The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s doctorate of nursing practice program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, affirming the program’s commitment to academic excellence, quality nursing education, and preparing advanced practice nurses to meet the evolving needs of healthcare.
The educational group’s board of commissioners granted accreditation for five years, extending through June 30, 2031. The accreditation action is effective retroactively to Oct. 20, 2025, the first day of the program’s recent commission on-site evaluation. The next on-site evaluation is scheduled for fall 2030.
The doctorate program welcomed its first cohort of students in fall 2024 and is the first doctoral program offered by the university.
Delivered 100 percent online, the program includes 1,000 required clinical hours and prepares practicing nurses to develop advanced clinical, leadership and decision-making skills needed to lead healthcare teams, implement evidence-based practice, improve patient outcomes and influence healthcare policy.
Students may choose from three tracks. Nurse practitioners may pursue the clinical track. Nurse practitioners and nurses with a graduate degree, from any specialty, may pursue the administration or nursing education track.
The doctorate in nursing practice is a terminal degree in the nursing profession and represents the highest level of clinical nursing education.
UMFK’s post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate program also received accreditation for five years.
During its review, the commission’s board determined that both programs substantially complied with all four of their accreditation standards, which evaluate areas including program quality, institutional commitment, curriculum and teaching practices, and student achievement.
“Earning accreditation from CCNE is a significant milestone for our doctorate of nursing practice and postgraduate APRN certificate programs,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our nursing faculty and their commitment to providing high-quality education that prepares advanced practice nurses to serve their communities and make a meaningful impact on healthcare.”
UMFK’s program builds upon its longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education and provides nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes, lead health care initiatives, and address complex health care challenges.
“This accreditation validates the quality of our curriculum, our faculty expertise, and the exceptional learning experience we provide for our students,” said UMFK Dean of Nursing Erin Soucy. “Our DNP and postgraduate APRN certificate programs are designed to support nurses who want to advance their careers while contributing to improved health outcomes across Maine and beyond.”
The accreditation process includes a comprehensive evaluation of nursing programs against nationally recognized standards. Accreditation provides assurance to students, employers, and the public that a program meets established expectations for educational quality and effectiveness.
The Fort Kent university offers flexible nursing pathways designed to meet the needs of working professionals, including online options that allow students to continue their careers while pursuing advanced degrees, such as the master of science in nursing or doctorate programs.
For more information, visit umfk.edu.
