Anatomy and Physiology I
Self-paced online Anatomy and Physiology I course (Biology 211). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →New MexicoNursing
LPN to RN in New Mexico: prerequisite checklist and time limits
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
An LPN to RN in New Mexico usually means entering an NMNEC ADN programme. The ADN checklist is 26 to 29 credits: Biology or Chemistry with lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Communications, Psychology, Lifespan and Math or Humanities. Time limits on old sciences vary by school, so ask yours in writing.
The ADN checklist
Most New Mexico public and tribal ADN programmes follow the NMNEC common curriculum. Its ADN programme of study lists the non-nursing courses below. An LPN often has some of them already from the practical nursing programme, so the first job is to match old courses to the list.
| Course area | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biology or Chemistry with lab | 4 | One basic science |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 6 | Usually two courses |
| Pathophysiology | 4 | Often taken at the nursing school |
| Communications | 3 | Usually composition |
| Psychology | 3 | Introductory psychology |
| Lifespan | 3 | Growth and development across life |
| Math, or Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | Depends on the school |
Entry routes for LPNs
Schools handle LPNs in different ways. Some offer an advanced placement or bridge entry; others ask LPNs to apply to the regular ADN cohort. CNM, for example, uses a screening process before registration and points students to the NMNEC Nursing Student Handbook for details. Ask your school whether it has an LPN entry and which courses an LPN licence or transcript can replace.
Time limits on old sciences
The NMNEC programs of study do not state a single time limit, but some schools set one for sciences such as Anatomy and Physiology. If your A&P is several years old, ask before you assume it still counts. A school may ask you to retake it, take a challenge exam, or show recent work in nursing.
General education such as composition and psychology is less often limited by age, but ask about it too.
- How old can my A&P course be?
- Is there a minimum grade for science prerequisites?
- Does my LPN work count toward any limit or requirement?
Where online courses may fit
If you need to add or refresh a course, general education is where online credit is most often considered. UPI Study's courses carry ACE or NCCRS credit recommendations. Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 are NCCRS-recommended for 3 credits each, with labs for 2 credits each. Introduction to Psychology and English Composition 1 match the psychology and communications slots.
We do not offer Pathophysiology, Lifespan or Developmental Psychology, Microbiology or Nutrition, so those come from a college. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, but your nursing programme decides whether it counts a course. Ask it in writing before you enrol.
A simple order of work
Start by ordering transcripts from your practical nursing school and any college. Match each course to the ADN checklist. Email the nursing office with the list, the dates and your questions about time limits and online courses. Then take only the courses the school confirms, oldest science first, so your application is complete before the deadline.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Email the nursing programme you will apply to and ask in writing whether it counts each course, and each online lab, before you enrol; keep the reply with your application.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
What prerequisites does an LPN need for an ADN in New Mexico?
Most schools follow the NMNEC ADN list: Biology or Chemistry with lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Communications, Psychology, Lifespan and Math or Humanities, 26 to 29 credits. Your school may count some practical nursing courses, so ask it which ones your LPN transcript can cover.
Will my old A&P still count?
It depends on the school. NMNEC's programs of study do not set one time limit, but some schools do. Ask the nursing office in writing how old a science course can be, and whether it offers a challenge exam or wants a retake if your course is older than its limit.
Can I take Lifespan with UPI Study?
No. UPI Study does not offer Lifespan or Developmental Psychology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology or Nutrition. Take those at a college. We offer Introduction to Psychology, English Composition 1 and Anatomy and Physiology with labs, and your nursing programme decides whether it counts them.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
Introduction to Psychology
Self-paced online Introduction to Psychology course (Psychology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask your nursing programme in writing first, then take only the courses it confirms, at your own pace.
Sources
- NMNEC: Programs of study (ADN and BSN) (official)ADN prerequisites/co-requisites: Biology or Chemistry with lab (4), Anatomy and Physiology (6), Pathophysiology (4), Communications (3), Psychology (3), Lifespan (3), Math or Humanities/Fine Arts (3); 26-29 credits; ADN total 66-73. BSN: Biology with lab (4), Chemistry with lab (4), Microbiology (4), A&P (6), Pathophysiology (4), Nutrition (3), Communications (6), Psychology (3), Math (3), Statistics (3), Lifespan (3), Humanities (3), Creative and Fine Arts (3), Flexible (6); 55 credits; BSN total 120 (65 NMNEC nursing). No science time limit or place-of-study rule stated. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- CNM: Nursing (official)The AASN needs a screening process before registration (Coordinated Program Entry); details in the NMNEC Nursing Student Handbook; programme meets New Mexico Board of Nursing requirements. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.