4 Best Maine FNP Programs (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Why do healthcare employers in the Pine Tree State love working with graduates of FNP programs in Maine? Because these employers know there’s a considerable demand for FNP services in the Pine Tree State and that this demand will continue to grow by 35 percent over the coming decade. In Maine, family nurse practitioners have full practice authority, which means once you graduate, you’ll be able to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. Since Maine participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, you’ll be able to work as an APRN in other compact states, too. Find out whether becoming a family nurse practitioner is the right move for you by reading this guide to the 4 best FNP programs in Maine.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST FNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online FNP programs in Maine.)


1. University of Maine - Orono


Programs Offered: MSN and Certificate of Advanced Study

MSN Program Details: University of Maine offers one of the best MSN FNP programs in Maine. The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway is a full-time program that admits students yearly in the fall semester.

Most non-clinical classes for the Family Nurse Practitioner program are offered online. Clinical courses require weekly live participation either on campus or via distance learning technology. Other campus visits may be required at the course instructor’s discretion.

The FNP program features a 50-credit curriculum. In this program, you will study Professional Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing, FNP Management of Reproductive, Gender, & Women’s Health, and Population Health for a Global Society. The program includes 755 lab and clinical practicum hours.


MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Maine, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All candidates must meet with nursing faculty to discuss goals and the program of study. You must provide two letters of recommendation, an admission Essay Statement, a curriculum vitae or resume, and verification of an active Maine RN license or Compact RN license. Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner pathway must have two years of full-time work experience as a registered nurse by the application deadline.

Certificate of Advanced Study Program Details: The Certificate of Advanced Study program at the University of Maine is designed for advanced practice registered nurses who want to become Family Nurse Practitioners. The program is designed to build upon prior graduate education. The Family Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator will work with you to develop a program of study that builds upon your previous academic experience and meets the requirements for national certification as an FNP. Students in the Certificate of Advanced Study program complete a minimum of 33 semester hours.


Certificate of Advanced Study Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the Certificate of Advanced Study program must have a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree earned from an accredited nursing program and a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.25. Additionally, you must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Maine. All candidates must provide a current resume with contact information for three references and submit an admissions essay.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• A key factor to consider when choosing a nursing school or program is whether there is a solid history of success. The University of Maine introduced its first graduate nursing program in 1992 and has continued to add programs since that time. The School of Nursing has an excellent history of preparing nurses for professional roles as Family Nurse Practitioners!
• Program faculty at the University of Maine are expert practitioners in the nursing field. As a student in the FNP program, you will benefit from their many years of experience and professional insight.


2. University of Southern Maine - Portland


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Program Details: At the University of Southern Maine, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program is available in both part-time and full-time options, making it easy for you to choose a schedule that accommodates your current lifestyle. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as three years, while part-time students typically finish in four years.

The Master of Science in Nursing FNP program is a campus-based pathway that requires the completion of 49 credit hours. In this program, you will take classes, including Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Nursing Theory & Knowledge Development, Behavioral & Psychosocial Health of the Family, Primary Healthcare of the Adult, and Women’s Health in Advanced Practice. The program requires 600 clinical hours, which aligns with national certification examination requirements.


MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the MSN FNP program in Maine at the University of Southern Maine must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program. Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and must have taken undergraduate courses in microbiology, introductory Statistics, and total health assessment, each with a grade of “B-” or better.

All candidates must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities they have previously attended. Additionally, you must submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of your unencumbered RN license.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing and want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, the post-master’s certificate program at the University of Southern Maine is a program worth considering! The program features a blended learning format, which includes a mix of in-person and online classes combined with a variety of clinical experiences. The program admits students twice per year in the fall and spring and takes as few as three semesters to complete.

Students in the post-master’s FNP program complete 22-34 credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Prenatal Care in Primary Care, Primary Healthcare of the Adult, Primary Care of the Adolescent, and Pediatric Primary Care.


Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the post-master’s certificate FNP program at the University of Southern Maine, you must have a master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. APRN applicants must have transcripts that reflect coursework in individual Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Physical Assessment courses. Non-APRN applicants must take Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacotherapeutics at USM within two years of starting clinical practice.

Candidates must complete an online application. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended, submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, evidence of an unrestricted RN license in Maine, and current state and national specialty certification if applicable.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators at the University of Southern Maine have developed student learning labs that provide amazing real-world learning experiences for FNP students. At USM, you will experience diverse patient cases through the use of human simulators and audio-visual technology.
Experiential learning is the foundation of any successful nursing program. At the University of Southern Maine, students in the FNP program have exceptional clinical opportunities! Your clinical practicums will include assignments to provide primary care to immigrant and refugee populations, low-income residents, underserved communities, individuals, families, and elderly populations.


3. Husson University - Bangor


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Program Details: Husson University is home to one of the top online FNP programs in Maine. The university offers flexible scheduling with six 7-week terms, two 15-week terms, and a condensed winter term. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. With no set class times or locations, you can study when it is most convenient without disrupting other obligations, such as family or work responsibilities. Most students complete the program in two and a half years.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 48-credit curriculum. In this program, you will study Sociocultural Perception of Addiction & Population Health, Public Health Policy Issues & Challenges, Family Health: Family-Centered Care of Women, Infants, & Children, and Family Health: Integrating Primary Health.

The MSN program incorporates 540 hours of experiential learning and professional projects to help you gain advanced professional experience before you graduate. The program’s Clinical Coordinator will work with you to identify clinical placement opportunities that match your career goals. You will participate in active learning through clinical placements in a wide variety of clinical settings.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in the MSN program at Husson University must complete and submit an application through Husson Admissions. You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and provide transcripts from the institution where you received the degree. Additionally, you must provide an admissions essay, a current resume or CV, one letter of recommendation from a supervisor, and a copy of your current unrestricted RN license.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The post-master’s certificate program with Family Nurse Practitioner specialization at Husson University is another excellent FNP program in Maine. The program accepts applications on a rolling admission basis.

This post-master’s program requires a minimum of 18 credit hours. You will study Family Centered Care of Women, Infants, & Children, Integrating Primary Care, and Family Health: Adult-Gerontology Health. Additional credits, up to 48 total, may be required based on the evaluation of your MSN transcript.


Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: The post-master’s certificate FNP program at Husson University is designed for advanced practice registered nurses who are current nurse practitioners desiring to gain additional certification as Family Nurse Practitioners. To be eligible for admission, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing earned at an accredited nursing school and an active RN and APRN license. You must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. You must also submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae, two letters of professional recommendation, and a Statement of Intent.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• One thing I encourage prospective students to consider when choosing a nursing program is the student success rates associated with the programs the school offers. For example, NCLEX pass rates and national certification exam rates are good indicators of how well a program prepares students for success, not only on the exam but in actual clinical practice. At Husson University, graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner program have exceptionally high pass rates on national certification exams, consistently exceeding national pass rates!
• Husson University reports graduates of its FNP program have excellent job placement rates. Among those who respond to post-graduation surveys, most indicate being employed as family nurse practitioners within six months of completing the program and obtaining national FNP certification.


4. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine - Standish


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Program Details: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers another outstanding FNP program in Maine. The program is available with part-time and full-time options. Part-time students typically take three and a half to four years to graduate, and full-time students graduate in two to three years. The college practices a rolling admissions policy and begins new classes each fall semester.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum incorporates core nursing courses, specialty-specific courses, and clinicals. You will complete 48 credits and 600 clinical practicum hours. FNP core courses, including Family Theory: Young & Middle-Aged Adults, Family Theory: Older Adults, and Pediatric Theory, are complemented by clinical practicums. Clinicals occur in various health settings under the supervision of program faculty or approved preceptors.


MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution and an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended and have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must have completed an undergraduate Statistics and Health Assessment course, each with a grade of “B” or higher. You must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, a career statement, and three references, one from a peer, a supervisor, and a prior faculty member.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine also offers a post-master’s certificate option for qualified applicants who wish to become Family Nurse Practitioners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and new classes are admitted each fall semester.

The program is a 30-credit pathway that features online coursework and in-person clinical practicums near your home area. Because this is a post-graduate program, only specialty-relevant courses and clinicals are needed to complete the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program. A minimum of 600 supervised clinical hours are included in this post-master’s certificate program.


Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the post-master’s certificate program, you must have a BSN and MSN from an accredited institution and have an MSN grade point average of 3.5 or higher. You must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. Additionally, you must submit a career statement, a resume or CV, and three references.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• In my experience as a nurse educator, I have found that one of the most crucial factors prospective students consider when choosing a school is the program’s cost. Earning a graduate degree can be expensive. Although many students choose to continue working while in school, it is out of necessity, not because they have extra money to pay for school expenses. One thing I like about Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is that it has been voted one of Maine’s most affordable nurse practitioner programs. Affordability means more nurses can pursue their degrees without worrying about financial strain.
• As an FNP student at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, you will have opportunities to learn in the state’s newest nursing SIM labs. The college is home to the $1.5 million Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation. The center offers top SIM and science technology laboratories, advising offices, collaborative learning spaces, and enhanced anatomy and physiology, and microbiology labs!


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO FNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MAINE?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EXPECT?


Hourly$43.15
Weekly$1,726
Monthly$7,480
Annual$89,760


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$43.15$1,726$7,480$89,760
1-4 Years of Experience$48.83$1,953$8,460$101,560
5-9 Years of Experience$57.63$2,305$9,990$119,880
10-19 Years of Experience$64.19$2,568$11,130$133,510
20 Years or More Experience$76.70$3,068$13,300$159,540


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE FNP SALARY IN MAINE?


Hourly$58.65
Weekly$2,346
Monthly$10,170
Annual$122,000


HOW MUCH DO FNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MAINE?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Bangor$58.56$2,342$10,150$121,800
Lewiston-Auburn$61.77$2,471$10,710$128,480
Portland-South Portland$58.18$2,327$10,090$121,020



FNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER SALARIES


FNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. FNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Maine FNP
Annual Salary
Average National FNP
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$122,000$127,510-$5,510-4.32%


FNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. FNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


StateAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
California$160,310-$38,310-23.90%
Nevada$147,540-$25,540-17.31%
Washington$144,290-$22,290-15.45%
New Jersey$143,920-$21,920-15.23%
Oregon$143,840-$21,840-15.18%
Massachusetts$142,910-$20,910-14.63%
New York$141,740-$19,740-13.93%
Connecticut$135,940-$13,940-10.25%
New Mexico$135,730-$13,730-10.12%
Minnesota$133,980-$11,980-8.94%
District of Columbia$133,820-$11,820-8.83%
Rhode Island$132,440-$10,440-7.88%
Hawaii$131,600-$9,600-7.29%
Arizona$131,550-$9,550-7.26%
Delaware$130,110-$8,110-6.23%
Iowa$129,820-$7,820-6.02%
New Hampshire$129,740-$7,740-5.97%
Texas$129,020-$7,020-5.44%
Wisconsin$127,350-$5,350-4.20%
Maryland$127,010-$5,010-3.94%
Utah$126,850-$4,850-3.82%
North Dakota$126,790-$4,790-3.78%
Pennsylvania$126,480-$4,480-3.54%
Illinois$125,930-$3,930-3.12%
Alaska$125,210-$3,210-2.56%
Vermont$125,140-$3,140-2.51%
Montana$123,690-$1,690-1.37%
Idaho$123,600-$1,600-1.29%
Oklahoma$123,380-$1,380-1.12%
Wyoming$122,620-$620-0.51%
Indiana$122,380-$380-0.31%
Maine$122,000$00.00%
Ohio$121,930+$70+0.06%
Colorado$121,060+$940+0.78%
Nebraska$120,750+$1,250+1.04%
North Carolina$120,660+$1,340+1.11%
Georgia$120,230+$1,770+1.47%
South Dakota$120,060+$1,940+1.62%
Virginia$119,950+$2,050+1.71%
Michigan$119,760+$2,240+1.87%
Florida$118,800+$3,200+2.69%
Kansas$118,360+$3,640+3.08%
Louisiana$117,760+$4,240+3.60%
Mississippi$116,590+$5,410+4.64%
South Carolina$116,050+$5,950+5.13%
Missouri$115,790+$6,210+5.36%
West Virginia$112,580+$9,420+8.37%
Arkansas$112,550+$9,450+8.40%
Kentucky$109,530+$12,470+11.39%
Alabama$109,180+$12,820+11.74%
Tennessee$102,930+$19,070+18.53%


FNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MAINE


Type of NurseAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Nurse Anesthetist$227,270-$105,270-46.32%
Nurse Midwife$140,440-$18,440-13.13%
Family Nurse Practitioner$122,000$00.00%
Registered Nurse$84,340+$37,660+44.65%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary$79,240+$42,760+53.96%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse$71,430+$50,570+70.80%
Nursing Assistant$42,960+$79,040+183.99%


FNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MAINE


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$214,810-$92,810-43.21%
Podiatrist$160,390-$38,390-23.94%
Optometrist$147,470-$25,470-17.27%
Veterinarian$137,380-$15,380-11.20%
Pharmacist$133,540-$11,540-8.64%
Physician Assistant$132,790-$10,790-8.13%
Family Nurse Practitioner$122,000$00.00%
Physical Therapist$91,720+$30,280+33.01%
Audiologist$88,700+$33,300+37.54%
Radiation Therapist$88,680+$33,320+37.57%
Chiropractor$84,230+$37,770+44.84%
Occupational Therapist$80,590+$41,410+51.38%
Dental Hygienist$80,310+$41,690+51.91%
Speech-Language Pathologist$79,310+$42,690+53.83%



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits FNP Programs In Maine?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. How Many Accredited FNP Schools Are There In Maine?


4


3. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Hour In Maine?


$58.65


4. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Week In Maine?


$2,346


5. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Month In Maine?


$10,170


6. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Year In Maine?


$122,000


7. What Is The Job Outlook For FNPs In Maine?


10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032)
+ 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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