Maine RN to BSN Bridge Programs
The Maine State Nurses Association has encouraged nurses to get their Bachelor’s degree, resulting in an influx of nurses returning to college to obtain their BSNs. The Maine Workforce Update of September 2013, predicts the nursing workforce will increase by 26 percent by 2020, creating many new job opportunities in the state. When these two pieces of information are combined, it makes good sense to expand your education, to position yourself well when it comes time to taking a position that requires advanced education in Maine.
As you begin to investigate RN to BSN nursing programs in Maine you may become overwhelmed. That’s why BestNursingDegree.com is here to help. We have done the leg work for you, refining your search to include only the Maine nursing programs that offer an RN to BSN option, both online and on-campus
We often feature nursing schools that offer online and distance learning, which many working students find more flexible and feasible when earning their Bachelor’s degrees. Simply request information from any of the schools on our site, and you will receive additional information that can help you find the best RN to BSN program for your individual situation.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Maine
Maine has numerous university and online nursing programs for RNs like you, who are interested in obtaining a BSN degree. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their current RN license, official transcripts from an accredited Associate’s degree or diploma program, and must have held a GPA of 2.5 in the past. Prerequisite courses must be completed, and often include courses in mathematics, social sciences, English and public speaking.
RN-BSN programs in Maine focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, leadership, health promotion and evidenced-based practice. As there are many rural areas in Maine, the online RN to BSN programs provide the flexibility required for those students, without sacrificing the quality of education.
While online courses are preferred by those students who need flexibility and freedom, attending a university campus can offer in person academic support. In either option, advisors who can assist you with career planning are present, and can also offer assistance with interviewing for a job, and drafting cover letters and resumes.
Some examples of RN-BSN program classes that are found both on campus and online include:
- Health Assessment
- Health Assessment through Lifespan
- Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing
- Health–Related Research
- Concepts in Community Health
- Leadership & Management
- Socio-cultural Aspects of Health & Healthcare
- Theory and Concepts of Nursing Practice
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Maine
The number of nurses seeking their bachelor’s degree has steadily grown in Maine each year over the past 9 years according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Enrollment in Maine nursing programs has grown from 31,215 students in 2003 to 89,975 students in 2011, which is a 288% increase. As more Registered Nurses understand the difference that higher education can make for practice, career track and patient care outcomes, it is no surprise enrollment has increased so dramatically.
Maine has over 15,000 registered nurses, earning a median annual income of $59,800, according to O*net (2013). Nursing salaries depend upon multiple factors, including experience and education. Those nurses that enter the job market with a Bachelor’s degree are often eligible for many positions that diploma or Associate’s degree RNs are not.
Outpatient care centers and specialty hospitals tend to have higher paying jobs, and may prefer BSNs. There are a number of hospital positions that may be available for the BSN nurse as well, including management roles, inpatient coders, house supervisors and utilization review nurses. Case managers in home healthcare, hospice care and nursing homes are other administrative positions sometimes reserved for Bachelor’s prepared nurses.
In 1985, the Maine State Nurses Association voted to adopt an American Nurses Association’s recommendation that would have required nurses to get a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) before practicing as registered nurses. According to the American Nurses Association, the Maine state legislature originally drafted legislations supporting the recommendation, but backed off after opposition from groups such as the Maine Health Care Association and the Long Term Care Nursing Council.
Despite the lack of a legislative imperative, more and more Maine nurses are heading back to school, enrolling in nursing programs in Maine to get BSN degrees. If you think the time is right for you to expand your nursing education, we encourage you to request information from the listing of schools on this page, in order to find the Maine nursing programs that may be right for you.
RN to BSN Programs for Maine Nurses Include:
- University of Southern Maine: The University of Southern Maine offers a collaborative RN to BSN completion program with the University of Maine. The collaboration allows students to potentially take distance coursework offerings and receive credit.
- University of Maine at Augusta: RN to BSN programs offer high-level nursing classes and general education credits. The BSN completion program at the University of Maine – Augusta also teaches students important self-care strategies. Students may participate in monthly healing circles and learn to direct some of their care and compassion toward themselves.
- St. Joseph’s College of Maine: The RN to BSN program at St. Joseph’s College is entirely online; no campus visits are required.
