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• New Mexico residents will be given a preference
• Achieve at least a 2.75 grade point average on a scale of 4.0 in the following prerequisite courses: English Composition I, English Composition II, Biology for Health Sciences lecture and lab, Introduction to Chemistry lecture and lab, Introduction to Psychology, Human Nutrition, Lifespan Growth and Development.
• Successful completion of prerequisites in courses prior to starting Nursing Level 1: Introduction to Statistics, Microbiology for Health Sciences lecture and lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology I.
• Complete the HESI A2 exam, scoring a minimum of 75% on each subtest: Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Vocabulary, and Knowledge.
• Send official college transcripts from all institutions you attended directly to NursingCAS.
• Submit your 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.

• New Mexico residents will be given a preference.
• Achieve at least 2.75 grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0 in the following prerequisite courses: English Composition I, English Composition II, Biology for Health Sciences lecture and lab, Introduction to Chemistry lecture and lab, Introduction to Psychology, Human Nutrition, Lifespan Growth and Development.
• Successful completion of prerequisites in courses prior to starting Nursing Level 1: Introduction to Statistics, Microbiology for Health Sciences lecture and lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology I.
• Complete your community college's application.
• Send official college transcripts from all institutions you attended directly to NursingCAS.
• Complete the specific entrance exam required by your community college.
  • Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both CNM's AASN and UNM's BSN Dual Option.
  • San Juan College (SJC)/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both SJC's ADN and UNM's BSN Dual Option.
  • Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both SFCC's ASN and UNM's BSN Dual Option.
  • The University of New Mexico - Gallup/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both UNM Gallup's ADN and UNM's BSN Dual Option.
  • The University of New Mexico - Taos/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both UNM Taos' ADN and UNM's BSN Dual Option.
  • The University of New Mexico - Valencia/UNM
    • Meet the criteria for both UNM Valencia's ADN and UNM's Dual Option.
• 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 your start the nursing program.

Selections from qualified applicants are based on the HESI A2 composite score, GPA in required classes, and other factors. HESI A2 information can be found here. Applicants are selected on the entrance exam composite score, GPA in required classes, and other factors.

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 grade point average (GPA) of 3.5.
  • Complete the NursingCAS Freshman Direct-Entry Option application, including all required essays and materials by the specified due date.
  • Submit official high school transcripts; if any college credits were completed while in high school also submit official transcripts from each institution attended at time of application.
  • Due to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and accessing of standardized tests, the UNM College of Nursing will waive the SAT/ACT requirement for 2021 applicants and offer “test-optional” admission.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation with at least one from a high school teacher (preferably science or math teacher) and one from a high school counselor or administrator who can speak to your contributions in classrooms, interactions with students, teachers, and/or administrators, and dedication to your educational experience. These will be submitted through NursingCAS as part of the College of Nursing admission process.
  • Intend to be admitted as a full-time student enrolled in pre-nursing courses in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms prior to beginning the required nursing curriculum.
• Send official college transcripts from all institutions you attended directly to NursingCAS.
• 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.

• Achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on all college-level coursework.
• Completion of English 1120 (or its equivalent).
• Have at least 26 hours of transferable course work.
  • An official transcript evaluation will be conducted only after a complete application, including transcripts, has been submitted and processed.
• Have a valid RN license or be eligible for an RN license in any U.S. state.
• Recent graduates must obtain RN license with 14 weeks of acceptance.
• The RN to BSN Degree Completion Option has a separate application process. Find out how to apply.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Recommended 2 years of experience working in an inpatient setting.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification is required before beginning clinical coursework.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume or curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Recommended 2 years of experience as a registered nurse.
• An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume of curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Recommended 1 year of experience as a registered nurse.
• An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
• Letter of intent: we seek applicants who have a passion for this profession. Our mission is to educate midwives for work with rural or underserved populations. Please discuss your "midwifery path." How would YOU meet our mission?
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume or curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Recommended 2 years of experience as a registered nurse.
• An interview is required as part of the admissions process
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification is required before beginning clinical coursework.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume of curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Recommended 1 year of experience as a registered nurse.
• An interview is required as part of the admissions process
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume of curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume of curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college of university; or
  • Graduates from non-accredited programs (NLN or CCNE) will be considered on individual basis; or
  • RN's with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields are also considered on an individual basis
    • Admitted applicants are required to complete the following courses within our RN to BSN program
      • NURS 405: Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan
      • NURS 407: Care of Vulnerable Populations
      • NURS 410: Foundations of Leading Change and Advancing Health
    • Find out more about our policy and the requirements our Applicants Not Holding a BSN Upon Application to Graduate Programs.
    • For questions about our policies, application requirements and your application, please contact our admissions team: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
• Minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • Application form
  • One letter of intent
  • Two to three letters of recommendation; see Program Requirements for specifics
  • A current resume of curriculum vita
  • Unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.
• Official Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse-Midwifery
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Education

Requirements:

• A Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• A minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) or better.
• Current New Mexico RN license, or eligible for NM licensure, which must be obtained within the first term enrolled.
• Submit the following to NursingCAS
  • One letter of intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A current resume or CV
  • The application and unofficial transcripts
• Be eligible for graduate admissions to UNM. Submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions
• Submit all documents requested by the CON for completion of the gap analysis.

• Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited school or university. Registered nurses (RNs) with a baccalaureate degree in non-nursing fields are considered on an individual basis.
• Master's degree as an Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse-Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist from a nationally-accredited program.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in nursing courses at the master's level.
• Current and unencumbered RN and advanced practice or midwifery license from the state in which the applicant will be completing his or her practicum, submitted with the application.
• Current national certification in the applicant's specialty. A copy must be submitted with the application.
• Recommended 3 years in progressive nursing management or leadership practice.
• A signed commitment to enroll in the program of studies course sequencing, based on semesters, and attend the DNP residency held in the summer term of each year.
• Personal interview.

• Submit to NursingCAS
  • One letter of intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A current resume or CV
  • The application and unofficial transcripts
• Applications must include a 2- to 3-page scholarly paper that describes an example of a specific health care administration problem that you would like to see changed (preferably your scholarly project idea) or a first-authored publication. This must be written using APA style.
• 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 first term of enrollment.
• Eligible for graduate admission to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.

• Applicants must have either a master's degree in nursing with a Nurse Administration Concentration or a BSN and master's degree in related field, (MBA, MPA, MPH, MSA).
• Applicants with a master's degree in Nursing Education, Informatics, Health Policy, or a Clinical concentration who are working in management/leadership positions can apply.
  • Recommended three years in progressive nursing management or leadership practice management or equivalent as determined by the applications committee.
  • Submission of a two- to three-page scholarly document. Describe an example of a specific health care administration problem that you would like to see changed (preferably your scholarly project idea), or a first-authored publication. This must be written using APA.
  • 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 first term of enrollment.
• At least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) at the master's level (3.5+ GPA preffered).
• Current RN license; 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.
• Recommended 3 years in progressive nursing management or leadership practice.
• A signed commitment to enroll in the program of sutdies course sequencing, based on semesters, and attend the DNP residency held in the summer term of each year.
• Personal interview.
• Submit to NursingCAS
  • One letter of intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A current resume or CV
  • The application and unofficial transcripts
• Applications must include a 2- to 3-page scholarly paper that describes an example of a specific health care administration problem that you would like to see changed (preferably your scholarly project idea) or a first-authored publication. This must be written using APA style.
• 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 first term of enrollment.
• Eligible for graduate admission to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.

• Must have one of the following prior degrees:
  • A Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) from a nursing program accredited by either NLN or CCNE.
  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prior to entering the PhD program.
  • A BSN and a Master's degree in another field will be considered on an individual basis.
• A grade point average of at least 3.0. Preference is given to students with 3.5 or higher.
• Personal interview.
• A valid RN license in any U.S. state, territory, or foreign country.
• Submit to NursingCAS
  • 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
  • A current resume or CV
  • The application and unofficial transcripts
  • 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.
• Eligible for graduate admission to UNM. Visit www.unm.edu/apply to submit an application and transcripts to UNM Graduate Admissions.