ACNP Programs in New Mexico (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Acute care nurse practitioners in New Mexico are looking at a booming employment market! Demand for ACNP services is high now, and within the next decade, projections indicate demand will be 65 percent higher. The need for their services translates into an impressive paycheck, too: Graduates of ACNP programs in New Mexico make average salaries of $140,100 a year. As an ACNP, you'll be delivering care to critically ill and injured patients who depend upon you for their recovery. Is this the type of challenge you can rise to? Our guide to the best ACNP programs in New Mexico will tell you what you need to know.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in New Mexico.)
1. University of New Mexico - Albuquerque
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
This post-baccalaureate ACNP program in New Mexico equips students with the essential tools necessary to deliver patient care with an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in healthcare systems, leadership, and clinical skills. The program can be completed in just two years and nine months. Admission to the program is offered annually in the fall semester.
Coursework is delivered in a hybrid format, with some core courses taking place online and campus-based concentration-specific courses and simulation experiences. The 65-credit curriculum includes classes like Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics, Managing Emergency & Critical Illness in the Adult/Gerontology Patient, Managing the Acute & Complex/Chronically Ill Adult/Gerontology Patient, and Advanced Diagnostic Test Interpretation.
The program requires a total of 1,100 clinical and lab/simulation hours, including 750 direct patient care hours, 300 Systems Thinking/DNP Project hours, and 50 lab/simulation hours. In this program, you will participate in learning opportunities in the university's high-tech simulation center. The center is designed to create realistic settings and scenarios where you can learn and hone essential skills as you prepare for clinicals. The university is part of a large Health Sciences System, including several dynamic healthcare facilities where you will gain hands-on training in patient care.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university, a current RN license, and one year of work experience as a registered nurse or in a closely related healthcare field. Applicants must submit a supplemental application for admission to the university, along with a completed NursingCAS application.
Additionally, candidates are required to provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, answers to three essay questions (provided in the application), and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. However, those with a GPA less than 3.0 are considered on an individual basis and required to provide a supplemental statement explaining their GPA.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate Program provides a pathway for nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree in nursing to pursue training and certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students once per year in the summer semester. The PGC program features a hybrid learning format that combines both synchronous and asynchronous online learning with hands-on simulation and teaching.
A Gap Analysis is performed on all incoming students' records to determine an individualized plan of study. Your study plan will consist of at least 15 credits, which are earned through concentration-specific courses and clinicals. The curriculum includes a minimum of 750 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree earned from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLN. A current New Mexico RN license and a copy of your APRN license or certification, if applicable, are required.
Candidates must complete a NursingCAS application and submit a curriculum vitae or resume, three essay responses, three letters of recommendation, and official college/university transcripts. It is recommended that applicants have at least two years of relevant work experience with their APRN license. A graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. An interview is also required as a final step in the admission process.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of New Mexico, the Clinical Affairs Team finds clinical placements and preceptors for you. With their help, there is no guesswork when it comes to clinical training, which means you can focus on studying while they handle the details to ensure you are ready for your clinical experiences!• As a nurse educator, one thing I encourage all prospective students to consider when choosing a program is the performance of graduates on national certification exams. A school with high certification exam pass rates indicates a strong program that provides students with the essential knowledge and skills to perform in their chosen role. For example, graduates of the AGACNP program at the University of New Mexico consistently have a 100% certification exam pass rate… No wonder it is one of the best ACNP programs in New Mexico!
• The decision to pursue a doctorate or post-graduate certificate is a serious commitment. Finding the right program is essential for your success. One thing I like about the University of New Mexico is that the ACNP program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio. With no more than 8:1 ratio, small cohorts mean you can work more closely with faculty and peers, which can help increase your chances of success in the program.
• Each faculty member in the Adult Gerontology ACNP program is committed to adult gerontology care. They bring unique perspectives from their diverse backgrounds to the classroom, simulation labs, and clinicals. Because faculty remain in active clinical practice, they are up to date on clinical standards, trends, and healthcare policies, and they can equip you with that same knowledge to promote your success.
• The University of New Mexico is dedicated to student success. As a student in the ACNP program, you have access to resources and support along every step of your program. The school offers personalized one-on-one advising, consultations to help refine test-taking strategies and manage test anxiety, as well as support for writing and statistics, along with in-person and virtual workshops.
• If you want to attend school but are concerned about the financial commitment, financial aid advisors at UNM can assist. The university offers a range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and teaching assistantships.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEW MEXICO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $49.55 |
| Weekly | $1,982 |
| Monthly | $8,590 |
| Annual | $103,070 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $49.55 | $1,982 | $8,590 | $103,070 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.07 | $2,243 | $9,720 | $116,620 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.19 | $2,648 | $11,470 | $137,670 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $73.71 | $2,948 | $12,780 | $153,320 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.08 | $3,523 | $15,270 | $183,210 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO?
| Hourly | $67.36 |
| Weekly | $2,694 |
| Monthly | $11,680 |
| Annual | $140,100 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEW MEXICO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Albuquerque | $66.83 | $2,673 | $11,580 | $139,000 |
| Farmington | $62.97 | $2,519 | $10,910 | $130,970 |
| Las Cruces | $60.11 | $2,404 | $10,420 | $125,030 |
| Santa Fe | $66.08 | $2,643 | $11,450 | $137,440 |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average New Mexico ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $140,100 | $131,620 | +$8,480 | +6.44% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$25,380 | -15.34% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$12,190 | -8.00% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$8,840 | -5.94% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$8,460 | -5.69% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$8,380 | -5.64% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$7,420 | -5.03% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$6,210 | -4.24% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$220 | -0.16% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | +$1,800 | +1.30% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | +$1,970 | +1.43% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | +$3,390 | +2.48% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$4,260 | +3.14% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$4,310 | +3.17% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$5,800 | +4.32% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$6,090 | +4.54% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$6,180 | +4.61% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$6,920 | +5.20% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$8,640 | +6.57% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$8,990 | +6.86% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$9,170 | +7.00% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 +z | +$9,230 | +7.05% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$9,550 | +7.32% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$10,110 | +7.78% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$10,860 | +8.40% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$10,930 | +8.46% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$12,420 | +9.73% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$12,520 | +9.81% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$12,740 | +10.00% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$13,530 | +10.69% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$13,780 | +10.91% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$14,170 | +11.25% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$14,240 | +11.31% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$15,140 | +12.12% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$15,460 | +12.40% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$15,550 | +12.48% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$16,000 | +12.89% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$16,170 | +13.05% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$16,290 | +13.16% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$16,480 | +13.33% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$17,470 | +14.25% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$17,920 | +14.67% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$18,540 | +15.25% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$19,750 | +16.41% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$20,310 | +16.95% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$20,580 | +17.22% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$23,890 | +20.56% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$23,930 | +20.60% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$27,040 | +23.92% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$27,400 | +24.31% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$33,850 | +31.86% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEW MEXICO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,950 | -$72,850 | -34.21% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $140,100 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $116,780 | +$23,320 | +19.97% |
| Registered Nurse | $92,140 | +$47,960 | +52.05% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $72,850 | +$67,250 | +92.31% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,130 | +$83,970 | +149.60% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,030 | +$103,070 | +278.34% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEW MEXICO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $190,530 | -$50,430 | -26.47% |
| Podiatrist | $152,490 | -$12,390 | -8.13% |
| Optometrist | $146,280 | -$6,180 | -4.22% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $140,100 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,140 | +$6,960 | +5.23% |
| Pharmacist | $131,420 | +$8,680 | +6.60% |
| Veterinarian | $121,430 | +$18,670 | +15.38% |
| Occupational Therapist | $100,740 | +$39,360 | +39.07% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,470 | +$39,630 | +39.44% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,290 | +$41,810 | +42.54% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,100 | +$48,000 | +52.12% |
| Audiologist | $81,880 | +$58,220 | +71.10% |
| Chiropractor | $76,840 | +$63,260 | +82.33% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In New Mexico?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In New Mexico?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In New Mexico?
| $67.36 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In New Mexico?
| $2,694 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In New Mexico?
| $11,680 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In New Mexico?
| $140,100 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In New Mexico?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +64.78% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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