Licensure
Column Title
Column Title
Column Title
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
School Nurse (Pre K-12)
A school nurse license authorizes a qualified individual to provide services defined in the New Mexico guidelines, regulations, and statutes governing nursing and school health, as well as local school district policy.
Initial License
Level 1 School Nurse (3-Year Provisional License)
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial application via the NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Official sealed transcripts showing an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution or an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN); and
- A current Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the New Mexico Board of Nursing or a nurse licensure compact state; and
- Clearance of required background check/fingerprints.
Note: Level 1 School Nurse licenses are provisional and issued for a single three-year term. Level 1 licenses are not renewable and must either advance to Level 2, qualify for a temporary extension due to exigent circumstances, or expire.
Renewal License
Level 2 and Level 3 School Nurse Licenses Only
- $120 (non-refundable) fee (valid for a one-year grace period from the date of expiration); and
- Renewal application via the NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Superintendent’s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure (must be on official school district or charter school letterhead); and
- A current RN license issued by the New Mexico Board of Nursing or a nurse licensure compact state.
Important Notes:
- Level 1 School Nurse licenses cannot be renewed and must be Advanced.
- Expiration of an RN license results in automatic expiration of the School Nurse license.
Reciprocating a License
Applicants licensed as School Nurses in another state may qualify for licensure under limited reciprocity pursuant to 22-10A-12 NMSA 1978.
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial application via the NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- A valid, current out-of-state School Nurse license issued by a state education agency; and
- A current RN license issued by the home state or a nurse licensure compact state; and
- Official sealed transcripts reflecting required degree completion; and
- Verification of professional nursing experience to determine appropriate licensure level; and
- Clearance of required background check/fingerprints.
Reciprocity Placement by Level
- Level 1 School Nurse
Issued if the applicant does not yet meet Level 2 or Level 3 requirements. - Level 2 School Nurse
May be issued if the applicant holds an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and has at least three (3) years of combined registered nursing experience, demonstrates required competencies, and meets all licensure requirements. - Level 3 School Nurse
May be issued if the applicant has at least three (3) years of combined registered nursing experience, demonstrates nursing leadership competencies, and holds either:- a master’s degree or higher in nursing or a related field, or
- National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) certification.
Renewal of Licensure Level
Level 1 → 3 year license
Level 2 → 9 year license, advancement to a level 2 can be obtained after 3 full school years of licensure on a level 1 license
Level 3 → 9 year license, advancement to a level 3 can be obtained after 3 full school years of licensure on a level 2 license
Delay of application
- Your application is lacking supporting documents listed in the above check list;
- If your license(s) has expired (and you do not have additional valid licenses on file), and your background was completed 24 months or more, you will need to complete a new background for Teacher Licensure. School Employment backgrounds will not be accepted.
NMPED Correspondence with Educators
- Consultants correspond by email. Please check your spam/junk folder.