Becoming an LPN in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico strives to ensure a higher quality of patient care by promoting proactive leadership, continued education, and mutual respect. Individuals interested in becoming part of the growing community of healthcare workers can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) by completing state requirements. Per a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Mexico LPN jobs could increase to as much as 6% per year by 2024, making the state a desirable destination for nurses nation-wide. As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses from other NLC states do not require endorsement for licensing.

New Mexico LPN Licensing Requirements

Some of the physical requirements to become an LPN in New Mexico may include strength, including the ability to lift patients, pull and push machinery, and extended periods of standing, squatting, walking, and running. Educational requirements include completing a board-certified LPN program and passing the NCLEX-PN examination.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:

• Official transcript from approved program directly from the program source.
• Proof of English competency.
• Submit a criminal background check.

Verification Forms and Licensing:
http://nmbon.sks.com/forms.aspx

Foreign applicants not only need to submit the items above, but they must also provide a full course review of the attended nursing program from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) with their original transcripts coming directly from the academic source. They must also provide Verification of English Competency.

New Mexico LPN licenses expire every 2 years and require 30 hours of approved continued education within each 2 year period for renewal.

Learn more about New Mexico LPN Jobs & Employment Outlook.

LPN Salary in New Mexico By Area

The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in New Mexico. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our New Mexico LPN to RN/BSN programs page.