CNA Classes in New Mexico | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

NMHCA-Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in New Mexico

Launch your healthcare career in the Land of Enchantment with state-approved certification programs. Complete your training in as little as 4-8 weeks.

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Training Hours Required

$140

State Exam Fee

$37,030

Average Annual Salary

4-8

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in New Mexico

Start Your Healthcare Career Today

New Mexico offers excellent opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants, with healthcare facilities across the state actively recruiting qualified caregivers. The New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) oversees CNA certification through the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, ensuring all nursing assistants meet federal OBRA requirements and state competency standards established by the Division of Health Improvement.

With growing demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare systems in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and across rural communities, New Mexico provides diverse employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Major employers include University of New Mexico Hospital, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Lovelace Health System, and numerous long-term care facilities throughout the state.

State-approved programs at community colleges and universities statewide

Minimum 75-hour federal requirement with flexible scheduling options

Medicaid-certified facilities may cover exam fees for employed candidates

Exam available in both English and Spanish (written or oral format)

New Mexico CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 75 hours minimum

Theory & Lab Hours Varies by program

Clinical Hours 16+ hours minimum

Exam Format 60 questions, 90 minutes

Exam Fee $140 (combined)

Regulatory Body NMHCA

Registry NM Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in New Mexico

Browse NMHCA-approved nursing assistant training programs near you. All programs listed meet federal OBRA requirements for CNA certification.

Browse CNA Schools in New Mexico

Explore our directory of NMHCA-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in New Mexico

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in New Mexico.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the New Mexico Health Care Authority. New Mexico requires a minimum of 75 training hours, meeting federal OBRA standards, including classroom theory, laboratory skills practice, and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility. Training programs are available at community colleges throughout the state including Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, Santa Fe Community College, Northern New Mexico College in Española, University of New Mexico campuses in Taos and Gallup, New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, and Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell. Many nursing facilities also offer facility-based training programs where you can work while completing your certification. Mobile training programs provide additional flexibility for rural areas.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training, pass the New Mexico Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered through D&SDT-Headmaster via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. The evaluation consists of two parts: a knowledge test and a clinical skills test. The knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with 90 minutes to complete—a passing score of 74% is required. You may choose a written ($40) or oral ($45) format, available in both English and Spanish. The skills exam ($100) requires you to perform 3-4 randomly selected clinical tasks, including mandatory hand hygiene, with an 80% accuracy requirement. The combined exam fee totals approximately $140. Medicaid-certified nursing facilities may cover testing costs for employed candidates through state funding. You have up to three attempts to pass each portion within 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Program (CCHSP) as required by New Mexico law for all healthcare workers. Your background must also be cleared against the Employee Abuse Registry. After passing both parts of the competency exam, your name is automatically added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry through the TMU system. Important: New Mexico does not issue physical CNA certificates—your certification status is maintained electronically on the registry, which employers must verify before hiring. Your certification number and active status with issue and expiration dates are visible on the registry. You are legally authorized to work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings throughout New Mexico.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in New Mexico.

New Mexico requires a minimum of 75 training hours, which typically translates to 4-8 weeks of instruction depending on program scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque can be completed in as little as one semester with evening or weekend options available. Pima Medical Institute offers a 6-week accelerated program with flexible scheduling. Part-time programs at institutions like Santa Fe Community College or Northern New Mexico College in Española may extend to 8-12 weeks to accommodate working students. After completing your NMHCA-approved training, your instructor will enter your information into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, allowing you to schedule your competency exam through Headmaster. Test results are typically available within a few days, and once you pass both the knowledge and skills portions, your name is immediately eligible for placement on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry. From enrollment to registry listing, motivated students in urban areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Las Cruces can become fully certified CNAs in approximately 5-10 weeks depending on exam scheduling availability.

CNA training costs in New Mexico typically range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the institution and program format. Community college programs at Central New Mexico Community College, New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, and Luna Community College in Las Vegas often charge between $800-$1,500 including tuition and some supplies. Private vocational schools like Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque may charge approximately $1,900 for their comprehensive 6-week program. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $140 for the state competency exam (skills test $100 + written test $40, or oral test $45), plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks, a watch with a second hand, and required immunizations or TB testing. One significant advantage in New Mexico is that the state will pay testing fees for candidates who have been offered employment or are currently employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility—your employer simply verifies your employment through the TMU system. High school students in Albuquerque can access free CNA training through the Early College Academy Career Enrichment Center in partnership with CNM. Financial assistance through workforce development programs and scholarships may also be available through New Mexico Workforce Connection centers.

New Mexico permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The didactic portion of your training—covering topics such as infection control, patient rights, basic anatomy, medical terminology, documentation, communication skills, and safety procedures—can often be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, NMHCA requirements mandate that clinical training hours be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. New Mexico's mobile training programs provide flexibility for students in rural areas by offering online didactic training while conducting clinical rotations at various facilities throughout the state. This is particularly beneficial for students in areas like Farmington, Gallup, Roswell, or Carlsbad who may be far from traditional campus-based programs. When searching for programs, look for NMHCA-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program claiming to be entirely online, as graduates would not be eligible to take the New Mexico competency exam through TMU or be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry.

New Mexico's CNA competency evaluation is administered through D&SDT-Headmaster using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system and consists of two parts: a knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. The knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with 90 minutes to complete—you need a minimum score of 74% to pass. A unique advantage in New Mexico is that you can choose to take the knowledge test as either a written or oral exam, and both formats are available in English and Spanish, making certification accessible to a diverse population. The skills evaluation tests your ability to perform 3-4 randomly selected clinical competencies, which always includes hand hygiene plus additional skills such as measuring vital signs, positioning patients, assisting with ambulation, feeding, or personal care tasks. You must demonstrate 80% accuracy on the skills portion. Testing is available at multiple regional sites throughout New Mexico, including facilities at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, Santa Fe Community College, Dona Ana Community College in Las Cruces, Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, and Luna Community College in Las Vegas. You have up to three attempts for each portion within 24 months of completing your training program.

Yes, New Mexico accepts CNA certification from other states through a reciprocity process, and notably, there is no fee associated with requesting reciprocity in New Mexico. To transfer your certification, you must complete the Reciprocity Form Application through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) website. You'll need to provide a government-issued photo ID or driver's license, your Social Security card, and your current out-of-state CNA certification documentation. Your certification must be active and in good standing with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on your record. The New Mexico Health Care Authority will verify your credentials with your previous state's registry. Once approved, you will receive dual certification—New Mexico reciprocity grants you a separate New Mexico CNA certification while maintaining your original state's certification. Each state's certification is independent, and it's your responsibility to maintain certifications for each state. For transfers from New Mexico to another state, you'll need to obtain a verification form from the receiving state's registry and submit it to NMHCA at CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov. New Mexico's neighboring states—Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah—each have their own reciprocity requirements, so research the specific process for any state you're considering. For questions about reciprocity, contact the NMHCA at (505) 861-9680 or email CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in New Mexico

New Mexico CNA certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance and must be renewed through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. To maintain your active certification status on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, you must meet specific employment and continuing education requirements. You must demonstrate at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services within the past 24 months in an approved healthcare setting—this includes work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospice facilities, or other qualifying healthcare environments. Volunteer work does not satisfy this requirement. Additionally, New Mexico requires CNAs to complete 12 hours of in-service or continuing education training each year, totaling 24 hours per two-year renewal cycle. This annual training is typically provided by your employer and covers topics mandated by federal regulations. The renewal fee is $25, payable through the TMU system. Renewal requests may be submitted starting 30 days before your certification expiration date and up to 30 days after expiration during a grace period. Once you submit your renewal request, your employer must verify your employment through TMU before your certification is reinstated for another two years. Important warning: If you exceed the 30-day grace period without renewing, you will be required to retake and pass both the knowledge and skills portions of the state competency exam to regain your active certification status. If your certification has been inactive for more than 24 months and you have not maintained employment in a nursing-related field, you may need to complete a new training program before retesting.

Renewal Fee

$25

Work Requirement

8 hours every 24 months

CEU Requirement

12 hours annually (24 total)

Certification Cycle

Every 2 years

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in New Mexico

Growing Healthcare Demand Across the State

New Mexico's healthcare sector continues to expand, creating strong demand for qualified CNAs throughout the state. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in New Mexico earn a median salary of approximately $37,030 per year, or about $17.80 per hour—with pay typically ranging from $14 to $20 per hour depending on employer, experience, and location. The Albuquerque metropolitan area, home to major healthcare systems including University of New Mexico Hospital, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and Lovelace Health System, offers the highest concentration of CNA positions with approximately 1,850 employed nursing assistants and competitive wages up to $37,650 annually.

Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and growing communities throughout the state provide additional opportunities, with rural areas often offering incentive pay to attract qualified healthcare workers. While New Mexico's CNA wages are slightly below the national average, the state's lower cost of living—particularly in housing and everyday expenses—makes these wages more competitive. Many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to advance into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) roles, with several New Mexico community colleges offering seamless bridge programs for career advancement through partnerships with the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium.

Average Annual Salary

$37,030

per year

$17.80/hour • Growing demand statewide

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official New Mexico CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

NM Health Care Authority

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification through the Division of Health Improvement.

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NM Nurse Aide Registry

Search the official registry to verify CNA status and check employment eligibility.

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Headmaster/TMU Testing

D&SDT-Headmaster administers the state competency exam through the TestMaster Universe system.

Visit TMU Portal

Schedule Your Exam

View available test dates and schedule your CNA competency examination through TMU.

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Registry Contact

3900 Masthead St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Call: (505) 861-9680

Registry Email Support

Contact the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry for certification questions and assistance.

CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov

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