University of Southern Maine School of Nursing Review (2026): Programs, NCLEX & Requirements
USM’s School of Nursing spans Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn, pairing pre-licensure Traditional and Accelerated BSN (ABSN) tracks with an online RN-to-BSN completion option and a broad MSN/DNP portfolio. NCLEX figures below cite the Maine State Board of Nursing “University of Southern Maine” BSN row; tuition cites USM Student Financial Services 2025–2026 differential tables for nursing majors.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Differentiators include the Frontiers in Aging Research Lab, interprofessional simulation programming led by dedicated simulation faculty, and clinical partnerships across southern Maine’s flagship health systems. Pair those assets with cited Maine Board NCLEX data for the USM BSN row and official differential tuition tables so you can budget precisely for the nursing major tier.
Overview & Why Students Choose USM Nursing
Anchored in Maine’s largest metro region, the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing connects undergraduates to tertiary hospitals along the I-95 corridor while also embedding community-public-health experiences with underserved populations. The unit advertises Traditional and Accelerated BSN (ABSN) options, an online RN-to-BSN completion major, and graduate pathways spanning acute-care, primary-care, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner roles plus nursing administration, education, and practice-focused doctoral study.
Faculty-led initiatives such as the Frontiers in Aging Research Lab signal the School’s research footprint in geriatrics, while published experiential-learning materials highlight partnerships with MaineHealth, Central Maine Health, and Mercy—brands that shape the clinical landscape students encounter. If you want a public university with transparent Maine Board NCLEX tables and clearly tiered nursing tuition, USM merits a close look.
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN first-time pass-rate report (January 1–December 31, 2025), the row labeled University of Southern Maine (BSN) shows a 91.87% first-time pass rate (113 of 123 candidates) for the calendar-year total column. The narrative section of that PDF reports an 89.74% aggregate pass rate for all first-time, Maine-educated RN candidates that year (840 of 936). Confirm newer publications via Maine’s NCLEX index and the School of Nursing.
The USM School of Nursing homepage states that 99% to 100% of accelerated students pass NCLEX on the first attempt (school-reported marketing language). That figure is not the same as the Maine Board’s annual BSN table, which aggregates all first-time testers for the program row above. Confirm cohort-specific results with the Maine Board PDF and USM outcomes staff.
Reasons students choose the School of Nursing
Multiple BSN entry formats
Published academic programs include Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and online RN-to-BSN completion—letting direct-entry, second-degree, and licensed RN audiences each find a labeled pathway.
Depth in graduate APRN roles
MSN tracks cover Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, and Psychiatric-Mental Health nurse practitioner preparation alongside nursing administration and nurse educator options delivered largely online.
Documented statewide NCLEX context
Maine’s public PDF places USM in the same annual table as other universities, simplifying comparisons when you read the “Total” column for the calendar year.
Simulation & interprofessional infrastructure
Dedicated simulation leadership and lab resources support skills progression before students transition to inpatient and community rotations.
Community-immersion clinicals
Experiential learning materials emphasize partnerships with safety-net clinics, behavioral-health programs, and global outreach missions in addition to hospital-based care.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program names below mirror the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing Academic Programs index and the 2025–2026 graduate catalog overview as reviewed in March 2026. The catalog also notes a minor in holistic and integrative health and a holistic health certificate—confirm whether those fit your plan with an advisor.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate completion
Traditional BSN
Listed as Nursing — Traditional Program; catalog language describes a liberal-arts and science foundation leading to professional nursing coursework and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Listed as Nursing — Accelerated Program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or meet the accelerated curricular map published by USM.
RN-to-BSN
Listed as Nursing — RN to Bachelor of Science Degree | Online for licensed RNs seeking the baccalaureate credential through the online modality.
Graduate (MSN) & doctoral nursing
MSN Nurse Practitioner tracks
Published options include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (across the lifespan), each pairing advanced didactics with extensive practicum hours.
MSN Nursing Administration & Leadership | Nursing Education
Leadership and educator concentrations appear as online programs on the academic index; Student Financial Services groups them with accelerated online e-tuition bands.
RN to MSN (Accelerated Online)
The Nursing Accelerated Graduate Pathway – RN to MSN supports RNs advancing toward MSN credentials in the leadership or education tracks without completing a separate BSN stop-out, per the published pathway name.
Graduate certificates & post-master’s study
Certificates of Graduate Study in Nursing Administration & Leadership and Nursing Education (Accelerated Online) plus a Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study appear on the same academic programs list.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
USM lists a Nursing doctorate aligned with AACN DNP essentials; catalog policies emphasize practice hours, background checks, and progression standards distinct from MSN rules.
The School advertises a Nursing Education Micro-Credential Pathway separate from the full MSN; review the micro-credential page if you need stackable continuing education rather than a full graduate degree.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Maine publishes quarterly and annual columns for each approved pre-licensure RN program. The row labeled University of Southern Maine aggregates all USM BSN first-time testers within the reporting window.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate — calendar-year total (Jan–Dec 2025) | 91.87% (113 passed / 123 first-time candidates)—University of Southern Maine row, “Total” column |
| Quarterly snapshots (same PDF row) | Q1 77.78% (21/27), Q2 95.74% (45/47), Q3 100% (35/35), Q4 85.71% (12/14)—use for context; annual total remains the primary benchmark |
| Maine statewide first-time RN pass rate (same PDF narrative) | 89.74% (840 passed / 936 Maine-educated first-time candidates) |
| Source | Maine State Board of Nursing — 2025 NCLEX pass rates (PDF) and NCLEX publication index. Confirm the latest cohort with the Board and USM. |
NCLEX outcomes swing by cohort size and pathway (Traditional vs. Accelerated). Always corroborate percentages using the newest Maine Board PDF and the School of Nursing’s consumer disclosures.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
University policies, clinical agency contracts, and Maine Board of Nursing rules intersect for international applicants. Use the checklist below as a starting point, then verify every requirement with USM Admissions, the School of Nursing, International Programs (if applicable), and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other exam minimums for your pathway (undergraduate vs. graduate) on the official USM admissions or program pages.
- Program modality & authorization: Online graduate tracks may have different state-authorization or residency expectations than campus-based pre-licensure programs—read the UMS State Authorization and Licensure disclosures referenced on the School site.
- Credential evaluation: Plan for transcript reviews (WES or other vendors acceptable to USM) if prior coursework was completed outside the United States.
- Clinical clearance: Graduate policies reviewed in the catalog require background checks, immunizations, and affiliate approvals; international students must also confirm visa-compliant participation in clinical placements.
- Maine Board of Nursing: Foreign-educated nurses seeking initial licensure or endorsement must satisfy board-specific documentation that is separate from university admission.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Double-check every point with official university and board offices because immigration and nursing regulations change frequently.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
USM’s nursing pathways differ by entry type: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), RN-to-BSN, multiple MSN concentrations, RN-to-MSN, post-master’s certificates, and DNP each publish distinct prerequisites, essay expectations, and progression policies in the undergraduate or graduate catalog chapters. Treat this section as orientation—always download the current application packet for your track.
Application timeline
| Applicant type | Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing (Traditional, Accelerated, RN-to-BSN) | Not publicly disclosed in materials reviewed for this guide | Confirm fall/spring entry dates, any rolling components, and document deadlines with USM Admissions and the School of Nursing. |
| Graduate nursing (MSN, RN-to-MSN, certificates, DNP) | Varies by concentration; often rolling or multi-term starts | Graduate catalog policies reference faculty meetings, RN licensure on file, background checks, and continuous enrollment—read the chapter that matches your concentration (traditional vs. accelerated online vs. DNP). |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific %) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA / prerequisite expectations | Not publicly disclosed in the sources summarized here—review the catalog and program sheets for science GPA thresholds, repeat limits, and TEAS/HESI requirements if listed. |
| Standardized tests | Not confirmed in this review; verify whether your pathway requires TEAS, HESI, or GRE before applying. |
| RN licensure (graduate) | Graduate policies emphasize unencumbered RN licensure on file prior to clinical courses; out-of-state online students must coordinate practicum agreements early per accelerated-online policy statements. |
Because USM offers both campus-intensive pre-licensure tracks and online graduate completion programs, your essay and resume should map clearly to the pathway you select (for example, leadership vs. acute-care NP) and show awareness of Maine’s rural clinical geography, which the graduate handbook notes can require travel.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
USM uses differential tuition: nursing majors sit in Differential Level 3 for in-person, blended, and hyflex undergraduate study (2025–2026 tables). Fully online programs use separate e-tuition totals. Always add books, housing, travel for clinicals, uniforms, and one-time enrollment fees when you budget.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing (Traditional, Accelerated, RN-to-BSN) — in-person/blended/hyflex, 30 credits | Tuition & mandatory fees total $13,800 in-state/Canadian, $34,440 out-of-state, $21,750 NEBHE Tuition Break (2025–2026 USM table) |
| Fully online undergraduate programs — 30 credits | USM lists $13,800 total tuition & mandatory fees for eligible fully online majors (2025–2026 e-tuition table) |
| Graduate nursing — APRN & DNP (in-person/blended/hyflex, Differential Level 3) | $631/credit total tuition & fees in-state/Canadian, $1,030/credit NEBHE, $1,707/credit out-of-state (2025–2026) |
| Graduate nursing — online MSN leadership/education & RN-to-MSN (accelerated online band) | $625/credit total tuition & fees (2025–2026 accelerated online table) |
| Source | USM Undergraduate Tuition & Fees; USM Graduate Tuition & Fees; Student Financial Services home. Confirm residency, modality, and nursing fees with USM before you enroll. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The most authoritative pre-licensure outcome cited on this page is the Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX table discussed above. USM’s marketing site adds qualitative claims about benchmark performance—treat those as starting points, not substitutes for board-published cohort data.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN, Jan–Dec 2025 total column) | 91.87% (113/123)—University of Southern Maine row, Maine BON PDF |
| Accelerated BSN marketing claim (school website) | USM states 99%–100% first-time NCLEX pass rates for accelerated students—confirm methodology and cohort year with the School; compare to Maine Board totals. |
| Job placement within six months | Not publicly disclosed in sources reviewed—ask Career & Employment Services and the School for current alumni data. |
| Source | Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX publications; USM School of Nursing. |
Is the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing Right for You?
USM fits students who want a public University of Maine System campus embedded in southern Maine’s hospital networks and who are comfortable juggling rigorous clinical travel expectations, especially at the graduate level.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want labeled pathways for Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and online RN-to-BSN within the same School.
- Plan to specialize at the MSN level in acute care, primary care, psychiatric-mental health, leadership, or education.
- Value community-based clinical immersion alongside tertiary hospital experiences.
- Prefer transparent differential tuition tables that separate nursing from standard undergraduate majors.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot travel for clinical placements across Maine’s dispersed healthcare regions.
- Expect a single-campus experience—USM operates Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn locations.
- Need guaranteed published deadlines or acceptance statistics that USM has not posted publicly.
- Want a program outside the CCNE-accredited scope listed on the School’s About page without verifying current status.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Southern Maine concentrates the state’s largest integrated delivery networks. USM’s experiential learning page names partners such as MaineHealth’s Portland and Biddeford campuses, Mid Coast Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Spring Harbor Hospital, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and Lewiston-based Central Maine Medical Center, alongside federally qualified health centers and behavioral-health agencies serving vulnerable populations.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro tertiary care | Maine Medical Center and neighboring institutions expose students to high-acuity med-surg, specialty, and pediatric volumes. |
| Community immersion | The School highlights clinics for immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, oncology support centers, and Casco Bay fishing families—mirroring population-health competencies. |
| Placement verification | Contracts rotate; request the official affiliation roster from the clinical placement coordinator rather than relying solely on marketing lists. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing coursework and simulation activities are distributed across USM’s Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn campuses depending on program level. The School maintains dedicated simulation and interprofessional education leadership, and public materials reference tours of simulation spaces prior to information sessions with faculty.
Student life blends NCAA Division III athletics on the Gorham campus, Portland’s urban arts and food scene, and community-service traditions tied to nursing outreach (including optional international missions advertised on the School site). Confirm active student organizations each year through Campus Life or the School’s student services staff.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School
- University of Southern Maine School of Nursing
- Primary metro
- Portland / Gorham / Lewiston-Auburn, Maine
- Mail & visiting (Portland campus anchor)
- 96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04103, US (verify building suite with the School)
- Undergraduate nursing student services
- (207) 780-4076 · lindsay.larsen@maine.edu
- Graduate nursing education
- (207) 780-4288 · julianna.sclafani@maine.edu
- Website
- usm.maine.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Academic Programs list and click through the PDF or catalog entry for your pathway (Traditional, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP).
- Download the latest School of Nursing student handbook or policy PDFs (including clinical clearance requirements).
- Compare your transcripts to prerequisite science and statistics courses listed for your track.
- Bookmark the newest Maine Board NCLEX PDF for the year you plan to test.
- Model costs using the differential Level 3 undergraduate table plus housing estimates from Student Financial Services.
- If you are an out-of-state or online graduate student, email the online nursing coordinator early about practicum timelines (catalog language references ≥4 months lead time for some out-of-state placements).
- Schedule a simulation tour or information session through the School’s visit materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Southern Maine’s BSN program?
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing table in the January–December 2025 NCLEX PDF, the University of Southern Maine BSN row reports a 91.87 percent first-time pass rate for the annual total column (113 of 123 candidates). Confirm newer cohorts on Maine’s NCLEX index and with USM.
Does USM offer both Accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN?
Yes—USM’s academic programs list explicitly includes Nursing — Accelerated Program and Nursing — RN to Bachelor of Science Degree | Online alongside the Traditional Program. Entry requirements differ; read each program page before you apply.
Which MSN concentrations does USM advertise?
The academic index lists Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nursing Administration and Leadership online, Nursing Education online, plus an RN-to-MSN accelerated online pathway, graduate certificates, post-master’s advanced study, and a Nursing DNP.
How are USM nursing tuition rates determined?
Undergraduate nursing majors fall in Differential Level 3 for in-person/blended study ($13,800 in-state and $34,440 out-of-state tuition & fees for 30 credits in 2025–2026). Graduate APRN and DNP tracks use the Level 3 per-credit band ($631 in-state total per credit) while online leadership/education MSN tracks use the $625 accelerated online rate unless your offer states otherwise.
What hospitals does USM name for clinical experiences?
The experiential learning page lists partners including Central Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland, Mercy Hospital, MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital, MaineHealth Medical Center Biddeford, MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor, and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, among others. Always confirm the live affiliation list with the clinical placement office.
Is the USM School of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
The About page states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, including CCNE’s Washington, DC, contact information. Verify the current effective dates with CCNE directly.
What does USM claim about accelerated BSN NCLEX performance?
The School’s public homepage says 99%–100% of accelerated students pass NCLEX on the first attempt (school-reported). Compare that marketing statement with Maine Board PDF data for the entire BSN program row and ask USM for cohort-specific reports.
Where should internationally educated nurses start?
Parallel-track university admission, visa authorization for clinicals, credential evaluation, and Maine Board of Nursing licensure requirements. Work with USM’s admissions or international office plus the Board—this page does not replace their guidance.
References
- University of Southern Maine — School of Nursinghttps://usm.maine.edu/nursing
- USM School of Nursing — Academic programshttps://usm.maine.edu/school-nursing/academic-programs/
- USM School of Nursing — Experiential learning / clinical partnershttps://usm.maine.edu/school-nursing/experiential-learning/
- USM — Undergraduate tuition & fees (2025–2026)https://usm.maine.edu/student-financial-services/undergraduate-tuition-fees
- USM — Graduate tuition & fees (2025–2026)https://usm.maine.edu/student-financial-services/graduate-tuition-fees
- University of Southern Maine — Nursing (graduate catalog entity)USM Graduate Catalog — Nursing
- Maine State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass-rate indexhttps://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/education/nclex-pass-rates.html
- Maine State Board of Nursing — 2025 NCLEX pass rates (PDF)NCLEX Pass Rates Jan thru Dec 2025 (PDF)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/CCNE
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment between Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX tables and the University of Southern Maine BSN row, verification of program scope against USM’s published academic programs list and graduate catalog overview, and consistency with USM Student Financial Services 2025–2026 differential tuition tables.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, accreditation language, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy