The New Mexico State University School of Nursing is proud to partner with the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System through an innovative Academic-Practice Partnership. This collaboration strengthens the preparation of our nursing graduates while supporting the VA’s mission to deliver exceptional care to our nation’s Veterans.
The NMSU–New Mexico VA Academic-Practice Partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans. By combining the academic strengths of NMSU’s School of Nursing with the clinical expertise of the VA, we are preparing the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners to lead in Veteran healthcare.
Through this partnership, NMSU nursing students and graduates gain access to unique, hands-on learning experiences in Veteran-focused care, advanced clinical practice, and evidence-based nursing leadership. Together, we are building a pipeline of highly skilled nurse leaders committed to serving those who have served.
RN Transition-to-Practice Program
The NM VA offers a Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Residency Program to support new graduate nurses in their first year of clinical practice. This 12-month program, focuses on bridging the gap between nursing education and professional practice. It provides structured mentoring, precepting, and educational opportunities to help new nurses develop the skills and confidence needed for safe, high-quality care for Veterans.
- Purpose: Bridge the gap from student to professional nurse while fostering clinical competence, confidence, and leadership.
- Experience: Residents work full-time alongside experienced VA nursing staff, rotating through a variety of clinical areas while receiving individualized mentoring and professional development.
- Impact: Graduates leave the program with advanced clinical judgment, Veteran-centered care expertise, and the skills to thrive in complex healthcare environments.
More information can be found here.
Nurse Practitioner Residency Programs
For nurse practitioners, the New Mexico VA offers highly competitive residency programs that provide structured, mentored clinical training in primary care and behavioral health.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency
The New Mexico VA’s Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency is a one-year, paid residency designed to support new graduates as they transition into professional practice.
- Focus:Comprehensive primary care for Veterans across the lifespan.
- Training: Immersive clinical rotations in primary care clinics, specialty services, and interprofessional team settings.
- Outcome: Graduates enhance their diagnostic skills, clinical decision-making, and ability to manage complex health conditions.
More information can be found here.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Residency
The mission of this program is to provide novice nurse practitioners with exceptional clinical training, didactics and mentorship to enhance clinical competence, increase confidence to practice independently, and become well-prepared to provide high quality mental health services for Veterans.
- Focus: Advanced mental health assessment and treatment for Veterans.
- Training: Extensive clinical experience in outpatient and inpatient behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and integrated primary care.
- Outcome: Residents develop expertise in managing psychiatric conditions and promoting mental health and wellness for Veteran populations.
More information can be found here.
