The University of Maine will offer two new doctoral nursing programs in 2027 as health care providers face ongoing shortages of nurse educators and advanced practice nurses in Maine and across the country.
The University of Maine System Board of Trustees approved a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing program and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a concentration in family nursing practice.
The programs are designed for working professionals and include coursework in research methods, statistics, grant writing and nursing science.
“To meet Maine’s current and growing demand for nurses, particularly in rural and underserved communities, we must expand enrollment in undergraduate nursing programs across the University of Maine System,” said Gabriel Paquette, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “That expansion requires more faculty members with Ph.D. credentials. At the same time, healthcare systems need more doctoral-level advanced practice nurses and clinical leaders. These programs will address both needs.”
University officials said the programs are intended to help address workforce shortages by training researchers, educators, and advanced practice nurses. The Ph.D. programs will be the first research-focused doctoral nursing programs offered in northern New England.
The Doctor of Nursing programs will replace the university’s existing family nurse practitioner master’s track with a doctoral degree.
Startup funding for the programs is being provided through a one-time Congressionally Directed Spending award secured by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
University President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said the programs will expand nursing education opportunities and help strengthen Maine’s health care workforce.
Health care organizations supporting the programs include the Jackson Laboratory, MaineHealth, Northern Light Health, Penobscot Community Health Care and St. Joseph Hospital.
