Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Maine

Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024

10 Min Read

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

If your goal is to save money and time on your nurse practitioner education, you’re in luck — Maine is home to both cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs located across the state. This is especially true if you already have some education such as a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program and you’re open to online classes.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The fastest option when it comes to nurse practitioner programs is usually the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. This will take much less time (usually around 2 years) than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program (typically takes around 6 years or even more). Among the fastest MSN programs available in Maine is the MSN program offered by the University of Maine.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re hoping to save money on your nurse practitioner education (and what student isn’t) you’re probably going to want to go with an MSN degree program. Less time in school means that you’ll likely be spending less money. One of the most affordable MSN programs located in Maine is offered by the University of Southern Maine which offers tuition costs between $18,000 and $55,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

If you’re looking specifically for nurse practitioner programs that allow you to specialize in an exciting area such as family practice or cardiology, you can find them widely available in Maine. Specialized nurse practitioner programs, such as the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offered by the University of Maine, are great for nurses who are interested in a particular practice area and make it easier to get certified later on down the line.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

If an MSN or DNP isn’t really your first choice, don’t fret! There are plenty of alternative nurse practitioner programs that may make more sense for your particular educational and professional background. Below is a complete list of the type of nurse practitioner programs you may see available in this state or nearby.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, most nursing students decide on Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs due to their speed, cost, and their entry requirements. MSN programs located in Maine include:

St. Joseph’s College of Maine – Standish, ME
University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME

RN to NP Programs

If you’ve already gained some experience as an RN, are licensed, and have an ADN or ASN, you may be eligible to enroll in an RN to NP program, also known as an ADN to MSN or an RN to MSN program. This is a bridge program that allows you to complete your MSN in a faster amount of time without having to get a traditional BSN. As of now, the University of Southern Maine offers the only RN to MSN program available in the state.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs typically take 4-6 years to complete, though this may be higher or lower depending on the number of credits you enroll with. DNP programs located in Maine include:

University of New England – Biddeford, ME
University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you already have an MSN or DNP and you’d like to tack on another specialization, you don’t nessecarily have to complete a whole new degree. A Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is a 1-year certificate program that allows your to do so. You can find these types of programs located at the following schools:

University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME
Husson University – Bangor, ME

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor’s degree program with a non-nursing major but would like to become nurse practitioners without getting another bachelor’s degree. They are longer than a traditional MSN program, but they are shorter than having to earn two degrees. As of now, these types of programs are not available in Maine, but you can find them at the University of New Hampshire.

General Admissions Requirements

You’ll likely find that most nurses practitioner programs will require the following items. Keep in mind that this may vary from program to program.

BSN from an accredited school
Transcripts from all colleges attended
Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
Active, unencumbered RN license
Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
Resume or CV

Maine NP License and Certification Requirements

When applying for lnurse practitioner licensure in Maine, individuals will be required to submit documents that verify their RN licensure and educational background. Additionally, they must complete the state’s application form and pay an application fee, which is typically around $100. Detailed guidelines on how to apply for NP licensure in Maine are available through the state’s licensing board.

Most NPs will also need to obtain certification in their chosen specialty area. Certification is usually provided by national organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Requirements for certification often include holding a current RN license and completing a graduate-level nursing program in the relevant specialty. Many certification programs also involve passing a standardized exam to verify clinical expertise.

Maine grants full practice authority to nurse practitioners, allowing them to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as prescribe medications, without the need for a supervising physician. This independent practice capability aligns with the state's broader approach to expanding healthcare access. For more information and professional support, nurse practitioners in Maine can connect with the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association (MNPA), which offers valuable resources and networking opportunities for those in the field.