College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Nursing
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Nursing
Where Compassion Meets Clinical Expertise.
Your Future in Nursing Starts Here
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at New Mexico State University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing through a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. Offered at the Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and Grants campuses, the program provides pathways for both traditional students and those with a prior bachelor's degree seeking a second career in nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed registered nurses. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing, ensuring a high standard of education and practice readiness.
Admission Deadlines
April 1st (Fall), September 1st (Spring)
- Total classes: 40-42
- Total credit hours: 122-127
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
Career Pathways
Graduates are prepared to provide safe, evidence-based and compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings. They are skilled in clinical judgment, patient advocacy and interprofessional collaboration and are equipped to manage complex patient needs using critical thinking, leadership and ethical decision-making.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Medical-Surgical Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing? Fill out our inquiry form.
From the Classroom to the Clinic—Nursing Starts Here.
Students who are drawn to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are compassionate, detail-oriented and motivated to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. They thrive in fast-paced, team-based environments, enjoy problem-solving in real-world healthcare situations and are committed to lifelong learning and service in the field of patient care.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers options to accommodate students who are earning their first Bachelor’s degree, as well as those who already have a Bachelor’s degree in another field:
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Traditional 4-year BSN Program: Traditional BSN students can expect to complete at least three semesters of pre-requisite course work prior to starting the five (5) semester nursing program. Students will be designated as ‘pre-nursing’ until they are admitted to the BSN program.
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BSN Roadrunner Option: This fast-paced degree plan serves students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are seeking a fast-track to a career in nursing. Students are required to complete the five (5) semester BSN program in 19 months. This program begins in the summer semester.
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BSN Pathways Option: This degree plan allows students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to complete their nursing degree with the traditional BSN cohort. This five (5) semester BSN program begins in the fall or spring semester, however students do not attend during the summer.
Successful graduates of the BSN program are eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Exam (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered nurse (RN).
CCNE Accredited
The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
The BSN degree plan provides two options to accommodate either the beginning nursing student and the beginning nursing student with a baccalaureate degree in another major.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing consists of 122-127 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all Department of Nursing core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Formal Acceptance is required before taking NURSING courses. The NMSU School of Nursing participates in the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) and has implemented the NMNEC common statewide curriculum within the BSN degree plan.
Take classes like:
- NMNC 3135 – Principles of Nursing Practice
- NURS 3110 – Human Pathophysiology Foundation for Nursing
- NMNC 3235 – Assessment and Health Promotion
- NMNC 3230 - Nursing Pharmacology
- NMNC 4435 - Clinical Intensive
- BIOL 2210 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I for the Health Sciences
Admission to the BSN program is competitive and available seats in each class are limited. Admission scores are based primarily on nursing pre-requisite GPA and scores on the HESI A2 Entrance Exam. Any applicant not admitted to the nursing major may reapply during the next admission cycle. Applicants for fall semester admission may not finish nursing prerequisites in the summer session immediately preceding the fall semester in which they wish to be admitted.
Clinical clearances are required for all students prior to admission and concurrent with each semester of studies. These include: current immunizations, background screening, drug testing, individual health insurance coverage, current CPR status, various health agency orientations, as well as other requirements mandated by clinical affiliation agreements. Failure to complete and provide documentation within timelines established by the School of Nursing may prevent admission to/or continuation within the nursing program.
Students are required to make a satisfactory score on nationally-normed, standardized tests before application. In the last semester of the curriculum, students are required to take a comprehensive/ standardized exam and to make a satisfactory score on this exam prior to their final clinical experience.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.