RN Programs in Las Vegas, New Mexico

Get your RN degree in Las Vegas, New Mexico - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Las Vegas, New Mexico

Are you considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Las Vegas, New Mexico? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN in this vibrant city. We’ll cover the steps to get started, the local RN programs available, and what you can expect from your nursing education and career.

Why Become an RN in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, New Mexico is a charming city known for its rich history and scenic beauty. With its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes, it’s a fantastic place to start your career in nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in New Mexico is approximately $75,000 per year, and the job growth rate is projected to be 9% over the next decade, making it a promising career choice.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

To enroll in an RN program in Las Vegas, New Mexico, you’ll typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• To be at least 18 years old
• Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy)
• Passing scores on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
• A background check and drug screening

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs are designed to provide you with a comprehensive education in nursing. You can expect to take courses in:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nursing Ethics
• Pharmacology
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing

In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience.

RN Training Programs in Las Vegas, New Mexico

Here are some local schools offering RN programs in and around Las Vegas, New Mexico:

1. Luna Community College
   • Location: 366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
   • Program Description: Luna Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
   • RN Program Page
2. New Mexico Highlands University
   • Location: 1005 Diamond St, Las Vegas, NM 87701
   • Program Description: NMHU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that focuses on comprehensive nursing education and prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare.
   • RN Program Page
3. Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
   • Location: 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508 (approximately 65 miles from Las Vegas)
   • Program Description: SFCC offers an ADN program that combines theoretical instruction with clinical practice. The program is designed to prepare students to become competent and compassionate RNs.
   • RN Program Page

RN Employment Opportunities in Las Vegas

Here are some major healthcare facilities in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where you might find employment opportunities:

1. Alta Vista Regional Hospital
   • Location: 104 Legion Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
   • Facility Description: Alta Vista Regional Hospital is a full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services.
   • Employment Opportunities
2. New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute
   • Location: 3695 Hot Springs Blvd, Las Vegas, NM 87701
   • Facility Description: This institute provides comprehensive psychiatric services and is the only state-owned and operated psychiatric hospital in New Mexico.
   • Employment Opportunities
3. Las Vegas Medical Group
   • Location: 108 Legion Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
   • Facility Description: A multi-specialty medical group offering a variety of healthcare services, including primary care, cardiology, and orthopedics.
   • Employment Opportunities

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in New Mexico, you must:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for licensure through the New Mexico Board of Nursing

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Las Vegas, New Mexico can vary. On average, tuition for an ADN program can range from $6,000 to $15,000, while BSN programs can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Financial aid options include federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. Check with each school’s financial aid office for specific options available to you.

Licensure Reciprocity

New Mexico is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. If you’re moving to New Mexico from another state, you’ll need to verify your licensure status and meet any additional state requirements. For more information, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact website.

Get Started Today

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming an RN in Las Vegas, New Mexico? Contact the schools listed above to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards a rewarding career in nursing. The healthcare community in Las Vegas is ready to welcome you!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Las Vegas RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Las Vegas?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in New Mexico. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in New Mexico. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in New Mexico.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.