Nearly 300 New Mexico Registered Nurses were enrolled in RN to BSN completion programs in the 2009-2010 school year, according to the Center for New Mexico Nursing Excellence. Many New Mexico nurses start their careers with a basic nursing degree, but many return to school for advanced nursing education.
According to survey by the Center for New Mexico Nursing Excellence, less than 30 percent of New Mexico RNs enter practice with a Bachelor's degree. Sixty-one percent of New Mexico nurses start with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and work for a number of years before returning to school. Most, though, return to school for additional education. Less than 40 percent of New Mexico RNs hold an ADN as their terminal degree.
A BSN may give New Mexico nurses a leg up for leadership, managerial and nurse educator positions. It also can prepare nurses to care for complex, acutely ill patients.
RN to BSN programs for New Mexico nurses include:
- New Mexico State University. New Mexico State offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in one year of full-time study (after general education requirements are met). Students can receive a thorough orientation to the online learning process and technology during an on-campus meeting at the beginning of the program.
- Western New Mexico University. Western New Mexico University has offered a RN to BSN program since 2005. Upper level nursing education classes are now available online; many of the required general education classes are too. The entire program can take about two years.
- New Mexico Highlands University. A new RN to BSN class starts each fall semester at New Mexico Highlands. Licensed, working nurses can obtain upper level credits for their previous education and experience.
