MS in Nursing - RN to Master of Science in Nursing Program

Information Sessions about USM Masters in Nursing programs are held on a regular basis

Deadline: Spring semester admission - October 1

                Fall semester admission - April 1

Undergraduate Requirements

The program facilitates and supports educational mobility and strengthens the leadership abilities of nurses who already have a foundation of professional experience. When required undergraduate courses have been completed, students in this program proceed directly into the master's program, bypassing the baccalaureate degree. This option is designed so that students may complete the required junior and senior undergraduate nursing courses in one full-time year, beginning in May and ending the following May. Part-time study is also possible.

The R.N. is offered both courses in new areas of content and assessment of and credit for previously attained knowledge and skill. The R.N. to master's option is built upon prerequisites to the nursing major that include courses in the physical and behavioral sciences, humanities, fine arts, and core courses required of all undergraduate students at USM.

Credits-by-Examination

Credits-by-examination may be earned in selected non-nursing courses. Non-nursing undergraduate courses open to credit by examination include English composition, general psychology and sociology, growth and development, human anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology.

Prior learning assessment examinations can earn credits for non-nursing required courses. Call Joyce Lapping, Director of Prior Learning Assessment, (207) 780-4867, for an appointment or information.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the R.N. to master of science option for registered nurses is on a competitive basis. Each student applying for full admission must meet the following requirements:

• An associate degree or diploma in nursing.
• Evidence (photocopy) of unencumbered current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Maine.
• Two letters of reference reflecting professional practice and academic achievement.
• Complete an essay reflective of professional goals.
• Current resumé.

• Test Scores: MAT or GRE taken within five years of application submission:
  
  
  • Miller Analogy Test (MAT) - A score that ranks in the 45th percentile or higher for intended major.
    
    
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) -
    • Taken prior to August 1, 2011 - combined aptitude scores of 1,000 (V.Q.) or higher.
    • Taken after August 1, 2011 - a verbal reasoning score of 153 or higher; a quantitative reasoning score of 147 or higher; and, minimum of 4.0 on the analytic writing sample.
      
      
  • Submission of official TOEFL scores In addition to GRE scores, applicants whose native language is not English must have earned a score of at least 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 79 or higher on the Internet-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.

• Transcripts from a diploma school or an associate degree program. A 3.0 GPA (B average) is required.

Last updated - 08/10

Basic Nursing Credits:

The School of Nursing recognizes 30 credits (NUR 314) for basic nursing courses transferred from an associate degree (ADN) program accredited by the National League for Nursing at the time the degree was awarded.

These credits are applied toward fulfillment of the undergraduate requirements for RN students who have successfully completed CON 308 Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and Health Sciences.

Students who have not graduated from an accredited associate degree program may sit for a comprehensive nursing examination or complete a portfolio documenting their nursing knowledge and experience.

The graduate program in nursing is four academic semesters in length for students taking an average of ten to twelve (10-12) credits per semester. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Students must complete the program within six years.

Assistantships, Scholarships, and Traineeships:

Research/teaching assistantships, scholarships, and traineeships are available for graduate students. Further information may be obtained by contacting the School of Nursing administrative Office: (207) 780-4505.

Program Selection Form
Submission of a completed program selection form is required as part of the application process.

Online Application

Paper applications will no longer be accepted except in extenuating circumstances.  If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact Lisa Sweet, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions (prior to submitting a paper application) at 780-4165 or lsweet@usm.maine.edu

For application information please contact:
Office of Graduate Studies & Research
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street
PO Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300
Phone: (207) 780-4386

Updated 01/17/12