Certified Nursing Assistant in New Mexico

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$37,030

trending_down -6.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering

4,600

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$132

Licensing fees

schedule

4-9 weeks for training, 3-4 weeks for exam, 1-2 weeks for registry placement

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in New Mexico

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Mexico, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including classroom and clinical instruction. After training, you'll need to pass the New Mexico CNA Competency Exam, administered by Headmaster LLP/TMU, which includes a knowledge test and a clinical skills test. Upon successful completion, your name will be placed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority. New Mexico offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, with no associated fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,820

25th percentile $35,290

50th (median) $37,030

75th percentile $42,610

90th (experienced) $46,450

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Mexico. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist New Mexico requirements

Licensing body	New Mexico Health Care Authority
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program
Experience	8.0 hours
Exam	New Mexico CNA Competency Exam (administered by Headmaster LLP/TMU) ($107)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age varies by training program (16-18 years old). Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours within the past 24 months. Some training programs may require a high school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and drug test. The state may pay exam fees for candidates employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility.

Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleNew Mexico license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in New Mexico? expand_more

New Mexico requires certified nursing assistants to complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), gain 8.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the New Mexico CNA Competency Exam (administered by Headmaster LLP/TMU), and submit your application ($25 fee).

Does New Mexico require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more

New Mexico mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. New Mexico Health Care Authority oversees the process, which includes passing the New Mexico CNA Competency Exam (administered by Headmaster LLP/TMU).

What do certified nursing assistants earn in New Mexico? expand_more

New Mexico certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $37,030. This trails the $39,530 national median by 6%. The range spans from $30,820 at the entry level to $46,450 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in New Mexico? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($107) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a certified nursing assistant in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, becoming a certified nursing assistant generally takes 4-9 weeks for training, 3-4 weeks for exam, 1-2 weeks for registry placement, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does New Mexico require continuing education for certified nursing assistants? expand_more

License renewal in New Mexico requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.