Nursing

The University of Maine at Machias (UMaine Machias) offers two nursing education opportunities: The Machias Nursing Pathways and the Downeast Nursing track. Launched in 2022, the Machias Nursing program enables students to complete the standard two-semester sequence at UMaine Machias. Once they complete those semesters and satisfy the state’s nursing education progression standards, they may move directly into the bachelor of science in nursing degree program in Orono at the University of Maine.

Launched in 2024, the Downeast Nursing track will allow UMaine Machias students residing on campus or in the region to earn a four-year nursing degree from UMA while conducting nearly all of their studies on the Machias campus or online. Given the deliberate structure of coursework, participating students will earn two fully accredited four-year degrees simultaneously: a bachelor of nursing degree from UMA and a bachelor of college studies degree from UMaine Machias.

Nursing Pathways Downeast Nursing Track Contact Us

Nursing Pathways Program

The UMaine Machias Nursing Pathway program is a great way to become a nurse. The program combines the close-knit, student-centered academic experience provided by UMaine Machias, the regional campus of the University of Maine (UMaine), with the outstanding nursing curriculum offered by UMaine’s nationally ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program (BSN).

Program Details

Why Choose the Nursing Pathway Program at UMaine Machias?

Start your college career and complete foundational science and general education courses on a small campus with one-on-one faculty advising and a supportive academic community.
Develop a strong academic foundation at UMaine Machias to prepare for UMaine’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Small class sizes and individual attention continue during the 7 semesters of the program at UMaine – students complete 100 hours of hands on skill development and simulation with lab experience (capped at 10 students per 1 instructor) and 750 hours of direct care clinical experience in a range of health care settings (capped at 8 students per instructor).
UMaine’s BSN program is ranked 78 out of 690 Nursing programs by US News and World Report, putting it in the top 11% in the nation.
UMaine’s program has a 95% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

Downeast Nursing Track

Earn a dual degree in College Studies and Nursing with UMaine Machias and University of Maine at Augusta. Designed for those interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) while living and working in the Downeast Region, the Downeast Nursing Track allows students to simultaneously complete their BSN and a liberal arts college studies degree.

Built with flexibility in mind, in-person and online courses will be offered through UMaine Machias for liberal arts courses. Nursing- specific training will be offered through UMA online and in clinical training at the Ellsworth Center Nursing Simulation Lab.

Read more

How it works

Students in the Downeast Nursing Track will complete two degrees at the same time: a Bachelor of College Studies through UMaine Machias, and a BSN through UMA.

UMaine Machias courses are offered in-person and online, allowing for flexible scheduling.
Third and forth year labs can be completed at UMA’s Ellsworth Center Nursing Simulation Lab
Clinical training will be offered at Downeast Community Hospital (Machias) and Calais Community Hospital (Calais).

Who it’s right for

Working adults pursuing a four-year BSN degree
High school grads wanting to join the medical field in the Downeast Region

Contact Us

Nursing Pathway

Ellen Hostert

Professor of Biology

UMaine Machias Nursing Pathway Advisor

207.255.1301

ehostert@maine.edu

Downeast Nursing Track

William Otto

Professor of Chemistry

207.255.1345

william.otto@maine.edu