University of New Mexico

What you'll study

This programme builds on prior clinical experience and focuses on population-based care, leadership, research literacy and professional transition. Core topics typically include community and public-health nursing, evidence-based practice and nursing research, leadership and management in healthcare, healthcare policy and ethics, nursing informatics, health assessment and promotion across the lifespan, and cultural competence with attention to rural and tribal health needs relevant to New Mexico.

• Community and public-health nursing: population assessment, community interventions, disease prevention and health promotion.
• Evidence-based practice and research: interpreting research, applying evidence to practice and quality improvement projects.
• Leadership and professional development: care coordination, team leadership, change management and systems thinking.
• Health informatics and technology: electronic health records, data use for clinical decision-making and telehealth fundamentals.
• Ethics, policy and advocacy: ethical decision-making, healthcare policy, reimbursement basics and advocacy for populations.
• Clinical practicum or community project: supervised community-focused clinical hours or an applied capstone project that demonstrates competency in population-based care.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be licensed registered nurses (RN) in the United States and hold an accredited associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. Standard admission materials include official college transcripts, verification of an active, unencumbered RN licence, and a personal statement outlining professional goals. The College of Nursing may require a minimum cumulative college GPA and evidence of clinical practice; applicants with substantial clinical experience or additional coursework may be favourably considered. International applicants should check licensure and transcript evaluation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates expand their eligibility for a wider range of roles in healthcare systems and community settings. Common career paths include charge nurse or unit coordinator roles, case management, public-health nursing, care coordination, quality improvement and patient education. The degree also positions nurses for leadership, management or education roles and is a typical stepping stone for nurses who wish to progress to graduate programmes such as an MSN or DNP.

Why study at University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing combines regional clinical partnerships, emphasis on rural and tribal health needs, and faculty with active clinical and research experience. The RN–BSN pathway is designed for working nurses, often offering flexible delivery with online coursework and support for community-based practicum placements. Studying in Albuquerque also provides exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare organisations across New Mexico, helping graduates develop skills relevant to underserved and multicultural communities.