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Program Description

This program allows qualified licensed practical nurses to complete their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) by entering into the third term of the Nursing, Associate of Applied Science  program. Graduates of the program meet the requirements set by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. Specific terms of licensure can be obtained through the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

All CNM nursing courses emphasize a holistic approach that encourages students to embrace the concepts of clear communication, critical thinking and compassion when caring for patients. The Nursing program curriculum includes classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical instruction that combines an essential set of arts and sciences classes with the nursing courses. Specific terms of licensure can be obtained through the New Mexico Board of Nursing. The AASN and PN programs are accredited through the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326.

 

Special Requirements

Students must complete an application process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office  and be selected to enter this program.

Requirements for entering clinical courses

Demonstrated competence in Basic Patient Care skills is required. Students accomplish this by successfully demonstrating the skills at a Competency Check-Off Session, completing the NA or BPCS courses at CNM, have a current NM CNA Certification or complete Nursing 223 at the University of New Mexico. The skills competence (Competency Check-Off Session, BPCS 1010, or UNM NURS 223) must be completed no more than 24 months before the student’s start date in the Nursing Program.

Criminal Background: Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions to the School of HWPS. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.

Drug Screen: In many HWPS programs students are required to undergo a routine drug screening prior to starting their program.

Immunizations: All health programs require that students provide documentation of current immunizations completed before beginning clinical courses.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the HWPS Office at (505) 224- 4111 for more information.

Program Fees: Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, initial treatment/counseling in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids, etc.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

 

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Nursing program graduates find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care and physicians’ offices. Practical work under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, or dentists. Nurses can attain specialty credentials through employment and specialty course offering. CNM nursing students are encouraged to continue their education toward a bachelor of science in nursing degree in order to pursue leadership positions in nursing and in the community.

Graduates of the program meet the requirements set by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies  ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.