Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Maine

Amongst Maine’s scenic Atlantic beauty is a vast rual landscape that is desperate for medical practitioners to serve its isolated communities such as Augusta or Bangor. If you’re looking for a way to leverage your nursing career into a higher-paying, more independent career, you may want to consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are surprisingly available in Maine and they come in many specializations. Below are some tips to help you locate these programs and how to get licensed in Maine as a nurse practitioner. Jump to program listings.

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maine

RegisteredNursing.org provides rankings of the best online nurse practitioner programs in Maine. These programs help nurses advance their careers with flexible options. Distance learning and virtual formats make education accessible while working. Hybrid and partially online programs count as online options. This flexibility supports busy professionals across the state. The rankings consider factors like accreditation and student support. For details on how these rankings are compiled, visit the methodology page at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Husson University

Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - husson.edu

BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's online Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive advanced care training across patient lifespans through a 48-credit curriculum. This fully online program requires no entrance exam and features a 95% national certification exam passage rate. Students complete 540 clinical hours over 30 months, with flexible scheduling for working professionals. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for diverse primary care settings at $682 per credit hour.

• Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
• 48 total credit hours
• 540 total clinical hours
• 30 months completion time
• $682 per credit hour
• 95% national exam passage rate
• Multiple start dates annually
• Free 24/7 tutoring available
• One-on-one career advising
• CCNE accredited program

BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's online MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers 48 credits of specialized training for acutely ill patients from young adults to the elderly. This fully online program requires no entrance exam and is CCNE-accredited, preparing graduates for ANCC or AACN certification. Through clinical experiences and flexible learning, working professionals develop comprehensive advanced nursing care skills for acute care settings and career advancement.

• 48 credit program.
• Online delivery format.
• CCNE accredited program.
• ANCC/AACN certification eligible.
• Adult gerontology acute care focus.
• Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Acute care clinical experiences.
• School of Nursing program.
• Graduate level coursework.
• Advanced nursing care skills.

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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Husson University's 100% online Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner helps nurse practitioners gain mental healthcare expertise across all age groups. This program requires no entrance exam and offers 18-51 credit hours depending on prior MSN coursework. Students learn from practicing faculty and complete clinical components, preparing for ANCC certification. The CCNE-accredited program focuses on improving mental health service access through evidence-based practice.

• 100% online delivery.
• Post-Master's APRN Certificate.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner focus.
• Eligible for ANCC certification exam.
• 18-51 credit hours required.
• Depends on MSN program background.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Experienced faculty in practice.
• Courses include clinical components.
• Focus on mental healthcare access.

Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Husson University's hybrid Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate combines online coursework with hands-on internships over 12 months. This program requires a master's degree but no entrance exam, offering 21 credit hours and 688 clinical hours focused on women's health across the lifespan. Students gain specialized skills in reproductive and gynecologic health, including well-woman care and prenatal services, qualifying for national certification while balancing professional commitments.

• 12-month program duration
• Hybrid online and classroom format
• 21 credit hours required
• 688 internship hours included
• For family and adult nurse practitioners
• Master's degree prerequisite required
• Focus on women's lifespan health
• Emphasis on reproductive health
• Gynecologic health specialization
• Well-woman care training

Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's 100% online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares nurse practitioners for acute care settings with 18-48 credit hours. This program requires no entrance exam and builds on existing MSN qualifications, featuring clinical courses and expert faculty instruction. CCNE-accredited graduates can pursue ANCC or AACN certification, focusing on advanced nursing care for adult and geriatric patients in acute care environments.

• 100% online program.
• 18-48 credit hours.
• CCNE accredited.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Expert faculty in practice.
• Focus on acute care settings.
• Clinical courses included.
• Builds on MSN degree.
• Adult-gerontology concentration.
• Flexible credit requirements.

Show 4 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Maine

Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Maine offers a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. This program is designed for registered nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP degree, requiring 33 semester hours to complete. It emphasizes preparation for national certification with a focus on addressing rural and underserved community health needs across all age groups. Applicants must have a Maine RN license, a graduate GPA of at least 3.25, and a master's degree. The program does not require an entrance exam and tailors clinical placements to individual student requirements.

• Certificate of Advanced Study program.
• Hybrid online and classroom format.
• Minimum 33 semester hours required.
• For nurses with MSN or DNP.
• Focus on rural health issues.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Clinical experiences arranged individually.
• Requires Maine RN licensure.
• Minimum 3.25 graduate GPA.
• Rolling application deadline.

#3

Beal University

Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - beal.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Beal University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 20-month, 100% online program that prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical roles. This ACEN-accredited program features flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals, with a curriculum focused on primary care across the lifespan including advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning. The program requires RN licensure for admission but does not require an entrance exam. It includes one week of on-campus training and emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership skills, equipping graduates for high-demand family nurse practitioner careers with strong job growth in healthcare.

• 20-month program length.
• 100% online format.
• Flexible schedules for professionals.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• One week on-campus training.
• Advanced health assessment courses.
• Focus on primary care.
• RN licensure required.
• Experienced faculty.
• Hands-on learning experiences.

*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2024.

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.

List of NP Programs in Maine