If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a CNA in New Mexico, now is a great time to get started. Medical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare providers are in need of certified CNAs. Finding places that offer classes is easy. This page has a variety of options for you to find free, paid, online, accelerated, and other types of CNA classes, including a list of hybrid courses below.
Who is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in New Mexico?
CNAs in New Mexico are regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health, Health Facility Licensing, and Certification Bureau.
Who Administers the CNA Exam in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, D & S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster now administers the Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The candidate handbook for CNAs in New Mexico is available here. Our CNA practice tests are a free way to help you prepare for the CNA multiple-choice exam. You can also find additional practice tests using the resources below:
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New Mexico State Requirements for CNAs
Those seeking CNA certification in New Mexico must complete at least 75 hours of classes at an approved program. Additionally, candidates may apply to become a CNA using one of 8 other routes, including:
- Military trained
- Graduate RN/LPN
- Out of State Nurse Aide
- Out of State or Foreign Trained Nurse Aide
- RN/LPN Student
- Expired New Mexico Certificate (within less than 24 months ago)
- Expired New Mexico Certificate with CNA classes and successfully passing the NACE
Each route has specific qualifying criteria, which can be found here.
New Mexico CNA Exam Details
There are two sections of the exam – the clinical skills evaluation and the written examination. The written portion of the exam is 60 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed for the exam is 90 minutes. The clinical skills section of the exam consists of the demonstration of competency of five clinical skills. Clinical skills include handwashing, indirect care, as well as three other randomly assigned skills. The time allotted for completion of this is dependent on the skills assigned within the test.
How Much Does the New Mexico CNA Exam Cost?
The cost of the NACE in New Mexico for clinical skills and written (or oral) test is $102, and a 5% sales tax will be added to the total cost. Retests cost $65 for the clinical skills test and $37 for the written or oral test.
Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in New Mexico?
The NACE locations in New Mexico are:
- Albuquerque (Central NM Community College)
- Albuquerque (Universal Care Home Help Agency)
- Las Cruces
- Las Vegas
- Kirtland
- Roswell
- Hobbs
- Truth or Consequences
- Carlsbad
- Santa Fe
- Silver City
New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry
For contact information for the registry, please visit our New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry page. The following link will take you to the website where you can review the state’s status for a CNA in New Mexico – New Mexico CNA Registry Search.
How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in New Mexico?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average CNA salary in New Mexico is $37,030.
Free CNA Classes in New Mexico
Some organizations offer CNA classes as a part of their employment contract while some local organizations simply provide CNA training for free as part of their mission. Check out the locations below for free classes available in New Mexico. The largest number of CNA jobs in New Mexico are located in and around Albuquerque, follow the link to learn more about CNA classes in Albuquerque.
| CNA Free Class Locations | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Job Corps Center | Albuquerque, NM 87104 | 505-346-2562 |
| St. Theresa Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center | Albuquerque, NM 87110 | (505) 296-5565 |
| Landsun Homes, INC | Carlsbad, NM 88220 | (575) 887-2894 |
| Carlsbad Medical Center | Carlsbad, NM 88220 | (575) 887-4100 |
| Sierra Health Care Center | Consequences, NM 87901 | (575) 894-7855 |
| New Mexico State Veteran’s Home | Consequences, NM 87901 | (575) 894-4200 |
| Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home | Deming, NM 88030 | (575) 546-5800 |
| Lea Regional Medical Center | Hobbs, NM 88240 | 575-492-5000 |
| New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, NM 88003 | 575-646-0111 |
| Vida Encantada Nursing and Rehab | Las Vegas,New Mexico 87701 | (505) 425-9362 |
| Mesalands Community College | Tucumcari, NM 88401 | 575-461-4413 |
CNA Classes In New Mexico
A list of tuition-based CNA programs in New Mexico is below. There is also a list of CNA certification programs here.
| Location | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM 87106 | 505-224-3000 |
| Clovis Community College | Clovis, NM 88101 | (575) 769-2811 or (800) 769-1409 |
| Northern New Mexico College | El Rito, NM 87530 | (575) 581-4100 |
| Northen New Mexico College | Española, NM 87532 | (505) 747-2100 |
| New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, NM 88310 | 575-646-0111 |
| American Red Cross in New Mexico | North East Albuquerque, NM 87109 | (505) 265-8514 |
| Eastern New Mexico University | Portales, NM 88130 | (575) 562-1011 |
| Mesalands Community College | Tucumcari, NM 88401 | (575) 461-4413 |