This entry-option is for current high school seniors only.   If you have taken advanced placement/college credit courses in high school, you may still apply for this admission option.

To be considered, students first must complete the admission application to The University of New Mexico.  Applicants should declare Nursing as their intended major at the time of application to UNM.   Next, the applicant should apply to the College of Nursing through NursingCAS, the common application system for nursing programs at accredited institutions.  

• To be considered for the Direct-Entry admission option, you must be accepted into the University of New Mexico and meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed high school Math, Biology or Chemistry courses.
  • Have a minimum unweighted grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
  • Submit your completed NursingCAS  application by the posted deadline.
  • Complete a NursingCAS application with the following:
    1. Unofficial High School Transcripts
    2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    3. Full Transcript Entry for all college coursework completed.
    4. 3 short answer essay responses:
       • Healthcare is a complex environment where nurses have a crucial role in improving the health of individuals and communities. Tell us what being a nurse means to you and what attracts you to a career in nursing.
       • UNM has a tagline of "Each of US Defines All of Us." Nursing requires you to care for patients from a variety of backgrounds. Please describe what diversity and inclusion mean to you. Can you tell us about a time when you were challenged to adapt to people from different backgrounds or cultures? How did you learn, grow, or change from this experience?
       • Describe the significance of leadership experiences, an honor/award, or interaction with a mentor that has contributed to your personal and/or academic growth.
    5. 2 letters of recommendation:
       • The five core values of the College of Nursing are academic integrity, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect. Please ask your recommenders to discuss how you exemplify these values when requesting your letter of recommendation by utilizing the personal message/notes section of your request through NursingCAS.
       • Letters of recommendation should come from someone who has extensive knowledge of you and can speak to your academic or professional attitudes and behaviors.
       • Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by your requested recommenders. Applicants are not allowed to upload letters on behalf of their recommenders. If recommenders have any questions or issues, please reach out to our office at 505-272-4721 or via email at HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu 
  • Submit official high school transcripts; if any college credits were completed while in high school also submit official transcripts from each institution attended at the time of application.
• Visit The UNM Main Campus Admissions website to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Undergraduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the nursing program.

• Complete the following courses or their University of New Mexico determined equivalent prior to applying with at least 2.75 grade point average on a scale of 4.0: 
  • ENGL 1110: English Composition I
  • ENGL 1120: English Composition II
  • BIOL 1140: Biology for Health Sciences Lecture
  • BIOL 1140L: Biology for Health Sciences Lab
  • CHEM 1120: Introduction to Chemistry Lecture/Lab
  • PSYCH 1110: Introduction to Psychology
  • NUTR 2110: Human Nutrition
  • NURS 224: Lifespan Growth & Development or PSYC 2120: Developmental Psychology
• Complete the following courses or their University of New Mexico determined equivalent while applying but before starting Nursing Level 1 :
  • MATH 1350: Introduction to Statistics
  • BIOL 2305: Microbiology for Health Sciences Lecture/Lab
  • BIOL 2210: Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab recommended, but not required)
  • NURS 239: Pathophysiology I
• Complete the HESI A2 entrance exam or have a prior bachelor’s degree in another field.  Applicants submitting the HESI A2 entrance exam must score a minimum of 75% overall and a 75% on each of the following subtests. Results of the exam are good for one (1) year:
  • Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary and General Knowledge
• Submit the Following to NursingCAS by the deadline:
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions you have attended
  • Complete Full Transcript Entry by the deadline.
  • Essay Responses ( Please answer the following questions with a maximum of 500 words each and upload your responses in three separate documents under the "Writing Sample" section)
    • Time management, prioritization, and accountability are important professional behaviors. Describe how you will build upon your previous experiences in school/education to ensure your success in our competitive program. How will you balance being a full-time student in a demanding complex program with family and work obligations?
    • Heathcare is a complex environment where nurses have a crucial role in improving the health of individuals and communities. Tell us what being a nurse means to you and what attracts you to a career in nursing
    • UNM has a tagline of “Each of Us Defines All of Us”. Nursing requires you to care for patients from a variety of backgrounds. Please describe what diversity and inclusion mean to you. Can you tell us about a time when you were challenged to adapt to people from different backgrounds or cultures? How did you learn, grow or change from this experience?

• • 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation
    • The five core values of the College of Nursing are academic integrity, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect. Please ask your recommenders to discuss how you exemplify these values when requesting your letter of recommendation by utilizing the personal message/notes section of your request through NursingCAS.
    • Letters of recommendation should come from someone who has extensive knowledge of you and can speak to your academic or professional attitudes and behaviors.
    • Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by your requested recommenders. Applicants are not allowed to upload letters on behalf of their recommenders. If recommenders have any questions or issues, please reach out to our office at 505-272-4721 or via email at HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu 

• • HESI A2 test scores, no older than 12 months at the time of application submission
  • A current resume

• New Mexico residents will be given a preference.
• Submit your completed NursingCAS application by the posted deadline.
• Visit  www.unm.edu/apply to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Undergraduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the nursing program.

• Complete the following courses or their University of New Mexico determined equivalent  prior to applying  with at least 2.75 grade point average on a scale of 4.0: 
  • ENGL 1110: English Composition I
  • ENGL 1120: English Composition II
  • BIOL 1140: Biology for Health Sciences Lecture
  • BIOL 1140L: Biology for Health Sciences Lab
  • CHEM 1120: Introduction to Chemistry Lecture/Lab
  • PSYCH 1110: Introduction to Psychology
  • NUTR 2110: Human Nutrition
  • NURS 224: Lifespan Growth & Development or PSYC 2120: Developmental Psychology

• Complete the following courses or their University of New Mexico determined equivalent while applying but before starting Nursing Level 1 :
  
  • MATH 1350: Introduction to Statistics
  • BIOL 2305: Microbiology for Health Sciences Lecture/Lab
  • BIOL 2210: Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab recommended, but not required)
  • NURS 239: Pathophysiology I

• Submit your completed NursingCAS application by the posted deadline.
• Submit the Following to NursingCAS by the deadline:
  
  • Official College Transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
  • Unofficial entrance exam score report (Complete the specific entrance exam required by your community college.)

 

 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent.  
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Completed the following courses or their equivalent prior to acceptance.
  • BIOL 1140: Biology for Health Sciences Lecture
  • BIOL 1140L: Biology for Health Sciences Lab
  • BIOL 2305: Microbiology for Health Sciences Lecture/Lab
  • BIOL 2210: Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 2225: Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture
  • BIOL 2225L: Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
  • CHEM 1120: Introduction to Chemistry Lecture/Lab
  • MATH 1350: Introduction to Statistics
  • NURS 239: Pathophysiology I
  • PSYCH 1110: Introduction to Psychology
  • NURS 240: Pathophysiology II*
  • NURS 224: Lifespan Growth & Development or PSYC 2120: Developmental Psychology
  • NUTR 2110: Human Nutrition*
  • * Applicants who have not completed NURS 240 Pathophysiology II, NUTR 2110 Human Nutrition, and/or NURS 224 Lifespan Growth and Development, or an equivalent course prior to submitting their application may be considered on a case-by-case basis. These courses may be taken during the first semester of the program depending on the student’s course load.   Please contact our Admissions & Recruitment Office with questions at hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu or by telephone at (505) 272-4721. 

• Submit your completed NursingCAS  application by the posted deadline .
• Submit the Following to NursingCAS by the deadline:
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions you have attended.   Full course entry must be completed by the application deadline.
  • Three Essay Responses:
    • Time management, prioritization, and accountability are important professional behaviors. Describe how you will build upon your previous experiences in school/education to ensure your success in our competitive program. How will you balance being a full-time student in a demanding complex program with family and work obligation. (When answering this question please consider the program of studies is compressed to 16 months requiring extensive time commitment and flexibility of schedule.)
    • Healthcare is a complex environment where nurses have a crucial role in improving the health of individuals and communities. Tell us what being a nurse means to you and what attracts you to a career in nursing.
    • UNM has a tagline of "Each of Us Defines All of Us". Nursing requires you to care for patients from a variety of backgrounds. Please describe what diversity and inclusion mean to you. Tell us about a time when you were challenged to adapt to people from different backgrounds or cultures. How did you learn, grow, or change from this experience?

• • 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation
    • The five core values of the College of Nursing are academic integrity, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect. Please ask your recommenders to discuss how you exemplify these values when requesting your letter of recommendation by utilizing the personal message/notes section of your request through NursingCAS.
    • Letters of recommendation should come from someone who has extensive knowledge of you and can speak to your academic or professional attitudes and behaviors.
    • Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by your requested recommenders. Applicants are not allowed to upload letters on behalf of their recommenders. If recommenders have any questions or issues, please reach out to our office at 505-272-4721 or via email at HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu 
  • A current resume
• New Mexico residents will be given a preference.
• Visit  The UNM Main Campus Admissions website to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Undergraduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the nursing program

 

• Achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on all college-level coursework.
• Completion of ENGL 1120: English Composition II (or its UNM equivalent).
• Have at least 26 hours of transferable coursework.
  • An official transcript evaluation will be conducted by your academic advisor only after a complete application, including transcripts, has been submitted and processed by The UNM Main Campus Office of Admissions.
• Have a valid RN license or be eligible for an RN license in any U.S. state.
  • Recent graduate must obtain their RN license within 14 weeks of acceptance.

• Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state prior to applying.  
• Submit your application to The University of New Mexico Main Campus Office of Admissions . A completed application contains:.
  • $25 Application Fee
  • Valid RN License
  • Official Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
  • All transcripts should be mailed to:
    • The University of New Mexico
      Office of Admissions
      PO Box 4895
      Albuquerque, NM 87196-4895
  • Official electronic transcripts can be sent to the following email address: apply@unm.edu  
    • Please note transcripts may take 1-2 weeks to process.

 

Specific requirements for the College of Nursing Ph.D. program are:

• Entry-level degree of either a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing [ACEN] or equivalent. If outside of the United States, equivalency will be determined on a case-by-case basis). The degree must be earned prior to entering the PhD program. Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in another field (the degree will be considered on an individual basis).
• A graduate level statistics course within the previous three years completed with a grade of B and by the date of admission.
• Most recent degree conferred with a grade-point average 3.5 or higher (most recent degree). Students with a grade-point average of 3.0 – 3.49 may be considered for admission to the PhD program with stipulations* (see below).
• A valid RN license in any U.S. state, territory, or foreign country.
• Submit a completed NursingCAS application by the posted deadline including the following:
• Official transcripts from all institutions you attended.
• Letter of intent discussing the applicant’s (1) goals for undertaking the PhD program (2) area of research interest, and (3) identified faculty member matching the applicant’s area of research interest with an explanation of the potential faculty match (letter limit of 2 pages, double-spaced);
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from a reference with a PhD;
• Current resume or CV;  
• Submission of a writing sample that demonstrates evidence of scholarly ability and the potential for scholarly growth. Examples include, but are not limited to, a thesis, a published or unpublished scholarly paper, or written creative work.
• Optional: GRE completed within the previous three years. University of New Mexico, Graduate Studies (OGS).

All applicants must also be eligible for graduate admission to UNM. Visit Apply to UNM Graduate and Professional Programs to submit an application and all official transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions. This is in addition to your NursingCAS application.

Personal interview (completed after review of NursingCAS submission and by invitation).

*Exceptions to any program admission criterion are considered individually, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, with a recommendation to the UNM College of Nursing, Academic Dean.

The Post-Bachelor’s DNP has the following six concentrations:

1. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
2. Family Nurse Practitioner
3. Nurse-Midwifery
4. Nursing Administrative Leadership
5. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
6. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

All concentrations must complete the below admissions requirements

• Submit a supplemental application for admission to The University of New Mexico.   Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and official transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.

   

• Applicants must have one of the following degrees:
  
  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university
  • An Associates Degree in Nursing (with an RN License) and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete courses within our RN to BSN program in order to meet AACN BSN Essentials per the UNM College of Nursing Policy prior to beginning graduate coursework.
      1. NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      2. NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      3. NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
• Applicants should have at least a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and will be asked to provide a supplemental statement explaining their GPA.
• One year or more of work experience in nursing or a relevant field prior to starting the program.
• Submit your completed NursingCAS  application by the posted deadline.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  
  • Three Essay Responses:

    • Letter of Intent

      A Letter of Intent is an opportunity for applicants to include a holistic, personal dimension, articulating why you are pursuing this program. It is your opportunity to clarify and portray why you would be a good fit for the program.

    • Question 1:  

      300-500 words double-spaced 

      How have the health outcomes or disparities you have seen in your work or community shaped your motivation to become a DNP-prepared nurse?

    • Question 2:      

      500 – 800 words double-spaced 

      Discuss a goal that you have accomplished. Why was that goal important to you, and what strategies helped you navigate any barriers? Describe what you learned from this process.

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A current Resume or curriculum vita
  • Current NM RN License
    1. If you do not have a NM RN License you must be eligible for a NM RN License and obtain this license within the first term of the program.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Full Transcript Entry completed by the deadline

Visit The UNM Main Campus Admissions website to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the graduate nursing program.”

• Must have one of the following degrees:
  1. A Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) from a nursing program accredited by either NLN or CCNE.
  2. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and a master’s degree in a related field, (MBA, MPA, MPH, MSA).
• Applicants should have at least a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the graduate level.
  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and will be asked to provide a supplemental statement explaining their GPA.
• If your application is selected to advance in the application review process, please anticipate an interview with the graduate faculty.
• Submit your completed NursingCAS  application by the posted deadline.
• Submit to NursingCAS
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Three Essay Responses:

    • Letter of Intent

      A Letter of Intent is an opportunity for applicants to include a holistic, personal dimension, articulating why you are pursuing this program. It is your opportunity to clarify and portray why you would be a good fit for the program.

    • Question 1:  

      300-500 words double-spaced 

      How have the health outcomes or disparities you have seen in your work or community shaped your motivation to become a DNP-prepared nurse?

    • Question 2:      

      500 – 800 words double-spaced 

      Discuss a goal that you have accomplished. Why was that goal important to you, and what strategies helped you navigate any barriers? Describe what you learned from this process.

  • A current Resume or CV
  • A current NM RN license:
    1. If you are an if you are an advanced practice nurse or certified in a nursing specialty, a copy of your advanced practice license or certification must be submitted.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions you have attended
  • Full transcript entry completed by the deadline
• Must have arranged practice site(s) for residency and capstone courses to meet all clinical clearances and liability requirements of the site(s) by end of the first term of enrollment.
• Personal interview for select applicants.

Visit The UNM Main Campus Admissions website to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the graduate nursing program.”

• The Post-Graduate Certificate Program currently has the following three admitting concentrations:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• All concentrations must complete the below admissions requirements:

  • Applicants must have one of the following degrees:
    • A Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) from a nursing program accredited by either NLN or CCNE.
    • A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) from a nursing program accredited by either NLN or CCNE.
  • Applicants should have at least a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the graduate level.
    • Applicants with a graduate GPA below a 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and will be asked to provide a supplemental statement explaining their GPA.
  • It is recommended that applicants have 2 years of experience with their APRN license if applicable.
  • If your application is selected to advance in the application review process, please anticipate an interview with the graduate faculty. 
• Submit your completed NursingCAS  application by the posted deadline.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Three essay responses:
    

    • Letter of Intent

      A Letter of Intent is an opportunity for applicants to include a holistic, personal dimension articulating why you are pursuing this program. It is your opportunity to clarify and portray why you would be a good fit for the program.

    • Question 1:  

      300-500 words double-spaced

      How have the health outcomes or disparities you have seen in your work or community shaped your motivation to become a DNP-prepared nurse?

    • Question 2:      

      500 - 800 words double-spaced

      Discuss a goal that you have accomplished. Why was that goal important to you, and what strategies helped you navigate any barriers? Describe what you learned from this process.

      
      
  • A current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A current NM RN license:
    • If you are an if you are an advanced practice nurse or certified in a nursing specialty, a copy of your advanced practice license or certification must be submitted.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions you have attended
  • Full transcript entry completed by the deadline
• An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
• Visit The UNM Main Campus Admissions website to submit your application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions. If accepted into the College of Nursing, you must be admitted to UNM before you start the graduate nursing program