

Division of Graduate & Professional Studies
278 Whites Bridge Road
Standish, ME 04084
Distance Education/Online Nursing Degrees
The Department of Nursing, through the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies, has offered nationally accredited nursing degrees through distance learning for 20 years. Programs are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. We recognize that most nurses must continue their education while holding a full-time position in nursing while shouldering the many other personal responsibilities and demands of adult life.
Our flexible nursing programs offer you an opportunity to complete your degree requirements through online course enrollments, transfer credits, and challenge examinations. We know that you need to be in control of your schedule so flexibility is built in and progression is self-paced. A supportive staff guides you through the process from initial application and enrollment to graduation and commencement.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN, RN to MSN)
Whether seeking mastery of advanced skills or completing your bachelor's degree, take advantage of our strong history and tradition in nursing education.
"Distance education was the only way I could have reached my goal of obtaining my BSN while still supporting and raising my boys. I was at home, but I was in school. I was doing homework right along with them. What a good example for them to see!"
This RN-to-BSN degree completion is designed for both diploma and associate degree registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor's degree.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- More than 20 years providing RN-BSN education
- Qualified faculty who are experts in their field
- Self-paced learning
- Degree Completion for AD Nurses who can transfer from 65 to 90 credits
- Receive from 30-90 credits for prior nursing education for Diploma Nurses
- RN-MSN option available to students who have completed 300-level nursing courses
Master of Science in Nursing (Online)
This online MSN curriculum includes theory, public policy, research, informative, leadership and ethics. The MSN degree prepares you for nursing roles in education or administration. You will acquire in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in your area of specialization, either nursing administration or nursing education.
MSN Highlights
- Course content in the administration specialization includes advanced administration, contemporary issues in nursing administration, strategic planning, financial management and quality performance.
- Course content in the education specialization includes curriculum development, didactic and clinical teaching methods, evaluation in nursing education, and population-focused care.
- Flexible online format allows you to work at your own pace and schedule
- Courses blend content with your professional experience, allowing for immediate application in your work setting.
- No on-campus residency required; optional two-week summer sessions on our Maine lakeside campus to accelerate degree.
- Flexible program allows you to accelerate your studies through on-campus classes and challenge examinations.
- Faculty with current knowledge and experience in the field of nursing will work one-on-one with you to ensure your success.
- Students can arrange for precept application experiences in their own locale.
- Program fits nurses with a BSN degree or RNs with other baccalaureate degrees. But RN to MSN option is available to nurses who have completed 300-level nursing courses.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a Catholic, liberal arts institution providing education for men and women of all faiths and ages. Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, it is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. The physical campus is located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish Maine, a half-hour from Portland and two hours north of Boston. The virtual campus is available worldwide, 24/7 through your nearest Internet connection!
Through its distance education offerings, the College is recognized as one of the earliest providers of accredited degree programs for working professionals. In 1976, Saint Joseph's introduced distance education to serve the needs of busy adult learners who wanted to earn a quality education through off-campus study. Since then, over 9,000 adult learners from 50 states and 22 countries have earned their degrees from Saint Joseph's. The technology has changed, but our commitment to adult students has never wavered.

