Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / New Mexico
New Mexico is a state with endless career opportunities for nurses and a remarkable, welcoming environment. If you are interested in a nursing career in the Land of Enchantment, your first step is getting your license.
In this article, we will cover:
- How to get your New Mexico nursing license by exam
- How to get your license by endorsement
- How to renew your New Mexico nursing license
- Licensing fees
- Continuing education requirements
- How to contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing
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How to get your New Mexico nursing license by examination
Step 1: Education
Whether you’ve prepared for a registered nursing career by pursuing a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program or are about to graduate from a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, the road to your future starts with getting your nursing degree from an accredited nursing school.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.
To be considered for licensure as a registered nurse in New Mexico, you will need to provide proof that you have successfully completed one of these types of nursing programs. If you have graduated from a program within the state, your education can be verified through the Affidavit of Graduation Portal.
Step 2: Apply
The application process begins with creating a new account through the New Mexico Nurse Portal. Once the account has been created, you can click “Apply for License,” then select the type of application and type of license for which you’re applying. Nurses will also need to request official transcripts from their out-of-state nursing programs or verify their New Mexico education through the Affidavit of Graduation Portal. A criminal background check will be required, as well as registration for the NCLEX-RN exam.
If you are interested in obtaining a Graduate Nurse Permit, you must submit your Examination Application for licensure within twelve weeks, and your prospective employer must submit a letter of verification of intent to hire, on stationary with their letterhead. This should provide the name of the institution where you will work along with your name and the license number of whoever will be responsible for ensuring that you are practicing under Direct RN Supervision. The Permit to practice is valid for six months from the date of application or until your exam results are issued. If you fail the NCLEX-RN exam, your permit will be voided.
Step 3: Transcripts
Graduates of New Mexico-based nursing education programs can have their education verified through the Affidavit of Graduation Portal. All others must request that official transcripts be sent to the New Mexico Board of Nursing at:
New Mexico Board of Nursing
PO Box 3628
Albuquerque, NM 87190
Phone: (505) 841-8340
Electronic transcripts are accepted, preferably through either Parchment or E-Scrip Safe.
Step 4: Criminal Record Check
A criminal background check is required for every applicant for a registered nursing license in New Mexico. The state works with Gemalto to provide both state and federal background checks. It is advised that you register online or by telephone (1-877-996-6277) no earlier than two weeks before submitting your application because the Board of Nursing can only retain the results for up to 30 days from the date the results are made available.
Use ORI# NM920190Z when applying. The cost is $44. Out-of-state applicants can request a fingerprint card request on this page and should follow the process found here.
Step 5: Take the NCLEX
Pearson VUE manages the process of registering to take the NCLEX. You can do so by visiting their website or calling 1-866-496-2539. The cost is $200. Once you have registered, Pearson VUE will send notification to the Board of Nursing. Once the Board has received your completed application, they will direct Pearson VUE to send you an email containing your Authorization to Test.
The NCLEX-RN is a wide-ranging exam that covers the following topics:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Physiological Adaptation
If you pass the NCLEX-RN your license will be issued. Nurses who do not pass will receive notification and will automatically be eligible for re-examination. A re-examination application and payment should be submitted to Pearson VUE. New Mexico does not permit nurses to take the NCLEX-RN more than three times.
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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)
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.
Nurses who are licensed residents of Nurse License Compact states are not eligible to apply for a New Mexico nursing license unless they are making a permanent move. If that is the case, you must first provide proof of residency with a copy of a current New Mexico driver’s license.
How to renew your New Mexico nursing license
Step 1: New Mexico’s nursing license renewal rules
Registered nurses in New Mexico must renew their licenses every two years. Renewal applications can be submitted online, but will not be accepted until sixty days before license expiration.
Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements
New Mexico requires registered nurses to complete 30 continuing education units every two years in order to renew their license.
Incredible Health offers free continuing education units for New Mexico nurses. They are easy to access, can be completed quickly, and provide instant course completion certifications. The state does require proof of continuing education units. They can be submitted via CE Broker.
Step 3: Submit your renewal application
The New Mexico Board of Nursing’s renewal application can be submitted online via the Nurse Portal. Select “Apply for Renewal” and complete the application.
New Mexico nursing licensing fees
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in New Mexico whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to New Mexico from another state. For more information visit the New Mexico licensing page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $150
Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Applicaiton fee: $150 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN initial license)
- Temporary permit: $60
License renewal fees:
- Application fee: $110 (RN/LPN/APRN)
Additionally, New Mexico is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.
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Continuing education requirements
RN: 30 hours every 2 years
LPN: 30 hours every 2 years
APRN: 30 hours every 2 years, in addition to:
- APRNs must complete an additional 20 hours for their specialty, with additional requirements according to their DEA registration:
- With DEA registration: 5 hours related to CNP’s practice, 10 hours relating to Pharmacology, 5 hours in management of non-cancer pain
- Without DEA registration: 10 hours related to the CNP’s practice, 10 hours relating to Pharmacology
Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The New Mexico Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.
How to contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Phone: (505) 841-8340
Fax: (505) 841-8347
Website: https://nmbon.sks.com/
6301 Indian School Road NE
Suite 710
Albuquerque, NM 87110
