Nurse Educator Schools in New Mexico

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in New Mexico?

How do you change from practice nursing to education in New Mexico? Firstly, you will need an undergraduate degree – either an ADN or BSN are acceptable for this career. A registered Nursing license is mandatory even if you don't want to work as a clinician beyond the necessary mandated hours. Finally, you need a master's degree (MSN). Universities offer either a dedicated Nursing Education of Master of Science in Nursing or a standard Nursing MSN with an education path.

MSN ProgramsPost Master's Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsPhD ProgramsEdD Programs

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in New Mexico

At nurseeducator.com, we're committed to helping aspiring nurse educators find the most exceptional training programs across New Mexico. Our comprehensive rankings highlight the top nursing education programs that prepare future instructors to transform healthcare learning. These selected programs offer cutting-edge curriculum, experienced faculty, and robust clinical training opportunities that set students up for success in academic and clinical teaching roles. We've carefully evaluated each institution based on critical factors including faculty credentials, student outcomes, research opportunities, and clinical partnerships. By providing these insights, we aim to guide nursing professionals toward programs that will elevate their teaching capabilities and contribute meaningfully to healthcare education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of New Mexico's MSN in Nursing Education delivers a comprehensive online program tailored for ambitious nurse educators seeking advanced professional development. Meticulously designed for working nurses, the two-year curriculum emphasizes innovative teaching methodologies and leadership in educational settings. Students explore cutting-edge strategies for instructing at associate and baccalaureate levels, with a distinctive focus on serving rural and underserved populations. The program's flexible 8-week course format accommodates professional schedules, while scholarship opportunities support student advancement. Graduates emerge prepared to transform healthcare education, develop interprofessional learning approaches, and lead educational initiatives across diverse clinical environments.

• 100% online program
• 2 years to graduation
• 8-week course format
• Scholarship dollars available
• Prepares faculty for multiple settings
• Focus on underserved populations
• Leadership in education emphasis
• Flexible for working nurses
• Comprehensive nurse educator preparation

#2

Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Eastern New Mexico University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration provides a comprehensive two-year program tailored for professional nurses aspiring to become educators. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum focusing on advanced teaching strategies and curriculum design. The program uniquely prepares graduates for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Exam while addressing the critical nursing educator shortage. With 36 total credit hours, including 12 core and 24 education credits, students receive robust training in evidence-based pedagogical approaches. Military-friendly and offering competitive in-state tuition rates, the program boasts an impressive 94% employment rate and is fully ACEN accredited.

• 100% online MSN degree
• Nurse educator emphasis
• 36 total credit hours
• Completion within 2 years
• Low in-state tuition rates
• New Mexico Nurse Educator Scholarship
• ACEN accredited program
• 94% employment rate
• Qualifies for CNE Exam
• 12 core credits, 24 education credits

*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

New Mexico has two BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs – one of which is hybrid, and the other (Eastern New Mexico University) is fully online. Students learn the teaching of diagnostics and treatment, assessment skills, and matters related to the curriculum. Your entry requirements are usually:

• A regionally accredited BSN
• Official transcripts
• Unencumbered in-date RN license – send a copy
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Application letter
• Non-native English speakers are required to pass a language proficiency test and send the scores

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at New Mexico State University.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of New Mexico offers a great program for this specific degree.

Universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees for nurse educators, but New Mexico does not offer any such programs at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in New Mexico

Nursing educators in New Mexico must maintain all standards for ongoing licensure even if the intent is to work full-time as an educator.

Also, consider non-mandatory professional certification for your work as an educator. CNE can benefit your career, and some employers prefer it. The three types are:

• CNE: For academic professionals in colleges and universities
• CNEcl: For educators of clinical professionals in hospitals and clinics
• CNEn: For novices of the other two categories. You may apply with under three years of experience in either field

Certification also requires you to adhere to some eligibility standards throughout.

RN licensing in New Mexico is $150 for the exam, $60 for the reexamination, and $150 for endorsement. Those from compactor states don't need to apply. The renewal cost is $110. CNE cost is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members, as it is in all states.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in New Mexico?

The roles you might find available to you in New Mexico once you have qualified include:

• Academia: US colleges and universities need advanced teaching staff to educate new nurses and graduate students
• Professional: Instead of formal education, you'll train professional nurses and other clinicians with ongoing skills development needs
• Private training provision: You may train medical professionals, but this may also include support staff who need some medical knowledge
• Charity: The non-profit sector employs both medical and non-medical staff who may need a wide variety of training types

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in New Mexico

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in New Mexico? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.