Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Nursing Program Review
Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) of Maine is a private, Roman Catholic college founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy. The College provides a liberal arts education and welcomes students of all faiths and ages. There are about 1000 students enrolled on campus, and another 2000 that reside throughout the United States and in other countries who are taking online graduate and professional studies programs. The College offers over 40 majors and minors, and the average class size is just 17 students.
The campus is located on the shore of Lake Sebago, about 18 miles away from Portland, Maine’s largest city, and just two hours away from Boston.
Saint Joseph’s is a member of International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), and students have the opportunity to study at 265 colleges in 37 different countries.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN program prepares students to practice professional nursing. In this four year program, students start nursing courses during their first year of study and begin taking hands-on clinical courses in their second year. After graduation, they will earn a Bachelor of Science degree, and be able to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The nursing program at Saint Joseph’s is competitive, and enrolls a limited number of students each year. Admission is based on a combination of the student’s high school curriculum, grades, SAT scores, and having grades of C or higher in high school Biology and Chemistry with labs. Students must also meet the entrance requirements for the College.
Students in this program must earn a C+ or better in all nursing courses, and a C- or higher in all science courses, to be able to continue. If they receive a grade below C+ in a nursing class, they will be required to retake the class before they may continue on in the program. If they do not earn a C+ the second time, they will be dismissed from the program.
The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has been approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Senior Nursing Internship
This is a senior level nursing internship course at Saint John’s. It provides an important step in the transition from nursing student to professional nurse.
This 150-hour intensive clinical program gives students a chance to gain experience in an area of practice that interests them. Students will work one on one with a preceptor to learn the role of the professional nurse.
Preceptors for this course will earn 10 continuing education credits.
Department of Nursing Professional Organizations
Students have the opportunity to join professional organizations to develop their nursing and leadership skills. Here are the organizations available to students:
- Sigma Theta Tau International – the Honor Society of Nursing, membership is by invitation only. The local chapter is Kappa Zeta-at-Large.
- American Nursing Association of Maine (ANA of Maine) – a member of national American Nursing Association, this organization has a national network of member nurses who are influential in the profession.
- Organization of Maine Nurse Executives (OMNE) – represents nurse leaders throughout the profession.
Contact:
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Road,
Standish, ME 04084
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