UMaine School of Nursing expands programming for aspiring family nurse practitioners 

The University of Maine School of Nursing received a $1.96 million grant to provide financial assistance to and new educational opportunities for aspiring family nurse practitioners who can help improve access to primary care in Maine’s rural and underserved regions.

The four-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program allows UMaine to provide financial support to approximately 40 students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a family nurse practitioner concentration. It also supports a new preceptor training program, continuing education and enhanced learning offerings that will train these students to help address critical health care gaps in Maine, including LGBTQ+ care, substance use disorder treatment, and services for childhood obesity and other weight-related issues. 

With the offerings funded by this grant, UMaine Nursing aims to strengthen its recruitment and graduation of diverse family nurse practitioners. The grant also supports clinical education expansion initiatives within Maine’s Indian Health Service locations and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

“Our nurse practitioner students and alumni have always been dedicated to the care of Mainers; this support means more nurses advancing their education to address our urgent primary care needs in the state,” said Sean Sibley, clinical assistant faculty and ANEW program director at UMaine. 

UMaine Nursing is committed to educating family nurse practitioners who provide essential primary care services in all parts of Maine, including rural and underserved areas. 

The program’s successful track record and dedication to excellence is reflected in its 100% first-time pass rate for family nurse practitioner program graduates. Since graduating its first cohort of master’s-prepared practitioners in 1994, the school has consistently demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare access and quality in the state.

“UMaine Nursing is excited about the opportunities presented by this grant and remains committed to improving health equity and access to quality health care for all Mainers,” said school Director Kelley Strout. “By expanding clinical education experiences, enhancing educational offerings and strengthening partnerships, UMaine Nursing is taking significant strides toward creating a brighter and healthier future for rural communities in Maine.” 

This ANEW Program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $485,641. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.