Below are details about continuing education and license renewal in New Mexico. You can skip to your profession by selecting it from the drop down list above.
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.
30 contact hours within 24 months immediately preceding the expiration of license.
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.
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.
Maintaining licensure as a CNP (without DEA registration): 50 contact hours of approved CE each renewal period, national certification in the specialty by a nursing organization and maintenance of national certification.
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.