ACNP Programs in Maine (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
You won't have to worry about career stagnation when you graduate from one of the ACNP programs in Maine. Employment prospects for acute care nurse practitioners in the Pine Tree State are predicted to soar by 35 percent over the next 10 years. Acute Care NPs in Maine are compensated handsomely, too, with salaries that average $125,930 a year. Acute care is an ideal specialization for nurses who know how to stay calm and collected in high-adrenalin situations. Could that nurse be you? Find out by reading this guide to the best ACNP programs in Maine.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Maine.)
1. University of Southern Maine - Portland
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
At the University of Southern Maine, with full-time and part-time study options, you can earn your degree on your terms. Students who enroll full-time complete the program in two years and six months, while those pursuing the degree part-time typically take four years to complete the degree. The program is in person, with courses and lab simulations held on campus. New classes are admitted each fall and spring semester.
The MSN AGACNP program requires the completion of 45 credits. The curriculum features classes, including Behavioral & Psychosocial Health of the Family, Leadership, Health Policy & Role, Nursing Research, and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. Additionally, three Adult Gerontology Acute Care clinical courses are complemented by clinical practicums totaling 568 hours of practicum experience.
MSN Program Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of Southern Maine is competitive. Candidates are evaluated on scholastic achievement, interest, motivation, professional experience, and the quality of their references. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program, have a current, unencumbered RN license in Maine, and have two years of acute care experience as a registered nurse.
Prospective students must submit an admission essay, two letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Transcripts should show completion of undergraduate courses in Microbiology, Statistics, and Total Health Assessment, each with a grade of "B-" or better and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master's Certificate program is designed to provide master's-prepared registered nurses with the academic and clinical instruction needed to add a new or additional specialty. At the University of Southern Maine, the PMC offers one Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathway, Adult Gerontology ACNP. Students are admitted to the program twice each year in the fall and spring semesters. You can complete the program in as few as three semesters.
The program offers a flexible blended learning format that combines online and in-person courses. Through minimal campus visits, you can take advantage of learning opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate program requires 18-28 credits, depending on your previous coursework and clinical experience.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Master's Certificate program at the University of Southern Maine, you must have a master's degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Candidates are required to hold an unencumbered Maine RN license and possess current state and national certifications, if applicable.
A current resume or CV that outlines volunteer, community, and professional experience, two letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools are required. Non-APRN candidates must complete coursework in Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacotherapeutics at USM within two years of starting clinical practice. Practicing APRNs must provide transcripts reflecting the "3 Ps." All candidates are required to have two years of acute care experience as a registered nurse and must maintain BLS and ACLS certifications throughout the program. You may be asked to participate in a personal interview with the graduate faculty of the School of Nursing.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Southern Maine, you will learn from dedicated, engaged faculty members with years of experience providing patient care and educating nurses. Each faculty member is committed to advancing excellence in nursing, and you will benefit from their commitment!• The University of Southern Maine offers exceptional learning facilities, including a Simulation Center, a Fundamentals of Nursing Lab, and a Physical Assessment Lab. In these labs, you will practice essential skills relevant to the role of an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP as you prepare for clinical practicums and independent practice.
• If you feel compelled to serve the needs of underserved populations, the University of Southern Maine is a great place to be! The USM School of Nursing partners with the Office of International Programs to provide healthcare services and supplies to some of the most needy populations through International Healthcare Missions. For example, since the mid-1990s, teams of students have collaborated with faculty and preceptors to provide health education and medical support in daily clinics, as well as through hospital and home visits, in the Dominican Republic.
• Having been a nurse and nurse educator for many years, I believe the cornerstone of any strong nursing program is the clinical component. As a student in the ACNP program at the University of Southern Maine, you will have exceptional clinical experiences. The university has clinical partnerships with some of the best healthcare facilities in Maine, including Central Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Southern Maine Health Care, and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.
• At the University of Southern Maine, the Graduate Faculty and Coordinator of Graduate Education collaborate with you to ensure you are matched to appropriate clinical sites and that you have qualified preceptors for your clinical experiences. While you are encouraged to identify your placements and preceptors, as a student in the ACNP program, you have the assurance of knowing that program faculty are there to guide you and help ensure you have a good clinical experience and preparation for your new career role.
2. Saint Joseph's College of Maine - Standish
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Through core and specialty coursework, combined with one-on-one clinicals, you will develop and hone essential skills for diagnosing and treating acute conditions in adult and geriatric patients. This ACNP program in Maine features a 48-credit curriculum. Students complete classes like Population Health & Interprofessional Collaboration, Nursing Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, and Advanced Pathophysiology. A minimum of 600 clinical hours is included in the curriculum plan.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution, an active, unencumbered RN license in the United States, and one year of work experience as a registered nurse. Applicants are asked to submit three letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, a Career Statement, and all official college/university transcripts. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher and completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "B" or better are required.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have a master's degree in nursing and want to add the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification to your list of accomplishments, the Post-Master's Certificate program at Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a good option. The program features online coursework, a mandatory campus-based skills session, and supervised clinical hours near your home.
A minimum of 21 credits is required to earn the certificate. A GAP analysis will be conducted to verify your previous coursework. Students lacking courses in Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology are required to complete those courses to meet criteria for earning the certificate. The program includes a minimum of 600 clinical hours, ensuring you have sufficient experience to meet the skills and role competencies required for certification.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the Post-Master's Certificate program must have a BSN and MSN from accredited institutions and an active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. and an unencumbered NP license and certification, if applicable.
Applicants are required to submit a Career Statement, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, three references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 is required for the master's nursing program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Saint Joseph's ACNP program graduates have a record of outstanding performance on national certification examinations. According to the school, nearly all graduates pass their examinations on the first attempt, which is a great testament to the quality of preparation the program provides to students.• The ACNP programs at Saint Joseph's College of Maine are taught by master's- and doctorally-prepared faculty from diverse backgrounds. Each faculty member brings unique insight from their experiences as clinical care providers and nurse educators. With their broad range of knowledge and dedication, you can feel confident in choosing Saint Joseph's as the school where you will earn your degree!
• Graduates of the Saint Joseph's College of Maine ACNP program have excellent job placement rates, which is an important factor to consider when choosing a school. According to surveys, most graduate respondents report being employed in the role of an Acute Care NP within six months of completing the program and becoming nationally certified.
• Saint Joseph's College of Maine believes a quality education should be within everyone's reach. The school offers a competitive per-credit tuition rate and partnerships with various organizations and employers who provide associated students with reduced tuition rates and tuition reimbursement through their employers.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MAINE?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.54 |
| Weekly | $1,782 |
| Monthly | $7,720 |
| Annual | $92,650 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.54 | $1,782 | $7,720 | $92,650 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.40 | $2,016 | $8,740 | $104,830 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.49 | $2,380 | $10,310 | $123,740 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.25 | $2,650 | $11,480 | $137,810 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.17 | $3,167 | $13,720 | $164,680 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN MAINE?
| Hourly | $60.54 |
| Weekly | $2,422 |
| Monthly | $10,490 |
| Annual | $125,930 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MAINE?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bangor | $60.45 | $2,418 | $10,480 | $125,730 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | $63.76 | $2,550 | $11,050 | $132,620 |
| Portland-South Portland | $60.06 | $2,402 | $10,410 | $124,920 |
ACNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Maine ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $125,930 | $131,620 | -$5,690 | -4.32% |
ACNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$39,550 | -23.90% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$26,360 | -17.31% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$23,010 | -15.45% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$22,630 | -15.23% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$22,550 | -15.19% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$21,590 | -14.64% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$20,380 | -13.93% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$14,390 | -10.26% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$14,170 | -10.11% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$12,370 | -8.94% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$12,200 | -8.83% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$10,780 | -7.89% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$9,910 | -7.30% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$9,860 | -7.26% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$8,370 | -6.23% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$8,080 | -6.03% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$7,990 | -5.97% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$7,250 | -5.44% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$5,530 | -4.21% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$5,180 | -3.95% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$5,000 | -3.82% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$4,940 | -3.77% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$4,620 | -3.54% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$4,060 | -3.12% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$3,310 | -2.56% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$3,240 | -2.51% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$1,750 | -1.37% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$1,650 | -1.29% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$1,430 | -1.12% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$640 | -0.51% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$390 | -0.31% |
| Maine | $125,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$70 | +0.06% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$970 | +0.78% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$1,290 | +1.03% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$1,380 | +1.11% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$1,830 | +1.47% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$2,000 | +1.61% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$2,120 | +1.71% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$2,310 | +1.87% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$3,300 | +2.69% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$3,750 | +3.07% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$4,370 | +3.59% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$5,580 | +4.64% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$6,140 | +5.13% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$6,410 | +5.36% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$9,720 | +8.36% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$9,760 | +8.40% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$12,870 | +11.38% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$13,230 | +11.74% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$19,680 | +18.52% |
ACNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MAINE
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,270 | -$101,340 | -44.59% |
| Nurse Midwife | $140,440 | -$14,510 | -10.33% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $125,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $84,340 | +$41,590 | +49.31% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,240 | +$46,690 | +58.92% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $71,430 | +$54,500 | +76.30% |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,960 | +$82,970 | +193.13% |
ACNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MAINE
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $214,810 | -$88,880 | -41.38% |
| Podiatrist | $160,390 | -$34,460 | -21.49% |
| Optometrist | $147,470 | -$21,540 | -14.61% |
| Veterinarian | $137,380 | -$11,450 | -8.33% |
| Pharmacist | $133,540 | -$7,610 | -5.70% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,790 | -$6,860 | -5.17% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $125,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,720 | +$34,210 | +37.30% |
| Audiologist | $88,700 | +$37,230 | +41.97% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,680 | +$37,250 | +42.00% |
| Chiropractor | $84,230 | +$41,700 | +49.51% |
| Occupational Therapist | $80,590 | +$45,340 | +56.26% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,310 | +$45,620 | +56.80% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $79,310 | +$46,620 | +58.78% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Maine?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Maine?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Maine?
| $60.54 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Maine?
| $2,422 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Maine?
| $10,490 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Maine?
| $125,930 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Maine?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +35.34% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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