, encompassing holistic care across diverse populations. Students complete 825 clinical hours, gaining expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex health conditions. The program promotes health equity and evidence-based practice while preparing graduates 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
University of New Mexico's hybrid DNP program in Psychiatric Mental Health prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare across the lifespan. Focusing on rural and underserved communities, this program offers small classes with an 8:1 student-instructor ratio. With no GRE requirement and clinical placement support, students receive training from clinically active faculty emphasizing evidence-based practices. Graduates gain full prescriptive authority and complete 100 lab training hours.
- 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
Ranked #11 nationally, the University of New Mexico's DNP Nurse-Midwifery program prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive women's health, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. With an 8:1 student-instructor ratio and dedicated clinical placements, the program offers hands-on experience and full prescriptive authority training. A BSN and one year of nursing experience are required. No GRE is needed, and scholarships are available.
- 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 hybrid Post-Bachelor's DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares nurses for complex acute care settings. This program, completed in under three years, requires 1,000 clinical hours and emphasizes system-level knowledge and leadership skills. Graduates are prepared to address healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Financial aid, including scholarships ranging from $200-$5,000 annually, is available.
- 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 offers a fully online DNP in Nursing Administrative Leadership, ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. This program prepares nurses for leadership roles, focusing on driving change and enhancing care quality. No GRE is required, and the flexible, part-time format allows students to continue working while developing advanced leadership skills. Scholarships and Western Regional tuition options are available.
- 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-Main Campus offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program with a concentration in integrated primary and mental health care. This hybrid program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to meet the growing demand for healthcare providers. Over three years and 74 credits, students engage in a curriculum that combines online theoretical coursework with extensive clinical practice, totaling over 1000 hours. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care across all ages. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 nursing GPA and a current RN license. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification exams and diverse healthcare roles. Highlights include a flexible distance education format, interprofessional education opportunities, and a focus on integrated primary and mental healthcare.
- 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 University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Nurse Leadership, tailored for nurses aiming to take on leadership roles within healthcare settings. This 100% online program equips students with the skills necessary to lead and innovate in the nursing field, focusing on advanced clinical practice, evidence-based research, and strategic management. Designed for flexibility, it allows working professionals to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Graduates are prepared to drive change and improve healthcare outcomes through leadership. Highlights include a specialized focus on nurse leadership, advanced healthcare management skills, and opportunities for career advancement.
- 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
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Integrated primary and mental health care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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