CNS
Advanced Practice
New Mexico Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in New Mexico
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$100
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
full
Full Practice Authority
Full practice authority without physician oversight
Prescriptive Authority: CNPs maintain their own formulary
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Total | $100 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $110 |
Continuing Education Requirements
50
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle
30 RN + 20 specialty
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in New Mexico, you must first hold an active RN license. New Mexico is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Free Tools
Check License Reciprocity
See if your license transfers
Calculate Costs
Estimate total licensing costs
Track CE Hours
Stay on top of requirements
Readiness Checklist
Prepare your application
Practice Map
Where can you practice?
Other APRN Types in New Mexico
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 1 official sources • Last verified: January 2026