How is the nursing program at UMA

JPine · Jan 19, 2006

Hi,
I was wondering what the nursing program is like at UMA. I was thinking of applying there. Just wanted to know some info before I apply!

Oh boy... where to begin. I attended UMA. The program is definitely good. Out of the 13 RN programs in Maine UMA's Nclex rate is usually number 5,6 or 7 from the top. However, the program used to be great 4 or 5 years ago. Several of the seasoned faculty members have since retired or have gotten PhD's and left to teach in Bachelor's programs and have been replaced with a few who have not yet found their footing in the program. student's poor grades in their classes are a reflection of their inexperience.

Now, about grades. UMA students have some of the worst collective grades. I've spoken to many people from other programs and average grades in their programs were between 82 and 90. In recent years I've heard the class average for test grades have been anywhere from 77 to 84; not spectacular, and their attrition rate has also increased. One thing I really didn't care for was UMA's lack of frequent testing. 9 credit class = four tests and one paper. No quizzes and no projects. Also an 82 = a C+ and not a B- The only other Maine school to do that is CMMC in Lewiston, as far as I know. This could be a problem if you ever decide to apply for a Master's.

UMA is far from the only school to teach "old school" clinicals. By this I mean that they love their bed baths (I hear St. Joseph's and Orono are the same way). Nothing is holier than the almighty bed bath. While KVCC students are busy honing their nursing skills and delegating basic patient care to CNAs... UMA students are being quizzed about the damn bed bath. I have to say that I have heard that there are two new clinical instructors that don't do this and allow you to do nursing skills.

They have also changed their grading proceedures 4 times in the last 4 years in an effort to weed out potential Nclex failers, but their Nclex rate hasn't budged.

Bottom line is... UMA IS a good nursing school, but it could be a lot better. KVCC is only about 18 miles away and is half the price. That's something to think about. St. Joseph's and University of Southern Maine - both Bachelor's programs- are the best IMO.