New Mexico Junior College Nursing Program Review

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) was established in 1966 to offer post-secondary education to the residents of Lea County and neighboring communities. Its objective was to offer affordable yet high quality academic programs in preparation for workforce entry or transfer to four-year colleges. It’s location in Hobbs offers a serene rural learning environment in Southeastern New Mexico. It offers associate degree programs in science, applied science, arts and a few certificate and vocational training opportunities.

Nursing Programs at New Mexico Junior College

NMJC has 4 and nursing programs to choose from depending on where the students wish to start from. At the basic level, students can choose the short nurse aide program. Those wishing to become registered nurses can apply for the 2-year associate degree nursing program. This program is offered as a career mobility program with an option to exit at some level and take the practical nursing licensure exam. There is also the Licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse advanced placement option. NMJC nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nurse Aide (CNA)

The Nurse Aide is a short course meant to train entry-level students to provide patient care and bedside care. The program enables students to take the state’s Certified Nurse Assistant exam and be entered in the states Nurse Aide Registry. At NMJC, it is a prerequisite for the registered nurse program.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Option

Since the registered nurse program is a career mobility program, students must meet all the requirements of the associate degree program. This includes being in the states Nurse Aide Registry having completed a CNA program in the last one year.

Students are basically admitted in the RN program to complete the first 3 semester’s credit requirements of the associate degree in nursing. Prior to starting on the nursing courses, students must complete 29 general education and science courses. The first year/level I include the first 2 semesters and the second year/level II has the 3rd semester. Up to the 3rd semester, students will have completed 34 nursing credits plus the 29 and will be eligible to apply for the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. They are also awarded a Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing

LPN/LVN to RN Completion Option

LPN/ Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) seeking advanced placement in the registered nurse program are advised to contact the school directly. This enables the LPN to discuss the entry level and the number of credits they need to complete on an individual basis.

Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN)

This program is a continuation of the LPN program from the 3rd semester level. After completing the 63 credits required for the LPN certificate, students can continue to take another one semester of 10 nursing credits. This brings the total number of credits for the RN program at NMJC to 73. The entire curriculum to become an RN is therefore designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time study.  Students become eligible to take the NLEX-RN exam.

Contact:
New Mexico Junior College
1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs
NM 88240