
Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
Maine’s nurse practitioner programs are offered by institutions such as the University of New England (Biddeford & Portland), Husson University (Bangor), University of Southern Maine, and University of Maine at Fort Kent. These CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks in specialties like family practice, psychiatric‑mental health, and adult‑gerontology blend rigorous coursework with clinical practicums, leading to national certification and Maine APRN licensure.
Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - husson.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a transformative educational pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced nursing expertise. The comprehensive 48-credit curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care across lifespans, strategically blending rigorous academic training with extensive 540 clinical hours. With an exceptional 95% national certification exam passage rate, students develop sophisticated clinical skills through flexible online learning. The program's strategic design enables working nurses to advance their careers while maintaining personal commitments, positioning graduates for dynamic primary care opportunities.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive 48-credit Master of Science in Nursing designed for ambitious nursing professionals. Fully online and strategically structured, the curriculum develops specialized skills for managing complex healthcare needs across young adult, older adult, and elderly patient populations. Graduates receive extensive preparation for national certification exams, positioning themselves in a high-demand healthcare specialty. The program's flexible format accommodates working professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise and transformative career opportunities.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration represents a sophisticated educational pathway for aspiring advanced practice nurses. The 48-credit program integrates comprehensive coursework in advanced pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, and pathophysiology, emphasizing family-centered care across all developmental stages. With 540 clinical hours and a remarkable 95% national certification exam passage rate, students develop intricate clinical skills. The program's flexible online format, competitive pricing, and robust academic support make it an exceptional choice for nurses seeking professional advancement.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's Post-Master's APRN Certificates provide experienced nurses a strategic pathway to specialized advanced practice. Offering three distinct tracks—Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health—these 100% online programs enable nurses to expand clinical capabilities efficiently. With credit requirements ranging from 18-51 credits, the program accommodates diverse educational backgrounds. Graduates receive comprehensive theoretical and practical training, preparing them to excel in specialized certification exams and deliver sophisticated, patient-centered care across complex healthcare environments.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Husson University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate represents a targeted professional development opportunity for advanced practice nurses. This intensive 21-credit, 12-month program focuses on comprehensive women's healthcare across lifespans—from adolescence through menopause. Integrating online, classroom, and experiential learning, the curriculum equips nurses with specialized skills in gynecological services, well-woman care, health education, and prenatal management. Designed for existing family and adult nurse practitioners, the program enhances clinical expertise and expands career opportunities in women's health specialties.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate empowers experienced nurses to specialize in complex patient care. This fully online program provides comprehensive training in acute care settings, preparing professionals to deliver advanced nursing interventions for adult and geriatric populations. Offering flexible credit options between 18-48 credits, the program enables nurses to efficiently expand their professional capabilities. Graduates receive robust preparation for national certification exams, positioning themselves at the forefront of specialized acute care nursing practice.
Standish, ME - Private 4-year - sjcme.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's College of Maine's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a robust educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Specializing in comprehensive mental health services across patient lifespans, the CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based psychiatric disorder diagnosis, treatment, and management. Students benefit from a flexible online format that accommodates working professionals, blending theoretical insights with practical clinical training. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams and advanced practice roles, offering a strategic approach to mental health nursing education. Designed to meet rigorous academic standards, the program equips nurses with sophisticated skills to address complex psychiatric healthcare needs.
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Southern Maine's Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing provides a cutting-edge Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GACNP) specialization for master's-prepared nurses. This innovative blended program strategically combines rigorous online coursework with hands-on clinical training, enabling experienced professionals to advance their acute care expertise. Requiring 18-40 credit hours and potentially completed within three semesters, the program emphasizes comprehensive skill development. Students benefit from diverse clinical experience venues and gain national certification eligibility, positioning graduates for expanded career opportunities in complex acute care environments. The military-friendly institution ensures flexible learning pathways for dedicated healthcare professionals seeking specialized advanced practice credentials.
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Maine's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers comprehensive training in primary healthcare, strategically preparing nurses for advanced practice roles. Emphasizing rural and underserved community health, the curriculum integrates evidence-based practice with extensive clinical experiences. Students enjoy flexible learning through online and on-campus instruction, tailored to accommodate both full-time and part-time learners. The program's rigorous framework covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for national certification exams. Admission requires a BSN, active Maine RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, and two years of professional nursing experience, positioning students for successful healthcare leadership.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's Advanced Study Certificate offers a robust Family Nurse Practitioner track designed for experienced nurses seeking specialized professional development. Leveraging a hybrid learning model, the program integrates comprehensive online coursework with dynamic classroom instruction. Students benefit from CCNE accreditation, expert faculty mentorship, and extensive clinical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice nursing with dedicated preparation for national certification. Unique admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, two years of nursing experience, and specific prerequisite courses. Flexible full-time and part-time options accommodate working healthcare professionals seeking career advancement in primary care settings.
Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - beal.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Beal University's online Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioners offers a transformative educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. The program strategically blends comprehensive healthcare theory with practical skill development, enabling students to deliver exceptional patient care across all age groups. Graduates emerge fully prepared for professional certification exams and leadership roles in family healthcare settings. With a flexible online format, the curriculum accommodates working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Admission requires a BSN and active RN licensure, ensuring students have a solid foundation in nursing practice. Financial aid opportunities and competitive tuition make this program an attractive option for ambitious nursing professionals.
Many Maine programs use a hybrid format, delivering didactic modules online alongside periodic on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally under qualified preceptors, and some schools offer fully online didactic phases with minimal in‑person requirements.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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Husson University
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| University of Maine |
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| University of Southern Maine |
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| Certifying Board | Maine State Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice RN Section |
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| Certification | National APRN credential (e.g., AANP, ANCC) with primary-source verification |
| License Renewal Period | Every two years by the Commissioner’s expiration date, with a 90-day grace period and late fee |
| Continuing Education | 50 CEUs each renewal cycle in nursing, medicine or allied health |
| License Application Fee | $100 initial APRN licensure fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts verifying required practicum hours |
| Processing Time | Applications processed in order received, license issued via email upon approval |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold an active RN license (Nursys for compact states) and verify national APRN certification |
Nurse practitioners in Maine earn an average annual salary of about $120,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $100,000 and seasoned practitioners in high‑demand specialties or leadership roles earning up to $175,000. Compensation often includes health benefits, sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and rural‑area incentives.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maine | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $127,750 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $61.40 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$? (~$145K) | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $127,750 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$105K | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~N/A | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Husson University
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| Beal University |
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| University of Southern Maine |
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After initial certification, many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to qualify for leadership, academic, or executive roles, while post‑master’s certificates enable adding new specialties without a full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD programs, and others transition into administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maine
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website