Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Maine
- 2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maine
- Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
- General Admissions Requirements
- Maine NP License and Certification Requirements
- List of NP Programs 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
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 (MSN-FNP) offers a comprehensive 20-month program designed for working nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This fully online curriculum provides flexible scheduling and covers critical areas like advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning. Focused on primary care across patient lifespans, the program is accredited by ACEN and requires active RN licensure for admission. Students benefit from evidence-based practice training, leadership skill development, and hands-on learning experiences. With a robust curriculum emphasizing comprehensive patient care, graduates are well-positioned for high-demand family nurse practitioner roles. The program uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing nurses for evolving healthcare environments.
- 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.
Husson University
Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - husson.edu
BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips healthcare professionals with comprehensive advanced care skills across patient lifespans. The rigorous curriculum ensures students develop expert clinical competencies, boasting an impressive 95% national certification exam passage rate. Designed for working professionals, the flexible online format allows students to complete 48 credit hours and 540 clinical hours within 30 months. Graduates are prepared to practice in diverse primary care settings, with multiple annual start dates and free 24/7 tutoring. The CCNE-accredited program provides one-on-one career advising and competitive per-credit tuition rates.
- 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 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP) Master of Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive 48-credit program for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. The fully online curriculum prepares students to deliver high-quality care to acutely ill patients across young adult, older adult, and elderly populations. Graduates are positioned to enter a high-demand healthcare specialty, with preparation for national certification exams. The CCNE-accredited program provides flexible learning for working professionals, emphasizing advanced nursing care and competitive career opportunities.
- 48-credit Master's degree
- 100% online program
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for certification exams
- Advanced nursing care focus
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University offers a comprehensive online Post-Master's APRN Certificate program targeting advanced practice registered nurses seeking specialized expertise. Featuring three distinct tracks including Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the program provides 100% online training with a remarkable 95% national certification exam passage rate. Requiring 18-51 credits based on prior MSN education, nurses can expand their clinical capabilities and theoretical knowledge. The program prepares professionals to sit for specialized certification exams, emphasizing advanced clinical skills and lifespan patient care across diverse populations.
- 100% Online Nursing Certificates
- Three Specialized APRN Tracks
- 95% National Exam Passage Rate
- 18-51 Credits Required
- Accredited by CCNE
- Expert Practicing Faculty
- Lifespan Patient Care Focus
- Advanced Clinical Credentials
Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Husson University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced practice nurses with specialized training in comprehensive women's healthcare. This 21-credit, 12-month hybrid program combines online and classroom learning, accommodating busy professionals seeking to enhance clinical skills. Designed for existing family and adult nurse practitioners, the curriculum covers women's health across lifespans, from adolescence to menopause. Graduates gain expertise in gynecological services, well-woman care, health education, and prenatal care, preparing them for national certification and expanded career opportunities.
- Certificate for master's-level nurses
- 21 credit hours total
- 688 internship hours
- Online and classroom learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Women's health focus
- 12-month program duration
- Covers adolescence to menopause
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Husson University's fully online Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate empowers experienced nurses to advance their clinical expertise. The program provides comprehensive training in acute care settings, preparing professionals to deliver advanced nursing care for adult and geriatric patients. With flexible credit requirements ranging from 18-48 credits, nurses can efficiently expand their professional capabilities. Featuring expert practicing faculty, the program enables graduates to qualify for national certification exams and enhance their patient care strategies.
- 100% online program
- 18-48 credit options
- National certification exam preparation
- Expert practicing faculty
- Advanced acute care nursing focus
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 robust online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study with a hybrid learning format. This program uniquely blends digital coursework and in-person experiences, preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Designed for experienced RNs, the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration emphasizes clinical expertise and professional development. Students benefit from CCNE accreditation, flexible full and part-time enrollment, and comprehensive preparation for national certification. Admission requires a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and two years of nursing experience. The program integrates advanced practice nursing skills with a focus on family healthcare, enabling graduates to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse clinical settings.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Full-time or Part-time Options
- Online and Classroom Instruction
- Two Concentration Tracks: FNP and Nursing Education
- National Certification Preparation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Two Years RN Experience Needed
- Clinical Experiences Integrated
- Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
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
Bangor, ME
Husson University
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 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.
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 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.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 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.
- Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Biddeford, ME
University of New England
- BSN to MSN - Master's program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Master's program for PMHNP.
- Addresses mental health workforce shortages.
- Uses interprofessional education approach.
- Includes virtual reality simulations.
- Focuses on social determinants of health.
- Partners with statewide health care.
- Integrates psychiatric concepts.
- Prepares for substance abuse challenges.
Orono, ME
University of Maine
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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.
Portland, ME
University of Southern Maine
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Advanced Study.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialization.
- Blended online and campus mode.
- 18-40 credit hours required.
- Finish in as few as 3 semesters.
- Costs include tuition and fees.
- Master's degree in nursing required.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.