Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maine

Last Updated/Verified: Jul 28, 2025

Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Maine?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with continuing education, often with an NP specialty area of training, such as family practice, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, and others. They are usually independently licensed clinicians who treat health conditions, help and support sick patients and offer medical care when no physicians are available.

Physician shortages in America are a growing trend, even as the need for them continues to rise. To offset this disparity, many private clinics, walk-in retail clinics, hospices, hospitals, and urgent care centers are requesting the aid of nurse practitioners. NPs can provide immediate care without long waiting times, without the supervision of a physician. NPs are licensed and trained to diagnose and heal illnesses and trauma.

Nurse practitioners are a benefit for people in Maine that may live in rural and remote locations. They offer compassionate patient care and improve the health of their patients. They can prescribe medication, order and interpret lab tests, and design health treatment plans. 

Nurse practitioners must hold a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree (DNP). There are also opportunities for current NPs to change specialties through post-graduate certificate programs. 

Maine registered nurses are increasingly opting for online nurse practitioner programs due to their flexible nature. Completing coursework when and where it’s convenient means that students can continue working, taking care of their families, and handling other matters, all while advancing their nursing education.

Learn more about Nurse Practitioner degree levels:

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maine

Nurse Practitioner Online presents the definitive guide to the best online Nurse Practitioner programs in Maine, highlighting exceptional distance learning opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. Our comprehensive rankings showcase top-tier educational pathways that enable students to advance their nursing careers through flexible virtual learning environments. Maine's nursing education landscape offers robust online programs that combine academic rigor with convenient remote study options, allowing nurses to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced credentials. These programs not only meet stringent academic standards but also provide critical pathways for nurses seeking specialized advanced practice roles across diverse healthcare settings. Each ranked program undergoes meticulous evaluation to ensure quality, accessibility, and comprehensive curriculum alignment. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Husson University

Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - husson.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's online Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 48-credit Master's degree designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. Featuring a remarkable 95% national certification exam passage rate, the program provides flexible online learning with 540 clinical hours completed in just 30 months. Students develop expert skills in comprehensive patient care across all lifespans, with competitive tuition at $682 per credit hour. Military-friendly and CCNE accredited, the program prepares nurses for diverse primary care settings through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing advanced practice techniques.

  • Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
  • 48 total credit hours
  • 540 total clinical hours
  • 30 months completion time
  • $682 per credit hour
  • 95% national exam passage rate
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • Free 24/7 tutoring available
  • One-on-one career advising
  • CCNE accredited program

Master's - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program presents a comprehensive 48-credit online Master of Science in Nursing. Designed for nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise, the program prepares students to deliver high-quality healthcare to patients across diverse age groups. The fully online format provides maximum flexibility for working professionals, with CCNE accreditation ensuring rigorous academic standards. Graduates are positioned to enter a high-demand healthcare specialty, equipped with advanced clinical skills and prepared for national certification exams.

  • 48-credit Master's degree
  • 100% online program
  • CCNE accredited
  • Prepares for certification exams
  • Advanced nursing care focus

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive 48-credit program designed for ambitious nursing professionals. Costing $682 per credit hour and completable in 30 months, the curriculum includes 540 clinical hours and boasts an impressive 95% national certification exam passage rate. Emphasizing family-centered care, the program covers advanced pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, and pathophysiology. With flexible start dates, free tutoring, and personalized career services, this CCNE-accredited program provides an ideal pathway for advancing nursing careers.

  • 48 total credit hours
  • 540 clinical hours
  • 30 months to completion
  • $682 per credit hour
  • 95% certification exam pass rate
  • Online program
  • Flexible start dates
  • Free 24/7 tutoring
  • One-on-one career services
  • CCNE accredited

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's innovative Post-Master's APRN Certificates empower advanced practice registered nurses to expand specialization through three targeted tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health. The 100% online program accommodates diverse professional backgrounds, requiring 18-51 credits depending on existing MSN education. With a stellar 95% national certification exam passage rate, these certificates provide comprehensive training enabling nurses to enhance clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and patient care capabilities across specialized practice domains.

  • 100% Online Nursing Certificates
  • Three Specialized APRN Tracks
  • 95% National Exam Passage Rate
  • 18-51 Credits Required
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Expert Practicing Faculty
  • Lifespan Patient Care Focus
  • Advanced Clinical Credentials

Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Husson University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate delivers specialized advanced nursing education through a dynamic 21-credit, 12-month hybrid program. Targeting existing family and adult nurse practitioners, the curriculum combines online and classroom learning with 688 internship hours. Participants gain comprehensive expertise in women's healthcare, covering services from adolescence through menopause. The program prepares nurses for national certification by providing in-depth training in gynecological services, well-woman care, health education, and prenatal care, enabling professional advancement.

  • Certificate for master's-level nurses
  • 21 credit hours total
  • 688 internship hours
  • Online and classroom learning
  • Prepares for national certification
  • Women's health focus
  • 12-month program duration
  • Covers adolescence to menopause

Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Husson University's fully online Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate equips experienced nurses with advanced clinical capabilities. The program offers flexible credit options ranging from 18-48 credits, allowing professionals to efficiently expand their expertise in acute care settings. Designed to prepare nurses for national certification exams, the curriculum focuses on delivering sophisticated healthcare strategies for adult and geriatric patients. Expert practicing faculty guide students through comprehensive training, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality specialized nursing care.

  • 100% online program
  • 18-48 credit options
  • National certification exam preparation
  • Expert practicing faculty
  • Advanced acute care nursing focus
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#2

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME - Private 4-year - sjcme.edu

Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MS

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Joseph's College of Maine delivers a cutting-edge online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner master's program tailored for aspiring advanced practice nurses. The curriculum strategically prepares students to diagnose, treat, and manage complex mental health conditions across patient lifespans. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, the program equips nurses with comprehensive clinical skills through a flexible online format that accommodates working professionals. CCNE accreditation ensures rigorous educational standards, while the program's design facilitates seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students can expect a robust educational experience that supports professional growth and readiness for national certification exams in psychiatric mental health nursing.

  • Online format
  • CCNE accredited
  • Focus on mental health
  • Flexible for professionals
  • Comprehensive curriculum
#3

University of Maine

Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Maine's online Certificate of Advanced Study in Family Nurse Practitioner offers a cutting-edge graduate program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. This hybrid program uniquely blends online coursework with strategic in-person clinical training, providing maximum flexibility for working healthcare professionals. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program prepares students for national certification with comprehensive training in family healthcare. Military-friendly and emphasizing advanced practice nursing, students benefit from expert faculty guidance and integrated clinical experiences. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, two years of nursing experience, and specific prerequisite courses, ensuring a high-quality, professionally-oriented educational pathway.

  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Full-time or Part-time Options
  • Online and Classroom Instruction
  • Two Concentration Tracks: FNP and Nursing Education
  • National Certification Preparation
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
  • Two Years RN Experience Needed
  • Clinical Experiences Integrated
  • Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Maine

Maine has thousands of miles of beautiful coastline, and often attracts health care providers who are interested in rugged and remote beauty. 

Registered nurses often administer general care, while nurse practitioners typically have advanced knowledge and training in a specialized area of nursing care. NPs have at least two more years of education than registered nurses (depending on the degree level they choose). Students can complete coursework in an entirely online format, or sometimes even in a hybrid online/campus blended format. Hands-on clinical requirements, however, will take place at a local hospital or medical center.

As soon as the online nurse practitioner program is completed, nurse practitioners can set to work as quickly as they wish to. Their salary and wages are the same as NPs who received their education in a traditional setting. 

Jump to City:

Bangor, ME

Beal University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Focus on family healthcare
    • Prepares for certification exams
    • Requires BSN and RN license
    • Competitive cost with aid

Husson University

  • Master's - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 48-credit Master's degree
    • 100% online program
    • CCNE accredited
    • Prepares for certification exams
    • Advanced nursing care focus
  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
    • 48 total credit hours
    • 540 total clinical hours
    • 30 months completion time
    • $682 per credit hour
    • 95% national exam passage rate
    • Multiple start dates annually
    • Free 24/7 tutoring available
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 48 total credit hours
    • 540 clinical hours
    • 30 months to completion
    • $682 per credit hour
    • 95% certification exam pass rate
    • Online program
    • Flexible start dates
    • Free 24/7 tutoring
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • 18-48 credit options
    • National certification exam preparation
    • Expert practicing faculty
    • Advanced acute care nursing focus
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Certificates
    • Three Specialized APRN Tracks
    • 95% National Exam Passage Rate
    • 18-51 Credits Required
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Expert Practicing Faculty
    • Lifespan Patient Care Focus
    • Advanced Clinical Credentials
  • Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Certificate for master's-level nurses
    • 21 credit hours total
    • 688 internship hours
    • Online and classroom learning
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Women's health focus
    • 12-month program duration
    • Covers adolescence to menopause

Biddeford, ME

University of New England

  • Master's - Master's program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 15 students enrolled annually
    • Virtual reality simulation training
    • Interprofessional education approach
    • Focus on social determinants
    • Statewide healthcare partnerships

Orono, ME

University of Maine

  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Prepares for FNP national certification.
    • Mix of online and classroom instruction.
    • Tailored full-time or part-time study.
    • Focus on rural and underserved communities.
    • Requires BSN for admission.
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
    • Clinical experiences arranged locally.
  • Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Full-time or Part-time Options
    • Online and Classroom Instruction
    • Two Concentration Tracks: FNP and Nursing Education
    • National Certification Preparation
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • Two Years RN Experience Needed
    • Clinical Experiences Integrated

Portland, ME

University of Southern Maine

  • Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • Blended learning format
    • 18-40 credit hours
    • 3 semester completion option
    • National certification eligibility
    • Multiple clinical experience venues

Standish, ME

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MS

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online format
    • CCNE accredited
    • Focus on mental health
    • Flexible for professionals
    • Comprehensive curriculum
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Jump to Program Specialty

Family Nurse Practitioner

A popular nurse practitioner specialty, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages, often acting in a primary care role. Prospective FNPs can enroll in any of the 3 online programs in Maine below:

MSN-FNP Programs

Husson University

Family & Community Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Bangor, ME

University of Maine

Hybrid - Family Nurse Practitioner

Orono, ME

Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs

Husson University

Family & Community Nurse Practitioner (FCNP PMC)

Bangor, ME

Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.