Approval & Accreditation
The New Mexico Board of Nursing currently requires Board approval for pre-licensure nursing programs. The definition of Board approval for nursing programs is an “official or formal consent, confirmation or sanction”.
Pre-licensure nursing programs approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing must receive national nursing accreditation within two years of graduation of the first class.
Board Approval
In New Mexico, all nursing programs need to attain and maintain approval by the New Mexico Board of Nursing (NMBON). This indicates the nursing program has met the minimum requirements approved by the NMBON and is in good standing with the NMBON. The successful graduates of an NM Board approved program are eligible to take their NM state board exams known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). If the graduate passes the NCLEX, then they are eligible to become licensed and practice in New Mexico as either a Practical Nurse (PN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).
Initial Nursing Education Program Application
- Agencies that would like to establish a Nursing Education program should review the rules for Nursing Education Programs.
- Applications must be submitted no fewer than 30 days in advance of the next Nursing Education Advisory Committee (NEAC) meeting. NEAC meeting schedule.
- For more information about establishing a Nursing Education program at your agency, contact EducationPractice.DE@bon.nm.gov.
National Nursing Accreditation
National nursing accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process that focuses on strengthening education quality by meeting and maintaining nationally recognized standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is an organization that accredits nursing programs. The ACEN accredits diploma programs, practical nurse programs, associate programs, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. Another national nursing accrediting agency is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This agency focuses on baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Another national nursing accreditation organization is the NLN CNEA. The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), accredits programs across the academic spectrum, including practical/vocational, diploma (RN), associate, bachelor, master’s, clinical doctorate, post-graduate certificate, and distance learning programs.
National Nursing Accrediting Bodies:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing – ACEN
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education – CCNE
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation-CNEA
Institutional Accreditation
The parent higher education institution of the nursing program must also be accredited. The accreditation impacts the nursing student’s ability to receive financial aid and transfer credits to other educational institutions.
Board Approved Programs
List of pre-licensure nursing programs and approval statuses