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; CNS makes independent decisions and prescribes dangerous drugs and controlled substances (Sch II-V) per NMSA 61-3-23.4 and 16.12.2 NMAC, no physician supervision/collaborative agreement required.

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

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.

RN Requirements View New Mexico RN Requirements