The University of Maine is launching two doctoral nursing programs amid the state’s growing demand for nurses and rural primary healthcare.

The programs are a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The former is a research-focused Ph.D. and the first of its kind in the state and in northern New England, while the latter will replace the university’s existing family nurse practitioner track to align with national standards.

“These programs create new opportunities for nurses to pursue doctoral education without leaving Maine, while also expanding access for nurses in neighboring states such as New Hampshire and Vermont, where doctoral nursing education options remain limited,” said Kathryn Robinson, director of UMaine’s School of Nursing.

The programs will include coursework in nursing science, advanced statistics, research methods, grant writing and dissertation research. 

Advance practice nurses can provide primary care and fill critical gaps in rural medical access. Experts say addressing Maine’s primary care crisis depends on growing the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Maine employed more than 1,600 nurse practitioners in 2024, and demand is projected to continue growing over the next decade, according to UMaine.

Provost Gabriel Paquette said that in order to address the state’s demand for nurses, especially in rural and underserved areas, the university system must grow enrollment in its nursing programs.

“That expansion requires more faculty members with Ph.D. credentials,” he said in a statement. “At the same time, healthcare systems need more doctoral-level advanced practice nurses and clinical leaders. These programs will address both needs.”

Startup funding for the degrees comes from a $3 million federal grant that U.S. Sen. Susan Collins secured in 2024.

The university expects to begin enrolling students in the programs in 2027.