What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential from the University of Maine System (UMS) is a certification of your competency in skills needed in today’s workforce. Quicker than a degree, a micro-credential focuses on knowledge and practical ability in a specific area — and demonstrates your proficiency to employers.
Our Nursing Micro-Credential Pathways are part of the University of Maine System’s (USM) Micro-Credential Initiative. Micro-credentials are ideal for UMS students and working professionals seeking opportunities to advance or increase their marketability. Micro-credentials earned through the UMS are verified, stackable, competency-based, and shareable.
Save time and money – once you’ve achieved this micro-credential, you can stack the credits earned here by later enrolling in our online accelerated master’s programs and certificate of graduate study programs (of the same title) as long as admission and credit transfer requirements are met – think of this as a building block for the future!
What are UMS micro-credential pathways?
Each USM micro-credential pathway includes several courses. As you progress through the pathway and complete each course, you earn stackable digital badges. Upon completion of the pathway, you are awarded a UMS micro-credential. Your digital badges and UMS micro-credential highlight the skills employers are seeking.
How are nursing micro-credentials structured at USM?
Our flexible micro-credential pathways include three levels. There are two Nursing micro-credentials to choose from: the Nursing Education micro-credential and the Nursing Administration and Leadership micro-credential.
In the Nursing Education micro-credential, you’ll complete one or two graduate courses in each level. You’ll learn to design, implement, and evaluate different teaching strategies in various settings. In the final practicum course, you will use these skills and competencies in an academic setting.
In the Nursing Administration and Leadership micro-credential, you’ll complete one or two graduate courses in each level. You’ll learn what goes into leadership and administrative roles in healthcare, while being assessed on your knowledge and skills. In the final practicum course, you’ll model leadership roles while gaining valuable hands-on experience in an academic setting.
3 start dates per year
Get started in the Spring, Summer, or Fall
Accelerated courses
Progress quickly with 7-week accelerated online courses and an in-person practicum
Earn graduate credits
Gain 12 graduate course credits toward a degree or certificate
Finish in 8 months
Obtain your Nursing Micro-Credential in just eight months
Current nursing micro-credential offerings at USM
USM offers you the following online micro-credential courses:
Certified for online excellence
Promise of Access, Connection, and Transparency
At the University of Southern Maine (USM), we are committed to delivering online and hybrid education that meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and student support. This online program and its faculty have been certified by USM Academic PACT — short for Promise of Access, Connection, and Transparency.
Accredited in Maine and nationally
Proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Apply for the Nursing Micro-Credential Pathway
Not a current USM student?
Currently enrolled in a USM program?
Current USM students can contact Jill Olausson to enroll.
Scroll down for contact information.
Contact:
Jill Olausson PhD, MSN, BSN
SHE | HER | HERS
- Associate Professor of Nursing
- Director of Online Nursing Programs