Slated to begin fall 2021, the academically rigorous program is a 4-year pre-licensure track. It will prepare students with skills in clinical practice, communication, critical thinking and writing, research, and leadership. The deadline for applications to the program is January 31, 2021.

“We are so proud to be partners with the Âé¶čAPP in the development of this collaborative program that will not only provide a Farmington cohort of students with the educational preparation to become practicing nurses but also give them the in-depth skills to help them advance within the nursing profession,” said Edward Serna, UMF president.

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Maine Augusta, which is rapidly becoming the preferred educational credential for the profession. This program will prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and enter the field as registered nurses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections for 2019-2029, Registered Nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2029.

Students will be enrolled by UMA, but enjoy the residential college experience of living and learning on the UMF campus as they prepare to be qualified nursing professionals. The UMF / UMA Nursing Partnership will enroll an initial cohort of 16-19 nursing students in the already established UMA nursing program with a new cohort every year during the first four years.

“We are excited to collaborate with UMF in meeting the high demand for nursing professionals in Maine,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke.

At Farmington, students will build a foundation of knowledge in science, humanities, and related professional disciplines provided by UMF’s rich diversity of General Education and non-Gen Ed course work.

At UMA, students will focus on nursing coursework and clinical application in both laboratory and health care settings. All Nursing core instruction will be provided by Âé¶čAPP quality baccalaureate Nursing Education Program through online and synchronous distance modalities and through in-person laboratory learning. Students will engage in clinical learning via simulated experiences and supervised practice in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings to fulfill their clinical course requirements.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from UMA. The UMA Nursing Program is accredited by the (ACEN).

“This exciting and innovative partnership is a tremendous step forward for healthcare and education in Franklin County and the surrounding area and is compounded by the current pandemic. This incubator for nurses will be a welcome addition to the already exceptional educational programs that the University of Maine-Farmington offers to its students, and Franklin Community Health Network looks forward to working with UMF to strengthen education and healthcare for years to come,” said Trampas Hutches, president of the Franklin Community Health Network.

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally-recognized liberal arts college known for its commitment to student success, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for engaged citizenship, enriching professional careers and an enduring love of learning.

More on Âé¶čAPP

UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.

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Image provided: UMA Nursing student and faculty member in the UMA simulation lab. Photo Courtesy of UMA.

UMA plays an important role locally in bringing higher education opportunities to those in the Rumford area through the UMA Rumford Center. Attending UMA through the UMA Rumford Center allows area residents to pursue a degree close to home thereby maintaining work and family obligations.

As part of his remarks, Vice President Henry will give an overview of the workforce development efforts by the University of Maine System, including a recent initiative to expand nursing programs across the state, and including at the UMA Rumford Center. The five-year seeks to double nursing enrollment and bring new nursing programs to the regions of Maine with the most urgent need to replace retiring nurses.

Vice President Henry will also explain how this effort to increase the nursing workforce will be aided by the successful passage of Question 4, the University of Maine System’s on the November 6 ballot. This $49 million bond will fund critically important investments that support student success, prepare UMS graduates for great careers right here in Maine, and assist employers in filling critical jobs essential to growing their businesses and our state economy.

Additionally, the Pine Tree State Pledge program, unveiled last year at UMA, provides opportunities for Pell grant eligible students to attend UMA for zero tuition. The Pine Tree State Pledge program is open to all first-time, full-time students, as well as full-time and part-time transfer students, and removes a financial barrier for those who might seek to pursue a degree, including a nursing degree, close to home.