BSN-to-DNP Programs in New Mexico – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
On average, graduates of BSN-to-DNP programs in New Mexico earn $147,330 a year. That’s because, whether they specialize in clinical practice or executive leadership, DNP-educated RNs are valued because they know how to implement evidence-based practice. As a state with many medically underserved communities, New Mexico depends upon the primary healthcare that DNP-educated APRNs provide. Meanwhile, DNPs focusing on nonclinical areas, such as administration, help optimize medical facilities to improve patient outcomes. Employment opportunities for DNPs in New Mexico are expected to increase by 65 percent in 10 years. Could earning a DNP be your next career move? Look through this guide to the best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Mexico and find out.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Mexico (Online & Campus) for 2026.
1. New Mexico State University - Las Cruces
Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesiology
Each DNP pathway features didactic courses delivered through combined synchronous and asynchronous distance education. In addition to coursework and clinical practicum hours, you will complete a DNP Scholarly Project, which is the culminating event of the program.
The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs require 77 and 79 credits, respectively. Each of these pathways includes 1,088 clinical hours. The FNP and PMHNP programs follow a distance education format, which means you can complete your DNP in your hometown, including completing clinicals at healthcare centers in your local area.
The Nurse Anesthesiology program is a 102-credit pathway that requires the completion of a minimum of 2,400 clinical hours. Clinical rotations for nurse anesthesia students occur in urban and rural settings, providing you with exposure to a broad range of anesthetic procedures. You will participate in anesthesia cases across several specialties, including surgery, trauma, pain management, and obstetrics.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at New Mexico State University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution and an active, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Letter of Intent, and a two-to-four-page paper describing an example of a problem relevant to clinical practice that could improve patient and population outcomes in your specialty, if changed. (This problem can be used as the basis for your DNP Project.) You also need to submit the names and contact information for three references from colleagues in clinical practice and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended, showing a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0 and completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course. All candidates must sign a commitment to enroll for full-time study and attend a two-day campus orientation and a one-week clinical seminar in the second year of the program.
Nurse Anesthesia applicants must provide one supervisor’s assessment form, NMSU CRNA Shadow Experience Logs, a Critical Competency Checklist, and a Personal Essay describing their motivation for becoming a CRNA. Nurse Anesthesia candidates must also submit a copy of a current CCRN (Pediatric or Adult) Certification.
Why Choose This Program
• Simulated learning is an excellent way for students to learn and master essential clinical skills in a safe, secure environment. At New Mexico State University, Nurse Anesthesiology students gain hands-on experience in the school’s high-fidelity simulated operating room. Here, you will master anesthesia techniques in a safe, controlled environment as you prepare for clinical rotations in hospitals and surgical centers.• At New Mexico State University, you will learn from expert faculty who are experienced Nurse Practitioners and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The school ensures small cohort sizes to ensure you receive personalized support and mentorship throughout the program.
• As a student in the BSN-to-DNP program at New Mexico State University, you will receive academic and professional coaching designed to prepare you with the essential strategies, skills, and resilience you need to thrive in any doctoral nursing role you choose to pursue. Graduates of the program report high satisfaction scores when it comes to the type of support the school offers.
• Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP program at New Mexico State University have excellent records of post-graduation success. The school reports an impressive 100% pass rate on national certification exams. Also, graduates have high job placement rates, which is also an indication that employers are satisfied with the program and the quality of the education it provides to students.
2. University of New Mexico - Albuquerque
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Administrative Leadership, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The clinical pathways of the post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice program take two years and nine months or eight semesters to complete. The clinical pathways feature a hybrid learning format, combining online synchronous and asynchronous classes, lab simulations, and clinical practicums. These program options require between 63 and 71 credits. Curriculum plans for these programs also include between 1,100 and 1,250 clinical hours, depending on which specialty you pursue.
The Nursing Administrative Leadership is a part-time, fully online program, that takes 11 semesters to complete. This pathway features a 63-credit curriculum and includes 700 clinical practice hours and 300 DNP Scholarly Project hours.
Admission Requirements: The University of New Mexico accepts applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from candidates who either have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. All candidates need a current RN license and at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse or in a relevant field prior to beginning the program.
You must submit a completed NursingCAS application and a supplemental application for admission to the University of New Mexico. With your applications, you must also provide a Letter of Intent, answers to essay questions, a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. While candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis. A personal interview with program faculty may be required.
Why Choose This Program
• As a student in the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of New Mexico, you will have diverse clinical experiences. Program faculty familiar with the local community serve as clinical preceptors, which means they are aware of the needs of the patients you will serve and can work with you to arrange clinical experiences that prepare you with the high-quality skills you need to perform in your role as a doctoral-prepared nurse.• The University of New Mexico is committed to your success, and providing exceptional student support services is one way they promote your success. While enrolled in the BSN-to-DNP program, you will have ongoing support from a personal faculty liaison, program faculty, support staff and preceptors.
• As a nurse educator, I appreciate the benefit that simulated learning brings to nursing education. At the University of New Mexico, you will have learning opportunities in the School of Nursing’s Simulation and Skills Lab. Simulated activities are integrated into the BSN-to-DNP curriculum.
• For a school with multiple paths for its BSN-to-DNP programs in New Mexico, UNM has an outstanding record of success. Program graduates have a 100% pass rate on national certification exams, which is an excellent factor to consider when choosing a program. High certification pass rates indicate a solid program designed to prepare you for success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP 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 Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In New Mexico?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Mexico?
| Hourly | $70.83 |
| Weekly | $2,833 |
| Monthly | $12,280 |
| Annual | $147,330 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In New Mexico?
| Hourly | $52.11 |
| Weekly | $2,084 |
| Monthly | $9,030 |
| Annual | $108,390 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In New Mexico?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $58.96 | $2,358 | $10,220 | $122,640 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $69.60 | $2,784 | $12,060 | $144,770 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $77.51 | $3,101 | $13,440 | $161,230 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $92.63 | $3,705 | $16,060 | $192,670 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Mexico By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Albuquerque | $70.27 | $12,180 | $2,811 | $146,170 |
| Farmington | $66.22 | $11,480 | $2,649 | $137,730 |
| Las Cruces | $63.21 | $10,960 | $2,528 | $131,480 |
| Santa Fe | $69.49 | $12,040 | $2,779 | $144,530 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Mexico VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In New Mexico
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $190,530 | -$43,200 | -22.67% |
| Podiatrist | $152,490 | -$5,160 | -3.38% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $147,330 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $146,280 | +$1,050 | +0.72% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,140 | +$14,190 | +10.66% |
| Pharmacist | $131,420 | +$15,910 | +12.11% |
| Veterinarian | $121,430 | +$25,900 | +21.33% |
| Occupational Therapist | $100,740 | +$46,590 | +46.25% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,470 | +$46,860 | +46.64% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,290 | +$49,040 | +49.89% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,100 | +$55,230 | +59.97% |
| Audiologist | $81,880 | +$65,450 | +79.93% |
| Chiropractor | $76,840 | +$70,490 | +91.74% |
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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in Education. Darby has worked as a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare environments, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student mentoring across nursing and allied health programs.
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