Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque stands out dramatically in New Mexico's nursing assistant landscape, with graduates earning $52,838—nearly 75% more than the state median of $30,137. This puts the program in the 95th percentile statewide, meaning it outperforms virtually every other nursing assistant program in New Mexico. Even nationally, it ranks in the 85th percentile, well above the $44,134 national median. For a certificate program, these are exceptional outcomes.

The debt picture is reasonable at $13,638, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26—meaning graduates owe about three months' salary. While debt sits slightly above the state median, it's manageable given the earnings premium. The 60% Pell Grant enrollment suggests the program successfully serves lower-income students who then access well-paying positions, likely in hospitals or specialty care settings rather than the lower-paying long-term care facilities where many nursing assistants start.

For New Mexico families, this program offers clear value. Your child would graduate with modest debt and earning power that significantly exceeds what peers from other in-state programs achieve. The earnings advantage alone—over $22,000 more than the state median—would recoup the extra debt within months.