Meet our Freshman Direct-Entry BSN Community

Welcome to the Freshman Direct-Entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at The University of New Mexico College of Nursing.

High school graduates are admitted directly into this four-year, pre-licensure program. It's designed to support academic success, personal growth and the future of New Mexico's nursing workforce from the very first semester.

Find out why the UNM College of Nursing BSN program is No. 1 in New Mexico.

When Freshman Direct-Entry students begin with us, they are right out of high school. It's great to see how eager and ready to learn these students are and how adept they are at rising to the challenges of nursing school. I enjoy providing instruction and support to our FDE students.

— Mitch Irvin, MSN, RN, Freshman Direct-Entry Director, Lecturer II

We are a rural state, and I wanted to help patients the way that nurses helped me. It's a great stepping stone for all of us to get our foot in the door, especially at a Level I trauma center – the only one in New Mexico.

— Victoria Baca, Freshman Direct-Entry BSN alumna

The schedule of the Freshman Direct-Entry option really allowed me to have a healthy school/life balance. Throughout my time in the program, the schedule had a lot of variety in courses, clinicals and coursework. So I was always engaged and busy, but also able to have a social life and relax.

— Garrett Slama, Freshman Direct-Entry BSN alumnus