BSN-to-DNP Programs in Maine – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
BSN-to-DNP programs in Maine are an excellent option for any nurse interested in expanding their scope of practice to include advanced roles in leadership or direct patient care. Nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees are in high demand throughout Maine, where the need for their services is projected to increase by 35 percent over the next decade. As a DNP in the Pine Tree State, your earning capacity will be enhanced as well: DNP-educated RNs in Maine average $132,430 per year. Find out more about what a DNP can do for you by reading this guide to the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Maine.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in Maine (Online & Campus) for 2026.
1. University of New England - Portland
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
The study plan is front-loaded with coursework. The first two semesters of the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program are delivered in a hybrid format, with coursework primarily online. In these semesters, you will visit campus for one to two long weekends per semester for in-person classes and simulations. During this period, many students continue with their employment.
You will then transition to full-time campus-based learning for the third and fourth semesters. The majority of science and anesthesia didactic courses are covered during this period. The fifth semester marks the beginning of the remaining 19 months of the program, which are clinically intensive and emphasize advanced coursework, simulated lab experiences, clinical training, and the completion of a senior research project.
The study plan requires the completion of at least 80 credits. You will study in classes, including Anesthesia Disaster & Crisis Resource Management, Pathophysiology & Management of the Patient with Chronic Pain, Airway Management, Advanced Principles of Anesthesia, and Pain Theory & Management in Anesthesia. As a student in this program, you will participate in a minimum of 600 clinical cases and 2,000 clinical hours, including a variety of techniques, specialty practices, and procedures.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program must apply through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). To be considered, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in a science-related field of study, and have a current, unrestricted RN license.
You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, copies of ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. A minimum college GPA of 3.0 is required, and completion of a Biochemistry course with a grade of “B” or better and a Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better is required. Please note that meeting minimum grade requirements does not guarantee admission, as this is a competitive program. All candidates must have a minimum of 18 months’ experience as a critical care nurse, with two or more years preferred. Also, you are encouraged to spend at least one day in the operating room shadowing a nurse anesthetist before applying. Highly qualified applicants will be asked to interview with program faculty before receiving an admission offer.
Why Choose This Program
• As a student in the BSN-to-DNP program in Maine at the University of New England, you will benefit from attending one of the most comprehensive health sciences universities in the country. The school is nationally recognized for excellence in preparing students for interprofessional, team-based, collaborative care that promotes strong professional relationships and improves professional and patient outcomes.• The University of New England offers the latest in medical and media instruction technology. The school’s Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center, where you will complete hands-on training, is equipped with high-fidelity patient simulators. In this Center, you will practice and hone essential skills to help build confidence as you prepare to transition to real patient care.
• As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to seek out nursing programs with strong reputations for high-quality education and services. When you find a school that is highly ranked by reputable sources, it makes it easier to commit and feel at ease about your decision to pursue your degree there. For instance, the University of New England is ranked in the 2025 category: Best Nursing-Anesthesia (CRNA) Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
• The University of New England has partnerships with more than 38 hospitals throughout Northern New England, where you will meet clinical practicum requirements. Students participate in at least 600 anesthesia cases, ensuring clinical competency upon program completion.
• Student success is a priority at the University of New England. From dedicated faculty to skilled tutors and academic advisors, there is always someone available to provide the support and guidance you need. Additionally, the Student Academic Success Center offers a mentoring program that partners incoming DNP students with advanced nurse anesthesia students to ensure you feel supported by people who value you and your professional goals on a personal level.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP 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 Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In Maine?
| 1 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Maine?
| Hourly | $63.67 |
| Weekly | $2,547 |
| Monthly | $11,040 |
| Annual | $132,430 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Maine?
| Hourly | $46.84 |
| Weekly | $1,874 |
| Monthly | $8,120 |
| Annual | $97,430 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Maine?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.00 | $2,120 | $9,190 | $110,240 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $62.56 | $2,503 | $10,840 | $130,130 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $69.67 | $2,787 | $12,080 | $144,920 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $83.26 | $3,330 | $14,430 | $173,180 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Maine By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Bangor | $63.57 | $11,020 | $2,543 | $132,220 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | $67.05 | $11,620 | $2,682 | $139,470 |
| Portland-South Portland | $63.16 | $10,950 | $2,526 | $131,370 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Maine VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Maine
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $214,810 | -$82,380 | -38.35% |
| Podiatrist | $160,390 | -$27,960 | -17.43% |
| Optometrist | $147,470 | -$15,040 | -10.20% |
| Veterinarian | $137,380 | -$4,950 | -3.60% |
| Pharmacist | $133,540 | -$1,110 | -0.83% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,790 | -$360 | -0.27% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $132,430 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,720 | +$40,710 | +44.39% |
| Audiologist | $88,700 | +$43,730 | +49.30% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,680 | +$43,750 | +49.33% |
| Chiropractor | $84,230 | +$48,200 | +57.22% |
| Occupational Therapist | $80,590 | +$51,840 | +64.33% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,310 | +$52,120 | +64.90% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $79,310 | +$53,120 | +66.98% |
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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in Education. Darby has worked as a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare environments, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student mentoring across nursing and allied health programs.
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