Nursing

About the Nursing Program

The staff of the NMSU Carlsbad Nursing Department is delighted that you are interested in learning more about the nursing profession and how you can attain your career goals through our programs. Nursing offers mobility, flexibility and numerous opportunities throughout the United States. Our nursing curriculum employs a career mobility format that prepares students to begin nursing practice in a variety of health care settings. The NMSU Carlsbad nursing program is approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at New Mexico State University Carlsbad, located in Carlsbad, NM is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road, NE Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the NMSU Carlsbad Associate Degree nursing program is: Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Two exit options are available to students. Upon completion of the first option, the student earns a certificate in Practical Nursing and is eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam which leads to licensure as a Practical Nurse. In the second option, the student earns an Associate Degree in Nursing and is eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam which leads to licensure as a registered nurse. Nursing offers mobility, flexibility, and numerous opportunities throughout the United States. The graduate of either program is provided with a sound basis for entry into practice at the appropriate level. Some examples of opportunities available in nursing are acute care hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, long term care settings, health departments, home health care agencies, and hospice care units. Complete information about the NMSU nursing program is contained in the New Mexico State University Carlsbad Nursing Program handbook. You may view or print the handbook by clicking on its icon.

High Employment Rate

Did you know that the Nursing program at NMSU Carlsbad is ACEN accredited and is available at a reasonable price? Students can choose from either a certificate in Practical Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Both options offer further advancement through licensure examinations.

How to Apply

After advisement and prerequisites are completed, to apply to the Nursing program, please click on the NURSING APPLICATION link below. Application and all required documents due no later than 5:00pm May 14, 2021 for the next nursing cohort.

Nursing Application

Location and Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm (closed 12:30-1:30 for lunch)

Friday 8:00am-12:00pm (closed Friday during summer)

Allied Health Building

Program Outcomes

Licensure Pass Rate

Year	Percentage
2021	86.67%
2020	88.9%
2019	100%

Program Completion Rate

Year	Percentage
2021	37.5%
2020	55.6%
2019	51.5%

Meet our Faculty
Dianne Hardin, RN, MSN Director of Nursing Professor of Nursing Rm 465 (575) 234-9305 Email	Pam Titus, RN, MSN Professor of Nursing Rm 461 (575) 234-9288 Email	Gina Zuniga, RN, MSN Professor of Nursing Rm 457 (575) 234-9458 Email
Vacant Instructor of Nursing Rm. 452 (575) 234-9312 Email	Ashley Childs, RN, BSN Instructor of Nursing Rm 453 (575) 234-9309 Email	Tori Warrior, RN, BSN Instructor of Nursing Rm 457 (575) 234-9313 Email

When is the nursing application deadline?

May 15th

Do I have to complete everything before turning in my application?

Yes. However, you may be in the process of completing your pre-requisites (including HESI A2). They must be completed by the end of the spring semester so that you can be considered for entrance in the fall.

What types of nursing programs do you offer?

We have the LPN, ADN, and CNA programs. Please refer to Allied Health page for CNA information at: https://carlsbad.nmsu.edu/allied-health/

We also have an RN-to-BSN program, which is coordinated through our Las Cruces campus and is entirely online.

What do I have to score on the HESI A2?

Students are only allowed to that the HESI A2 twice in any twelve month period. The third attempt may be scheduled one year after the second attempt. We will use the attempt with the highest overall composite score, providing all subtest scores are at least 60%. We will not pick and choose highest subtest scores from different attempts. These results are valid for one year. It is essential to prepare thoroughly for the HESI A2. Subjects required are grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary & general knowledge, anatomy and physiology, and math. The minimum score acceptable is 75% overall composite score, and 60% on each subtest. The higher your score, the stronger your application. It is more effective to use a preparation program keyed specifically to the HESI A2 than to attempt to study on your own. Several kinds of study materials are available, ranging in price from $20-$100. Locate these by searching online for “HESI A2 Preparation” or by browsing in a bookstore. The Learning Assistance Center and the NMSU Carlsbad Library offers free resources to assist you with the HESI A2 preparation course.

Do you have a waiting list?

Due to limited seats in the program, if the maximum capacity is reached, a waiting list will be created.

If you have a waiting list, how do you determine who is admitted?

We use a point system. Individuals with the most points will be admitted first. Points are determined by your grades in the prerequisites and how many classes you have completed.

For example: You receive a B in BIOL 2210. BIOL 2210 is a four credit class, so you multiply four credits by three (which is the number equivalent of a B) and you have 12 points. Your composite HESI A2 score is added to the points.

What are the prerequisites for the nursing program? What are the prerequisites for the LPN program?

The prerequisites for both programs are the same:

Chemistry 110G with a “C” or above.
High school diploma or GED
A & P (BIOL 225)
Eligible to take intermediate algebra (Math 120)
Eligible to take freshman comp (ENGL 111)
Successful completion of a CNA course within the past 5 years, or currently certified as a CNA.
HESI A2 composite score of 75% and 60% in all subsections
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above in all classes applicable to the nursing program
The first year of the nursing program is the same for both ADN and LPN. The LPN has a summer component and the ADN does not.

How long is the LPN program?

One year- from August to August.

Do you offer a phlebotomy class?

Yes, please refer to the Allied Health page for details at: https://carlsbad.nmsu.edu/allied-health/

What is the HESI exam?

The A2 is designed to assess the academic and personal readiness of prospective nursing students. The A2 consists of 7 different exams, five of which focus on academic subject areas and two on personal assessment. The academic subjects consist of: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, and Anatomy and Physiology. The A2 Learning Style exam and Personality Profile are included for the purpose of offering insights about student study habits, learning preferences and dispositions. Click here to view the HESI Information Sheet .

How is the HESI A2 exam administered?

The HESI A2 exam is a computer based examination. Click here to view the HESI Information Sheet .

Is the test timed?

No the test is not timed.

How long does it take to complete all parts of the test?

Generally, it takes 3-4 hours to complete all parts of the HESI A2.

Can I use a calculator?

A calculator is provided within the testing program.

How much does the HESI A2 exam cost?

The HESI A2 exam is $55.00.

What score do I need for admission to the nursing program?

The required score is a 75% composite and minimum of 60% in each subject area. We will not pick and choose the highest subtest scores from different attempts.

When do I get my results and from whom?

Your score is available to you immediately after completing the test. The result is located in your Evolve account.

How may times may I take the HESI A2?

Students may take the HESI A2 exam only twice in any 12 month period. The third attempt may be scheduled one year after the second attempt.

How long is my HESI score valid?

Scores on any HESI A2 exam are valid for one year.

Are there any resources that will help me prepare for the HESI A2 exam?

Yes! The Learning Assistance Center and the NMSU Carlsbad Library offers free resources to assist you with the HESI A2 preparation course. There are also several kinds of study materials available, ranging from $20-$100. Locate these by searching online for “HESI A2 Preparation” or by browsing in a bookstore.

Where do I sign up to take the HESI A2 exam?

For more information, contact the Nursing department or Testing Center. Click here to view the exam schedule.