Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is designed to provide students with the principles of nursing practice and extensive hands-on training in hospital and community health settings. Traditionally, the first two years of the program are spent meeting general university requirements with courses in science, math, arts, and humanities, while the last two years are focused on acquiring knowledge and skills for the nursing profession.

Program Overview

A BSN degree is the launching point for a career in any field of nursing and graduate programs in nursing, including those that prepare nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.

Benefits of a Nursing Career

• Trusted Profession: Nurses have been rated as the #1 most ethical and honest profession in the US for 19 consecutive years, according to the Gallup poll.
• Helping Others: Nurses are dedicated to improving and saving lives, whether through direct patient care or advocacy.
• Job Security: Based on data from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, there will be over 1,200 annual job openings for registered nurses in New Mexico by 2030.
• Earning Potential: Registered Nurses in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $77,590, or $37.30 per hour, as of May 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Diverse Opportunities: Nurses can work in various settings and specialties, making it relatively easy to transition into different areas of nursing.
• Flexible Schedules: While the traditional workday is 8 hours, 5 days a week, nurses often work 12-hour shifts, 3 days a week, allowing for more time off.

Preparing for a Nursing Career

To prepare for a nursing career as a high school student:

• Focus on key science courses, including math, biology, and chemistry.
• Excel in English courses that support written and oral communication.
• Obtain leadership experiences or training.
• Work or volunteer in a healthcare setting to confirm that nursing is the right career choice.

Becoming a Nurse at NMSU

To become a nurse at NMSU:

• Apply to NMSU as a freshman and declare a 'pre-nursing' major.
• Complete 3-4 semesters of designated pre-nursing courses.
• Take a Pre-Nursing Freshman Seminar, a 1-credit course that introduces the university, its resources, and an overview of professional nursing practice.
• Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
• Complete the 5-semester BSN program, which includes nursing courses and clinical training experiences.
• Graduate with a BSN degree and take the nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).