Are you a registered nurse in Maine looking to specialize and advance your career? Becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) can open doors to leadership roles and allow you to provide critical care to patients in a variety of settings. If you’re seeking flexible and respected ACNP programs in Maine, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, including a specialized Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, designed for ambitious nurses like you.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is recognized for its commitment to high-quality online nursing education. The Princeton Review® has acknowledged it as one of the best online Nursing School master’s programs nationally for 2023, and NP Schools has ranked it among the most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2023-2024. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), their MSN program provides a robust curriculum and the flexibility needed for working professionals to achieve their career goals.
Request more information or apply now to take the next step in your nursing career with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
Purpose-Driven Online MSN Programs Designed for Your Life
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine understands the demands on working nurses. Their online MSN program is structured to fit your busy schedule while providing a comprehensive and career-enhancing educational experience. Here’s how their program can benefit you:
- Flexibility and Convenience: Study wherever and whenever suits you. The online format allows you to balance your education with your work and personal life. Complete your degree in as little as two years full-time or adjust your pace to part-time studies, finishing within five years. Notably, their Nurse Practitioner programs, including the Acute Care track, may have limited on-campus requirements, so it’s crucial to confirm the specifics for the ACNP program.
- Immediate Application of Knowledge: The curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice. You’ll learn concepts and skills that you can directly apply to your daily professional nursing practice, enhancing your effectiveness and impact in your current role as you study.
- Learn from Experienced Faculty: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s nursing faculty are not just academics; they are experienced professionals who have worked in hospitals and held leadership positions across the healthcare spectrum. They bring real-world insights into the online classroom, challenging you to become a practical problem-solver in complex healthcare environments.
- Specialization Options to Match Your Career Aspirations: Beyond the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, Saint Joseph’s College offers other MSN specializations like Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education. This allows you to tailor your degree to your specific career interests and goals within the nursing field.
- Value and Affordability: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is committed to making quality education accessible. They offer a competitive cost per credit and have partnerships with various organizations, potentially providing tuition benefits to their employees and members. Explore if your employer offers tuition reimbursement programs to further reduce your educational costs.
Ready to elevate your nursing career? Apply now to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and explore the possibilities of their Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Program Costs and Duration
Estimated Total Cost: Between $28,686 and $33,792*, excluding textbooks, online fees, and nursing clinical fees. Costs may vary based on transferred credits and prerequisite fulfillment. For detailed and up-to-date tuition and fee information, please click here.
Program Length:
- MSN Program*: Full-time completion in approximately 2 years and 3 months. Part-time options range from 3.5 to 4 years, depending on your chosen specialization track and course load.
*These timelines are based on students having met all prerequisite requirements and maintaining continuous enrollment without breaks between terms. Full-time study is typically two courses per term, while part-time is one course per term.
Clinical Rotation Opportunities
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine facilitates clinical rotations in a wide array of states, providing flexibility for online MSN students. While specific placements for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students in Maine will be prioritized and arranged, the college has approvals to conduct clinical rotations in the following states, which may be relevant if your circumstances change:
| Alaska | Arkansas | California |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Connecticut | Florida |
| Georgia | Hawaii | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri |
| Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York – only RN-BSN, MSN Nurse Educator, MSN Nurse Administrator and dual degrees are approved for clinical rotations | North Carolina |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah – only RN-BSN, MSN Nurse Educator, MSN Nurse Administrator, dual degrees, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and FNP tracks are approved for clinical rotations | Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
It is essential for students to independently verify license eligibility in the state(s) where they intend to practice nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Online MSN Program
What are the prerequisites for the MSN programs, particularly the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track?
To be eligible for the online Master of Science in Nursing program, including the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution.
How do I apply for the MSN program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine?
The application process is streamlined for your convenience. Begin by completing the free online application. There is no application fee. Following your application submission, you will need to provide supporting materials such as official transcripts, a career statement, references, and other required documents as detailed in the online MSN program course catalog.
For personalized assistance with the application process, do not hesitate to contact the online education admissions staff.
Is the GRE exam required for admission?
No, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are not required for admission to any online graduate programs at Saint Joseph’s College, including the MSN programs.
Do I need to be a Registered Nurse (RN) to apply for the MSN program?
Yes. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing program, including the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution. This requirement must be met by the time of graduation. Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures quality standards, particularly as a Master of Science in Nursing degree is often required for teaching positions in RN preparation programs.
Additionally, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For post-master’s certificate programs, a minimum GPA of 3.5 is required. Furthermore, you must hold an active, unrestricted, and unencumbered RN license in the United States.
When are the program start dates?
Saint Joseph’s College offers flexible start times throughout the year. Courses are delivered in cohorts over 12-week terms, with four terms offered annually in March, June, September, and December. This allows you to choose a start date that aligns with your personal and professional schedule.
Current nursing students can find additional information about nursing clinicals in mysjc.
Advance Your Nursing Career with Purpose
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is dedicated to helping you realize your full potential as a nursing leader. Their online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in critical care settings and make a significant impact on patient lives in Maine and beyond. Request more information today to learn more about the program, or apply now to secure your place in the upcoming class.
Student Success Stories
Brenda KlahnOregon, WI
“I was surprised how much I could learn online. You would think that you have to be in a classroom to learn. But the way you could read the thoughts of others on the discussion board was challenging and interesting.”
Lourdes JamesCharlotte, NC
“It has been a dream to go to the master’s level. I wanted to become more independent and autonomous. I’m just amazed that I made it through with full-time work and kids to manage. It was SO much.”
Rosemarie RomitoEast Longmeadow, MA
“I’ve always wanted to earn this degree. Saint Joseph’s College made it possible so that I could continue working full time and study in the middle of the night. I was surprised how supportive the teachers were. [Saint Joseph’s] has the best advisors.”
Curriculum Overview: Master of Science in Nursing – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
The MSN online program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine features a core curriculum encompassing informatics, leadership, population health, organizational leadership, public policy, and research. This foundational coursework is designed to develop thought leaders in nursing. Within the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, the curriculum is specifically tailored to provide advanced skills in acute care settings.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track— 48 credits
This specialization prepares you to diagnose and treat acutely ill patients, significantly impacting their lives and families. You will develop expertise in managing acute conditions across various inpatient environments, including hospitals, intensive care units, specialty clinics, and emergency departments. The program includes intensive one-on-one clinical experiences and prepares graduates to be eligible to sit for national board certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). A Post-Master’s certificate option is also available for nurses who already hold an MSN.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers various other MSN specializations to further your nursing career:
Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Track— 48 credits
Administration Track— 45 credits
Education Track— 42 credits
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dual Degrees and Certificate Programs
To broaden your leadership skills, consider combining your MSN with a MHA or MBA through their dual degree options. Post-graduate certificates are also available to specialize your skills further.
For guidance on choosing the right MSN track for your career aspirations, contact admissions.
Explore your next steps in nursing with their helpful guide: → Read the Guide to Your Next Nursing Career Move
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Some of Our Expert Nursing Faculty
Kelly Hudock, CRNP, DNPChair of Nursing
DNP, Rush University MSN-FNP, DeSales University BSN, Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales
Vanessa Marcelle, DNP, AGACNP-BCAssistant Professor, Lead Faculty AGACNP Program
DNP, Rutgers University BSN, Felician University ASN, Brookdale Community College
Explore Related Programs at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
BSN (on campus)
Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dual Degree (MSN and MBA or MSN and MHA)
