Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

What to Expect from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission into Saint Joseph’s College of Maine online MSN programs, applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution and possess an active, unrestricted, and unencumbered RN license in the United States. Additionally, applicants are required to have at least one year of experience working as an RN and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Official transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process.

A minimum grade of B or better in undergraduate statistics is required. However, students who have not met this prerequisite may be conditionally accepted upon completion of the appropriate preparatory courses. Applicants must also submit a current resume or CV and a career statement.

Three references are also required. International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants who have had license sanctions must have been without any restrictions for at least two years prior to applying.

For post-master’s certificate programs, candidates must hold both a BSN and an MSN from accredited institutions with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in their MSN program. They must provide the same documentation as MSN applicants, including active and unrestricted RN licenses, and unrestricted NP licenses if applicable.

State Restrictions: SJCME is authorized to offer online NP programs in all states except Arizona, Delaware, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, and West Virginia. As a general rule, students outside of Maine should check with the admissions department at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to make sure they are eligible for the nursing NP programs. In addition, prospective nursing students should contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.

Study Plan: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine online nursing programs offer flexible study plans tailored to accommodate the diverse schedules of practicing registered nurses. Students can choose to enroll either full-time or part-time, allowing them to progress through their MSN or post-master’s certificate programs at a pace that fits their professional and personal commitments.

The MSN programs typically take approximately two years and three months to complete when studied full-time, with part-time students completing their degrees in approximately three and a half to four years, depending on the chosen specialization. Students must complete all coursework within a maximum of five years. The programs are structured around a combination of 8-week and 16-week courses offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters.

The MSN programs typically take approximately two years and three months to complete when studied full-time, with part-time students completing their degrees in approximately three and a half to four years, depending on the chosen specialization. Students must complete all coursework within a maximum of five years. The programs are structured around a combination of 8-week and 16-week courses offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters.

MSN Core Curriculum: The MSN program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine begins with a common set of core courses comprising 24 credits, providing a solid foundation for advanced nursing practice. Core courses include nursing informatics; nursing research methods: utilization for evidence-based practice; policy, quality & safety; organizational and systems leadership; population health & interprofessional collaboration; advanced pharmacology; advanced pathophysiology; and advanced health assessment.

MSN Specialization Curriculum: After completing the core curriculum, students progress into their chosen NP specialization, each consisting of 21 credits. Students in all MSN NP tracks are required to complete a mandatory on-campus skills session that accounts for 24 hours of clinical time. The program is made up of 48 credits, concluding with a capstone experience.

• MSN – AGACNP Curriculum: Courses include the advanced practice nurse as provider; adult gerontology acute care theories for advanced practice I, II, and III; and adult gerontology acute care practicum I, II, and III.
• MSN – AGPCNP Curriculum: Courses include the advanced practice nurse as provider; family theory: young and middle age adult; primary care practicum: young and middle age adult; family theory: older adult; primary care practicum: older adult; adult gerontological primary care np theory; and adult gerontological primary care np practicum.
• MSN – FNP Curriculum: Courses include the advanced practice nurse as provider; family theory: young and middle age adult; primary care practicum: young and middle age adult; women’s health theory and practice; pediatric theory and practicum; family theory: older adult; and primary care practicum: older adult.
• MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: Courses include the advanced practice nurse as provider; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner theory I, II, and III; and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicum I, II, and III.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificates follow the specialty courses for the MSN, plus advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology. The certificates comprise 30 credits each and include a minimum of 600 clinical hours. 

Online Experience: SJCME seeks to make online programs more like mentorships, giving them a human experience and building real relationships. Students develop a one-on-one relationship with faculty and are also assigned a dedicated student support specialist. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine utilizes Brightspace as its online learning management system and delivers courses asynchronously. Courses may include written assignments, participation in discussion boards, projects, readings, recorded lectures, and assessments. Online nursing students have access to the same support resources and services as on-campus students.

On-Site Requirements: While Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s MSN and post-master’s certificate nursing programs are delivered entirely online, all NP tracks include a mandatory on-campus skills session. This in-person component is required as part of the specialization curriculum. The required skills session accounts for 24 hours of clinical time and is typically completed during specific practicum courses. Students must travel to campus for this brief immersion. All other coursework and clinical practicums are completed remotely or in the student’s local geographic area.