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Top Maine RN to BSN Programs

In the past, the vast majority of registered nurses would begin their healthcare careers by earning an associate's degree in nursing. These days, however, it has become more and more common for nurses to hold bachelor's degrees. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) states that by the end of 2020, 8 in 10 RNs will be expected to hold BSN degrees. Nurses across the country who are looking to stay competitive in their field are enrolling in RN to BSN bridge programs. Not only does having a BSN degree substantially increase a nurse's earning potential, but it also enhances their career prospects and sets them up for an advanced nursing degree down the road. In response to the trend, more academic institutions than ever before are offering online RN to BSN programs that students can complete while maintaining full-time employment. With so many new programs available, however, finding the best choice can be a difficult process. To make that process just a little easier for you, we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Maine.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Maine

Deciding on an RN to BSN program to enroll in is a major decision that should be taken seriously. While looking through Maine's top programs, please consider the following:

  • Program acceptance rate
  • Program pass rate
  • Program satisfaction rate
  • Class rate
  • Program retention rate
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment info)
  • Tuition and associated fees
  • How long the institution has been around
  • Program accreditation and/or awards
  • Internship opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Instructor experience/credentials
  • Cost of living in the area

Testing and Certification

Since ADN-educated nurses have already passed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam prior to becoming registered nurses, there's no need for them to take any additional licensing exams upon completion of the RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Maine

1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Originally founded in 1912 as an all-women's institution, Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a private Catholic liberal arts college that's situated in the town of Standish. SJC offers a 33 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete entirely online while they continue working full-time. During the program, which can generally be completed in a calendar year, students will take courses like Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Policy, and Leadership and Management for RNs, just to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mercy Prime Care
  • Goodall Hospital
  • The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

Tuition:

Students enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Saint Joseph's College of Maine can expect to pay about $11,748 plus additional fees.

2. University of Maine at Augusta

Located in the state's capital city of Augusta, the University of Maine at Augusta is a public university that serves the residents of the central region of the state. UMA offers students a 33 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The program, which is delivered in a hybrid online/in-class format, sets itself apart from others in the state by its curriculum, which is based on a holistic-integral framework. In 2018, 47% of students who enrolled in the program successfully completed the course. Of that number, 100% of graduates found jobs.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Alfond Health Center
  • Togus VA Medical Center
  • Family Medicine Institute

Tuition:

While in-state students can expect to pay $7,887 in tuition plus additional fees to attend UMA, out-of-state students can expect to pay around $19,074 in tuition plus fees.

3. University of Maine - Fort Kent

Founded in 1878, the University of Maine - Fort Kent is a public university that's a member of the University of Maine system. UMFK offers a fully online, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that's designed to allow working nurses to earn their BSN degrees so they can advance their careers. The program, which emphasizes clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, can be completed in just 10 months. Courses that students take while enrolled in the program include Promoting Health Communities, Transcultural Care in Nursing, and Health Related Research, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Northern Maine Medical Center
  • Northern Light AR Gould Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in the University of Maine - Fort Kent's RN to BSN program can expect to pay about $9,000 plus additional fees.

4. University of Southern Maine

Originally established in 1878 as two separate state universities, the University of Southern Maine is a public university with locations in Portland, Lewiston, and Gorham. USM offers students a 30 semester credit hour program that's composed of courses like Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice, Theory Related to Clinical Specialty for RNs, and Health-Related Research, to name a few. New class cohorts are admitted three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Maine Medical
  • Central Maine Medical Center
  • Southern Maine Medical Center

Tuition:

While in-state students can expect to pay $8,430 in tuition plus additional fees to attend USM, out-of-state students can expect to pay around $22,174 in tuition plus fees.

5. University of New England

The University of New England, established in 1831, is a private university with locations in Biddeford and Portland. UNE offers students an RN to BSN program that's delivered to students through clinical and didactic components. During the program, students will delve into topics like nursing theory, health assessment, clinical theory and practice, management, leadership, and much more. Classes meet just one or two days during the week so nursing students can continue practicing as RNs alongside their studies.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Southern Maine Health Care
  • Maine Medical Center
  • The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

Tuition:

To learn more about the University of New England's RN to BSN program tuition, contact them directly at (207) 283-0171.