School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
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.
CNM offers the common New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) curriculum.
Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) 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.
The AASN program is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). This program is a participating member in the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC).
See Recommended Sequence of Courses
Special Requirements
HESI A2 Exam minimum composite score of 75%; minimum subtest scores of 75% in Math, Reading, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry and Vocabulary.
Program Entry Registration Screening
This is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program; students must complete a pre-registration screening process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office before being eligible to register for program courses.
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 through the New Mexico Department of Health. 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.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
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 School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office for more information.
Program Fees
Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)
Approximate Costs of this Educational Option
Financial Aid Considerations
Educational Opportunities
Graduates meet the requirements set by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. This program is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and a participating member in the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC).
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 and obtain specialty credentials.
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Career Opportunities
AASN Graduates find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care and physicians’ offices. 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 and obtain specialty credentials