Frequently Asked Questions

Begin by scheduling an appointment with the Nursing Program Academic Coach, Beatriz Villa. Book your appoint with an Academic Success Coach (Advisor), beatrizvilla@unm.edu or calling 505.925.8907. She will meet with you to review entrance requirements and identify any courses you may need prior to applying.

The application period for the ASN and Dual Degree ASN/BSN programs typically runs from April 1 through June 1. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. All applicants are notified of their status by July. Admission is competitive, with 8 Dual Degree (ASN/BSN) seats and 16 ASN seats available, for a total of 24 students.

Qualified applicants are scored using a point-based system through the Nursing Centralized Application System (NursingCAS). The Selection and Progression Committee meets during the summer to review all completed applications and scores and to select 24 candidates. All completed applications are reviewed equally; this is not a first-come, first-served process.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the interview phase, which includes a 15-minute in-person interview and a two-hour proctored session to complete the letter of intent. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 8 and June 9. Applicants are notified of acceptance, alternate status, or non-selection by email and official letter by July.

All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester, with the exception of Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I, Pathology I, and Microbiology. These courses may be taken during the summer semester, provided they are listed as in progress on official transcripts at the time of application. Admission will be conditional upon successful completion of the course(s) with a grade of C or higher.

The Nursing Program Academic Coach, Beatriz Villa, can review your transcripts to determine which courses may transfer. Book your appoint with an Academic Success Coach (Advisor), beatrizvilla@unm.edu or calling 505.925.8907. Courses requiring further evaluation will be reviewed in consultation with the Nursing Program Director.

The Nursing Program is rigorous, and students may find it challenging to balance employment with program requirements. While class days are listed in advance, clinical and lab schedules are assigned each semester in coordination with clinical partners and are not determined until that time. Classes, labs, and clinical experiences are not scheduled around individual work schedules.

Additional information, including the Admissions Policy and Student Handbook, is available on the program website. For further questions, you may contact the department at vcnursing@unm.edu or call 505.925.8870.

HESI testing is offered year-round. Please refer to the appropriate websites for testing dates and policies. The Nursing Program application period opens April 1 and closes June 1.