The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, which was delivered at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, saw a successful inaugural year.

As part of a continuing effort, officials are addressing a statewide nursing shortage by doubling the number of available slots in the program for Fall of 2019. This expansion in the nursing program is part of the UMaine system's commitment to double enrollment over the next five years to address a projected shortage of 2700 vacancies by 2025.

This unique partnership between UMPI and UMFK, allows students to complete all four years of the UMFK BSN degree on the UMPI campus. Students start out as UMPI students the first half of the program and end the second half as UMFK students. UMFK faculty deliver the courses on the UMPI campus, but they receive a UMFK degree on graduating.

In its inaugural year, 16 students took advantage of the BSN program on the UMPI campus. The program was designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to travel to Fort Kent to get the BSN degree because of work or family responsibilities.

Stacy Thibodeau, UMFK Assistant Professor of Nursing who delivers Nursing classes on the UMPI campus, said they were pleased with how ell the first year went. “While the number of available slots has been expanded to 32, they have been filling quickly, so we definitely encourage people to apply early.”

Area residents interested in a local career in nursing can contact the UMPI Admissions Office at 207-768-9532 or umpi-admissions@maine.edu.

 

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