About the School of Nursing
USM School of Nursing is on the forefront of healthcare advancement ensuring that our graduates are prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow. We meet our mission of preparing compassionate, competent, quality driven registered nurses, advanced practice nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nursing leaders and Doctors of Nurse Practice.
Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized experts in nursing education and clinical practice. As the field of nursing is continually evolving our faculty are innovators in nursing education and clinical practice, and they are supported by a team of expert staff members.
Our baccalaureate nursing students consistently meet or exceed the national benchmark for NCLEX on the first attempt with 99% to 100% of our accelerated students passing on the first attempt.
The Frontiers in Aging Research Lab (FAR Lab)
The Frontiers in Aging Research Lab (FAR Lab) was founded to advance research and deepen our commitment to healthy aging in northern New England. We take a multifaceted approach that includes: 1) conducting community-based research, 2) collaborating with senior service agencies, 3) offering interprofessional education and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and 4) supporting the development of Maine’s future geriatric workforce, all while directly benefiting our community. Our vision is to create a nurturing environment for all University of Southern Maine (USM) scholars and emerging scholars that enables transformative discoveries and innovation, produces new knowledge, and supports creative activities to benefit the aging population of Maine.
Suzanne Parkman, PhD, RN, CNE
FAR Lab Founder and Director
The School of Nursing’s August Convocation will be on August 20th at 12 pm at the Hannaford Lecture Hall on the Portland campus.
School of Nursing Ceremony Website
The School of Nursing Ceremony Website serves as a central hub for information related to our Nursing Pinning and Hooding Ceremonies. Students and guests can find important dates, timelines, RSVP information, ticket details, venue and parking guidance, ceremony FAQs, historical information about nursing pinning traditions, photo galleries from past ceremonies, and more. The site is updated regularly throughout the academic year as each ceremony approaches and is designed to help guide students and their supporters through every step of the celebration process.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Prepare for your professional nursing practice with our expert faculty and state-of-the-art simulation labs. We offer both traditional and community-based clinicals.
Graduate Nursing Programs
Our master’s and graduate certificate programs offer flexible course scheduling. You can earn your DNP through a blend of online and on-campus courses.
Current students, faculty, and staff: Visit us on MyUSM
We’ve moved our information for current students, faculty, and staff to MyUSM — streamlining access through our secure, single sign-on portal. Login required.
Leading the Way with Academic Excellence
Our faculty integrates classroom theory with experiential learning, immersing students in an environment that is both challenging and supportive.
Experience the School of Nursing
The best way to get to know the University is to visit us. We offer group tours of our Simulation Center, followed by Information Sessions with faculty and advisors.
Clinicals: A Commitment to the Community
Through community partnerships, our students provide primary care, public health, and mental health services for underserved populations.