ENTRANCE EXAM

Students are required to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®) which measures basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, math, science, and English and language usage. The test is intended for use primarily with adult health science program applicant populations. The objectives assessed on ATI TEAS® are those which health educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry-level academic readiness of health science program applicants.

For more information about the ATI TEAS Exam and to register to take the exam, please see the links in the menu or go to https://www.atitesting.com/teas.

TEAS Information and Testing Schedule

ATI TEAS testing services is available to potential nursing students interested in applying for Fall 2024 entry into the NNMC ADN program. We offer flexible, scheduling options. There is no fee for taking the TEAS exam but the exam must be taken on campus, in a proctored setting.

Testing can be scheduled by contacting Denise Martinez Arevalo, ADN program administrative assistant (505-747-2207 or denise.arevalo@nnmc.edu)

For those interested in taking the TEAS exam earlier, please follow registration instructions. The fee, however, will not be waived.

General Admission Requirements

  • Graduation from high school or GED
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.75 in the pre-requisite courses.
  • A minimum overall score of 58.7% on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®).
  • Submission of a completed nursing application packet by May 30th for fall admission consideration.
  • Completion of the following pre-requisite course work by the end of the spring semester prior to anticipated entry into the ADN program with a grade of “C-” or better.  Potential students must have completed all nursing transfer courses with a grade of “C-” or better.
    CHEM 1110/L (4) or any other BIOL or CHEM course with a lab (4)
    BIOL 2210/BIOL 2210L (4) Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
    PSYC 1110 (3) General Psychology
    ENGL 1110 (3) Composition I
  • Anatomy and Physiology Courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to entry into the ADN program.
  • All nursing students are expected to have basic computer skills including word processing and internet access.
  • All nursing students must have and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification and current immunizations prior to participating in clinical nursing courses.


Requirements for TEAS admission test scores are subject to change:
Formal application and acceptance into the nursing program is required before students may enroll in any NURS-prefixed courses listed in the program requirements. Support courses may be taken before entry into the program.

Transfer Students: Students transferring to the Associate Degree in Nursing Program are subject to the same admission and progression requirements as all nursing students. The Registrar and nursing faculty will evaluate transcripts, course syllabi, and course outlines to determine eligibility and placement status. Potential students must have completed all transfer courses with a grade of “C-” or better.

Additional Requirements Relating to Licensure: The New Mexico State Board of Nursing has restrictions for licensure and may deny, revoke, or suspend any license applied for upon grounds of particular felony violations. Northern assumes no responsibility for the denial of licensure by the New Mexico Board of Nursing or any state Board of Nursing.

Federal law requires certain health care agencies to conduct criminal background checks on their employees. This requirement may be mandated for nursing students placed in these health care facilities for clinical training. Behaviors which may be cause for a student being ineligible for clinical placement include, but are not limited to, the following: physical or sexual abuse, theft, illegal use of weapons, and illegal use or possession of controlled substances.

Technology Requirements: NNMC ADN students are expected to have access to a computer and Internet services, and be able to use a computer independently. There is a minimum level of computer and internet skills that are necessary to successfully complete the ADN program at NNMC, including:

  • Log into Blackboard and use Blackboard tools
  • Access databases
  • Send/receive e-mail and attachments Software & Word Processor Skills
  • Create and edit a document using Microsoft Word • Create and view a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Open and print a document
  • Copy, cut and paste sections of text
  • Format text/character size (10pt, 12 pt), font (Times, Arial)
  • Use bullets, lists and table functions
  • Adjust margins and tabs
  • Create headers and footers, paginate and create page breaks