Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Private Catholic college on Sebago Lake (Standish): CCNE-accredited Department of Nursing with on-campus Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN Online, online MSN/APRN tracks, and an RN to MSN bridge. This guide summarizes 2026–27 campus billing figures, Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX PDFs, and admissions notes—always confirm details with SJC and the Board.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SJC differentiates with the Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation on campus, Mercy-tradition mission, direct-admit BSN option, and Portland-area clinical partners—plus large online MSN/APRN enrollment with on-campus immersion days for NP skills. Always verify RN-to-BSN availability and ABSN residency rules before you budget time away from work.
Overview & Why Students Choose Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a private Catholic college on Sebago Lake in Standish—about 15 miles from Portland—rooted in the Sisters of Mercy tradition. The Department of Nursing spans pre-licensure on-campus study, accelerated online BSN completion for second-degree students, and an extensive SJC Online graduate portfolio (MSN, NP tracks, dual degrees, post-master’s certificates, RN to MSN).
The college emphasizes small classes (about 11:1 student–faculty ratio per Quick Facts), simulation-rich labs in the Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation, and clinical partnerships that reach into greater Portland and central Maine. For licensure outcomes, prioritize the Maine State Board of Nursing annual NCLEX PDFs alongside any school-published snapshots.
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates Jan thru Dec 2025 PDF, the row for Saint Joseph’s College (BSN) lists 8 passing of 13 candidates, reported as 61.54%. The on-campus BSN program page separately highlights a 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 90.63%. Confirm the latest cohort, tester counts, and definitions (first-time vs. all testers) with the Board PDFs and the Department of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Saint Joseph’s
Direct-admit on-campus BSN
High-performing applicants can enter the nursing major immediately with published GPA and science benchmarks—unlike programs that admit “pre-nursing” first.
New simulation & innovation center
The Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center supports ICU, maternal–child, pediatric, and home-care scenarios with high-fidelity equipment central to skills and clinical judgment.
Portland-area clinical depth
BSN clinical sites named by the college span major Maine systems (e.g., Maine Medical Center, Southern Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center) plus behavioral-health and community agencies.
Online MSN & NP breadth
Graduate tracks cover administration, education, four NP specialties, dual MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA degrees, and post-master’s APRN certificates—aimed at working RNs nationwide.
Mercy mission & tight-knit campus
Learners who want a value-centered, residential liberal-arts environment can pair nursing with athletics (the “Monks”) and scores of student organizations.
Nursing Programs Offered
Information below is drawn from the official Nursing Programs hub, the on-campus BSN page, Accelerated BSN Online listing, RN to MSN degree page, and online RN to BSN page as of March 2026. The undergraduate, ABSN, and graduate pathways are separated so you can see where NCLEX, clinical immersions, and post-licensure rules apply.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Traditional BSN
Four-year bachelor’s with nursing coursework beginning freshman year and clinical experiences starting the sophomore year. The college states the major is selective and lists direct-admit criteria on the BSN program page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Online
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—Saint Joseph’s offers this pathway as Accelerated BSN Online through SJC Online (described as online with hybrid elements). Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s in another field.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN (degree completion)
The RN-to-BSN page still describes curriculum, transfer credit, and an ~$19,890 completion cost estimate (with assumptions noted), but explicitly states the program is not currently accepting applications. Confirm whether the track has reopened before planning enrollment.
Graduate nursing (MSN, dual degrees, certificates)
RN to MSN
Bridge program for licensed RNs advancing to master’s-level preparation; details appear on the dedicated RN to MSN degree page.
MSN — leadership & education
Includes Nursing Administration and Nursing Education concentrations per the Nursing Programs hub.
MSN — Nurse Practitioner tracks
Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP (titles per SJC listings).
Dual degrees
MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA combinations appear on the dual-degree and MSN marketing pages.
Post-master’s APRN certificates
Certificates aligned with the NP specialties above are listed for nurses who already hold an MSN.
The college states the baccalaureate, master’s, and post-graduate APRN certificate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and that the pre-licensure baccalaureate program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Confirm specialty-specific accreditation language and board approvals on the official CCNE directory and SJC disclosures.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Maine publishes annual PDF tables for every approved nursing program. For Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, the BSN line in the calendar-year 2025 report shows 13 candidates with 8 passing, reported as 61.54%. The 2024 PDF shows a 0.00% pass rate with 0 passing and 0 tested in the same reporting cell—likely reflecting very small or zero first-time tester counts for that collection window—so readers should focus on multi-year context rather than a single zero row.
The school’s own BSN page still advertises a 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 90.63% for marketing snapshots. Always treat board PDFs as the regulatory reference and reconcile any differences with admissions staff.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (BSN row, Maine BON table) | 61.54% (8 passed / 13 candidates) for Jan–Dec 2025 per Board PDF |
| Historical note (school site) | 90.63% stated for 2021 on the official on-campus BSN page |
| Source | Maine Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass-rate PDF index (2025 PDF). Confirm current data with the Board and Saint Joseph’s College of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and tester mix. ABSN online candidates may be reported within the same BSN program row—ask the Department of Nursing how Maine aggregates online and campus completers. Always confirm the latest percentages in the Board’s annual PDFs.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Saint Joseph’s enrolls distance learners from many states and countries, but immigration, clinical clearance, and Maine licensure eligibility still require individualized review. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice—and confirm every item with SJC admissions, the international student office (if applicable), and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent minimums for degree-level admission to SJC.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluations (e.g., WES) if you completed prerequisites abroad.
- Maine Board of Nursing: For NCLEX-RN eligibility, clinical requirements, and any constraints on online program participation.
- Visa & clinical placement: On-campus BSN clinicals require U.S.-based placement eligibility; online NP tracks require preceptors—confirm visa status supports those experiences.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Saint Joseph’s admissions or online advising and with the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
The on-campus BSN stresses that it is selective with limited seats. Applicants who lack direct-admission science/GPA thresholds may still enter through a pre-nursing plan or as transfers after talking with admissions—confirm how internal progression works. Online and accelerated pathways have separate admissions teams (800-752-4723 for online/graduate per the contact directory).
Application timeline (published highlights)
| Program group | Deadline / pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Campus undergraduate nursing | Nov. 15 Early Action | Regular decision listed as rolling on the Nursing hub. |
| Online MSN & related graduate tracks | Rolling | Deadlines section on the nursing hub references rolling admission for MSN. |
| Online RN to BSN | Applications paused | Degree page states SJC is not currently accepting RN-to-BSN applications—re-check before planning. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct-admit BSN (high school) | 3.0+ high school GPA plus advanced lab science at B or better (or Honors/AP science at C or better) per official BSN page—meet with admissions if below thresholds. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed (March 2026); ask campus admissions whether an exam is required for your entry term. |
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed; treat the program as competitive and prepare strong science grades and healthcare exposure. |
Applicant tip: Because Maine BON data show cohort-to-cohort NCLEX variability, highlight remediation resources (tutoring, ATI investments reflected in billing) and your ability to thrive in immersive simulation when you write your essay or interview.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Private colleges distribute discounts widely—SJC’s Quick Facts still cite large average aid packages, but you should budget from sticker tuition first, then refine with the net-price calculators. The figures below come from the official Paying Your Bill — Campus Program page (2026–2027 table) and the Quick Facts page for historical aid context.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (2026–2027) | $46,806 per academic year (12–19 credits bundled) |
| Room & board (2026–2027) | $16,320 per academic year |
| Nursing major & ATI fee | $1,320 per semester (listed under “Nursing Students”) |
| Part-time / overload per credit | $1,270 per credit for 1–11 credits or overload above 19 credits |
| Online RN-to-BSN estimate (when open) | Page cites ≈$19,890 total assuming 69 transfer credits—text says prices subject to change. |
| Source | SJC — Paying Your Bill (2026–2027 costs); RN to BSN cost blurb; Net price calculator. |
Contact finaid@sjcme.edu or 207-893-6612 / 800-752-1266 for aid packaging, and studentaccounts@sjcme.edu for bill verification.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
When NCLEX pass rates vary year by year, treat employment marketing claims as a separate metric with its own cohort definition. The Nursing Programs hub lists employers such as Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center, and behavioral-health settings; use that list for networking leads rather than as a guarantee of placement.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (BSN, Maine BON PDF) | 61.54% (8/13) for 2025 per January–December 2025 table; 2021 marketing figure of 90.63% remains on the official BSN page—confirm updated disclosures with the Department of Nursing. |
| Employment (college Quick Facts) | Quick Facts cite 87% employed in-field within the first year after graduation (2021 placement rate language on the same page). The public homepage also highlights 87% employment wording—confirm methodology and cohort year with the Career Studio. |
| Source | Maine BON pass-rate PDFs; SJC Quick Facts; SJC Nursing employers list. |
Is Saint Joseph’s College of Maine the Right Fit for You?
Choose SJC if you want a lakeside residential campus within commuting distance of Portland’s major health systems or if you need flexible online MSN/APRN options while working. Pass on it (for now) if you require an active RN-to-BSN completion track—verify whether admissions reopen.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a Mercy-mission Catholic college with NCAA Division III balance and tight student–faculty access.
- Can meet published direct-admit benchmarks or are willing to pursue pre-nursing/transfer plans transparently.
- Value Portland-area trauma centers, rural hospitals, and behavioral-health exposure across Maine.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest absolute sticker-price nursing degree without significant aid (private tuition is high before scholarships).
- Require guaranteed RN-to-BSN completion immediately—the track paused new applications per the college site.
- Prefer a large public research university rather than a ~700-student residential campus.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Standish sits on the Portland metro fringe, so SJC nursing students routinely rotate through southern Maine’s flagship hospitals while still accessing central and western Maine systems. The state’s aging population and tourism economy keep steady demand for bedside RNs, community-health nurses, and behavioral-health staff—especially around Greater Portland and the I-95 corridor.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Maine Medical Center / Portland health corridor | Tertiary referral center in Portland; SJC lists Maine Medical Center among BSN clinical affiliates. |
| Southern Maine Health Care (Biddeford/Sanford) | Community hospital network branded with MaineHealth; appears as Southern Maine Medical Center on SJC’s clinical list. |
| Northern Light Health — Eastern Maine Medical Center | SJC still references St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center naming used for Bangor-area experiences. |
| Central Maine Healthcare | Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston) anchors rotations in the Androscoggin Valley. |
| Mid Coast–Parkview Health | MidCoast Hospital (Brunswick) adds coastal community medicine exposure. |
| MaineBehavioral Healthcare / Spring Harbor | Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook supplies mental-health fieldwork cited by the college. |
Capstone internships may extend beyond Maine; confirm travel expectations with clinical placement coordinators.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing classes and faculty offices concentrate in Mercy Hall alongside dining (Pearson’s Café) and student-dean supports. The Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation anchors skills and simulation experiences, while the Mercy Center/Campus Ministry keeps the college’s Sisters of Mercy values visible beyond the classroom.
Undergraduates can join nearly 35+ clubs, Division III athletics as the Monks, and—per institutional history—the Sigma Theta Tau Kappa Zeta chapter-at-large for baccalaureate nursing scholars. Distance learners plug into SJC Online advising in Putnam Hall and periodic on-campus immersive days for NP skills.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Standish, ME (Sebago Lake)
- Address
- 278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084, US
- Telephone
- Department of Nursing: 207-893-7957 · Campus admissions: 207-893-7746 or 800-338-7057 · Online admissions: 207-893-7841 or 800-752-4723
- Contact email
- nursing@sjcme.edu · admissions@sjcme.edu (campus) · onlineadmissions@sjcme.edu (online)
- Website
- sjcme.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Saint Joseph’s College of Maine nursing hub and bookmark the PDF for your pathway (BSN, ABSN, or MSN).
- Review prerequisites in the SJC course catalog and compare them to your transcripts.
- If your pathway requires an entrance exam, confirm whether TEAS/HESI applies and register only after verifying with admissions—many SJC pages do not list a public cutoff.
- Draft questions for nursing@sjcme.edu (undergraduate) or onlineadmissions@sjcme.edu (online graduate/ABSN).
- Open the latest Maine BON NCLEX PDF for Saint Joseph’s College and note cohort sizes.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (especially for ABSN or graduate applicants) with concrete clinical or service examples.
- Calendar Nov. 15 Early Action if you are pursuing the on-campus BSN, or rolling deadlines for online tracks.
- File the FAFSA and send your SAI to SJC financial aid (finaid@sjcme.edu) so merit and need-based packaging can be estimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Joseph’s College of Maine a good school for nursing?
The Department of Nursing is CCNE-accredited for the BSN, MSN, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, and the pre-licensure BSN is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Maine’s 2025 pass-rate PDF shows an 8/13 (61.54%) outcome row for the BSN program—compare that regulatory snapshot with the college’s own historical marketing (e.g., the 2021 90.63% figure on the BSN page). Confirm current data with SJC and the Board.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine?
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing January–December 2025 PDF, Saint Joseph’s College (BSN) lists 13 candidates with 8 passing, reported as 61.54%. The school’s BSN page separately cites 2021 at 90.63%. Always read the Board PDF for the year you care about.
Does Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is delivered as Accelerated BSN Online via SJC Online (online/hybrid). It targets career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Is Saint Joseph’s College of Maine accepting RN-to-BSN students right now?
As of the 2026 RN-to-BSN degree page, the college states it is not currently accepting applications for that track. Policies change—confirm with SJC Online Admissions before relying on stale information.
What are the direct-admit requirements for the on-campus BSN at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine?
Published benchmarks: 3.0+ high school GPA and a college-prep lab science at B or better, or Honors/AP science at C or better. Talk with admissions about pre-nursing or transfer routes if you fall short.
How much is tuition for nursing students at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine?
The campus Paying Your Bill page lists $46,806 annual tuition (2026–27), $16,320 room & board, and a $1,320 per semester Nursing Major & ATI fee. Online program bills differ—use the online costs page for ABSN and MSN.
Where do Saint Joseph’s College of Maine BSN students complete clinicals?
The BSN page names hospitals such as Southern Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Central Maine Medical Center, MidCoast Hospital, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Stephens Memorial Hospital, and Spring Harbor Hospital, plus community agencies. Sites rotate by course.
Does Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offer RN-to-MSN online?
Yes. SJC advertises an RN to MSN pathway for licensed RNs; verify specialty options, transfer limits, and any required campus immersions with graduate advisers.
What graduate nursing degrees does Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offer?
MSN tracks span Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, dual MSN/MBA and MSN/MHA degrees, plus post-master’s APRN certificates—per the Nursing Programs marketing hub.
References
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine — Nursing Programssjcme.edu/sjcnursing
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine — Nursing, BSN (on campus)sjcme.edu/…/bs-nursing
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine — Paying Your Bill (2026–2027 costs)sjcme.edu/…/paying-your-bill
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine — Quick Factssjcme.edu/about-us/why-sjc/quick-facts
- Maine State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass-rate PDF indexmaine.gov/boardofnursing/education/nclex-pass-rates.html
- Maine State Board of Nursing — NCLEX Pass Rates Jan thru Dec 2025 (PDF)2025 PDF
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing — Maine contactncsbn.org/bon-member-details/Maine
- 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 program-list accuracy (SJC marketing pages), CCNE/Maine BON disclosures, 2026–27 tuition figures from Student Accounts, and NCLEX percentages as published in Maine’s January–December 2025 PDF.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy