Nursing

The School of Nursing several program plans for graduate study (1) Master of Science in Nursing Leadership: Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, (2) Master of Science in Nursing Leadership: Nurse Educator, (3) Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, and (4) a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education.

MS in Nursing Leadership: Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner [Blended]

• The family nurse practitioner is prepared to provide healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan (newborns, infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and postpartum women and older adults).  
• This concentration can only be completed on-campus.
• Primary care includes health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and the evaluation and management of common acute and chronic health problems.  
• The program of study may be tailored for full-time or part-time study.
• Course formats are a mix of online and classroom instruction.
• Clinical experiences are arranged to meet program outcomes and to accommodate the needs of the student.
• The Graduate Program Coordinator and the student’s academic advisor will help plan a program of study and timeframe that meets the academic and clinical requirements.
• The combined credit requirement would be approximately 49-51.

MSN-FNP graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations for Family Nurse Practitioners which are offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center  and by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

MS in Nursing Leadership: Nurse Educator [Blended]

• The M.S. in Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Nurse Educator prepares nurses for teaching roles in academic settings and professional development services of healthcare agencies.
• This is a blended program with both online classes and in-person components. While most courses are available 100% online, three courses require in-person work and/or study.
  • NUR 531 is a lab that requires students to be on-site at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine, for two days during the summer semester.
  • NUR 567 and NUR 569 are practicums that may be completed at a qualifying organization geographically convenient to the student.
• Course content in the education specialization includes innovative approaches to didactic, clinical and lab clinical teaching methods, including the use of virtual and in-person simulations in your teaching practice.
• A full time student can complete this program of study in two years; part time study (3 to 4 years), Faculty guidance is an integral part of each portion of the student’s program of study.
• The Graduate Program Coordinator and the student’s academic advisor will help plan a program of study and timeframe that meets the academic and eeducation practicum requirements.
• The combined credit requirement is 35 credits.

MSN Admission Requirements

• NOTE: This program does not accept international students. However, Canadian applicants may be considered if they can complete clinical and practicum learning requirements in the State of Maine and attend scheduled campus meetings in Orono, Maine.
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLN-accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• An undergraduate course in health assessment, statistics, and nursing research / evidence-based practice / quality improvement course with a “B” or higher
• A “C” (77%) or higher in all core undergraduate nursing courses
• Experience as a registered nurse
• Active Maine license as a registered nurse
  • Applicants without a Maine license must provide proof of reciprocity before the classes begin.

MSN Application Materials

• An online application
• Current résumé or CV
• Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
• An essay using the guidelines set by the Graduate School of Nursing
• At least two professional references
• A pre-admission meeting with nursing faculty to discuss goals and program of study
• Copy of current Maine license as a registered nurse
  • Applicants without a Maine license must provide proof of reciprocity before the classes begin.

Certificate of Advanced Study – Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner (CAS-FNP) [On-Campus Only]

• The CAS offers a clinically focused program of study to registered nurses who already possess a Master of Science in Nursing.
• Students in the CAS program must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours (500 and 600 level courses) within The University of Maine.
• Prerequisites include: graduate of an NLN or CCNE accredited MSN program; minimum graduate GPA of 3.25; current licensure as a registered nurse in Maine.

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

The master’s degree program in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of Maine School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791