One university in New Mexico offers online degree programs in the family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization: New Mexico State University. The school has a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in FNP for registered nurses with a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) as well as an MSN to DNP option. A post-master’s certificate is also available for advanced practice nurses (APRNs) seeking to add the FNP specialization to their credentials.
The online family nurse practitioner programs at the University of New Mexico are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Nurses with advanced degrees fill a vital role within the growing demand for primary care practitioners in the state of New Mexico.
Featured Online Programs (RN License Required)
A description of New Mexico’s online FNP programs is provided below, as well as information on FNP licensing requirements in the state.
Program Information: Online FNP Programs in New Mexico
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico State University offers a terminal degree in the family nurse practitioner specialization for both BSN and MSN degree-holders. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is offered with 100 percent web-based classes. The BSN to DNP is only offered in a full-time format, while the post-MSN to DNP may be completed with full- or part-time study.
The 70-credit DNP curriculum includes course topics in applied nursing science, advanced nursing leadership, nursing informatics, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, acute and chronic illness in families, and women’s health. Specialty seminars expand upon the program’s foundational coursework, focusing on the physiological and psychosocial effects of illness on patients and families.
This in-depth study is combined with more than 1,000 of clinical practice. Students may receive assistance identifying a qualified preceptor for their clinical practicum; however, they are expected to locate potential candidates and verify eligibility with their state board of nursing. A two year, post-master’s certificate is also available for APRNs with current national certification in another specialty area, involving 18 credits of coursework and 500 clinical hours.
In addition to online coursework and hands-on clinical practice, the FNP programs at New Mexico State include several campus visits. The BSN to DNP currently requires five visits and the post-master’s certificate requires four. Visits are one-week in length and include clinical immersion experiences, among other learning activities. Participation is mandatory for all students. The DNP culminates with the completion of a scholarly project.
GRE scores are required of applicants with a cumulative GPA less than 3.0, with an 80 percentile achievement in all categories. NMSU is a member of State Authorized Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) and thus, its nursing programs are open to residents of member-states only.
FNP Licensing Requirements in New Mexico
The requirements for nurse practitioner licensure in the state of New Mexico are outlined by the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council. General requirements include:
- A current and unencumbered New Mexico RN license (or multi-state license)
- The completion of a graduate nursing program from an accredited educational institution
- National certification from one of the following organizations: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), National Certification Corporation (NCC)
- Maintenance of a prescribing formulary of drugs and controlled substances relevant to the specialty area and practice setting
- An application for a New Mexico controlled substance license through the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy (once an NP license has been obtained)
- Registration with the Board of Pharmacy’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and regular participation in inquiry and reporting (required for renewal of controlled substance licenses)
- An application for federal DEA licensure upon receipt of controlled substance license through DEA website
A note on renewal: NPs must have completed five contact hours of continuing education credits for each six-month period of licensure prior to the date of expiration (up to 20 hours). This includes five hours of instruction in non-cancer pain management.
