Nursing — Traditional Program
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Undergraduate Major
Modes of study:
Prepare for your Nursing Career with the Traditional Nursing Program at the University of Southern Maine
Becoming a member of the University of Southern Maine’s (USM) Traditional Nursing Program can help you achieve your dreams and become a caring, confident nurse.
Nursing grads have the skills and confidence to advance in demanding roles in America’s #1 most trusted profession. Our School of Nursing RNs are highly trained technicians, public health advocates, and community champions.
At USM, you’ll develop skills that will help you succeed and feel prepared after graduation. Our state-of-the-art labs and simulation center will help you become more comfortable in patient settings, while still receiving appropriate supervision from staff and faculty.
Real-world scenarios and equipment prepare you, allowing you to put into practice essential nursing techniques in safe, controlled environments and allow you to seamlessly transition into professional practice. Nursing labs give you necessary firsthand experience and applied knowledge to cultivate clinical judgement and reasoning skills, while also learning best practices in nursing.
Academic catalog
The University of Southern Maine’s engaging curriculum offers an integrative and rigorous education for future nurses.
Program duration
Typical completion time: 4 years.
Department & School
Admissions
SAT & ACT scores optional. Apply by February 1 for fall term only.
Why should you consider applying for the University of Southern Maine’s Nursing – Traditional Program, BS?
How will you progressively build upon your nursing experience at USM to become day-one ready?
Graduate confident and experienced through a structured blend of simulation, supervised clinicals, and immersive practicum training:
Build your skill set in a state-of-the-art simulation setting
Take theory and scientific principles learned in the classroom and apply them in our simulation center and other learning spaces. You’ll begin clinical training in your third year, where you’ll work in a small group with supervision from a clinical faculty member.
It all culminates with hands-on practicum experience
Then, in your final semester, you’ll complete an intensive practicum where you’ll complete 168 hours with a preceptor in a direct-care setting in the greater Portland region here throughout Southern Maine. Clinicals and your practicum give you the hands-on, in-person experience you need to be day-one ready after graduation.
Where can you go with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing?
A lifetime of opportunities
USM grads work as registered nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and community-based healthcare. Many return to earn additional certifications in specialty areas, while others complete advanced degrees allowing you to specialize in other roles like being an acute care nurse, clinical care nurse specialist, a nurse midwife, health informatics specialist, and more.
Wondering if tuition is affordable? Get answers to your questions about costs
Combining knowledge and skills with compassion
Learn and practice in class and our modern simulation labs, then gain real-world experience through clinicals.
Welcome, transfer students!
Get more info from USM’s admissions counselors if you have any questions about admissions, academic programs, and student support services.
Search scholarship opportunities
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.
Accredited in Maine and nationally
Proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission information: BS in Nursing — Traditional Program
Because the baccalaureate nursing program includes supervised clinical experiences, the nursing faculty reserves the right to limit enrollment. Admission to the program is highly selective.
There are three different application processes for this program. Prospective students should select the appropriate application process for their current student type.
Application deadlines
| Cohort | Application deadline | Decision arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Spring* 2026 | September 1 | December 1 |
| Fall 2026 | February 1 | May 1 |
*Our spring cohort is only for transfer students and current USM students looking to change their major.
For questions about the application process, or to check the status of a completed application, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Next steps
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.
