Best Nursing Schools in Albuquerque, NM in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

If you’re looking for nursing schools in New Mexico, you’re in luck. Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony and has since grown to be the most populated city of New Mexico. Having roots from both the Spanish colonists as well as Native Americans, Albuquerque is a very diverse and unique city with much of its art and architecture reflecting its early colonial days. Aspiring nurses will find a career that is in high demand in Albuquerque and nursing schools in Albuquerque to earn the necessary nursing degrees, acquire skills to be a competent and compassionate nursing professional. A nurse can earn between $45K to $89K per year depending on their education level and experience. Whether you’re looking for an RN (registered nurse) program or another type of nursing program, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

List of the best Nursing Schools in Albuquerque

1. University of New Mexico

A public research university, the University of New Mexico has been educating students since 1889. With a large 800-acre campus, UNM is the flagship university for New Mexico offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. Students seeking a degree in nursing will be attending a top-ranked nursing institution at UNM. The school of nursing is fully accredited by the CCNE and prepares students to earn a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Those seeking to enter the field of nursing will learn nursing theory, safe practical skills of nursing as well as collaboration skills with others in the healthcare community. Graduates will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to certify for their license as a nurse then they can practice as a nurse generalist. UNM offers other nursing programs for those seeking to advance their nursing career.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $7,633
• Graduation Rate: 49%
• Faculty to Student Ratio: 17:1
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%

2. Carrington College

A for-profit, private college, Carrington College specializes in career-centered learning and hands-on experiences that give students real-world experience. The nursing program at Carrington College is offered at the Albuquerque campus. Students that enroll in this program can earn their associate degree in nursing and qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the program. The nursing program teaches students to record medical histories of patients, read vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, draw blood and administer medications.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $46,493
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• Faculty to Student Ratio: 22:1
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85%

3. Central New Mexico Community College

A community college in Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College prepares students for career readiness and entry-level positions. Those seeking an entry-level position as a nurse to help fill the demand for trained nurses will be well educated and prepared at Central New Mexico Community College. Upon completion of the program, students will have an associate degree in nursing and prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse.

Graduates can either enter the nursing field as an entry-level nurse or transfer to an RN to BSN program to qualify as a nurse generalist and advance their career and increase their opportunities and income.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $1,626
• Graduation Rate: 15%
• Faculty to Student Ratio: 23:1
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81%

4. Brookline College

Brookline College is an institution based out of Arizona with a campus in Albuquerque that offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree at this location. This particular program is an entry-level program that anyone can enroll in without any previous education or experience.

Students can graduate in as little at 2 and a half years if they take courses year-round, otherwise, it is typically a four-year program. The program is fully accredited by the CCNE. Students will participate in general nursing course work, simulation labs, and clinical experiences at participating healthcare agencies throughout Albuquerque.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $85,000
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Faculty to Student Ratio: 22:1
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%

With the nursing shortage stretching into the next ten years, nursing generalists continue to be in high demand. As the most populated city in the state of New Mexico, Albuquerque is a prime location to earn a nursing degree and work as a professional nurse. Whether students are seeking an entry-level nursing position or an advanced nursing degree there are nursing schools in Albuquerque to serve those needs. Enroll today for a brighter future tomorrow.

If you have questions on choosing a nursing college, or comments, feel free to contact us about nursing schools in Albuquerque. We look forward to answering your questions.

Schools are ranked according to a matrix of cost and NCLEX-RN pass rate.