Healthcare is the largest industry in Maine - and two-thirds of the state's fastest growing occupations are healthcare occupations. Industry experts predict strong demand for nurse practitioners in the coming years, particularly for nurse practitioners with experience caring for rural and elderly residents.
Despite pockets of urbanization, Maine remains a predominantly rural state. Rural residents often lack easy access to healthcare; they may have to travel to reach the necessary services. Additional primary care providers are needed in Maine's rural communities. Maine also needs healthcare providers who are comfortable caring for an elderly population. The median age of the state's residents - 41.2 - is currently the highest in the U.S. By 2030, over a quarter of Maine residents will be over the age of 65.
Nurse practitioners in Maine enjoy a large degree of professional autonomy. A collaborative agreement with a physician is not required to diagnose or treat patients, or to prescribe medications. The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner in Maine ranges from $81,000 in Bangor to $91,000 is Portland per Salary.com.
Maine nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners can study at home, via an online program (like the one offered by Georgetown University), or they can attend an in-state college or university, such as:
- University of Maine. Located in Orono, the University of Maine offers a master's-level family nurse practitioner program. The NP program was the first graduate program offered by the University of Maine's School of Nursing.
- Husson University. Husson's NP grads boast an impressive 100 percent pass rate on the national certification exams. The master's-level family nurse practitioner program is designed for the working nurse: most courses are scheduled on Friday afternoons and evenings or every other Saturday. Some classes are also offered via the Web or videoconferencing.
- University of Southern Maine. The University of Southern Maine offers master's-level NP tracks such as: adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult psych/mental health nurse practitioner and family psych/mental health nurse practitioner. Students can attend either full-time or part-time.
Accredited schools with NP programs in Maine:
