NM

New Mexico Continuing Education Requirements

Details about continuing education and license renewal in New Mexico. Jump straight to your profession below.

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Medical Assistant (MA)

Referred to as the “Land of Enchantment” due to its stunningly breathtaking landscapes and diverse melting pot of cultures, New Mexico is home to more than 2 million people. New Mexico’s diverse population makes it a central hub for people speaking more than one language. In fact, one out of three families throughout the state speak Spanish at home. And Hispanics make up 46.7 percent of the state’s population, which is the highest Hispanic population share in the country.

If you currently live in New Mexico or are thinking about moving there, becoming fluent in Spanish as a second language might come in handy, especially if you plan to work one-on-one with patients at a hospital or doctors office. Throughout the country, there is a growing need for bilingual nurses. It’s important to have staff that can interpret a patient’s needs, as well as translate the doctor’s instructions back to the patient. So, it goes both ways to ensure the patients’ safety and comfort.

Imagine having to go to the hospital in a country where your primary language isn’t spoken and no one understands you – scary, right? That’s why it’s always important to have bilingual nurses on staff in case you run into this situation.

New Mexico Registered Nurse (RN)

30 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
RNs shall earn thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal.

Special Requirements

Required contact hours can be obtained via:
  • CE courses OR Current National Certification (from Board of your specialty such as CCRN, CPN, CNOR) to cover continuing education requirements
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Phone505-841-8340
Fax505-841-8347
WebsiteVisit Site
Address PO Box 3628
Albuquerque, NM  87190
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

30 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

LPNs shall earn thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal.

Special Requirements

Required contact hours can be obtained via:
  • CE courses OR Current National Certification (from Board of your specialty such as CCRN, CPN, CNOR) to cover continuing education requirements
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Phone505-841-8340
Fax505-841-8347
WebsiteVisit Site
Address PO Box 3628
Albuquerque  87190
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

New Mexico Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

45 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Thursday, July 17, 2025

ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE (APRN) and CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS (CNP): 

Requirements for continuing education as an APRN is dependent upon whether or not you hold a DEA license associated with your NM APRN license.

APRN without a national certification: 30 contact hours for RN, 10 hours of pharmacology, 5 hours related to NP practice and 5 hours of non-cancer pain management if holding a DEA license. If no DEA license, than they need 5 additional hours in relation to NP practice.

APRN with RN license: APRN certification and 5 hours of non-cancer pain management if holding a DEA license.

APRN with compact RN license: APRN certification and 5 hours of non-cancer pain management if holding a DEA license.

CNM with RN license: 30 contact hours for RN license.

New Mexico Board of Nursing
Phone505-841-8340
Fax505-841-8347
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 6301 Indian School Road NE Suite 710
Albuquerque  87110
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

New Mexico Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Last Updated: Thursday, July 17, 2025
CEs not required.
Must have worked for pay as a nurse aide performing nurse aide duties under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse for at least eight hours during the previous 24-month certification period.

Continuing Education is not required. Please check with your facility/employer to ensure your continuing education courses are accepted. 
Nurse Aide Registry
Phone505-861-9680
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 5300 Homestead Road NE Suite 300-3116
Albuquerque  87110
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

New Mexico Medical Assistant (MA)

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
CEs not required.
“Medical assistant” means any individual who is not licensed as a healthcare practitioner in New Mexico and is working under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. Formal education is not required to work as a medical assistant in New Mexico.
New Mexico State Records & Archives
Phone505-476-7948
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe  87507
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

What do NM nurses earn?

Average pay by profession and region.

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