Central New Mexico Community College: LPN & ADN Review (2026)
LPN and ADN in Albuquerque at Central New Mexico Community College. First-time NCLEX-RN was 85.51% (first-time (NM BON, CY 2025, ADN NMNEC row). 2026 admissions, tuition and LPN-to-RN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CNM runs nursing through Coordinated Program Entry with published HESI A2 cut scores and NMNEC GPA rules—and it is one of the few community colleges in the state offering a structured CNM–UNM dual-degree route to a BSN while you remain based in Albuquerque. Seats are capped (for example, 96 total across AASN and dual tracks on the CPE page), so screening dates and documentation deadlines matter as much as grades.
Overview & Why Students Choose CNM
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is the state’s largest community college, with a main campus near Nob Hill and downtown Albuquerque and additional sites including Rio Rancho, where ACEN-accredited nursing instruction also occurs. Nursing is not open enrollment: you must qualify through Coordinated Program Entry (CPE), meet NMNEC GPA thresholds, and complete the HESI A2 at CNM’s published standard before you can register for the clinical sequence.
Across pathways, CNM emphasizes classroom, lab, simulation, and community clinical experiences capped by a one-on-one practicum. Students who want a bachelor’s without leaving the area can explore the CNM–UNM Nursing Dual Degree, which keeps you based at CNM while you are co-enrolled toward a BSN at the UNM College of Nursing.
According to the New Mexico Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (End of Year 2025 table, row Central NM College ADN NMNEC), the 2025 calendar-year first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 85.51% (118 of 138). CNM’s nursing program page publishes additional first-attempt breakdowns by cohort type; labels may differ from the Board table—confirm with CNM and the NM BON.
Reasons students choose CNM
NMNEC-aligned ADN with dual-degree option
The AASN follows the statewide curriculum consortium while offering a dedicated dual-track seat pool for students who also apply to UNM’s BSN through NursingCAS.
Transparent CPE screening
CNM publishes prerequisite lists, GPA calculations, HESI retake rules, and term-by-term screening windows so you can plan when to submit your pre-registration form.
Multiple entry points
Traditional NMNEC, LPN-to-RN mobility, and practical nursing certificate pathways let students match prior credentials to the right track.
Affordable public tuition
2025–2026 resident rates start at $70 per credit hour for part-time loads (fees additional), supporting a lower sticker price than many out-of-state privates.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program names and scope below come from CNM’s Nursing and Coordinated Program Entry pages. degree_level, program_type, pathway, and delivery_mode are called out so you can compare pathways clearly.
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
degree_level: ADN · program_type: pre-licensure · pathway: Traditional NMNEC · delivery_mode: campus (Main & Rio Rancho). CNM awards the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN); we use ADN as the standard label. Prepares for NCLEX-RN. ACEN lists Continuing Accreditation for the associate program at both campuses.
CNM–UNM Nursing Dual Degree
degree_level: BSN (via UNM) · program_type: pre-licensure · pathway: Dual enrollment (AASN + BSN) · delivery_mode: campus (CNM base + UNM requirements). Requires separate UNM NursingCAS application and CNM CPE screening; 24 dual seats noted for Fall 2026 cohort planning on the CPE page (96 total nursing seats).
LPN to RN Mobility (AASN concentration)
degree_level: ADN · program_type: pre-licensure · pathway: LPN-to-RN · delivery_mode: campus. For licensed practical nurses who meet CPE screening for the mobility concentration.
Practical Nursing certificate
degree_level: LPN · program_type: pre-licensure · pathway: Practical nursing · delivery_mode: campus. Prepares for NCLEX-PN. CNM notes full approval by the New Mexico Board of Nursing through January 31, 2028, and ACEN candidate status for initial accreditation effective April 28, 2025—candidacy is not accreditation; confirm status with ACEN and CNM.
Post-licensure / continuing education
Nurse Refresher
degree_level: N/A (refresher) · program_type: post-licensure · pathway: RN/LPN refresher · delivery_mode: per CNM schedule. For nurses renewing an NM license per Board rules—confirm eligibility with CNM and the Board.
CNM also lists a Nursing Assistant certificate separately; it is not an RN/LPN program but may be a stepping stone for some students.
Always confirm the current catalog, seat counts, and accreditation statements on cnm.edu before enrolling.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Official first-time rates: Use the New Mexico Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF for program rows (e.g., Central NM College ADN NMNEC, Central NM College UNM BSN NMNEC for the dual-degree track). CNM also publishes first-attempt tables by cohort on its nursing program page—reconcile definitions with the Board table.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (ADN NMNEC, CY 2025) | 85.51% (118 of 138) — NM BON row Central NM College ADN NMNEC |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (CNM/UNM BSN NMNEC, CY 2025) | 79.41% (27 of 34) — NM BON row Central NM College UNM BSN NMNEC |
| NCLEX-RN (additional cohort splits) | See CNM nursing outcome table for AASN-only vs aggregated labels (may differ from Board rows) |
| Source | NM BON — NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF); CNM nursing outcome data. Confirm current cohorts with CNM and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and exam version. Confirm the latest first-time and ultimate pass rates with CNM and the New Mexico Board of Nursing before relying on any single percentage.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CNM publishes residency rules for tuition classification; clinical nursing programs also require compliance documentation through CNM’s Office of Verification and Compliance. Use the checklist below as a starting point, then verify every item with CNM Admissions, the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety, and the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Ask CNM whether TOEFL, IELTS, or other scores are required for admission or progression.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: International coursework must be evaluated per CNM Records—confirm accepted evaluators.
- New Mexico Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm NCLEX eligibility, background checks, and any CGFNS steps for internationally educated nurses.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may require additional compliance; coordinate early with CNM and your DSO if you hold F-1 status.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Policies change; confirm with CNM and the Board.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CNM’s AASN (NMNEC) pathway is limited seat and uses Coordinated Program Entry. You must submit a pre-registration screening form during posted windows, meet prerequisite GPA rules, and complete the HESI A2 at CNM before registration. Dual-degree applicants also complete UNM’s NursingCAS requirements.
Application timeline (examples from CNM CPE page)
| Entry Term | Deadline / window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (incl. dual-degree) | Screening Apr. 10–Jun. 12, 2026; UNM NursingCAS Apr. 1–Jun. 1, 2026 | Dual-degree applicants follow both CNM and UNM dates. |
| Spring 2027 | Form opens Aug. 3, 2026; deadline Sep. 25, 2026 | Mountain Time deadlines on the CPE nursing page. |
| Summer 2027 | Form opens Jan. 9, 2027; deadline Mar. 13, 2027 | Confirm updates on the live CPE page. |
Admissions snapshot (NMNEC AASN)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Calculated prerequisite GPA | ≥ 2.75 on required nursing prerequisite courses (NMNEC rule) |
| Cumulative GPA | ≥ 2.0 on CNM coursework (or combined if <16 CNM credits) |
| HESI A2 | Required; ≥75% on Math, Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, and overall; two attempts per 12 months with 45-day spacing per CNM |
| TEAS | Not used for the NMNEC AASN screening described on CNM’s CPE nursing page |
| Seat count (example) | 96 total seats referenced on CPE page (72 AASN + 24 dual)—confirm current allocation |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition below is taken from CNM’s Tuition 2025–2026 table. Fees are additional (see CNM’s Fees page). Your bill depends on residency, credit load, and course fees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| New Mexico resident (1–11 credits) | $70 per credit hour |
| New Mexico resident (12–18 credits) | $840 flat band |
| Non-resident (1–11 credits) | $356 per credit hour |
| Non-resident (12–18 credits) | $4,272 flat band |
| More than 18 credits | Base band + per-credit rate for credits above 18 (see CNM table) |
| Source | CNM — Tuition Rates and Residency (2025–2026); Fees. Confirm your assessed rate with the Cashier’s Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The table below quotes CNM’s published nursing outcome metrics. Employment percentages are school-reported—confirm methodology and the latest academic year with CNM.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (ADN NMNEC, CY 2025) | 85.51% (118 of 138) per NM BON NCLEX Pass Rates PDF — confirm with Board and CNM. |
| Program completion (100% time, AASN incl. dual) | 60% (academic year 24/25 per CNM table) |
| Graduates employed (CNM nursing) | 85% (academic year 24/25 per CNM table) |
| Source | CNM — Nursing Program Outcome Data. Confirm current rates with CNM and the New Mexico Board of Nursing. |
Is Central New Mexico Community College the Right Fit for You?
CNM fits students who want an affordable, public-college pathway to RN or LPN licensure in Albuquerque and can meet CPE deadlines, HESI expectations, and full-time clinical sequencing. It is less ideal if you need a self-paced or entirely online pre-licensure nursing track.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want NMNEC-aligned ADN coursework with optional UNM dual-degree access without relocating.
- Can maintain ≥2.75 prerequisite GPA and schedule HESI A2 attempts within CNM’s retake rules.
- Value transparent CPE screening dates and published seat counts.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot meet HESI 75% thresholds or prerequisite timelines.
- Expect a standalone four-year BSN on campus without the UNM dual-degree application.
- Need guaranteed enrollment—CPE explicitly states seats are limited and not assured.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Albuquerque anchors central New Mexico’s referral networks. CNM rotates students through community agencies and acute-care partners; specific contracts change by semester. The table lists representative employers and systems—confirm active affiliations with the nursing department.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) | Academic medical center and Level I trauma center serving complex patient populations. |
| Presbyterian Healthcare Services | Large integrated system with multiple Albuquerque hospitals and clinics. |
| Lovelace Health System | Multi-hospital network with women’s, cardiovascular, and community services. |
| VA New Mexico Healthcare System | Federal VA medical center providing specialty and primary care exposure. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing sits in CNM’s School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety, which coordinates compliance orientations, clinical clearance, and access to skills and simulation learning. CNM is primarily a commuter college—expect cohort-based nursing courses, HWPS advising, and student services such as tutoring and financial aid rather than on-campus housing.
Ask HWPS whether nursing-specific student organizations or honor societies are active for your entry year, and download the NMNEC Nursing Student Handbook for progression and conduct expectations.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Albuquerque, NM
- Official / mailing address
- 716 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, US
- Telephone
- (505) 224-3000 (main); CPE Nursing (505) 224-4111
- Website
- cnm.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the NMNEC CPE nursing page for your target term’s screening window.
- Calculate your NMNEC entry GPA using CNM’s entry GPA instructions.
- Schedule the HESI A2 through the Workforce Training Center and keep retake spacing rules.
- If applying dual-degree, create your NursingCAS checklist for UNM parallel to CNM screening.
- Download the NMNEC and practical nursing handbooks linked from CNM’s nursing page.
- Bookmark the New Mexico Board of Nursing for licensure FAQs.
- Contact HWPS at (505) 224-4111 if you need clarification on compliance orientation or clinical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CNM offer a BSN for new students without an RN license?
CNM’s primary pre-licensure RN credential is the AASN (ADN). Students may pursue a CNM–UNM dual degree toward a BSN while co-enrolled, with a separate UNM application. There is no standalone four-year BSN at CNM outside that partnership. Confirm details with CNM and UNM.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for CNM’s ADN (NMNEC) program?
According to the New Mexico Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (End of Year 2025 table, row “Central NM College ADN NMNEC”), the 2025 calendar-year first-time pass rate was 85.51% (118 of 138). CNM’s site may show additional cohort splits—confirm with the NM BON and CNM.
Does CNM nursing require TEAS or HESI?
The NMNEC AASN screening uses the HESI A2 with ≥75% in six sections and overall, per CNM’s CPE page. TEAS is not described there for that pathway.
What GPA do I need for CNM nursing prerequisites?
CNM requires a calculated 2.75 GPA on the listed prerequisite set and a cumulative 2.0 on CNM coursework (with rules for fewer than 16 CNM credits). See the CPE nursing page for the exact course list.
How much is tuition at CNM for 2025–2026?
Resident tuition is $70 per credit for 1–11 credits or $840 for 12–18 credits; non-residents pay $356/$4,272 for the same bands, plus fees. Source: CNM Tuition Rates and Residency.
Is CNM’s nursing program accredited?
CNM states the associate nursing program holds ACEN Continuing Accreditation. The practical nursing program is an ACEN candidate for initial accreditation—candidacy is not full accreditation; verify with ACEN and CNM.
What is the CNM–UNM dual-degree nursing program?
It allows co-enrollment in CNM’s AASN and UNM’s BSN. You must complete CNM screening and UNM’s NursingCAS process. Fall 2026 screening runs April 10–June 12, 2026, with parallel UNM dates—confirm live pages.
Where are CNM nursing application deadlines posted?
Deadlines appear on the Nursing (AAS), NMNEC Coordinated Program Entry page by term.
Does CNM offer LPN to RN?
Yes—CNM lists a Nursing (AAS), LPN to RN Mobility concentration under Coordinated Program Entry for eligible LPNs.
References
- CNM — Nursing program & outcome datacnm.edu/programs-of-study/nursing
- New Mexico Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF)files.bon.nm.gov/WebDocs/NCLEX Pass Rates.pdf
- CNM — Tuition Rates and Residency (2025–2026)cnm.edu/depts/enrollment/tuition-rates-and-residency
- CNM — Nursing (AAS), NMNEC CPECPE NMNEC nursing
- New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Board of Nursingrld.nm.us/boards/nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX and employment figures against CNM’s published nursing outcome table, tuition against CNM’s 2025–2026 tuition page, and program scope against CNM nursing and CPE pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
Published: Mar 27, 2026· Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy