Nursing — Accelerated Program

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Undergraduate Major

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Why is USM’s 15-Month Accelerated Nursing Program perfect for your career change in Maine?

Are you ready for a meaningful life change? Do you feel like you’re stuck in your current career and want to help people in your community?

The USM Accelerated Nursing program is ideal for adults who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to pivot into an intentional and fulfilling career in nursing. Whether you aspire to work as a hospital nurse, school nurse, or in primary care, hospice, or public health, you can earn your Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in just four semesters. Fast-track your entry into one of the most in-demand and highly respected professions by being in USM’s intensive Accelerated Nursing program. You’ll focus on nursing and taking care of patients, starting on day one.

Because you have a prior bachelor’s degree, you don’t have to worry about spending time on prerequisites you’ve already earned. Instead, our program prepares you for a career in nursing, with every class acting as in-depth preparation for taking the NCLEX.

It’s no accident that the University of Southern Maine Accelerated Nursing program has a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, thanks in part to using innovative software called ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). Making ATI a crucial component in the classroom is in large part why students in this fast-tracked and immersive program won’t fall through the cracks.

But the other reason? Faculty and nursing staff do everything in their power to ensure student success while participating in the university’s Accelerated Nursing program, including offering open labs to help students receive as much hands-on experience as possible before graduating.

Academic catalog

Learn from an engaging curriculum to receive an integrative and rigorous liberal education from one of the best accelerated nursing programs in New England.

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Program duration

Typical completion time: 15 months.

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School

School of Nursing

Admissions

Apply by October 1 for a May start.

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Why should you choose to become part of the USM Accelerated Nursing Program?

Offer exceptional patient care: Located in the heart of Portland, where practicum placements abound, USM prepares more RNs than any other nursing school in Maine.
Graduates boast an impressive 100% passing rate: Graduates in the USM accelerated nursing program routinely achieve a 100% pass rate when taking the NCLEX-RN® exam.
Be fully prepared to take the NCLEX: Each class uses integrated Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) software. ATI software ensures you’ll establish and learn necessary skills and includes built-in remediation if you fall behind.
State-of-the-art resources: USM boasts a new simulation center featuring hospital rooms, home settings, and VR training. You’ll also use ShadowHealth, our virtual clinical platform to experience realistic patient scenarios and receive immediate feedback.
Complete a hands-on practicum: Alongside a preceptor, you’ll work 168 hours to complete your practicum. You’ll work in the same capacity and shifts as the nurses you’re assigned to.
Finish your degree faster: This is an intensive 15-month program, meaning you’ll start in May and finish by the following August.
Enjoy affordability without compromise: USM delivers a high-quality nursing education at a competitive cost, allowing you to advance your career without excessive financial burden.
Earn credentials you can trust: This program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Earn your CNA: Become eligible to obtain your CNA certification halfway through this program, meaning you can start work immediately as a CNA while continuing your education.

How will you accelerate your nursing career at the University of Southern Maine?

Accelerated Program, BS nursing students can be found at just about any age, proving the flexibility of this degree at USM.

Where can the USM Accelerated Nursing Program take your career?

Our Accelerated Nursing program in Maine prepares you to begin nursing in many health care settings, including specialty areas. Whether you’re striving to become an acute care nurse, a critical care nurse, a school nurse helping children, or wish to work in a primary care setting such as hospice, receiving your Nursing – Accelerated Program, BS will allow you to reach new heights in your career helping patients.

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Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

What can you expect when you join the University of Southern Maine’s 15-month Accelerated Nursing Program?

Students who are New England residents may qualify for reduced tuition with the NEBHE Tuition Break Program!

Are you a New England resident?

New England residents may qualify for a reduced tuition rate thanks to the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

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If you’re a student interested in enrolling in the Nursing – Accelerated Program, BS, consider scholarship opportunities, including Merit Scholarships if you apply for admission by the deadline.

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Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

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Accredited in Maine & Nationally

USM’s Accelerated Nursing Program is proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

More about CCNE accreditation

Admission information: Nursing – Accelerated Program, BS

The Accelerated Program admits students for the summer only, and courses begin in May. Admission is on a competitive basis.

Application deadlines

Apply by October 1 for summer term start.

Notification of Application Decisions: Students will be notified by postal mail by early January.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must meet the University’s general undergraduate admission requirements, which can be found in the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
In addition to general requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:eral requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have either attained or will attain before starting the program a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution; and
- Hold a 2.75 or higher GPA from the most recently earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
- Have successfully completed college/university courses in Anatomy and Physiology I and II (all body systems), a college/university course in Statistics, and either Human Nutrition (equivalent to NUR 252) or Pathophysiology (equivalent to BIO 345) by the time the program begins in May; with grades of C or better.
- Be able to satisfy the USM Nursing Clinical Health and Background Check Requirements prior to the May start of the program (see the School of Nursing website for further information).
- While not required, completed coursework that is a direct equivalent to Chemistry (lab not required) and Developmental Psychology/Multicultural Human Development will strengthen an application.

Students should verify that they meet the eligibility criteria listed above. Applicants who do not meet the criteria will not be considered for admission into the BS in Nursing — Accelerated Program.
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- Current USM students who will graduate in May must apply for re-admission. They should follow the steps for Readmission/Reactivation listed on the online application form.
Submit the following documents along with the USM Application:
- Online Supplemental Form for Accelerated Nursing; and
- Nursing essay — the essay prompt is described on the Supplemental Application to Nursing.

For questions about the application process, or to check the status of a completed application, please contact the Office of Admissions.

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Nursing — Accelerated Program