New Mexico Nursing License | Requirements in NM - NursingLicensure.org (2023)

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in New Mexico are licensed by the New Mexico Board of Nursing (http://nmbon.sks.com/). According to the National Nursing Database, there are currently 24,821 RNs and 2,985 LPNs with active licenses.

New Mexico is a member of the Nursing Contract. If a registered nurse has a multi-state license from another compact state, the candidate is eligible to work in the state. A registered nurse licensed in another compact state should not apply to New Mexico unless the applicant transfers residence.

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Please select the type of nursing license you are seeking:

  • I am researching the requirements for certified nursing assistants in New Mexico.
  • I am researching the licensing requirements for practical nursing in New Mexico.
  • I am researching the requirements for registered nursing in New Mexico.
  • I am looking into the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license requirements in New Mexico.

Candidates are licensed by endorsement if they have already taken the licensing exam in another jurisdiction. Otherwise, apply by exam; The New Mexico Board must authorize them to participate in the NCLEX. New Mexico publishes NCLEX success rates by program (http://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/FileLinks/NCLEX_1.pdf).

The New Mexico Nursing Center of Excellence is a potential source of scholarship funding for nursing students (http://www.nmnursingexcellence.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=73). There are general care subsidies and home care and palliative care subsidies. The latter are awarded to individuals who are already employed in nursing homes or hospice care at ancillary level or above; The funds help us achieve a higher level of education.

The New Mexico Nurses Association is an organization that represents nurses and helps them keep up with their education. It does not license people or give them legal authority to practice. This New Mexico affiliate of the American Nurses Association accepts RNs and LPNs as members, although the membership category is different (http://www.nmna.org/default.asp?PageID=10005672).

New Mexico LPN Requirements

LPN education

A candidate must enroll in a Board-approved practical nursing program. There are several options. There are several career programs in New Mexico that allow a student to complete practical nursing courses and try out as an LPN after one year and earn an associate's degree after a second year of study (http://nmbon.sks.com/Approved_Nursing_Programs.aspx).

Ler "Choosing an LPN Program in New Mexico' to gain a better understanding of the educational requirements and process of the LPN program.

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LPN Enrollment Process

A graduate must be fingerprinted before the candidate applies for the license; The candidate presents the fingerprint cards along with the documentation that authorizes the criminal record check. The background check costs $44.00.

Candidates who submit their applications to the New Mexico Board within 12 weeks of graduation may be eligible to work on a graduate permit while awaiting the licensing exam. A potential employer must apply to the Board of Directors. Approval may be granted depending on the results of the background check. The work permit is valid for a maximum of six months. When the test results are received, the candidate is granted a permanent license or the privilege is revoked.

The candidate should know more about Pearson (www.vue.com/nclex). Candidates pay the $200 fee initially, but must wait for eligibility to be determined before an Authorization to Test (ATT) can be issued. The Board advises that the TCA may arrive sooner if the applicant provides Pearson with an email address. The candidate schedules a computer-adapted exam at some point within the admission window granted by the ATT.

If the candidate fails an attempt, they must submit an application to the New Mexico Board for a reexamination, along with a fee of $60. The candidate may take the exam up to four times in any one year period; the candidate must wait at least 45 days after a failed attempt before making another attempt.

LPN by endorsement

Endorsement applicants must provide proof of license from the state in which they were first licensed. In most cases, endorsement applicants must demonstrate that they have completed an approved program. LPNs must meet New Mexico educational requirements unless they were originally licensed on July 1, 1969. Military personnel who passed the national licensing exam on or before July 1, 1977 and were subsequently licensed as an LPN you may be eligible for certification.

Canadian nurses are eligible for endorsement licensing if they have taken the NCLEX and are licensed in another US state (otherwise they will have to take the NCLEX). Fingerprints must be taken prior to enrollment; The board of directors asks that fingerprint cards be included in the first application documents.

The application fee for an endorsement applicant is $110, unless the applicant wishes to work on a temporary permit while materials are processed (in which case the fee is $160). The application itself lists the fees - applicants should ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

Requirements for a Registered Nurse in New Mexico

educational requirements

An RN must complete a program approved by the Board. A list of approved state programs appears on the Board's website (http://nmbon.sks.com/Approved_Nursing_Programs.aspx).

Choosing an RN Program in New Mexico' provides several additional resources for more information on selecting an appropriate professional care program.

Apply for RN license

If the candidate meets the educational requirements, they will apply to the New Mexico Board. A program in New Mexico may submit a certificate of eligibility to the board. Final transcripts from US programs are accepted to determine eligibility for the exam. (Overseas programs undergo an evaluation process prior to application.)

A candidate who applies immediately after graduation may be granted permission to practice as a registered nurse if there is a facility in New Mexico that wishes to hire the candidate. The candidate must initiate the process in advance. The candidate must have a fingerprint. Additionally, one of the forms in the application packet requires a notarized signature.

The professional license is granted to the future employer. It will only be issued if the applicant's application for admission package is received within 12 weeks of completion. The approval process can take 3 weeks or more.

There are various costs associated with the licensing process. The application fee is $110, the background check is $44, and the exam is $200. These go to different organizations or agencies and cannot be combined.

Candidates can send an email (www.vue.com/nclex) or by phone (1-866-496-2539). A candidate newsletter is available on the Pearson website. The candidate expects to receive an ATT by mail or email and schedules an exam. The board will issue a license upon receipt of notification of approval.

Education (and support) doesn't end with licensing. The New Mexico Rural Nurse Residency is a program to support entry-level nurses hired in facilities with fewer than 200 beds.

out of state RN

An RN who has passed the NCLEX RN in another jurisdiction may obtain a license through endorsement. An official license verification is required. The Board advises that a license review may be requested prior to submitting the license application.

The fee for an endorsement applicant is $110 when a temporary license is not required and $160 when a temporary license is required. The $44 criminal background check fee must be paid separately. The Board advises that it is very important that any criminal record or criminal records be disclosed on the application form. A temporary license may be issued before the results of the criminal history check are received, but information emerging later may result in action against the license.

international nurses

International nurses are eligible if their training is considered equivalent. New Mexico has approved four educational evaluation services: Educational Records Evaluation Service Inc, International Education Research Foundation Inc, Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., and the Foreign School Nursing Graduate Committee.

If the nurse did not complete nursing education in English or pass an English licensing exam, the candidate must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following exams: IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC.

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FAQs

How do I register with a nursing license in New Mexico? ›

Application for a New Mexico registered nursing license by endorsement requires submission of an online application through the Nurse Portal, completion of the criminal background check, and verification of your out-of-state nursing license via NURSYS.

How long does it take to get NM nursing license? ›

It is only issued if the candidate's licensing application packet arrives within 12 weeks' of graduation. It may take 3 weeks or longer to process the permit. There are multiple costs associated with the licensing process. The application fee is $110, the background check $44, and the examination $200.

How many times can you fail the Nclex in New Mexico? ›

Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year. Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school.

How many CE credits are needed in New Mexico to renew nursing license? ›

LMs are required to maintain certification through NARM; and complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every renewal period.

How do I contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing? ›

For login assistance, please get in touch with NMBON.HelpDesk@bon.nm.gov.

How much does it cost to renew RN license in New Mexico? ›

Renewal: RNs must provide proof of 30 hours of continued education within the last two years prior to renewal. Renewal fee is $110.

Which state is easiest to get RN license? ›

Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
  • Maine: 1-2 weeks.
  • Maryland: 2-3 days.
  • Missouri: 2 weeks.
  • Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
  • Texas: 2 weeks.
  • Vermont: 3-5 business days.

Is New Mexico a RN compact state? ›

Yes. Any nurse from the 21 states leaving the current compact can apply for a New Mexico nursing license now.

What is the quickest nursing certification? ›

Of all the nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed at a hospital, vocational technical school, community college and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who work or have other obligations.

Which state has the hardest Nclex exam? ›

None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.

What percentage of nurses fail the NCLEX the first time? ›

What Are Your Chances Of Failing NCLEX-RN On The First Attempt? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt. The number of unsuccessful test-takers is low compared to the more than 86% who pass the exam on their first try.

How many questions can you miss on the NCLEX and still pass? ›

Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.

What documents do I need to renew my license in NM? ›

What You Need To Renew Your Driver's License
  1. Proof of identity.
  2. Proof of federal identification number.
  3. Two proofs of New Mexico residency.

Can I renew my license online New Mexico? ›

You are eligible to renew your driver's license online as long as you: Are between the ages of 18 and 75 years old. Have no pending traffic violations or arrest-warrants related to traffic violations. Have a license that has not been expired for more than a year.

Does CES report expire? ›

Purpose: If your CES order is not completed within a year's time due to inactivity, it will expire. You can reprocess your expired order, which will allow you another year to submit the necessary documentation to obtain a CES Professional and/or Academic Report.

How do I contact NRB to take Nclex? ›

Telephone numbers
  1. English: 866-496-2539 (toll-free)
  2. Canadian French: 866-288-8454 (toll-free) / +1-919-750-0386 (toll)
Sep 30, 2022

What is the difference between a bon and a professional nurse association? ›

Unlike the BON, nursing associations differ in that they are professional membership organizations that are private; requiring members to pay dues in order to enjoy the benefits of membership. Associations are also governed by a Board of Directors but they are elected by members of the association.

How do I renew my New Mexico Board of nursing license? ›

Online Renewal Services
  1. ​​Proof of CE's are required upon renewing license. ...
  2. If your license/certification has expired or lapsed, you will need to submit the Expired/Lapsed Attestation (ELA) within 5 business days of submitting your Renewal Application.

What is the rate for RN in New Mexico? ›

The registered nurse salary in New Mexico is $78,340 per year.

Is there a grace period for expired license in New Mexico? ›

Remember that it is unlawful to practice in New Mexico with an expired license. There is NO GRACE PERIOD. The expiration date of your license is printed on the license.

How many times can I take Nclex RN in New Mexico? ›

New Mexico

Applicants can take the exam a maximum of three times within three years of their initial eligibility.

What state pays more for RN? ›

In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What state is the hardest to get a nursing license? ›

ALASKA. The Last Frontier is calling! While that may be the case, a nurse interested in working in Alaska must first go through the (on average) 8-week nursing license process. Alaska, like all the aforementioned states, requires fingerprints and a background check from nurses applying for a license.

Is Texas a compact state for RN license? ›

Yes, Texas is an NLC state. Nurses who apply for licensure with the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in Texas, register with Pearson VUE, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are awarded a compact license allowing them to practice in all NLC states, so long as they remain a Texas resident.

Is Florida a RN compact state? ›

Florida is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). The eNLC allows a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed in a Compact state to practice across state lines in another Compact state without having to obtain a license in the other state.

Is New Jersey a compact RN license state? ›

New Jersey is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by Nurse Licensure Compact member states have a privilege to practice in New Jersey under their multi-state license.

What is the hardest nursing class to take? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the hardest nursing certification to get? ›

Emergency nursing is considered one of the most difficult fields of nursing, and certification in this specialty is highly desirable.

Is 90% chance of passing NCLEX good? ›

Depending on the time of year tested and the year, the NCLEX pass rates for first- time, US-educated test takers are usually between 80-90% +/1. So ATI says they predict that 59.9% of students will pass the NCLEX (with a 90-100% probability) when usually around 90% pass.

What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate? ›

9, 2022. Last year, 63.88 percent of registered nursing students passed the NCLEX, down from 64.79 percent in 2021 and 68.92 percent in 2020. Florida has had the lowest NCLEX pass rates in the country since 2017, according to The Tampa Bay Times.

What is the cheapest state to take the NCLEX? ›

NCLEX New York is a single state and it doesn't require any experience. It is less hassle and the cheapest among the three states. The processing time will only take 6 to 7 months and it has lesser requirements.

How many people fail the NCLEX on the first try? ›

First Time NCLEX Pass Rates and Schools

According to the NCSBN, the national first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US educated nurses in 2020 was 86.5% and the PN pass rate for the same period of time was 83%. The pass rate for repeat RN test-takers was only 42.9% and for PN 35.6%.

Has anyone failed the NCLEX in 75 questions? ›

Can I Fail the NCLEX at 75 Questions? To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 75 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 75 questions or items.

Is it bad to get all 145 questions on NCLEX? ›

Nope! And it does not mean you failed. Even at 75 questions can have a failed result.

What are considered hard questions on NCLEX? ›

Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.

What are the three pass fail rules for NCLEX? ›

There are three pass/fail rules for the NCLEX examinations: the Run-Out-Of-Time rule, the Maximum-Length Exam Rule and the 95-Percent Confidence Interval Rule.

Can you pass NCLEX with random number of questions? ›

Not all candidates will answer the maximum number of questions. However, everyone who takes the exam must complete a minimum of 75 questions. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is not contingent upon answering a set number of questions.

What counts as proof of residency New Mexico? ›

When you want to prove that you are a New Mexico resident, you can bring in: A gas, electric, water, or phone bill that shows your current address. A rental property or purchase agreement. An auto, home, health insurance agreement or bill.

What is a provisional license in NM? ›

Provisional Driver's License (§66-5-8)

A provisional license entitles the licensee, while having the license in their immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle upon the public highways between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and midnight.

What is a Class E license in New Mexico? ›

New Mexico Class E (CDL exempt) license

By rule (18.19. 5.112 NMAC) drivers with a Class E license may operate certain vehicles that are over 26,000 pounds on the public roads and highways of New Mexico without a commercial driver's license.

How do I renew my license in Mexico? ›

Go to any USE (Unidad de Servicios Electrónicos) locations 60 days prior to your license expiration or 30 days after expiration. Renew online, within 12 months before expiration or 30 days after. To renew online, you need a credit or debit card for payment.

Can seniors renew drivers license online near Albuquerque NM? ›

License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers in New Mexico

Time limits: Drivers age 79 and older must renew in person every year at a local MVD office. Those under age 79 may opt to renew their driver's license for either four or eight years. Vision test: Required at renewal. MVD personnel will conduct a test free.

How do I reinstate my suspended license in New Mexico? ›

Reinstatement of driving privileges after a 5-year or 10-year revocation requires an “Order of Restoration” signed by a District Judge. The Court Order must be a certified copy. The applicant must pay a reinstatement fee.

What is CES report in nursing? ›

The Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report® provides a detailed analysis of the credentials earned at multiple levels of nursing education received outside the United States. It includes a statement of comparability of a healthcare worker's education when assessed against U.S. standards.

How long does CES last? ›

CES® convenes the tech industry, giving a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the world's most-influential leaders and industry advocates. The schedule below is for CES 2023, CES heads back to Las Vegas Jan. 9-12, 2024.

What is visa screen for nurses? ›

VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service is a comprehensive screening service for healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States. Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen® receive an official ICHP Certificate for the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service.

What education is needed to become a registered nurse near New Mexico? ›

Becoming a New Mexico RN

RNs can enter the field with associate's or bachelor's degrees. Both types of program prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN and practice safely under the registered nursing scope of practice (RN programs in New Mexico).

How do I become a registered nurse in Mexico? ›

Basic Requirements to Obtain Your CA RN License
  1. Registered Nurse Licensure in Mexico or any country outside the United States. ...
  2. English proficiency. ...
  3. Submit application for Licensure by Examination to the CA Board of Nursing.
  4. Successfully completes NCLEX Exam.

How do I register as a registered nurse in the US? ›

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
  1. Complete an accredited nursing education program. ...
  2. Prepare to sit for the nurse licensing exam.
  3. Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).
  4. Obtain licensure in the state where you wish to practice.

Is Texas RN a compact license? ›

The Texas Legislature adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact in 1999 and it was signed into law by Governor George Bush on June 19, 1999. It became effective on January 1, 2000. The compact is an agreement between states to recognize each others' licensees.

Is New Mexico a good state for nurses? ›

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – National Nurse's Week is coming up from May 6 through May 12. WalletHub has released its study on 2023's Best and Worst States for Nurses just in time. New Mexico came in with a high ranking at spot No.

What does CNM stand for in nursing? ›

A certified nurse-midwife or CNM is a health professional who provides care and practices in a variety of settings. The care they provide is focused on gynecological services, reproductive health, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and peri-post menopause care.

What is the acceptance rate for UNM nursing? ›

Since UNM has an acceptance rate of 96%, it is not too hard to gain acceptance into the school.

How much do registered nurses get paid near New Mexico? ›

Average Nurse Salary in New Mexico

The registered nurse salary in New Mexico is $78,340 per year. This means that nurses in New Mexico earn an average of $37.66 per hour. On the other hand, the national average for registered nurses is $77,600 per year. This annual salary is approximately $37.31 per hour.

How much contract nurses make in New Mexico? ›

Salaries by years of experience in New Mexico
Years of experiencePer hour
1 to 2 years$36.54
3 to 5 years$38.35
6 to 9 years$39.73
More than 10 years$44.43
1 more row

Can a US RN practice in Mexico? ›

It is highly unlikely that the government will give you a visa to work as a nurse in Mexico. Your chances of approval increase if you have a hard to fill specialty. You might want to send an inquiry to the American British Cowdray Hospital and Medical Center, in Mexico City (a bilingual hospital) and see what they say.

Is there an age limit for nurses in the US? ›

There are currently no age limits on enrolment in American nursing schools, although there are limits enforced in the military nurse corps.

How do I verify my nursing license in USA? ›

Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and practice privileges for RNs, LPN/VNs and APRNs licensed in participating jurisdictions, including all states in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). nursys.com: e-Notify. Nurse License Verification.

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