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Looking for the best DNP in New Mexico? We’ve got your back. Our practical NM guide contains rankings of the top and most affordable DNP programs in New Mexico, advice on choosing an online doctorate, and notes on BSN to DNP pathways. Already have a school in mind? Skip ahead to our program listings.
Top New Mexico DNP Programs
New Mexico only has two universities that offer the DNP, so ranking the best DNP programs in the state is a little bit of a fool’s errand. We went ahead and did it anyway, primarily so you could get a sense of each school’s unique quality factors.
1. University of New Mexico
UNM’s online DNP program is for post-master’s students who want a high-level qualification from a solid university. The College of Nursing frequently appears in the top 85 of national rankings for the DNP and MSN, and it’s created a doctorate that’s geared toward results. For example, students in the Nurse Executive track must take the NEA-BC before graduation; students in the Clinical track are eligible to take the NONPH Essential Competency exam after graduation.
We also give UNM kudos for its research strengths in rural & underserved populations, health policy & health equity, symptom science & self-management, and innovative education models, and its commitment to relevant clinical practice. For example, College of Nursing faculty lead and partner with UNM’s Project ECHO to deliver teaching & support to clinical providers in the community. You may also find a capstone project idea lurking in the area of rural health. See the Rural Health Research Support Network (RHRSN) in the UNM Clinical and Translational Sciences Center for inspiration.
2. New Mexico State University
Eminently affordable tuition rates. BSN to DNP pathways in popular NP specialities. And respectable—if not outstanding—U.S. News & World Report placements. That’s why NMSU’s online DNP program and its School of Nursing deserve the #2 ranking in New Mexico. Here you’ll find a School with reputable simulation facilities, a talent for attracting faculty with a diverse range of research interests, and a well-established reputation for nursing. Many FNP and PMHNP graduates continue to practice in New Mexico (e.g. 90%).
Geography is a plus. The School is part of the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, which is located near the U.S./Mexico border in Las Cruces. That gives NMSU certain strengths in community practice. NP students participate in clinical experiences in rural and underserved areas. The School has HRSA funding to train professionals who deal with opioid-use and substance-abuse disorders. And then there’s the unique Southwest Institute for Health Disparities Research (SWIHDR), which is involved in projects in border areas (e.g. preventing childhood obesity, analyzing disparities in cesarean delivery rates, etc.). One thing to note—NP students are responsible for locating their own preceptors & sites.
Most Affordable DNP Programs in New Mexico
This ranking of the cheapest DNP programs in New Mexico is based on the per credit tuition rate. In the case of UNM, this was the in-state rate. If you live in a bordering state, check with the DNP program coordinator about potential tuition breaks.
1. New Mexico State University
DNP Tuition & Fees
NMSU has one of the most affordable DNP tuition rates in the country. We used the online tuition rate, which is the same for all students, regardless of residency. Keep in mind that there will be additional fees (e.g. distance education course delivery fee).
2. University of New Mexico
DNP Tuition & Fees
UNM has different graduate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. The in-state rate is reasonable for a public university; the out-of-state rate is comparable to big private universities. There is a separate tuition rate for the Dissertation. And there are additional fees (e.g. course fees, library fee, etc.).
Online DNP Programs in New Mexico
UNM and NMSU are happy to offer online DNP programs in New Mexico—you’ll find them described in our listings. But because “online” is a slippery term, we dug down into the DNP handbooks to see if there were any campus components.
- Online BSN to DNP Programs in NM: NMSU’s program is primarily online. However, BSN-DNP students are required to attend a 2-day program orientation in Las Cruces at the start of the fall semester in their first year and a week-long clinical seminar during the first week of the summer semester prior to their third year.
- Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in NM: At NMSU, online MSN-DNP students are required to attend a 2-day program orientation in Las Cruces at the start of the fall semester in their first year. Students in UNM’s online DNP (both tracks) have a one mandatory week-long residency each year in June.
Got your eye on NMSU’s online BSN to DNP? Check the university’s State Authorization Map and talk to your State Board of Nursing. NMSU’s affordable program may not be available in your area.
Note: Want to expand your search? Explore the listings of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.
BSN to DNP Programs in New Mexico
NMSU is your primary choice for BSN to DNP pathways in New Mexico. It offers FNP and PMHNP tracks in a convenient online format. But you’ll need to check that a) you’re eligible to apply; and b) you’re happy to visit the campus for an orientation and one week-long clinical seminar.
Thinking about Nurse Anesthesia? As of 2020, neither UNM or NMSU had developed a CRNA program. You may want to try Arizona, Utah, and Texas—we have a directory of DNAP programs in every state.
Note: To find more NP specialties, try our directory of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs.
New Mexico Nursing Organizations
- New Mexico Board of Nursing
- New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council (NMNPC)
- New Mexico Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NMANA)
- New Mexico Organization of Nurse Leaders (NMONL)
Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in New Mexico.
Full list of New Mexico DNP Programs
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