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MSN Programs in Maine

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

MSN Programs in Maine

Preparing leaders in nursing who are equipped with the knowledge and skills related to taking on a more advanced role within the industry, attending a MSN program in Maine is just one of the ways a registered nurse can fulfill the necessary requirements. RNs with an interest in becoming an educator, leader, or advanced practice nurse will need to find a Master of Science in Nursing degree program that offers a curriculum related to his or her particular specialty of choice.

Schools With MSN Programs in Maine

  • Offering coursework that expands upon the baccalaureate degree in nursing by exploring theory and research in nursing (in addition to related disciplines), an MSN degree program is found at the University of Southern Maine located in Portland. Program tracks available at the school are Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL); Education; Family Nurse Practitioner; Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; and Management.
  • Those interested in the business aspect of nursing usually opt for the dual degree program, Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration, which is offered at USM. In addition to an RN-to-MSN program for RNs, the school also offers a Master of Science Option for Non-Nurses program on the Portland campus for people who have a baccalaureate degree in another field, but would like to transition into a nursing career. The MSN programs associated with the USM School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • Nurses with an interest in providing anesthesia related to obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services should consider the MSN program offered at the University of New England, which is the only one of its kind within the state of Maine. The two-phase program is typically completed within 27 months, consisting of classroom study (with plenty of science and anesthesia courses) and 19 months of a curriculum centered on hospital-based clinical experiences. This accredited program has seen 100 percent of students pass the certifying examination in their first year following graduation.
  • Husson University (located in Bangor) is home to a CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing program catering to aspiring nurse educators and family nurse practitioners. Students pursuing the Education track will complete a curriculum comprised of 40 credits of classroom instruction and internship experiences. The FNP track requires the completion of 44 credit hours, and the completion of 714 clinical hours.
  • The MSN program offered at the University of Maine is geared towards future family nurse practitioners, as well as nurses with an interest in a career related to teaching or an administrative role. Students may choose to concentrate on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track or the Individualized Master of Science in Nursing program for education, administration, or a different advanced nursing role. All programs offer both part- and full-time learning opportunities.
  • The CCNE-accredited MSN program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is offered online, where nurses can choose to follow one of three different specialization tracks: Education, Administration, and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
  • Frontier Nursing University also provides online instruction for nurses looking to earn an MSN, and is one of the few opportunities to concentrate on Nurse-Midwifery. The ACNM accredited program also offers an easier transition for students interested in progressing onto the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. The curriculum is offered for part- and full-time learners.

Maine MSN Checklist

  • Become licensed in Maine as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Apply to an accredited degree program to earn an MSN, and graduate meeting all nursing requirements regarding the state of Maine.
  • Fulfill requirements regarding supervised clinical experience, if applicable.
  • Apply for licensure with the Maine Board of Nursing (~ $75 fee) as either an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) or an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), when applicable.
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Maine.

Degree Guides

Maine MSN Salary & Job Outlook

Obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing is a good way for a registered nurse to make more money within his or her career field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following median salaries for higher-paying professions in Maine that are often associated with an MSN degree: medical and health service managers ($85,430), nursing instructors, and teachers ($67,670), and nurse practitioners ($87,060).

Additional Maine Program Rankings

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