Like many states across the country, Maine is facing a physician shortage. The state does not have any MD programs, which can make it challenging to attract doctors. Currently, 13 of its 16 counties are classified as health professional shortage areas.
Maine is also coping with a nursing shortage, and while incentives like tuition reimbursement for nurse educators have had some success, recent reports show that the state is still predicted to be short 2,800 nurses by 2030.
Nurses with a Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP are well-positioned to help with these challenges. In Maine, nurse practitioners are granted full-practice authority, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and treat patients independently, without the supervision of a physician. This freedom gives advanced practice nurses a unique opportunity for career advancement while enabling them to step in and fill critical primary care gaps in the rural and underserved parts of the state.
DNP-prepared nurses are also qualified to teach, allowing them to step in and educate the nurses of the future at a time when this state is in need of nursing instructors.
If you live in Maine and are looking for a DNP program, we cover all the details below, including the options available in Maine and other regional programs.
Maine DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Maine: 2
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 2
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: $22,000 to $53,000 for public universities, $38,000 to over $100,000 for private universities
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Maine
Only two schools offer DNP programs in Maine. These programs are designed for nurses who already have an MSN, though there are various concentrations available, including nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education.
The University of Southern Maine’s MSN to DNP program is for professionals who are already working as advanced practice nurses. Although classes are offered online, the program does have some on-campus requirements.
Maine MSN to DNP Programs
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, Maine
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 30 to 33
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $532 per credit + fees for residents; $931 per credit + fees for NEBHE Tuition Break Program; $1,608 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The DNP program at the University of Southern Maine is designed for nurses who are already practicing as APRNs, like nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. This option is designed so that nurses in the program can work while completing their classes. Most of the coursework is online and asynchronous, but some on-campus visits are required, primarily when students are working on their final project.
Students can finish this 30-to-33-credit program in two years full-time or up to four years part-time. The university accepts between 200 and 600 hours of direct contact or clinical hours from master’s courses toward its 1,000-hour requirement. Some students will have to complete more direct care hours than others, which can extend the length of the program.
Note that the University of Southern Maine participates in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program and offers discounted tuition to residents of New England.
Key highlights:
- Accepts between 200 and 600 direct contact hours from master’s level work
- Member of the NEBHE and offers discounted tuition to students from New England
Additional considerations:
- Program is designed for nurses who are already practicing as APRNs
- Mostly asynchronous, but on campus visits are required
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online DNP Programs in Maine
The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers an MSN to DNP track with three concentrations, which provides a little more variety than the University of Southern Maine. These programs are also available entirely online.
Maine Online MSN to DNP Programs
University of Maine at Fort Kent
- Fort Kent, Maine
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 39 to 42
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $500 per credit with no additional fees
Program Overview:
The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers an MSN to DNP program with three concentrations: nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. Each track consists of six courses and three practicum courses. This program is offered entirely online and uses a seven-week structure, making it flexible for students who plan to continue working full-time while pursuing their degree. It can be completed in as little as 24 months.
Key highlights:
- Uses a seven-week structure
- Three available tracks, each with six courses and three practicum courses
Additional considerations:
- Designed to be flexible enough for students to work full time
- Offered entirely online
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
There are some regional options for students looking for alternatives to the schools listed above. The programs listed below are all in schools located in the neighboring state of New Hampshire, and they offer options for BSN-prepared nurses to pursue a DNP. While students from Maine can enroll in these programs, there may be additional licensing requirements for clinical experiences that occur outside of Maine.
University of New Hampshire
- Durham, New Hampshire
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $880 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of New Hampshire offers a few DNP programs that students in Maine may want to consider. The UNH campus is located in Durham, which is just a one-hour drive from Portland, Maine.
UNH offers several options for nurses interested in pursuing a DNP. Those with a BSN can choose between the BSN to AGACNP DNP track (76 credits), BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader DNP track (60 credits), BSN to FNP DNP track (80 credits), and BSN to PMHNP track (80 credits). These programs take about four years to complete, though lengths can vary depending on previous education and experience, and whether students attend full or part-time. These programs all feature online, asynchronous courses with opportunities for on-campus learning and other events throughout.
There’s also an MSN to DNP option that can be completed in as little as 18 months. This program consists of 33 credits, depending on previous education and experience. Asynchronous classes make this program a great option for working professionals, and like the BSN to DNP programs, students are given opportunities for on-campus learning.
Key highlights:
- Campus is a one-hour drive from Portland, Maine
- Offers four BSN to DNP tracks and a post master’s option
Additional considerations:
- Asynchronous classes for maximum flexibility
- Opportunities for on-campus learning
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Rivier University
- Nashua, New Hampshire
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus visits
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $918 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University is about a two-hour drive from Portland, Maine. It offers several DNP options that are open to students residing in Maine.
Rivier offers two DNP tracks for nurses who have already earned a master’s degree. The Professional Practice Track takes about 2.5 years to complete full-time and is designed for advanced practice nurses who have an MSN and have passed a certification exam. Students in this program must generally complete 500 hours working on a clinical project.
Another option is the Systems Leadership Track. This track is designed for nurses with a BSN and a master’s in a field outside of nursing or an MSN with a non-clinical focus, like education or leadership. Students with an MSN can receive credit for previous practicum hours, and those with 500 hours to transfer can complete the program in approximately 2.5 years.
The Systems Leadership Track also has a BS to DNP bridge option, which allows students to earn the required 1,000 clinical hours to complete their doctorate. This option takes about five years to complete full-time.
Courses for this program are offered entirely online, but there are four face-to-face on-campus meetings required.
Key highlights:
- Campus is a two hour drive from Portland, Maine
- Programs are designed for students who have already completed an MSN
Additional considerations:
- A BS to DNP bridge option is available
- MSNs can enter the program whether they practice in a clinical or non-clinical role
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Maine
The time it takes to complete these programs can depend on various factors, but if you’re interested in completing your DNP quickly, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
Unfortunately, there are no BSN to DNP options available in the state of Maine. Regionally, the programs at the University of New Hampshire take about four years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP options at both the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine at Fort Kent can be completed in two years.
Best DNP Programs in Maine
The best program in Maine depends on what you’re looking for. Students who prefer an online program with no on-campus visits should consider the University of Maine at Fort Kent, which also offers a little more variety. Students who prefer some in-person learning may want to consider the University of Southern Maine.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Maine
When looking at the cost per credit, the programs in Maine are evenly matched. At the University of Southern Maine, the cost is $532 per credit + fees; at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, it’s $500 per credit + fees.
FAQs
How much does a DNP make in Maine?
According to Indeed, a primary care NP in Maine earns $151,083 per year; however, there is no data available comparing the salaries of those with an MSN and those with a DNP. Other factors also impact salary, including whether the NP practices in a rural or urban area, their specialty, and the number of years of experience they have.
What type of NP gets paid the most?
According to Indeed, pediatric nurse practitioners earn the highest national average salary, at $135,885. State-specific data isn’t available, but generally, specialties in high-acuity fields tend to pay more than those delivering primary care.
Can a DNP be called a doctor?
It can depend on that setting. If a DNP-prepared nurse is working as a teacher in a university, it is generally acceptable to refer to them as a doctor. That said, in a setting where they come into contact with patients, it can be better to avoid referring to a DNP as “doctor” because it can be easy for patients to misinterpret their role and think they are medical doctors.