Nursing

The Nursing Program at NMSU-A offers students the opportunity to become a Registered Nurse through the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing or a Licensed Practical Nurse through the Certificate of Completion in License Practical Nurse.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) who provide compassionate, patient-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program integrates theoretical learning with clinical practice, allowing students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care. Students will study foundational subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology, while also gaining hands-on experience in medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health nursing, and community health. Upon successful completion of the AAS in Nursing, graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue a rewarding career in nursing across diverse healthcare environments.¹

The Certificate of Completion in Licensed Practical Nurse prepares students to become skilled practical nurses (LPNs) who are essential in providing direct patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses and physicians. LPNs play a critical role in monitoring patient conditions, administering medications, assisting with daily living activities, and providing emotional support to patients and families. The LPN program includes coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, patient care techniques, and nursing fundamentals, coupled with hands-on clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the certificate, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and begin a career as a licensed practical nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare environments.¹

Special Admission Criteria: The Nursing Program is a limited-entry program. To be considered for admission, students are required to successfully complete: all prerequisites, the designated entrance exam, and submit all materials required for the student selection process (complete application package). Information on requirements, transfers, and deadlines for applications are available on the Nursing program website at https://alamogordo.nmsu.edu/nursing/nmsua-nursing.html, or by calling (575) 439-3874

Security Background Check: Prospective students are required to complete and pass a security background check in order to take clinical courses. Past criminal violations may prevent a student from completing the degree and gaining a nursing license or employment in the field.

Requirements to Remain in the Nursing Program: Students must earn a final grade of C or better in all required courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. A grade of C or better is required in ENGL 1110G Composition I and designated Mathematics courses.

Accreditation/Approval: The NMSU-A Nursing program is approved for operation by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Please refer to the Nursing program website at https://alamogordo.nmsu.edu/nursing/nmsua-nursing.html for more information regarding the accreditation and/or approval status of the Nursing program.

¹Program completion does not guarantee licensure, which is a function of the various state boards of nursing, nor does it guarantee employment.

Graduates of this program will:

1. The learner will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of the professional nurse, embracing lifelong learning to improve the quality of health care.
2. The learner will be able to apply theoretical and practical nursing teach by evaluating the needs of the individual patient/resident/client.
3. The learner will be able to demonstrate the ability to therapeutically communicate and collaborate with culturally diverse patients, families, and the interprofessional healthcare professional to achieve quality patient-centered care. 
4. The learner will be able to utilize the nursing process as a basis for clinical decision-making in providing patient/resident/client, family, and community care.
5. The learner will be able to evaluate individual patient condition and provide individualized nursing care to diverse patient/resident/client populations across the lifespan.
6. The learner will be able to distinguish safety and ethical considerations and apply these professional nursing standards to ensure the wellbeing of self, patients/residents/clients and community.
7. The learner will be able to model the appropriate professional nursing care response in a variety of scenarios including urgent, emergent, or crises situations.