BSN Programs in Maine

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

BSN Programs in Maine
Employers often view job applicants who complete at least an undergraduate level education in nursing as possessing more skills and experience than candidates who have not. Nurses who get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree gain the types of credentials that often translate into higher-paying positions within the industry. All states offer at least a few options for earning a bachelor’s degree in the field, and for those with an interest in graduating from a BSN program in Maine – there are more than five schools to consider.

Schools With BSN Programs in Maine

  • The School of Nursing at the University of Maine is known for offering one of the first baccalaureate programs for nurses in the state. The UMaine BSN program strives to prepare students to enter the world of nursing by offering a curriculum built upon an array of key concepts that include Holistic Care, Advocacy, Clinical Reasoning, Safety, Information Technologies, as well as Ethical and Legal Practice. Offered on a full- and part-time basis, the school also has an RN Studies Program for registered nurses who have an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing. The nursing programs at the university are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • The University of Maine-Fort Kent provides a handful of options for those looking to earn a BSN in Maine. With the promise of starting nursing courses and clinicals within the first year of education, graduates of the traditional four-year BSN program are part of the reason the school boasts one of the highest pass rates in New England. The University also offers an Accelerated BSN and RN to BSN for those who have already received some level of college or university education. An online RN to BSN program offered through the school requires registered nurses to complete 120 credits in order to graduate.
  • The University of New England offers three different baccalaureate-level nursing programs to choose from: BSN, RN to BSN, and A-BSN. For the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students take classes on the Biddeford Campus. The curriculum blends science and humanities courses with related health professional disciplines. The last four semesters are taken on the Portland Campus where students take nursing coursework and clinical experiences.
  • The Portland Campus is also home to the Registered Nurse RN to BSN program, which is designed for the non-traditional student and working nurses. The Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor’s program that starts in December is completed within five semesters (17 months of continuous coursework including a summer session), and also takes place on the Portland Campus.
  • At the University of Southern Maine, students may pursue a traditional four-year BS in Nursing (120-128 credits), or choose from an accelerated program (15 months of full-time study) or the RN-to-BSN program with flexible scheduling options. The traditional and RN studies programs take place at both the Portland and Lewiston-Auburn campuses of the school, while the accelerated BSN and the second-degree option programs are only offered in Portland.
  • Accredited by the CCNE and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, the nursing program at Husson University is more than 100 years old. The University’s curriculum focuses on achieving a range of valuable program outcomes, such as Professionalism, Leadership, Quality Improvement, Patient-Centered Care, and Informatics and Technology. Courses that students may encounter throughout the years include Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, Pharmacology, and Nursing Research.
  • The curriculum for the BSN degree program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine concentrates on four primary concepts of nursing theory – human beings, health-illness, nursing, and environment. Unlike many other nursing programs, students jump right into nursing courses during their freshmen year, followed by hands-on clinical experience as sophomores. Students of the College gain a wealth of valuable experiences through final capstone internships and earning clinical hours at local hospitals and other agencies, such as Southern Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and MidCoast Hospital. The Department of Nursing at Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the CCNE.

Maine BSN Checklist

  • Apply to a college or university that offers an accredited BSN program tailored to meet personal needs, such as an accelerated program, online curriculum, and RN-to-BSN coursework.
  • Upon graduation, pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam in Maine.
  • Gain licensure as a registered nurse in Maine by submitting an application to the Maine Board of Nursing, and pay the ~$75 fee. A recent passport-type 2×2 photograph (not more than two years old) must be signed, dated, and enclosed with the application form. Transcripts are required for graduates of out-of-state programs.
  • When applicable, renew RN license every two years. There are no continuing education requirements for the state of Maine.

Degree Guides

Maine Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing makes it easier for professionals to achieve his or her personal career goals. One of the benefits that a nurse with a BSN often experiences is qualifying for job opportunities that pay more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses with a BSN qualify to make a median salary of $60,000 in Maine.

The flexibility and convenience of earning a degree online is especially helpful to aspiring registered nurses. By taking classes across the Internet, students can better juggle family responsibilities, their personal life, as well as maintain a regular work schedule.

Additional Maine Program Rankings

Related Articles