Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute

When it was founded in 1964, the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute was a small school devoted to training adults to enter the working world. It has grown since then, finally being given the ability to grant degrees by 1986. Essentially, the school, commonly called TVI by locals, had transformed itself into a community college.

The institution has continued to evolve, undergoing a name change to Central New Mexico Community College in 2006. It now boasts higher enrollment than the University of New Mexico. Its student body of 29,000 is diverse, with students coming from a range of ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Albuquerque is New Mexico's most populous city. As a result, it is a vibrant, ever-changing city that provides an exciting atmosphere for students. The warm summers and mild winters make Albuquerque an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors while the abundance of museums and theaters ensures a stimulating cultural life.

Central New Mexico Community College has a main campus located near downtown Albuquerque. The Joseph M. Montoya Campus is the second largest installation and is found in the Northeast Heights. In total, there are five other facilities that offer classes, including the CNM Workforce Training Center and the Advanced Technology Center. Students also have the option of learning online. High school students may also take college level courses when they are enrolled in the dual credit program.

Students enrolled at CNM may choose majors from six different schools. Concentration areas like carpentry, aviation technology and surveying engineering are popular. Other students may study culinary arts, accounting or technology management. CNM is also noted for its excellent nursing programs.

Many of the associate degree programs offered at CNM are transferrable to four year universities. Most of these can be completed in two years of full time study. Alternatively, students hoping to enter the workplace more quickly can opt to obtain a certificate, many of which can be earned in a year or less.