The goals of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study programs are to prepare students to:

• Lead schools, programs, and classrooms in a humanistic, caring manner.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical decision-making.
• Meet the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL):
  • Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Core Values
  • Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms
  • Standard 3: Equity and Cultural Responsiveness
  • Standard 4: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Standard 5: Community of Care and Support for Students
  • Standard 6: Professional Capacity of School Personnel
  • Standard 7: Professional Community for Teachers and Staff
  • Standard 8: Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community
  • Standard 9: Operations and Management
  • Standard 10: School Improvement

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

The University of New England offers a thirty (30)-credit certificate program that allows students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their education careers.

Thirty (30) Credit Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study

Select any ten (10) of the electives listed below. Students also have the option to add EDU 791/792 – Internship I and II to the curriculum.

At the discretion of the program, students may be awarded a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) if they have successfully completed thirty (30) credits or more of 800-level courses within the Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the University of New England.

Note: this CAGS is not an approved program for administrative certification in Maine. For UNE's approved administrator preparation program see CAGS: Advanced Educational Leadership. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Electives

With prior approval, students can take up to three (3) interprofessional courses within the College of Professional Studies.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term, and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one (1) of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (This also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Post-Masters Certificate or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or by administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Financial Aid

Gainful Employment Program Disclosure (PDF)

Students will learn to:

• Apply research results to leadership decisions.
• Describe the requirements of the PSEL standards.
• Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about school administration.
• Exhibit leadership skills in an actual school administrative setting.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. 

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Director. Course(s) must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Be completed after master’s degree conferral.
• Be taken at a regionally accredited institution.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into the Post Master’s Certificate or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study — Advanced Educational Leadership programs or any other program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to regularly access an environment where you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement / Writing Sample.
• Two (2) professional/academic references.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please view the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program website.

Policy Exceptions

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program and the CAGS Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

MISSION OF THE DOCTOR of CLINICAL NUTRITION 

The mission of the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to be scholar-practitioners with advanced skills and competence to lead the integration of evidence-informed healthcare services, critical thinking, and/or research in professional settings.

Regional Accreditation

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) is a professional practice doctorate that prepares Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to competitively progress in their careers and excel in positions of advanced nutrition practice, practice-based research, and leadership in healthcare and academia. The DCN integrates and applies critical thinking, nutrition practice, scholarship, leadership skills, and educational theory to practice. There is an emphasis on the provision of evidence-based nutrition services, scientific inquiry and research, adaptive and responsible leadership, higher education administration, advocacy and innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. Students engage in practice-based research throughout the program, and there are multiple opportunities for students to produce publication-worthy manuscripts.

The program culminates in students completing three-hundred and twenty (320) hours of an advanced practice residency and a doctoral research project which are individualized to the student’s professional goals.

DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION PROGRAM GOALS

1. Provide safe, ethical, equitable, and culturally relevant evidence-based healthcare, education, and community services.
2. Lead integration of evidence-informed best practices, critical thinking and/or research in professional settings.
3. Model leadership and management skills in organizational, healthcare, and academic settings.
4. Work collaboratively in interprofessional settings to provide comprehensive approaches to healthcare services and education.

OBJECTIVES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS OF THE DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 

Graduates of the UNE Doctor of Clinical Nutrition will:

1. Apply adaptive and responsive leadership skills in healthcare, higher education, and community settings (depending on student focus area).
2. Apply evidence-informed approaches when generating, appraising, and utilizing research.
3. Lead the provision of safe, ethical, and evidence-based healthcare, higher education, and community services.

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via UNE Compass. Please see the Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office. 

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form (PDF) online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

READMISSION

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program. Previously completed Advanced Practice Residency hours and Research Practicum may not be accepted for credit in the program and may need to be repeated.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not recur. The letter should be attached to the application portal.

TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION

A student who has not completed the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop-out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned.

However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning). 

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the enrollment and retention counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans; stop-out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. The appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Professional Studies Student Handbook.

ETHICS AND CREDENTIALING

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession outlines explicit principles and ethical standards for professional conduct as a nutrition and dietetics practitioner. All students are required to acquire their own copy of the Academy/CDR Code of Ethics and are subsequently responsible for reading, understanding, and following all principles and standards as outlined.

Students must maintain current credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (or international equivalent) for the duration of program enrollment. Students whose credentials lapse or who are subject to an action or decision by the Academy or CDR (or equivalent international credentialing agency) may be subject to disciplinary procedures or dismissal from the program.

STUDENT ACCESS CENTER

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program.
To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education. 

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

The DCN program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

See Online Admissions for more information.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the UNE College of Dental Medicine is to improve the health of Northern New England as well as rural and underserved areas while shaping the future of dentistry through excellence in education, discovery, and service.

The D.M.D. degree is awarded after successful completion of four (4) years of professional study in the College of Dental Medicine. The College seeks to matriculate compassionate students who demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, social responsibility, and professionalism. Students are treated as members of the profession and supported in a learner-centered environment grounded in trust, collegiality, and high ethical standards. The College is committed to providing a safe and effective environment in which students can learn; apply knowledge; develop skills and values; provide comprehensive, person-centered, evidence-based care; and develop to the level of an independent, competent oral health care provider. 

The first two (2) years of the curriculum focus on extensive hands-on dental simulation experience, beginning in the very first semester of the program, as well as integrated biomedical sciences and dental sciences content. Students work closely with faculty and peers to acquire foundational biomedical knowledge in the context of its clinical application. Critical thinking skills are emphasized as students learn how to access and evaluate information, including the latest scientific research, as well as how to use that information to provide evidence-based care to their patients. Interested students are also provided opportunities to conduct oral health research under the guidance of faculty mentors. What’s more, our program educates students on the business side of dentistry, including practice management concepts and leadership skills, and we emphasize the importance of self-assessment and lifelong learning to personal and professional growth. 

Students engage in clinical experiences across all four (4) years of the program, commencing during the first semester of the program primarily through peer-to-peer experiences. During the second year, students begin to provide limited patient care in the Oral Health Center on UNE’s Portland campus, and they gradually progress to providing comprehensive patient care, which continues during the third year. Throughout their clinical experiences, students practice as associates in a group practice led by clinical faculty mentors and provide patient-centered care commensurate with their individual level of education and training. The fourth year of the program focuses on clinical practice both at the UNE Oral Health Center and at community-based clinical sites across Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island) and beyond. Each fourth-year student is required to complete a ten (10)- to twelve (12)-week externship rotation at one (1) of these sites, which include Federally Qualified Health Centers, non-profit clinics, private practices, etc. 

Public health is an essential component of our curriculum, and our students frequently discuss issues related to access to care and health policy. Throughout the four (4)-year program, D.M.D. students participate in service-learning experiences, such as school-based programs aimed at preventing childhood caries; conducting oral assessments for individuals with developmental challenges; and delivering oral health education to older adults at long-term care facilities. These experiences are designed to prepare new graduates with the skills needed to address access to dental care for society’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. The College also provides opportunities for dental students to learn and work with students of other health professions at UNE. Through these experiences, our students grow to appreciate the value of interprofessional communication and collaboration in delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to their patients. 

Ultimately, our graduates will be ethical, caring, competent oral health care providers who will improve the oral health, overall health, and quality of life of people in their communities.

The College of Dental Medicine is fully accredited by CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

*The purpose of the catalog is to provide a comprehensive list of required courses. The College of Dental Medicine can provide a degree map listing which courses should be taken in each stage of this timeline.

The D.M.D. curriculum is Pass/Fail. Students must earn a Pass for every course to earn the D.M.D. degree.

Academic Program Standards

Complete confidence in the honor and integrity of the health professions student and health care professional is essential. Such confidence depends entirely on the exemplary behavior of the individual health care provider in their relations with patients, faculty, and colleagues. Strict honesty as a personal way of life should be nurtured during the period of education for professional service. The dental student shall conduct all aspects of their life with honor and integrity. This includes accountability to oneself and to relationships with fellow students, future colleagues, faculty, and patients who come under the student’s care or contribute to their training and growth, as well as members of the general public. This applies to personal conduct that reflects on the student’s honesty and integrity in both academic and non-academic settings, whether or not involving a University-sponsored activity. Upon accepting admission to the University, each student subscribes to and pledges complete observance to the University Conduct Policies as outlined in the University of New England Student Handbook program. A violation of these standards is an abuse of the trust placed in every student and could lead to suspension or dismissal.

Technical Standards

Abilities and Skills

Candidates for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program must have the intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities, with or without accommodations, to acquire the knowledge, technical, and clinical skills needed to successfully complete the curriculum in order to pursue a career in dentistry. The essential academic standards presented in this document are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent Dentist.

Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Students must be able to demonstrate the following abilities and skills with or without reasonable accommodation(s):

Observation

A student must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close up, interpreting non-verbal communications while performing dental operations or administering medications. A student must be able to perform dental examinations and treatments that require the use of sight and touch. A student must be able to see fine detail, focus at a variety of distances, and discern differences and variations in color, shape, and texture that are necessary to differentiate normal and abnormal soft and hard tissues. A student must be able to use tactile senses to diagnose directly by palpation and indirectly by sensations transmitted through instruments. A student must also possess the visual acuity to read charts, records, radiographs, small print, and handwritten notation.

Communication

A student must be able to: communicate effectively and sensitively with patients; convey and exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. A student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with all members of the healthcare team. A student must have sufficient facility with English to: retrieve information from texts and lectures and communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts; elicit patient backgrounds; describe patient changes in moods, activity, and posture; and coordinate patient care with all members of the health care team. A student must be able to communicate in lay language so that patients and their families can understand the patient’s conditions and, thereby, be more likely to comply with treatment and preventative regimes.

Motor, Strength, and Mobility

A student must possess sufficient motor functioning to execute movements essential to providing oral health care to patients. A student must possess the motor skills to perform palpation, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers; basic laboratory tests; and diagnostic and restorative procedures. Such actions require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional uses of the senses of touch and vision. A student must be able to perform basic life support including CPR, to transfer and position patients with disabilities, to physically restrain themselves around the patient and chair in a sitting or standing position. A student must promote and support the ability of coworkers to perform prompt care. A student must be able to operate controls, use high-speed or low-speed dental handpieces for tooth preparation, and use hand instrumentation including scalpels for surgical procedures. A student must be able to maintain strength and posture and to reach and manipulate equipment to all positions in order to control the operating environment.

Sensory

A student must be able to acquire a predetermined level of required information through demonstrations and experiences in basic and dental science courses. Such information includes, but is not limited to, information conveyed through: a) physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations, b) microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states; and c) demonstration of techniques using dental models. A student must be able to acquire information from written documents, and to evaluate information presented as images from paper, films, slides, or video. A student must be able to benefit from electronic and other instrumentation that enhances visual, auditory, and somatic sensations needed for examination or treatment.

Cognitive

A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize. A student must be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. A student must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely manner.

Behavioral and Social

A student must possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual skills, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. A student must be able to endure physically-taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interests, and motivations are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes. A student must be able to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them. A student must be able to interrelate among colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, respect, and nondiscrimination.

Disabilities

Graduates of the D.M.D. program must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical, administrative, and leadership situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine acknowledges and complies with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990, as amended, and requires minimum technical standards be present in students accepted into the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. The college will engage in an interactive process with applicants with disabilities, but the College reserves the right not to matriculate any applicant who cannot meet the technical standards set forth in this section, with reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a student in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program must be able to perform in an independent manner. Every applicant is considered without regard to disability. Once accepted, students must complete all elements of the curriculum with or without reasonable accommodations. In the case of a documented disability, the College must be fully satisfied that the applicant can make progress throughout the curriculum.

Throughout the D.M.D. program, a student will be expected to maintain the technical standards and demonstrate them through their coursework, interaction with peers and faculty, and in their professional experiences. Students who fail to demonstrate the technical standards while in the program will be evaluated and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal) will be taken. Because this expectation is separate from the academic achievement, simply maintaining a passing grade is not sufficient. Additionally, individuals who would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of others are not considered suitable candidates for continued matriculation.

Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of their disability(ies), if any, to the Admissions Committee. However, any applicant with questions about these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss their specific issues(s) with the Student Access Center prior to the interview process. If appropriate, and only upon the request of the applicant, reasonable accommodations will be provided.

When a letter of acceptance to the D.M.D. program is emailed, a web link to the technical standards for completion of the curriculum will be included. Academic and technical standards are also included in the CDM Student Handbook, and students sign a document acknowledging receipt of the Student Handbook during first-year orientation. The provision of or request for an accommodation for a disability is always voluntary for the student. An applicant should be able to evaluate themselves for compliance with these technical standards. In the event that accommodation is requested, the student must submit documentation of disability with the proposed accommodation from a certified specialist to UNE’s Student Access Center. A continuing student who develops a disability should request accommodations based on the limitations of the disability through the Student Access Center. Individuals unable to meet the technical standards for the D.M.D. program may be unable to progress and/or complete the D.M.D. program.

The College’s Admissions Committee will consider the applicant based on the criteria for admission of all applicants. An applicant who discloses a disability and requests accommodation in the admission process may be required to submit, in writing, the request for accommodation and pertinent supporting documentation. The pertinent information may include a history of accommodations granted previously in other education programs. Request for accommodation may be initiated with UNE’s Student Access Center.

For more information on disabilities and accommodations, please contact the UNE Student Access Center.

Students are governed by the policies published in the catalog year and with the cohort under which they entered. If a student needs to repeat their first year, they will be governed by the policies published under the catalog year, with their new cohort, rather than the policies published in the catalog year their original cohort entered. 

Academic and Professional Standards Committee

The College of Dental Medicine’s Academic and Professional Standards Committee (APSC) is charged with the development, distribution, and implementation of policies to aid in the evaluation of dental student academic, clinical, and professional development. The APSC is responsible for overall review of student progress and making decisions regarding promotion, potential disciplinary and corrective actions, and completion of graduation requirements for each student. The APSC will convene to evaluate student progress at the conclusion of each academic term, generally within fifteen (15) business days. Students who have not successfully maintained academic, clinical, ethical, technical, and/or professional standards will be invited to meet with the APSC to offer additional information for the committee to consider before it makes a decision regarding an appropriate course of action. The APSC shall follow guidelines in full accord with the rules of the University of New England and the requirements of due process. The Dean of the UNE CDM will appoint faculty and staff to the APSC and designate a chair of the committee.

The APSC may also be convened to address a student’s alleged violation(s) of an ethical and/or professional standard, University Conduct Code, or for other circumstances that the Dean (or designee) deems appropriate. The review of the matter by the committee will be afforded due consideration and process as governed by University policy.

Committee Procedures

A student under review by the APSC will be notified in writing of the reason and given the opportunity to meet with the committee at a specified date, time, and location. The student will inform the chair at least one (1) day before the meeting if they wish to be present at the APSC meeting. The student will be afforded at least fifteen (15) minutes, though time allotted may be increased at the discretion of the committee chair. The student may request that the committee consider other sources of information, such as witness testimony or other supporting documents. The student may ask a UNE faculty representative to accompany them to the meeting. The faculty representative cannot address the APSC in any way during the student’s comments, though they may confer with the student. If available, a designee from Graduate and Student Affairs will be present at the meeting should the student need additional consultation. The student and faculty representative will not be present for deliberations; however, the Graduate and Student Affairs designee will participate in the deliberations. The APSC will have an opportunity to review the additional information, if presented, and will then make a final decision. The student will be notified of the decision in writing by the APSC Chair or Dean’s designee. Notification must be either sent by USPS mail or hand-delivered to the student.

Grading Policies

All courses within the curriculum are evaluated as Pass/Fail. Students should refer to the course syllabus for the grading policy specific to each course.

The grade designations on the transcript are:

• Pass (P): Student earned an overall grade of 69.50 and above and met all requirements stated in the course syllabus
• Fail (F): Student earned an overall grade of 69.49 or below or did not meet all requirements stated in the course syllabus
• Incomplete (I): Student has completed a majority of the work in a course but extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control have resulted in the student being unable to finish all required work for issuance of a final grade. Examples of valid extenuating circumstances may include illness, family emergency, or other non-academic and urgent matters. University policy states that all grades of "I" will automatically convert to an "F" after four (4) to six (6) weeks, depending on the duration of the academic term in question.
• Pass (P) with notation “F grade remediated” beneath the course title: Student has completed a course remediation (see Course Remediation)

Letters of Commendation (LOC) are awarded to students achieving superior performance in a course, as determined by the Course Director and outlined in the course syllabus. A student will not be eligible for an LOC in a course they have to remediate or retake. LOCs are not noted on the official transcript.

If a course will permit a student to retake assessments and/or redo assignments while the course is in progress, the syllabus must outline the assessments retake and/or assignments redo criteria and plan.

Official grades are submitted to the Registrar’s Office by Course Directors, at which time the online student records system is updated. Official grade reports and unofficial transcripts will be available on the student records system throughout the academic year. Class rank is not reported on transcripts.

Students must earn a grade of "Pass" in all courses. Students who receive a "Fail" in a course will be reviewed by the APSC. The APSC, after consultation with the Course Director and review of the student’s overall performance in all other UNE CDM courses (concurrent and previous), may decide on one of the following courses of action for the student:

• Remediate the course
• Repeat the course
• Repeat the academic year
• Dismissal from the program

Promotion

Promotion is defined as academic and professional progression from one (1) academic year to the next. The APSC will review student progress and make decisions regarding promotion of each student. Students may be ineligible for progression from one academic year to the next if any of the following apply:

• The student has a grade of "I" or "F" in a required course without an approved course remediation plan
• The student has a grade of "I" or "F" in the remediation of a previously failed course
• The student needs to repeat one (1) or more courses
• Failure to meet or maintain ethical and/or professional standards as outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct found in the Student Handbook
• Failure to meet or maintain technical standards
• Unpaid tuition and fees
• Failure to meet the Integrated National Board Dental Examination Policy found in the Student Handbook

An essential element of the academic program is professionalism. Professionalism will be emphasized throughout the curriculum and is a stand-alone element in determining academic advancement and achievement. Students may be ineligible for progression from one (1) academic year to the next if the student has unprofessional conduct violations.

The end-of-academic-year promotion process does not preclude the APSC from deciding on an adverse action (e.g., dismissal, repeat the year, etc.) as a result of a student review at any other APSC meeting (e.g., mid-year, etc.) if the student has failed to meet or maintain the academic, clinical, technical, ethical, and/or professional standards deemed appropriate by the APSC.

Course Remediation

Remediation is the process for addressing deficiencies in a student’s knowledge, skills, and/or professional behavior. The educational objectives that underlie remedial teaching and evaluation should be the same as the educational objectives that underlie regular courses in the curriculum. Students receiving an “F” grade in a course may be offered a formal course remediation plan developed by the Course Director and approved by the APSC. Alternatively, the Course Director may determine that a student is “not remediable.”

Decisions to allow a student to proceed with remediation of a failed course will be made by the APSC on an individual basis after considering all pertinent circumstances. The APSC will base its decision on the student’s overall performance in all other UNE CDM courses (concurrent and previous) and other considerations after consultation with the student’s faculty advisor/Group Practice Leader, Course Director, Dean (or designee), clinical preceptor, and the student involved, as is appropriate.

Students who are offered the opportunity to remediate a course failure may have a modified academic or clinical schedule, which can lead to a delayed graduation and additional tuition and fees.

Upon the student’s successful completion of a course remediation, a “Pass” will be reported to the Registrar’s Office and become part of the official student transcript, along with the notation “F grade remediated.”

Students will be offered no more than one attempt to remediate a failed course. Failure to earn a passing grade on the course remediation will result in one of the following courses of action for the student:

• Repeat the course
• Repeat the academic year
• Dismissal from the program

The APSC will base its decision on the student’s overall performance in all other UNE CDM courses (concurrent and previous) and other considerations. Grades earned during an attempted remediation of a course will be reviewed critically by the APSC.

Course Repeat

Decisions to allow a student to proceed with repeating a failed course will be made by the APSC on an individual basis after considering all pertinent circumstances. Courses in the CDM program are offered once per year, therefore, the student must wait until the next time the course is offered to repeat the course and will be responsible for all tuition and fees. The APSC will base its decision on the student’s overall performance in all other UNE CDM courses (concurrent and previous) and other considerations after consultation with the student’s Faculty Advisor/Group Practice Leader, Course Director, Dean (or designee), Clinical Preceptor, and the student involved, as is appropriate.

Students who are offered the opportunity to repeat a failed course may have a modified academic or clinical schedule, which can lead to a delayed graduation and additional tuition and fees.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript.

Students will be offered no more than one (1) attempt to repeat a failed course. Failure to earn a passing grade on the course repeat will result in one of the following courses of action for the student:

• Repeat the academic year
• Dismissal from the program

The APSC will base its decision on the student’s overall performance in all other UNE CDM courses (concurrent and previous) and other considerations. Grades earned during an attempted repeat of a course will be reviewed critically by the APSC.

Academic Year Repeat

Students who are required to repeat an academic year must repeat all courses in their entirety. Failure of any course in a repeat year may result in dismissal from the program. A student may not repeat the same academic year more than once.

D.M.D. Program Duration

The D.M.D. program must be completed in a maximum of six (6) years total (one and a half (1.5) times the expected completion period). This is inclusive of Leaves of Absence and repeating an academic year.

Probation or Academic Suspension

Probation is a serious warning that a student’s academic performance or professional conduct must improve in order for the student to continue enrollment at the College of Dental Medicine.

Students may be placed on Probation or Academic Suspension for the following reasons:

• Inadequate academic progress as determined by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee. This includes, but is not limited to, receiving an "F" in any course.
• When required to repeat an academic year for academic reasons.
• Violating the Code of Professional Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Students on probation are expected to remove themselves from all elected officer responsibilities and leadership roles in co-curricular activities associated with the University and/or with professional associations. Students on probation must meet with a faculty member designated by the APSC at least once per month. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the faculty member to arrange these meetings.

The APSC will review all students on academic probation at each end-of-term APSC meeting to consider removal of probation status for those students that have successfully remediated a course failure or improved academic, clinical, or professional performance. Probation status for students found responsible for behavioral, ethical, and/or professional standard violations will be for a specified period of time (up to one (1) academic year per incident). In those cases, probation will expire at the specified date identified in the letter from the Dean (or designee) that specified probationary status.

Students on academic suspension are not registered as an active matriculate and should use this time to remediate the deficiency for which the academic suspension was levied.

Dismissal

The University may require withdrawal at any time it deems necessary to safeguard its standards of scholarship, conduct, and orderly operations. The Dean of the College of Dental Medicine (or designee), after due consideration and process, may dismiss a student at any time before graduation if circumstances of legal, moral, behavior, ethical, professional, health, or academic nature justify such an action. The APSC is charged with reviewing student academic, clinical, ethical, and professional performance. The APSC may decide to dismiss a student in order to satisfy its obligation to maintain student performance standards. A student may be considered for dismissal when, but not limited to, any one (1) or more of the following circumstances apply:

• Received a grade of “Fail” in one or more course(s)
• Received a grade of “Fail” in a remediated course, or for a failure to remediate a course
• Violating the Code of Professional Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook
• Failure to meet or maintain Technical Standards as outlined in the Student Handbook
• Failure to meet the Integrated National Board Dental Examination Policy found in the Student Handbook
• Received a grade of “Fail” in any course during a repeat year

Graduation

To be eligible for graduation, a student must:

• Not be on academic suspension or probation
• Have earned a grade of “Pass” in all required coursework and have no outstanding grades of "I" or "F"
• Meet the Integrated National Board Dental Examination Policy found in the Student Handbook
• Have successfully completed all prescribed academic requirements, including:
  • All courses/modules (including clinical externship)
  • Final Student Progress Review meeting with Group Practice Leader
  • Have demonstrated competency for all UNE CDM Competency Statements
  • Have completed the UNE CDM Graduate Exit Survey
  • Completed and submitted a UNE CDM D.M.D. Graduation Sign-Out Sheet
• Have demonstrated appropriate ethical, professional, and personal conduct, as defined in the UNE Student Handbook and the College of Dental Medicine Academic Standards, thus making it appropriate to award the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine
• March with their class in the graduation ceremony, unless the Dean (or designee) has granted an exception due to unique circumstances
• Have complied with all the legal and financial requirements of the University and College

Extended, Returning, or Repeating Fourth-Year Students

Students who are deficient in meeting expectations at the time of review for graduation will be categorized as follows:

• Extended Fourth-Year Students: Students who will complete all expectations by mid-August of the following academic year and are expected to graduate in August.
• Returning Fourth-Year Students: Students who will complete all expectations by mid-December of the following academic year and are expected to graduate in December.
• Repeating Fourth-Year Students: Students who will complete all expectations within one (1) year of the original graduation date and are expected to graduate in May of the following academic year.

Students with these designations will be responsible for applicable tuition and registration fees. It will be the student’s responsibility to complete the application to graduate. Please consult the UNE Registrar’s website.

Student Appeal Process

Academic Progression Appeal

The APSC is responsible for the review of student academic progress. A student may submit a written appeal of an academic progression decision to the Dean of the College within seven (7) business days of the decision, according to the guidelines in the University Student Handbook. Please refer to the UNE Student Handbook for the detailed policy and process information; it is available online at http://www.une.edu/studentlife/handbook.

A written appeal of an academic progression decision must be delivered to the Dean in writing and must be based on: 1) new evidence that could not have been presented to the academic review officer or committee at the time of the original decision, or 2) procedural errors in the original review process that had a substantial impact on or otherwise prejudiced the original determination. The Dean (or designee) will determine whether grounds are present in the appeal to warrant a review. The appeal is not intended to afford a full rehearing of the case but to serve as a method of reviewing the written content and grounds for appealing as submitted by the student. The Dean (or designee) will inform the student of their decision in writing within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the appeal.

If the Dean (or designee) deems that the appeal would be better addressed by a committee, an appropriate appeal committee will be convened, and a review will be conducted. Unless deadlines have been extended by the Dean (or designee), the final findings and recommendations of the Appeal Review Committee will be forwarded to the Dean (or designee) no later than thirty (30) business days subsequent to the Committee's first meeting. The Dean (or designee) will make a decision and report it to all parties involved within ten (10) working days of receipt of the Committee’s findings and recommendations. The decision of the Dean (or designee) in response to the appeal is final. If an appeal is upheld by the Appeal Review Committee, the matter may be remanded to the APSC for re-opening of the review and reconsideration of the original finding and/or sanction(s).

Grade or Penalty Appeal (Excluding Academic Progression Appeal)

Assignment of Grades

The academic standards for successful completion of a course and assignment of a grade are established by the Course Director and guided by the UNE CDM Academic Guidelines. The Course Director bears the responsibility of ensuring that written academic standards are outlined in the course syllabus that is provided to each student at the beginning of each course. The Course Director assigns final grades based on these published academic standards.

Basis for Appeal

Every effort should be made to resolve a difference over a grade (e.g., grade within a course or a final course grade) or penalty (e.g., exclusion from a course, lab, or clinical experience) on an informal basis through a discussion between the student and the Course Director. It is up to the Course Director’s discretion whether or not to change the grade/penalty after discussion with the student and a review of the circumstances.

If the above informal procedure does not resolve a dispute concerning a grade to the student’s satisfaction, the student may submit a written appeal of the grade or penalty. This appeal mechanism is limited to possible errors in calculating or recording a grade/penalty and to allegations of mistakes or arbitrary or capricious grading. “Arbitrary or capricious” grading means (1) the assignment of a grade/penalty to a student on some basis other than performance in the course; (2) the assignment of a grade/penalty to a student by application of standards different from the standards that were applied to other students in that course; or (3) the assignment of a course grade/penalty based on a substantial and unreasonable departure from the written academic standards for that course.

The appeal mechanism is not intended for review of the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s academic performance. If a student feels the course was poorly designed, they received poor instruction, or students were graded too severely (provided that all the students in the class were graded in the same fashion), these concerns are more appropriately communicated on end-of-semester course evaluations. Furthermore, the appeal mechanism is not to be used to dispute the published academic standards for a course, which are the prerogative of the Course Director under whom the course is administered.

It is the responsibility of the student to substantiate the assertion that an incorrect final grade has been assigned.

Appeals Process

• The first level of the appeal is the academic course from which the grade or penalty was issued. Within five (5) business days after receipt of the grade or penalty in question, the student must request, in writing, a review by the Course Director. The student should then meet with the Course Director to discuss their concerns and to present any evidence that an erroneous or arbitrary or capricious final grade has been assigned. The Course Director should document this meeting and send a follow-up email to the student that outlines the basis for the decision to either uphold or change the grade or penalty.
• If the student's concerns are not resolved through a meeting with the Course Director, the student may submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (ADAA; or designee) within five (5) business days after the receipt of the grade appeal decision from the Course Director (see Student Grade/Penalty Appeal Form). This written appeal must contain information to substantiate the student’s assertion, including a copy of the course syllabus and other pertinent material to support the argument that a grade/penalty change is warranted. The ADAA (or designee) will review the appeal to determine if there were errors made or arbitrary or capricious grading/penalties. If the ADAA believes the aforementioned to be true, they will notify the Course Director and solicit a response. The ADAA (or designee) will then decide to either uphold the grade with stated reasons or recommend a change in grade with stated reasons. A written decision will generally be communicated within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the ADAA (or designee) is final.

Competencies for the New General Dentist

(Adopted from the American Dental Education Association)

(Journal of Dental Education July 2011)

The general dentist is the primary oral health care provider supported by dental specialists, allied dental professionals, and other health care providers. The practice of general dentistry requires a dentist to possess the ability to incorporate understanding, skills, and values in an integrated response to clinical and other professional situations. The competency statements describe the performance of the University of New England College of Dental Medicine graduates as they enter dental practice settings, rather than that of students in individual courses. This document is viewed by the College as dynamic. As the practice of dentistry evolves, the College will revisit its competency statements. 

Domains

• Critical Thinking
• Professionalism
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Health Promotion
• Practice Management and Informatics
• Patient Care
  • Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
  • Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health

1. Critical Thinking

Graduates must be competent to:

1.1. Evaluate and integrate emerging trends in health care as appropriate.
1.2. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
1.3. Evaluate and integrate best research outcomes with clinical expertise and patient values for evidence-based practice.

2. Professionalism

Graduates must be competent to:

2.1. Apply ethical and legal standards in the provision of dental care.
2.2. Practice within one’s scope of competence and consult with or refer to professional colleagues when indicated.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Graduates must be competent to:

3.1. Apply appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
3.2. Apply psychosocial and behavior principles in patient-centered health care.
3.3. Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse populations.

4. Health Promotion

Graduates must be competent to:

4.1. Provide prevention, intervention, and educational strategies.
4.2. Participate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management and health promotion for all patients.
4.3. Recognize and appreciate the need to contribute to the improvement of oral health beyond those served in traditional practice settings.

5. Practice Management and Informatics

Graduates must be competent to:

5.1. Evaluate and apply contemporary and emerging information including clinical and practice management technology resources.
5.2. Evaluate and manage current models of oral health care management and delivery.
5.3. Apply principles of risk management, including informed consent and appropriate record keeping in patient care.
5.4. Demonstrate effective business, financial management, and human resource skills.
5.5. Apply quality assurance, assessment, and improvement concepts.
5.6. Comply with local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA and HIPAA.
5.7. Develop a catastrophe preparedness plan for the dental practice.

6. Patient Care

A. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
Graduates must be competent to:

6.1. Manage the oral health care of the infant, child, adolescent, and adult, as well as the unique needs of women, geriatric, and special needs patients.
6.2. Prevent, identify, and manage trauma, oral diseases, and other disorders.
6.3. Obtain and interpret patient/medical data, including a thorough intra/extra oral examination, and use these findings to accurately assess and manage all patients.
6.4. Select, obtain, and interpret diagnostic images for the individual patient.
6.5. Recognize the manifestations of systemic disease and how the disease and its management may affect the delivery of dental care.
6.6. Formulate a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and/or referral plan for the management of patients.

B. Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health
Graduates must be competent to:

6.7. Utilize universal infection control guidelines for all clinical procedures.
6.8. Prevent, diagnose, and manage pain and anxiety in the dental patient.
6.9. Prevent, diagnose, and manage temporomandibular disorders.
6.10. Prevent, diagnose, and manage periodontal diseases.
6.11. Develop and implement strategies for the clinical assessment and management of caries.
6.12. Manage restorative procedures that preserve tooth structure, replace missing or defective tooth structure, maintain function, are esthetic, and promote soft and hard tissue health.
6.13. Diagnose and manage developmental or acquired occlusal abnormalities.
6.14. Manage the replacement of teeth for the partially or completely edentulous patient.
6.15. Diagnose, identify, and manage pulpal and periradicular diseases.
6.16. Diagnose and manage oral surgical treatment needs.
6.17. Prevent, recognize, and manage medical and dental emergencies.
6.18. Recognize and manage patient abuse and/or neglect.
6.19. Recognize and manage substance abuse.
6.20. Evaluate outcomes of comprehensive dental care.
6.21. Diagnose, identify, and manage oral mucosal and osseous diseases.

Glossary of Terms

Competency: A complex behavior or ability essential for the general dentist to begin independent, unsupervised dental practice; it assumes that all behaviors and skills are performed with a degree of quality consistent with patient well-being and that the general dentist can self-evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Critical thinking: The process of assimilating and analyzing information; this encompasses an interest in finding new solutions, a curiosity with an ability to admit to a lack of understanding, a willingness to examine beliefs and assumptions and to search for evidence to support these beliefs and assumptions, and the ability to distinguish between fact and opinion.

Curriculum guidelines (content): The relevant and fundamental information that is taught for each category of foundation knowledge; these are to be used as curriculum development aids and should not be construed as recommendations for restrictive requirements.

Domain: A broad, critical category of activity for the general dentist.

Emerging technologies: Current and future technologies used in patient care, including technology for biomedical information storage and retrieval, clinical care information, and technologies for use at the point of care.

Evidence-based dentistry: An approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence relating to the patient’s oral and medical condition and history integrated with the dentist’s clinical expertise and the patient’s treatment needs and preferences.

Foundation knowledge and skills: The basic essential knowledge and skills linked to and necessary to support a given competency; these would serve to help guide curriculum in dental schools, assist educators in removing irrelevant, archaic information from current curricula, aid in including important new information, and help test construction committees develop examinations based upon generally accepted, contemporary information.

General dentist: The primary dental care provider for patients in all age groups who is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs.

Health promotion: Public health actions to protect or improve oral health and promote oral well-being through behavioral, educational, and enabling socioeconomic, legal, fiscal, environmental, and social measures; it involves the process of enabling individuals and communities to increase control over the determinants of health and thereby improve their health; includes education of the public to prevent chronic oral disease.

Informatics: Applications associated with information and technology used in health care delivery; the data and knowledge needed for problem solving and decision making; and the administration and management of information and technology in support of patient care, education, and research.

Interprofessional health care: The delivery of health care by a variety of health care practitioners in a cooperative, collaborative, and integrative manner to ensure care is continuous and reliable.

Management: Includes all actions performed by a health care provider that are designed to alter the course of a patient’s condition; such actions may include providing education, advice, treatment by the general dentist, treatment by the general dentist after consultation with another health care professional, referral of a patient to another health care professional, and monitoring the treatment provided; it may also include providing no treatment or observation.

Patient-centered care: The ability to identify, respect, and care about patients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs; relieve pain and suffering; coordinate continuous care; listen to, clearly inform, communicate with, and educate patients; share decision making and management; and continuously advocate disease prevention, wellness, and promotion of healthy lifestyles, including a focus on population health.

Problem-solving: The process of answering a question or achieving a goal when the path or answer is not immediately obvious, using an acceptable heuristic or strategy such as the scientific method.

Special needs care: An approach to oral health management tailored to the individual needs of people with a variety of medical conditions or physical and mental limitations that require more than routine delivery of oral care; special care encompasses preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.

Admissions Requirements

Applicable to the 2025–2026 Application Cycle

Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) 4-year Degree Program

Application

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) participates in the American Dental Education Association Centralized Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

Applicants must have completed a minimum of ninety (90) semester (one-hundred and thirty-five (135) quarter) credits at a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent, at the time of enrollment. However, a baccalaureate degree is preferred.

• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to ADEA AADSAS. Please see the ADEA AADSAS application for additional information and instructions.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

Additional Recommended Courses

• Human Physiology (strongly recommended)
• Immunology (strongly recommended)
• Pharmacology
• Histology
• Public Health
• Ethics
• 3-Dimensional Art (e.g., sculpture)
• Genetics
• Business
• Communications

Other Important Prerequisite Coursework Considerations

• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better ("C minus" grades are not acceptable).
• AP credits cannot be applied toward any prerequisite course.
• Upper-level courses in any of the necessary prerequisite subject areas completed with a grade of "C" or better are acceptable.
• Prerequisite courses may be in progress or planned at the time of application. All courses must be successfully completed with an official transcript submitted to the UNE Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment prior to the start of the program.
• Official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the summer/fall term should be submitted and verified by ADEA AADSAS during the Academic Update period.
• Official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed after the ADEA AADSAS Academic Update periods should be submitted directly from the University's Registrar to UNE’s Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment prior to the start of the program.

All planned or in-progress coursework should be listed on the ADEA AADSAS application at the time of application submission; not doing so may result in the applicant not meeting all admissions requirements.

Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites are acceptable to fulfill prerequisites.

Standardized Tests

The U.S. Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required to be taken for the first time no later than October 1 of the application year. First-attempt exam scores from after the October 1 DAT deadline will not be considered.

• Applicants may choose to take the DAT a second time after October 1 and have those scores considered.
• All official scores must be submitted directly to ADEA AADSAS.
• The DAT must have been taken within five (5) years of the application deadline.

Letters of Evaluation

Two (2) letters of evaluation are required:

• One (1) letter must be from a science instructor/professor.
• It is recommended that the second letter come from a dentist.
• Committee letters are accepted in place of the two (2) required letters.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.
• All letters must be submitted electronically via the ADEA AADSAS application. Letters of recommendation dated within the last three (3) years are strongly preferred.

Volunteer/Experience Hours

Community Service: Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate community service through volunteerism or service-oriented employment.

Clinical Dental Experience: Required minimum of thirty (30) hours of dental shadowing/experience.

• All experiences should be documented in the ADEA AADSAS application.

Personal Statement

Please refer to the ADEA AADSAS application for specific writing prompts and additional information.

Interviews

Interviews are a required part of the application process and are conducted by invitation:

• Applicants are selected for interviews on a rolling basis.
• Interviews are typically conducted between August and December; spring interview sessions may be held as needed.
• The UNE College of Dental Medicine reserves the right to adjust interview dates, modalities, and processes as needed. Applicants will be notified immediately if changes to the format or timing of interviews occur at any point during the application cycle.

Given the normally heavy volume of applications, it is strongly encouraged that candidates submit and complete their AADSAS application as early as possible in the cycle to ensure full consideration for an interview.

Supplemental Fee

Verified applications will undergo a preliminary admission review, after which select applicants will be invited to submit the UNE Dental Medicine supplemental processing fee of fifty-five dollars ($55).

Please be sure to make payment promptly and before the deadline listed in the invitation.

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official course-by-course evaluation by World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The completed credential evaluation should be submitted directly to ADEA AADSAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE-approved English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admissions criteria outlined on the English Language Proficiency webpage for specific information and minimum score requirements.
• Please refer to the ADEA AADSAS application for test score submission instructions.

Other Requirements/Information

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following additional compliance requirements:

• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations).
• All students must have the ability to meet all Academic and Technical Standards of the Dental Medicine profession.
• UNE follows the ADEA AADSAS “traffic” rules. Those offered admission are notified via email beginning on the designated notification date and continuing until the class is full.
• Only those applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be considered for admission. However, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

Policies are established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants to the university and its programs.

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Transfer Credit

No transfer credit granted.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Doctor of Dental Medicine advanced standing track (D.M.D. AST) for International Dentists

The D.M.D. AST is offered on a space-available basis only and may not be open every application cycle. Please visit the UNE CAAPID profile page for current information.

Application

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) participates in the American Dental Education Association Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a dentist's degree from a non-U.S./Canadian dental school.

All applicants must provide a legible, color scanned, official school-issued document confirming the conferred foreign dental degree (B.D.S., D.D.S., D.M.D., Odontology, etc.).

• Documentation must be written in English or translated by a certified U.S. translator service, at the applicant’s expense.
• Submit, through ADEA CAAPID application, original dental school, non-dental school, and all postgraduate program transcripts. For all foreign transcripts, applicants must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Standardized Tests

English-Language Proficiency Tests:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of an English language proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Official score reports are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admissions criteria on the English Language Proficiency webpage for specific information and minimum score requirements.

Additional Tests:

• Passage of INBDE exam (or both NBDE Part I and Part II exams) is mandatory, preferably within the last five (5) years. Official scores must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID.
• Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) results will be accepted if submitted via ADEA CAAPID, but this is not required.

Letters of Evaluation

Three (3) letters of evaluation are required and must be submitted via ADEA CAAPID

Letters of evaluation should be submitted from the following individuals:

• Two (2) letters from administrators at the applicant’s dental school and/or faculty from the applicant’s dental school (Note: It’s recommended that at least one (1) letter come from an individual who can speak to the applicant’s clinical skills).
• One (1) academic or professional reference who can attest to the applicant’s character, conduct, and professional ability.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.
• Three (3) letters of evaluation are required, and no more than four (4) will be accepted. Only letters submitted through ADEA CAAPID will be accepted.

All letters must be written in English, or translated by a certified US translator at the applicant’s expense. The letters must also include the evaluator’s current contact details. Letters of recommendation dated within two (2) years of application are strongly preferred.

Interview and Bench Test

Interviews are conducted by invitation only. Only candidates with completed ADEA CAAPID and supplemental applications will be considered for an interview.

• Interviews for full consideration to the D.M.D. AST include an evaluative interview (virtual or in-person, as determined by UNE CDM), an on-campus bench test, and a written exam and/or writing sample.
• Applicants are invited to interview on a rolling basis at the discretion of the UNE CDM admissions committee.
• The fee to complete the bench test will be $500 and must be received by UNE CDM prior to the bench test date.

Residency Requirement

All applicants must provide proof of US citizenship (US passport, US birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization) or proof of permanent resident status (Green Card), or other appropriate immigration documentation.

• It is the candidate’s responsibility to maintain legal immigration status for the duration of enrollment in the D.M.D. AST program.

Supplemental Fee

All complete applications will undergo preliminary admission review, after which select applicants will be invited to submit the required, non-refundable UNE Dental Medicine supplemental processing fee of $100 in order to continue moving forward in the application review process.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Transfer Credit

No transfer credit granted.

Advanced Standing

Please see application and admissions details above for the D.M.D. Advanced Standing Track (AST) for International Dentists.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The UNE Doctor of Education program is designed to prepare professionals from a variety of fields to develop or enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. Leadership, ethical decision-making, and dissertation preparation are explored with a solid grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of education as a discipline. Graduates of the Ed.D. program become experts in their unique areas of research through the dissertation process.

This program requires completion of fifty-one (51) credits. The program (including dissertation) will be completed entirely online with no residency requirement.

Program Goals

• Provide candidates with a student-centered interdisciplinary program that emphasizes scholarly research of publishable quality and the development of a theoretical framework related to their area of interest and professional goals.
• Examine and bridge the gap between educational theory and its connection to leadership theory, philosophical theory, and scientific theory.
• Afford students the opportunity to be actively engaged in the topic selection and construction of the dissertation throughout the program under the direction of experienced faculty and a carefully selected dissertation committee.
• Promote the use of technology that is educationally effective and academically rigorous.
• Prepare professionals who are future-focused and capable of fostering innovation and change.

*Please see the transfer credit policy below regarding these four (4) courses specifically.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one (1) Low Pass (LP) grade. A second LP (or below) course grade may result in termination from the doctoral program. For those needing to report course completion status to employers, a Pass equates to a B or better.

Program Progression

The UNE Doctor of Education program is designed for students to earn their doctorate by completing fifty-one (51) credits. Those individuals who do not complete the program within this timeframe are afforded the opportunity to continue work on their dissertation by enrolling in a series of one (1)-credit continuation courses that provide continued access to faculty and the full resources of the university provided to all enrolled students and doctoral candidates. This enrollment keeps students in active status and on the path to graduation, increasing the likelihood they will complete the Ed.D. program within the mandatory five (5)-year period.

Students in need of additional coursework to progress into EDU 814-EDU 817 (Dissertation Completion Courses) and EDU 818-EDU 823 (Dissertation Continuation Courses) may be advised to take EDU 850 — Dissertation Apprenticeship or EDU 851 — Dissertation Apprenticeship II. The program will assign a Dissertation Chair to students who have met the minimum program requirements for manuscript chapters 1, 2, and 3. Students may take EDU 850 and EDU 851 only once.

Students who do not complete the Doctor of Education (EdD) program may choose to transfer 800-level course work successfully completed in the Doctor of Education program to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) program.  At the discretion of the program, students may be awarded a CAGS if they have successfully completed thirty (30) credits or more of 800-level courses within the Doctor of Education Program (EdD) program. 

With approval from the program, matriculated students in the Doctor of Education program (EdD) may take up to twelve (12) credits of interprofessional course work offered within the College of Professional Studies, including approved courses within the Master of Education (MSEd) and CAGS programs, to replace elective courses. 

Timeline for Completion

A student who has not completed the Doctor of Education program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

In order to participate in the May hooding and commencement ceremonies, a doctoral student must complete fifty-one (51) credits, defend their dissertation, and have all of their required documents uploaded to the Learning Management System (LMS) no later than the Monday before the end of the Spring B session that precedes the ceremonies.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned Enrollment and Retention Counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or been updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Students who successfully completed EDU 813 — Proposal Capstone II and/or any of the dissertation completion or continuation courses and subsequently stopped out for more than one (1) year will be required to enroll in EDU 850 — Dissertation Apprenticeship or EDU 851 — Dissertation Apprenticeship II as a condition of re-enrollment. 

Readmission

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for re-admission through the reapplication process. The application essay must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and a plan for the successful completion of the program. 

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications).
• Academic failure (see Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress above).

Students will learn to:

• Participate fully and responsibly in supportive learning environments for colleagues in K-12 education, higher education, health, business, and other sectors.
• Use technology for research collaboration and dissertation development (e.g., web/videoconferencing).
• Fully utilize an integrated curriculum that combines elements of each candidate’s program of study into a coherent whole.
• Fully utilize online search tools and databases to identify research studies and other relevant resources.
• Write and successfully defend a dissertation that has been developed throughout the program.

Students who are currently or previously enrolled in a University of New England-College of Professional Studies (UNE-CPS) CAGS or PMC program may, upon acceptance to the Doctor of Education program, apply to transfer up to four (4) UNE-CPS Education courses earned in these programs.

UNE transfer courses should be:

• Taken and completed in a UNE-CPS CAGS or PMC program
• Taken within five (5) years of application
• Worth three (3) credits
• Completed with a grade of B or better

Students who are currently or previously enrolled in a doctoral program at another institution may, upon acceptance to the Doctor of Education program, apply to transfer up to two (2) courses earned in this program.

Non-UNE transfers courses should be:

• Classified as doctoral level earned in a terminal degree program
• Taken at a regionally accredited institution
• Taken within five (5) years of application
• Worth three (3) credits
• Completed with a grade of B or better
• Equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets programmatic goals

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript. For non-University of New England College of Professional Studies courses, students must submit a syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Admission Requirements

• A Master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Application essay/Writing sample
• Two (2) professional/academic references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution

Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Doctor of Education website.

Policy Exceptions

The Doctor of Education program and the Ed.D. Admissions Committee, in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies, reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the School of Nursing is to provide an academic environment that allows students to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. This is accomplished by providing a select group of experienced, graduate-level critical care nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab, and clinical site experiences. UNE's graduate nurse anesthetists develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills, technical skills, and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) in independent practice or within a collaborative anesthesia environment.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, have been providing anesthesia care in the United States of America for over 150 years. Currently, there are approximately 60,000 CRNAs in the United States with more than 2,800 students graduating per year.

CRNAs are anesthesia specialists who safely administer approximately 50 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year. As Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, they serve in a variety of capacities in daily practice, such as a clinician, educator, administrator, manager, and researcher. CRNAs work in the administrative positions of hospitals, academic institutions, and other health care facilities.

• CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients across the lifespan for all types of surgical cases, using all anesthetic techniques. CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from university-based and tertiary medical centers, community hospitals, free-standing surgical facilities, and office-based surgeries. CRNAs deliver anesthesia in traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; critical access hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; ketamine clinics; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, and pain management specialists; and the healthcare facilities of the U.S. military, Public Health Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
• CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in almost 100% of rural hospitals in the United States, affording access to anesthesia care where it would otherwise not be available. CRNAs also provide anesthesia in urban areas.
• CRNAs are qualified and permitted by state law or regulations to practice in every state in the nation. They provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Nurses first provided anesthesia on the battlefields of the American Civil War. During World War I, nurse anesthetists became the predominant providers of anesthesia care to wounded soldiers on the front lines in Europe. Today, CRNAs have full practice authority in every branch of the military and are the primary providers of anesthesia care to U.S. military personnel on front lines, navy ships, and aircraft evacuation teams around the globe.
• The School of Nursing at the University of New England has been involved in nurse anesthesia education since 1970, serving as an academic affiliate for hospital-based certificate nurse anesthesia programs. In 1990, we initiated a program leading to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. In 1993, the UNE MSNA program obtained accreditation from the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and became the sole authority of the education of nurse anesthesia students when the last hospital-based program in Maine closed.
• In 2021, the D.N.P. program was approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs. The first class matriculated in August 2022 and will graduate in August 2025 with a D.N.P./NA degree.

Three-phase program

The University of New England's doctoral program is a front-loaded thirty-six (36)-month three (3)-phase program. On-campus classes are conducted on the historic Westbrook College of Health Professions campus located in the coastal city of Portland.

• Phase I comprises two (2) hybrid didactic semesters that are completed online with one (1) to two (2) on-campus weekends per semester. Courses in these semesters encompass the topics of informatics, leadership, epidemiology, economics, health policy, and fundamentals of anesthesia.
• Phase II encompasses two (2) full-time on-campus semesters of didactic instruction in basic sciences and anesthesia taught by our CRNA and science faculty. During these semesters, state-of-the-art task trainers and simulation labs are utilized to prepare students for the clinical experience. The simulation lab is housed in a multi-million-dollar, high-fidelity center in Innovation Hall on the Portland campus, increasing the quality and number of simulation experiences provided. Students are prepared for the clinical phase of instruction in courses such as physical assessment, pain theory and management, airway management, and the basic principles of anesthesia.
• Phase III of the program comprises clinical training at our hospital affiliates for a period of nineteen (19) months. Didactic instruction continues during the clinical phase through hybrid and on-campus courses in advanced principles of anesthesia, pain management, and research, culminating in a scholarly project. Anesthesia crisis resource management is taught in both lecture and simulation modalities. The School of Nursing has contractual relationships with over thirty-eight (38) hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and offices located in New England and throughout the country, offering our students a varied and diverse clinical education experience. Students are trained in collaborative anesthesia environments as well as in non-medically directed, CRNA-only sites. Each student spends one (1) to two (2) months in a CRNA-only rotation. Students gain experience in all facets and types of anesthesia management, including ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, pain management, invasive monitoring, and pre- and post-anesthesia patient assessment. The average number of clinical hours in the Class of 2023 was 2727, well above the COA minimum of 2000 hours. The average number of cases was 971, exceeding the 650 cases required by the COA.

We encourage professional activities both through didactic courses and require student attendance at state and national AANA meetings. Participation on state association boards and student associations is also highly encouraged. Business concepts are taught, advocacy experiences are encouraged, and all students are members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) from the first month in school.

Research is required with courses occurring over four (4) semesters, culminating in a doctoral scholarly project with posters exhibited at Research Day. Manuscripts are submitted to the UNE Digital Library available to researchers worldwide, or may be submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals.

With successful completion of the thirty-six (36)-month program, students are awarded a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (D.N.P./NA). The graduate is then qualified to take the National Certifying Examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist qualified to practice in all fifty (50) states. To date, 100% of our students have passed the certifying examination in their first- year post-graduation and 100% have successfully obtained employment within six (6) months of graduation.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education through the fall of 2031. The program received the maximum ten (10)-year accreditation designation in the fall of 2021. 

Contact information for the Council on Accreditation:
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
10275 W. Higgins Rd
Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: (224) 275-9130
http://coacrna.org

View the department performance data sheet (PDF)

• The first two (2) semesters are conducted in a hybrid format with coursework online. Students will come to campus one (1) to two (2) weekends per semester for in-person classes.
• During the second two (2) semesters, students will attend classes full-time on the Portland campus. The majority of the basic science and anesthesia didactic courses are offered during this period. Cadaver lab experience is provided during the on-campus semesters. The remaining nineteen (19) months of the program are clinically based, with an emphasis on advanced coursework, clinical training, simulation lab experiences, and completion of a senior research project. All students are required to complete the entire curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and semester GPA of 3.0. The minimum acceptable grade in any course is a B-.
• The purpose of the catalog is to provide a comprehensive list of required courses. The School of Nursing can provide a degree map listing which courses are taken in each stage of this timeline.

Clinical training

Upon completion of the on-campus didactic semesters of the program, the students move on to the nineteen (19)-month clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical experiential anesthesia education. The clinical experience obtained encompasses all areas for the student to achieve clinical competency and required skills in anesthesia. This is accomplished through affiliations at various clinical sites. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) has set minimum standards for clinical experiences that each student must achieve prior to graduation from the program to qualify for the National Certifying Examination. Each student is required to administer a specific number of anesthetics including all techniques, agents, and patients across the lifespan.

All types of anesthesia techniques and the latest agents are available for student learning. Students are able to obtain experience in general anesthetics, intravenous agents, invasive line placement, and regional anesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks including the use of ultrasound. During the clinical phase, more than the required minimum case numbers and clinical hours are obtained. All of the surgical specialties are included, and specialty experiences such as neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, and obstetrics are obtained through clinical rotations. Each student spends two (2) months in a CRNA-only clinical site.

Clinical Affiliates

Please refer to the clinical education website for a list of clinical sites currently utilized by the School of Nursing.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for graduation:

• Satisfactory completion of all didactic and clinical courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Satisfactory completion of clinical experience in case types, numbers, and clinical hours as required by the School of Nursing and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
• Satisfactory completion and fulfillment of stated UNE School of Nursing Student Learning Outcomes.
• Completion of thirty-six (36) actual months in the program, exclusive of probationary time.
• All evaluations must be completed and signed, including University and Program evaluations.
• All clinical cases must be recorded and logged in Medatrax.
• Successful completion of the Scholarly Project.
• All missed clinical days must be made up.
• Submitted proof of professional meeting attendance to include one (1) national and two (2) state or regional meetings during the time in the program for a total of three (3) meetings.
• All fees must be paid in full.
• All library books must be returned.
• Completed exit meeting with Student Financial Services.
• Complete the exit clinical facility surveys.
• Submission of all required program evaluations.
• A current RN license and ACLS, PALS, BLS certifications must be on file.
• Successful completion of the Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE) from the NBCRNA. All students will take the SEE a minimum of two (2) times. The initial SEE will be available during Clinical Practicum III and the program will pay for this test. The second SEE will be taken during Clinical Practicum IV and the student will pay for this test. A benchmark of four-hundred and twenty-five (425) must be reached on the second attempt. Failure to achieve this benchmark will require the student to take the SEE for a third time in the summer semester during Clinical Practicum V.  Failure to meet this benchmark may cause a delay in program completion.

WCHP Academic Policy

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia, the Westbrook College of Health Professions and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality Nurse Anesthesia Education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The program provides learning experiences and didactic knowledge to enable graduates to take the National Certifying Exam and become providers of high-quality anesthesia. Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures (PDF) for a detailed description of academic standards.

Program Completion Timeline

Students are expected to complete thirty-six (36) actual months in the program.

Rules of Conduct while on affiliation at clinical sites

Success in the Nurse Anesthesia profession requires certain behavioral attributes including but not limited to personal commitment and hardiness, self-awareness, resilience, perseverance, empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, personal regard for others, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency situation in a composed manner. Adherence to these attributes requires a high level of maturity and self-control, even in highly stressful situations. During the clinical phase, students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the patient care responsibilities with which they will be entrusted. 

Standards and Expectations:

• The student will not create or contribute to situations that jeopardize patient safety. This includes refraining from engaging in extraneous activities that abandon or minimize vigilance while providing direct patient care (e.g., texting, emailing, etc.).
• The student will follow all policies in the Student Code of Conduct section of the University of New England Handbook. Unethical behavior such as academic dishonesty, falsifying case logs, or medical records is considered a violation of the Program’s standards of conduct.
• The student will respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students. Students are not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter situation. Students should not discuss other students with preceptors. For academic presentations, all identifying data, including name, initials, date of birth, and facility where seen will be omitted.
• The student will not possess, use, copy, or distribute unauthorized hospital records or disclose information contained in such records to unauthorized persons.
• The student will not use, distribute, or possess intoxicating beverages or drugs on hospital premises or report to work under the influence of intoxicants.
• The student will not have unauthorized absences from the Anesthesia Department during regularly scheduled clinical hours.
• The student will not refuse to follow instructions of a duly assigned preceptor and will not refuse to accept a clinical assignment.
• The student will not use vile, intemperate or abusive language, or act in a disrespectful manner to any employee, supervisor, patient, or visitor.
• The student will not engage in any disorderly conduct on hospital premises.
• The student will not create or contribute to unsanitary conditions.
• The student will not commit theft, fraud, or use unauthorized property belonging to the hospital, patients, or visitors.

Failure to adhere to these standards, as noted above, or comply with the Clinical Rotation Policies will result in disciplinary action ranging from a written warning to dismissal from the program (depending upon the violation and the circumstances surrounding the offense).

Clinical Practicum Course Expectations

To successfully complete each clinical practicum course, students must achieve a grade of A or B. Details regarding clinical practicum expectations will be detailed in the Student Handbook and course syllabus. Clinical progression will be monitored during each clinical practicum. If students are not meeting clinical objectives, they will be placed on monitoring or probation. If a student is placed on a thirty (30)-day probationary status, they will continue with the clinical objectives scheduled for that level. The student will communicate with program faculty and clinical faculty to develop a plan based on their clinical evaluations, clinical faculty feedback and/or program faculty findings. The plan will include strategies for the improvement of clinical performance.

At the end of the thirty (30)-day probationary status, the student’s performance will be re-evaluated by the clinical and program faculty. If the student is successful, they will resume their clinical practicum at the same level as their peers and return to good standing. Being placed on probationary status will delay the student's graduation date accordingly. If progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the student will receive an 'F' for the course and be dismissed from the program.

Students may be placed on a second thirty (30)-day probationary period for additional (unresolved or newly identified) performance issues. The process described above would apply to this as well. Students are granted a maximum of two (2) probationary periods not to exceed sixty (60) days total. If additional (newly identified) performance issues continue to occur after a student has been granted two (2) probationary periods, the student will be immediately dismissed.

Essential Technical Standards

Principles

Nurse anesthesia education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills, professional attitudes, and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia faculty have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best-prepared nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program is offered to those who present the highest qualifications. The essential technical standards presented in this document include prerequisites for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately, graduation from the University of New England School of Nursing. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in a progressive order to develop the essential skills and knowledge required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty are committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

It is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthesia education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The School has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem that impairs the student’s ability to meet the School’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations have been made by the School.

Recommendations

• No otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nursing based solely upon a disabling condition.
• Candidates with disabilities applying to the School of Nursing will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
• Matriculation into the School of Nursing assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist candidates with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the candidates in learning, performing, and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the candidate provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the candidate’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
• Reasonable accommodations that facilitate candidate progress will be provided but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nursing, fundamentally alter the program, significantly affect the rights of other candidates, or pose a health or safety risk to any individual including patients.
• The School of Nursing, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled candidates may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the University of New England’s School of Nursing.

Abilities and Skills

A candidate for this program must have abilities and skills of five (5) varieties including observational skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; intellectual skills: conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

Observational Skills

The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences and anesthesia courses including, but not limited to, information conveyed through labs and simulated anesthesia exercises. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in radiographic images and patient monitors. The candidate must have visual and hearing acuity, including use of depth perception and peripheral vision; hearing normal and faint body sounds (blood pressure and heart sounds), and hearing auditory alarms on monitors and anesthesia delivery systems. Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities.

In any case, where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information. The university will provide appropriate reasonable accommodations to foster the student’s ability to meet these standards, so long as the student registers with UNE Student Access Center.

Communication Skills

The candidate must be able to effectively and efficiently communicate using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families, and all members of the health care team. A candidate must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity, and status. The candidate must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

The candidate must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. It is also essential for a candidate to possess the gross motor skills sufficient to provide a full range of safe and effective care to patients. These include the ability to move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders, bend, stoop, squat, stretch, and reach below the waist. Fine motor skills are necessary to perform psychomotor skills such as picking up objects, grasping, pinching with fingers (intubations, manipulating a syringe, starting IVs), twisting, and squeezing.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. In addition, physical endurance and strength are requirements in order to tolerate training during an entire shift (including overtime or call), standing for long periods of time, and sustaining repetitive movements (performing CPR, positive pressure ventilation, etc.). Candidates must be able to provide hands-on patient care such as lifting, pushing, and pulling excessive weight to position patients, pick up and carry children, ambulate patients, and transfer anesthetized patients from stretchers and beds. When transporting patients to patient recovery areas, the candidate is required to move not only the patient's weight but also the heavy bed.

The candidate is required to carry heavy equipment and supplies, sit for long periods of time on stools with and without any back support, twist and turn to visualize monitors and the surgical field, and possess the strength and flexibility to assist in the restraint of combative patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to move quickly to respond to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.

Intellectual Skills: Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities.

Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes

Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.

Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.

Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, self-reflection, emotional intelligence, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates. These competencies identify the knowledge and skills necessary for the competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

• Demonstrate understanding of the peri-anesthetic management of patients based on theory and research evidence learned in the basic sciences, basic principles, and advanced principles of anesthesia practice during the didactic phase of the program.
• Apply theoretical and evidence-based knowledge learned during the didactic phase of the program and demonstrate mastery in the peri-anesthetic management of the patient in the clinical setting to provide individualized, patient-centered, culturally competent, safe care across the lifespan.
• Communicate effectively with all health care professionals, patients, and families in the delivery of culturally competent, ethical, and peri-anesthetic care throughout the anesthesia experience while maintaining patient confidentiality and dignity.
• Demonstrate vigilance and adherence to patient safety principles throughout the anesthetic experience.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability to peers, interprofessional colleagues, and other health care stakeholders throughout the program and peri-anesthetic clinical experiences.
• Demonstrate the ability and understanding to administer anesthesia utilizing all techniques to all physical classes of patients across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate the integration of critical and reflective thinking in the leadership approach while fostering interprofessional collaboration.
• Apply analytical processes in the areas of advocacy, health policy, quality improvement of patient care outcomes, information systems, and business practices to support and improve healthcare delivery systems.

Transfer Credit

No transfer credit will be awarded for prior coursework.

Advanced Standing

No advanced standing track is available.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

application process

• All applicants are required to apply online through Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).
• All verified applications received on or before the application deadline will receive full admission consideration.
• All verified applications undergo preliminary review for minimum admissions requirements and documentation.
• Qualified applicants will move on to full admission review with the faculty admissions committee.
• Highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are done by invitation only.
• UNE communicates all status updates, notifications, and admission decisions via email.

Application 

2025-2026 Application Cycle

Items to submit to NursingCAS:

• Application with application fee.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation.
• Resume.
• Proof of current unencumbered RN license.
• Copies of required certifications/score reports: ACLS, PALS, BLS.
• Proof of satisfactory completion of the Statistics prerequisite course.
• Proof of satisfactory completion of Biochemistry Prerequisite.*

*If you are unsure whether or not a specific biochemistry course will count towards our prerequisite requirement, please submit the UNE Biochemistry Prerequisite Equivalency Form. Your submission will be reviewed and a reply will be sent to you via email within five (5) to seven (7) business days.

Degree Requirement

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Nursing or completion of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in a science-related field of study.

All degrees must have been completed at a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or international equivalent, and all nursing degrees must have been completed at an accredited nursing program, before starting the Nurse Anesthesia program.

Licensure and Certifications

Proof of current unencumbered RN licensure in your home state at the time of application; licensure in the state where clinical experience occurs is obtained after enrollment. Upload copies of all licenses and certifications in NursingCAS.

Certifications Required:

• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certification highly recommended: CCRN and/or other specialty certification (i.e., CEN)

GPA Requirement

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.

Science GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. Preferred science coursework includes biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.

Due to the program’s competitive nature, meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

Experience Hours/Clinical Experience

All applicants are encouraged to shadow a nurse anesthetist for at least one (1) day in the operating room prior to application to more fully understand the commitment involved in studying to become a nurse anesthetist.

• Minimum of eighteen (18) months experience as a critical care nurse. Two (2) or more years is recommended.
• All experience hours must be completed prior to application submission.
• All experience hours must be completed within the United States.

Acceptable areas: ICU, CCU, CVICU, SICU, MICU, NICU, PICU and Neuro ICU*

*Important Note: Emergency Room, Critical Care Transport, Cath Lab, PACU, and OR experiences do not fulfill the critical care experience required to apply.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirement

Biochemistry (3–4 semester credits)

• Must be an upper-division course (300-level or above).
• Community College courses are not acceptable.
• Biochemistry must be completed with a grade of B or better (B minus grade is not acceptable).
• A biochemistry course must have been completed no more than five (5) years prior to the application deadline for the UNE Nurse Anesthesia program.

Statistics (3 semester credits)

• Must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better (C minus grade is not acceptable).

All planned or in-progress coursework should be listed on the NursingCAS application at the time of application submission. Not doing so may result in the applicant not meeting all admissions requirements and therefore may not be eligible for admission review.

All prerequisite coursework must be successfully completed, with an official transcript submitted to NursingCAS no later than the final application deadline.

Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites as well as online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities are acceptable.

Letters of Evaluation

Three (3) letters of evaluation are required, submitted via NursingCAS:

• One letter must be from the immediate acute care nursing supervisor or manager attesting to the total length of time, in years and months that an applicant has worked in the acute care setting as a registered nurse.
• It is recommended that the remaining two (2) letters come from those who can attest to the clinical and professional skills of the applicant.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

Interviews

Interviews are a required part of the application process:

• Qualified applicants will be contacted and invited to interview during the winter/spring months, prior to the fall start of the Nurse Anesthesia program.
• Interviews are done by invitation only.
• Alternate interview modalities may be instituted at the discretion of the Nurse Anesthesia program, as deemed necessary. Applicants will be notified immediately if changes to the format or timing of interviews occur at any point during the application cycle. 

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. Bachelor's Degree. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of an English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency webpage on the UNE website for specific information and minimum score requirements.
• Minimum eighteen (18) months of Critical Care experience must be completed in the United States.

Other Requirements

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following additional compliance requirements:

• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations).
• All students must have the ability to meet the Academic and Technical Standards of the Nurse Anesthesia profession.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Miscellaneous fees that students should plan for in the program include but may not be limited to the following (approximate amounts):

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call (207) 283-0170, ext. 2342, or visit the Financial Aid website.

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine fosters health care leaders across the continuum in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education to advance exceptional osteopathic healthcare locally and globally through education, research, scholarship, practice, and community health.

Vision

The University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine will become a recognized leader in educating primary care physicians for Maine, New England, and the nation by developing into:

• A medical school that offers a state-of-the art curriculum, dynamic clinical rotations, and support unique graduate medical education (GME)
• A major contributor in clearly defined, and well-focused medical research
• A strong clinical program that serves our community through collaborative and entrepreneurial efforts
• An organization that offers leadership to our profession and our community
• A catalyst for inter‐profession education and service
• A trusted partner in health care for our community

Core Values

• Foster an environment of wellness, equity, inclusion, and diversity across our community
• Creatively shape the future while preserving our heritage to train osteopathic physicians to care for rural and underserved populations of Maine and New England
• Strengthen our commitment to the principles of osteopathic medicine
• Promote a diverse, innovative, interprofessional, and entrepreneurial culture
• Maintain our caring, collegial environment
• Foster integrity and accountability through a strong ethical base
• Utilize evidence-based methods, practice-focused research, scholarship, critical thinking, and a variety of learning modalities to improve medical education and healthcare outcomes
• Actively seek internal and external collaborations to further our mission

The degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), granted to graduates of osteopathic medical schools, demonstrates to the public that these physicians have received a complete medical education grounded in the general principles of osteopathic medicine, the interrelatedness of mind, body, and spirit, as articulated by its founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, and the American Osteopathic Association.

Consistent with osteopathic philosophy and training, the majority of osteopathic physicians practice in primary care specialties or with underserved populations. Osteopathic physicians provide both preventive and curative services to patients on a comprehensive and continuing basis. Recognizing the interrelatedness of mind, body, and spirit to each individual’s state of health, osteopathic medicine, with its patient-centered focus, embodies both conventional and complementary approaches to patient care.

In addition to the primary care specialties (e.g., Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine), many osteopathic physicians choose residency training in other medical and surgical specialties, and in settings such as active military practice, hospitalist care, and academic health centers. All fifty (50) states in the USA and more than sixty (60) countries offer unlimited medical licensure to qualified osteopathic physicians.

Curriculum Overview

Medical education is continuously evolving in alignment with best practices for learning and teaching. To maintain the most up-to-date, productive learning environment for our students, UNE COM reserves the right to revise and amend as appropriate the policies and practices described in this catalog.

The UNE COM curriculum is designed to educate and train osteopathic primary care and other specialized physicians who are skilled in health promotion and illness prevention, and the treatment and care of those who are ill. To that end, UNE COM provides an innovative, contemporary, patient-focused curriculum that fosters lifelong, self-directed, evidence-based learning, and professional development. Our progressive, integrated four (4)-year curriculum aligns educational activities with the principles of adult learning to maximize the attainment and retention of knowledge, skills, and attitudes crucial to the delivery of health care in the 21st century.

The four (4)-year curriculum is under the supervision of the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA), and the Associate Dean for Clinical Education (ADCE) with guidance and input from the Curriculum Advisory Committee, Dean’s Leadership Team, COM faculty, and COM students. The UNE COM dean is the arbiter. UNE COM applies the lens of osteopathic philosophy and practice to its adaptation of the six (6) foundational competencies for undergraduate medical education as our programmatic learning outcomes.  

The AOA Six (6) Foundational Competencies

Professionalism

The student demonstrates integrity, respect, and ethical reasoning, and promotes inclusion of differences in all interactions to improve health care for patients, communities, and populations.

Patient Care

The student demonstrates compassionate, effective, holistic, evidence-informed, equitable, and patient-centered care.

Medical Knowledge

The student applies and integrates foundational knowledge to improve health care for patients and populations.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

The student integrates feedback, evidence, and reflection to adapt behavior, foster improvement, and cultivate life-long learning.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

The student effectively communicates and interacts with patients, caregivers, and the health care team to contribute to high-quality, patient-centered care.

System-Based Practice

The student applies knowledge of the larger context of health, including its social and structural determinants, and of systems and resources within and outside of health care, to optimize high-quality care for patients, communities, and populations.

Pre-Clerkship Education

UNE COM students spend the first two (2) years of the program on the UNE campus Portland, Maine. The curriculum consists of a patient-centered basic and medical science curriculum integrated with osteopathic clinical skills learning activities, which are applied to experiential learning in simulation, standardized patient settings, physicians’ offices, hospitals, extended care facilities, and health centers. Learning sessions include traditional didactic lectures, interactive problem-solving sessions, patient case study discussions, hands-on skills training, panel discussions, demonstrations, and clinically focused encounters with standardized, simulated, and real patients. Our integrated curriculum offers learning activities to provide a strong foundation in the basic biomedical, medical, behavioral, and social sciences as well as physical examination and clinical skills as they apply to the rapidly changing practice of medicine in the 21st century. A thorough grounding in the manual skills, characteristic of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), is provided in the first two (2) years and supplemented, reinforced, and expanded in the third and fourth year.

Student preparation before class and active participation in class is a consistent element in the learning dynamic throughout the curriculum. An open, respectful dialog between faculty and students is valued and encouraged. Capitalizing on the University’s support of multiple degree programs in the health and allied health professions, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, and social work, the curriculum engages in, endorses, and promotes collaborative interprofessional education and practice (IPP).

High-quality laboratory and educational facilities provide a stimulating venue for learning activities. The curriculum engages standardized patients (trained community member actors) in the Clinical Performance Center and robotics in the Simulation Center to create controlled clinical training opportunities for students. Both state-of-the-art facilities are designed for interprofessional learning, individual and team-based interactions, meaningful debriefing, and student reflection. 

The Donor Lab (including full cadaveric dissection) is an advanced facility where students work in teams and engage with clinical and anatomy faculty as they learn from their “first patients.” The clinical skills and osteopathic manipulative medicine teaching  spaces are designed to facilitate hand-over-hand skills training by highly skilled physician faculty and are enhanced with the latest technological resources. 

Clerkship Education

The last two (2) years of undergraduate medical education occur in community-based hospital and clinical settings, which prioritize experiential and hands-on learning to expand the student’s clinical acumen and further develop individual and team knowledge and skills. During third year, each student is assigned for a twelve (12)-month period to one (1) of our Core Clinical Sites located in the Northeastern US. These serve as the base for educational training and completion of the entire year three (3) curriculum.

In keeping with our focus on primary and underserved care, UNE COM Core Clinical Site training programs are based in community hospitals, private physician offices, and community health centers. These represent environments in which many UNE COM graduates will eventually practice. The College's Core Clinical Sites are located in the New England states, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. During their third-year students complete clinical clerkships in the six (6) core disciplines (family medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry) at their assigned Core Clinical Site. Each site provides the patient base, didactic and experiential learning opportunities, supervisory infrastructure, and longitudinal evaluation necessary to establish a solid foundation in general medicine in preparation for fourth year and residency.

While community hospitals form the core of year three (3) and most year four (4) clinical rotations, our partnerships with specialty-focused facilities allow students to pursue a broad range of clinical experiences. Fourth-year students continue their learning with selective and elective clinical rotations at UNE COM-approved programs of their choice. Many of these hospitals also provide Graduate Medical Education (GME) as members of the Northeast Osteopathic Medical Education Network (NEOMEN).

Postdoctoral Medical Education (Residency Training)

UNE COM actively partners with a number of postgraduate residency programs (GME) through partnerships in the Northeast Osteopathic Medical Education Network (NEOMEN). The college and NEOMEN serve as a liaison to promote residency training, advise and assist with residency development, and partner with affiliated programs for training in Osteopathic Principles and Practices. UNE COM graduates apply to these and other programs for residency training.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine is an academic program at the University of New England. UNE is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), whose mission is to establish and maintain high standards of education through the doctoral level. Accreditation by NECHE signifies that UNE meets or exceeds those high standards.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine receives its accreditation through the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA COCA), the only national accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education in the United States. In the spring of 2023, UNE COM again earned COCA’s highest level of re-accreditation — Ten (10) years with exceptional outcomes. Being granted this level of accreditation signifies that UNE COM has exceeded the COCA standards for educational quality and is deemed to have the credentials to confer the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine to its graduates.

Graduate Medical Education (GME)

The College advises and assists residency programs in the Northeast Osteopathic Medical Education Network (NEOMEN) Consortium with accreditation and osteopathic recognition by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) programs. UNE COM graduates apply to and are accepted into programs across the country for residency training. 

Continuing Medical Education

UNE COM’s Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), and the Maine Medical Association and provides postdoctoral medical education to both osteopathic (D.O.) and allopathic (M.D.) physicians. Each agency grants accreditation based on the demonstrated ability to plan and implement CME activities in accordance with accreditation requirements. UNE COM is one (1) of a handful of providers to hold the distinction of maintaining this dual accreditation and sponsor collaborative CME activities for these two (2) physicians’ groups.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine maintains its accreditations with continued adherence to required sets of criteria and its commitment to continual quality review and improvement of its programs and services.

Articulation Agreements

The College of Osteopathic Medicine has established articulation agreements with several undergraduate institutions and post-baccalaureate programs.

The institutions that have entered into an agreement whereby qualified individuals who meet the criteria of the agreement receive a guaranteed interview with UNE COM are the following:

• University of New England, Biddeford, Maine
• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney, Pennsylvania
• Saint Lawrence University, Canton, New York
• Tufts University Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program, Medford, Massachusetts
• University of Vermont Master of Medical Science Program, Burlington, Vermont

• Medical education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Medical school faculties have a responsibility to society to train and graduate the best possible physicians who are competent for safe practice appropriate to their level of training, and thus admission to medical school has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications for the study and practice of medicine. Successful completion of all required courses in the curriculum is necessary in order to develop the essential skills required to become a competent physician and to enter residency.
• The essential technical standards presented in this document are prerequisites for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM). These standards pertain to all students enrolled in UNE COM.
• The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage personal and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication. At the same time, it is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful medical school education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual student.
• The College’s obligation and mission is to produce effective and competent osteopathic, primary care physicians who will be best able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, the College seeks applicants best suited to meet this mission and all applicants will be held to the same admission standards, and all enrolled students will be held to the same academic standards.
• All students must be able to demonstrate competency for patient safety appropriate to the learner’s level of training. Demonstration of fluency of skills and knowledge appropriate to the level of training is a requirement for progression through the curriculum. Most assessments are designed to simulate activities in the clinical training and clinical practice settings and are tied to the learner’s demonstration of competency for patient safety. These assessments may be performed in a timed and structured environment and are designed to evaluate the learner’s ability to demonstrate appropriate fluency of skills and knowledge under specific conditions.
• All students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs.

Technical Standards Policies

1. No otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to UNE COM based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Enrollment in UNE COM assumes and requires that admitted students will possess certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skill to successfully complete clinical training and practice in unpredictable, stressful environments. All osteopathic medical students are held to the same fundamental standards. Academic and clinical requirements that are essential to providing care to patients under variable conditions and in diverse clinical settings; meeting UNE COM’s graduation requirements; or directly related to clinical practice licensing requirements will not be eliminated for any student. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the student in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student applies properly for the accommodation/s and they are approved.
3. The College is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations that are necessary to afford students with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the UNE COM program. Accommodations are not reasonable if it would fundamentally alter the program, lower the academic standards and expectations for student performance or assessment; impose an undue burden to the College; or pose a direct health or safety risk to any other individual, including patients.
4. In-person attendance is an essential and fundamental requirement of UNE’s COM program. Excessive absenteeism of the mandatory curriculum does not allow students the exposure, application, practice and development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to become an osteopathic physician. Students may miss 21% of the mandatory curriculum or less as defined in the course syllabus of any course. Students who exceed this threshold will not be allowed to proceed in the course and will be required to meet with the Committee on Student Progress (CSP) for review and recommendation and may be required to take a leave of absence.

Abilities and Skills

Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that students must possess to engage safely and competently in all program activities, including those taking place in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. A candidate for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree must have abilities, aptitudes, and skills of six (6) varieties: one (1) observational; two (2) communication; three (3) fine and gross motor skills; four (4) conceptual, integrative and quantitative, cognitive; five (5) behavioral and social/emotional skills; and six (6) full participation in clinical and osteopathic training sessions. Students demonstrate their ability to meet these technical standards via their participation in mandatory curricular activities.

1. Observation Skills
   1. The student must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic sciences, including, but not limited to, information conveyed through physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, dissection of cadavers, examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories, microbiologic cultures, microscopic study of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, radiographs, computer screens, slides or video. The student must be capable of using instruments such as, but not limited to, a stethoscope, an ophthalmoscope, a microscope, an otoscope, and a sphygmomanometer. Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities. An intact sense of smell is necessary to assist in the clinical setting.
   2. In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, (i.e. physical disabilities or chemical sensitivities/allergies) the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information.
2. Communication Skills
   1. The student must be able to effectively, efficiently, and respectfully communicate in English using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families, and all members of the health care team.
   2. To effectively learn the skills necessary to practice medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment of patients, students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, receive information visually and through communication and examination, and process, integrate and synthesize that information quickly, sometimes immediately, and, at times, under stressful and chaotic conditions. For example, the student must be able to quickly and accurately synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history and examination findings, accurately assess the patient, and develop an effective treatment plan. Students must demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not fundamentally modify this standard. Assistive devices may be used, if appropriate under these standards.
   3. The student must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and posture. Students must demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not fundamentally modify this standard. Assistive devices may be used, if appropriate under these standards.
3. Motor Skills
   1. The student must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as electrocardiograms).
   2. The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures, including but not limited to palpation, percussion, and auscultation is required. Students must possess sufficient motor function and strength  to safely execute movements required to provide osteopathic manipulative medical care to patients. Students must be able to negotiate patient care environments and must be able to maneuver between settings, such as clinic, classroom building, and hospital. Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing, and moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences.
   3. It is also essential for a student to be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency diagnosis, osteopathic manipulative care, and medical care such as airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and suturing of wounds. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.
4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Skills
   1. The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the student must be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in the precisely limited time demanded by each specific clinical setting.
5. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Skills
   1. Every student must have the ability to function both independently and part of a team in stressful, unpredictable environments for extended periods of time.
   2. Students must possess the psychological ability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities, for the exercise of good judgment, for the prompt completion of all responsibilities inherent to patient care, and for the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, colleagues and other health care providers.
   3. Students must be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress, sometimes for extended periods of time. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. As a component of their education, students must act professionally and maturely and demonstrate ethical behavior commensurate with the practice of medicine.
   4. Students must behave in a manner exhibiting high moral and behavioral standards reflecting the position and status of an osteopathic physician.  Students need to show respect for individuals and groups without regard for age, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability or veteran status.  Students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.
   5. Students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by each specific clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.
   6. Students must demonstrate compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation. These attributes will be assessed throughout the educational processes.
6. Full Participation in Clinical and Osteopathic Training Sessions
   1. Active participation in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Clinical Skills Training and Practice Sessions (laboratories) is an admission, matriculation, and graduation requirement. The development of manipulative medicine palpatory skills and clinical examination skills is taught in all four years of the curriculum. This learning requires active participation in all sessions.
   2. Students must be able to palpate and examine a variety of people representing all genders and body types, to simulate the diversity of patients expected in clinical settings.
   3. Students must allow other students and faculty to palpate and examine them to appreciate how palpation and physical examination feels from the patients’ perspective. This also enables students to provide feedback to their laboratory partners, thus, enhancing their palpatory skills.
   4. Every student is required to actively participate as both an active learner and recipient in all skills development laboratory sessions Reading and observation, although helpful, do not develop the skills required to perform palpatory diagnosis, manipulative treatment, or clinical examination.

*All Elective Rotations have a formal approval process.

Elective Rotations**

**These are the common elective rotations taken. This is not a comprehensive list.

Courses

UNE’s integrated interdisciplinary curriculum is delivered over the first two (2) years through concurrent semester-long longitudinal courses titled Osteopathic Medical Knowledge (OMK) and Osteopathic Clinical Skills (OCS). The courses run in parallel within common clinical frameworks with frequent integration between the courses.

The student is required to complete eighty-two (82) weeks of clinical training in years three (3) and four (4) (typically forty-two (42) to forty-eight (48) weeks are done in the third year). UNE COM defines three (3) categories of clinical requirements:

Core — Fourty-Two (42) Weeks

Required Discipline — The student is assigned by the UNE COM Department of Clinical Education; Core rotations are typically referred to as “clerkships.” The clerkship year schedule requires a rotation in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Ob-Gyn, Psychiatry, and Surgery, and two (2) rotations in Internal Medicine.

Family Medicine

Core Family Medicine is a hospital and/or ambulatory experience that enhances the student’s understanding of patient and family dynamics in illness and health, the physician/patient relationship, and the careful and economical use of medical therapeutics, technological and laboratory investigation, and hospitalization. Special attention is given to the patient interview, directed physical examination, and patient education.

Internal Medicine

Core Internal Medicine is twelve (12) weeks (general or mix of general plus subspecialty) and may complete one (1) or more additional rotations in Internal Medicine subspecialties, typically in a hospital setting. Applying principles learned in the preclinical years, and working within a multidisciplinary team, the student learns to formulate a differential diagnosis based on the history and physical, prioritize a problem list, identify appropriate diagnostic tests, develop a treatment plan, and present patients to supervising physicians and in team meetings. Further developing and refining the ability to communicate effectively with patients and members of the treatment team is of critical importance.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Core Obstetrics and Gynecology is intended to provide practical clinical exposure in the diagnosis and management of the female patient with normal and pathologic obstetric and gynecologic processes. Gynecologic procedures, surgery, labor and delivery, fetal evaluation and monitoring, pre-operative evaluations, and post-operative care are emphasized.

Pediatrics

Core Pediatrics places an emphasis on primary care of the newborn to the adolescent. In hospital and/or ambulatory settings, the student gains a greater understanding of the continuum of child development, including physical, social, and emotional aspects, as well as the role of family dynamics. The student develops communication skills with both the pediatric patient and the family and, as appropriate, refines their skill at educating the child, parents, and other caregivers in health promotion.

Psychiatry

Core Psychiatry encourages the student to recognize, screen for, and assess key symptoms of common mental illnesses, using the mental status examination as the basis for differential diagnosis and therapy. Additional content areas include cognitive, psychomotor, and affective development, risk assessment, substance abuse issues, and the impact of mental illness on patients and families.

Surgery

Core General Surgery and one (1) selective in General Surgery or a surgical subspecialty must be completed by each student. This clerkship is an introduction to the principles and practice of surgery. The student will experience the totality of care from the patient’s pre-surgical visit through the surgical encounter and post-operative recovery.

Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine selective represents where knowledge and skills gained by the student in Core rotations come together in the fast-paced emergency department. In conjunction with emergency department personnel, the student will evaluate and treat patients of all ages who are experiencing medical, surgical, or psychiatric emergencies.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine focuses on osteopathic philosophy and principles, which are intrinsic to the entire curriculum and are incorporated throughout the clinical portion of the student’s education. In the fourth year, the student completes a total of four (4) weeks of osteopathic manipulative medicine to gain in-depth experience by working with a practitioner who is well versed in these principles and utilizes them in the clinical care environment.

Selective — Sixteen (16) Weeks

Required Discipline — Site selected by the student, subject to approval by the Department of Clinical Education. There are four (4) weeks each of Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

Elective

Discipline and site selected by the student, subject to approval by the department.

Elective Rotation Requirements

Sufficient quantity to meet graduation requirements.

Graduation Requirements

The Board of Trustees of the University of New England confers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree upon those students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements for graduation and who have been recommended for graduation by the faculty of the College.

Every candidate for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine must:

• Be of good moral character and meet the UNE COM standards for professional behavior and conduct as described under academic and technical standards.
• Have met and completed the academic requirements of the College, including passage of COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2CE, within six (6) academic years (or within 150% of the standard time) for the awarding of the degree and have been enrolled at this college for at least the last two (2) years. Successful completion of or its equivalent is under discussion by the COCA and consideration of this graduation requirement will be adjusted based on their decision. Each student must pass the third-year clinical assessment examination provided by UNE COM.
• Be free of indebtedness to this College, the University, and their affiliates.
• Have demonstrated the ethical, personal, and professional qualities deemed necessary for the successful and continuing study and practice of osteopathic medicine.
• Have been recommended by the faculty for graduation.
• Be present at the University Commencement Ceremony as well as the UNE COM Physician Hooding Ceremony of their class at the time the degree is conferred, unless otherwise excused by the Dean.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As part of its review, the UNE COM Committee on Admissions evaluates each applicant in the areas of personal and academic integrity and personal values. An invitation to join the UNE COM community indicates that the institution believes that the applicant has a well-developed set of values and a high level of integrity. The faculty and administration are committed to fostering this integrity and to developing students' increasing awareness of the multifaceted demands of professionalism ­as student physicians who are ultimately responsible for their own learning, as people who need to reflect and reappraise themselves consistently and honestly, and as future physicians who must learn to cope with an ever-­evolving set of demands.

Student physicians are expected to behave professionally and ethically with respect and integrity, to face new situations and people with open minds, to maintain their intellectual and personal curiosity, and to meet their obligations. These expectations form the basis of student responsibilities.

Likewise, student rights are based on the premise of reciprocity. Students should expect to be met with the same sense of integrity, respect, and openness.

Statement on the UNE COM Student Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy

The proper practice of medicine requires the physician to maintain an unwavering standard of professionalism and ethics. The medical student, by accepting the invitation to join the medical profession, acknowledges their responsibility to uphold these high standards.

Ethics are a body of moral values that govern a particular group. The terms ethical and unethical used in this document pertain to what is right and wrong.

Any violation of the UNE COM Student Ethics Code can result in referral to Committee on Student Progress (CSP) and may result in probation, course failure, and/or dismissal.

Professionalism is the behaviors and attitudes and individual exhibits within a particular profession. The UNE COM Student Professional Conduct Policy was designed to set a minimum standard of behaviors society should reasonably expect of a physician in training.

Professionalism is one (1) of the competencies assessed and graded in each course. Failure to learn and meet expectations for professionalism can lead to a grade of unsatisfactory (U) or failure (F). Details are provided in the course syllabi. In some cases, including unprofessional behavior outside of the curriculum, a referral to the Committee on Student Progress (CSP) will be made. CSP will recommend what actions should be taken. The appropriate Associate Dean will render a decision.

It is the responsibility of all UNE COM students to:

• Uphold and have knowledge of university policy including the Conduct Rules and Regulations as defined in the UNE Student Handbook
• Abide by the UNE COM Student Code of Ethics
• Abide by the UNE COM Student Professional Conduct Policy
• Abide by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Code of Ethics

UNE COM Student Code of Ethics

A UNE COM student will:

• Act honorably and honestly at all times
• Not tolerate dishonest or deceptive actions
• Confront or report any dishonest behavior

UNE COM Professional Student Conduct Policy

Satisfactory completion of the curricular requirements for graduation from the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM), includes the demonstration of acceptable professional behavior and conduct. Students must meet the standards as outlined in the COM Student Handbook Supplement and uphold the Code of Ethics throughout all years of UNE COM training to maintain eligibility for graduation.

Registration

The University conducts a registration confirmation for students during the initial days of each term. Students are expected to have finalized payment of tuition and related fees, including filing appropriate documents and photos with the following offices: Registrar, Student Financial Services, Business Affairs, and Recruitment, Students and Alumni Services by their respective due dates.

Individuals who fail to confirm program registration by the established process and deadline may be administratively withdrawn from the program. Students may request special consideration, and if approved will be assessed a late registration fee and will not be allowed to participate in any learning activities until the requirement is completed.

Students must be cleared by a background check and immunization compliance prior to matriculation. Additional background checks will be required prior to the start of rotations and prior to certain clerkship rotations in year four (4). Students failing to comply may be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Academic Records

Complete records and related documents are maintained by the Office of the Registrar. Under the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to review and inspect all education records pertaining to their academic enrollment. However, letters of recommendation submitted on the basis of a pledge of confidentiality prior to January 1, 1975, need not be shown to students, and a student may be allowed but not required to waive their right of access to letters of recommendation received after that date. FERPA requires post-­secondary institutions to provide students not only access to official records directly related to them, but also an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. It is the right of students to file a complaint with the Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by an educational agency or institution to comply with Section 438 of the Act that guarantees such rights.

University students wishing to review their records may do so by providing a written request to the Office of the Registrar.

Student Access and Annual Notification

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records, specifically the right to:

• Inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) days of the day the University receives a request for access. The student should submit to Registration Services a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The office will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• Request the University to amend the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The student should write to the University Registrar, clearly identifying the part of the record they wish to be changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If it is determined not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding hearing procedures will accompany this notification.
• Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One (1) exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, or assisting another school official in performing their task; or the Veterans Administration for students registered for various GI Bill programs. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility.
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure(s) by the University of New England to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U.S. Department of Education
  600 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20202­4605

FERPA permits the University to disclose "directory information" without a student's consent. Directory information is defined as name, address, e­mail address, telephone listing, photograph, date and place of birth, level of education, academic major, degrees, honors and awards received, and educational institutions in which a student was enrolled.

Active students who wish to have directory information withheld from release must do so in writing on a ‘per­-academic­-year’ basis. Request forms are available in Registration Services or Office of Recruitment, Student, and Alumni Services. Requests must be submitted prior to September 30 (if first-time enrollment for academic year is fall semester) or January 30 (if first-time enrollment for academic year is spring semester) to affect a "withhold" status.

Student Enrollment Status

The University of New England classifies student credit load status for the purposes of financial aid loan deferments. See enrollment classifications.

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examinations

The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examinations (COMLEX-­USA) are administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and are divided into three (3) levels. Levels one (1) and two (2) are completed during the predoctoral years and Level three (3) is given to qualified graduates during their first year of postgraduate (residency) training.

Details of student eligibility for the Level 1 examination are described in the COM Student Handbook Supplement. Students must pass COMLEX Level 1 as a condition to start core clinical rotations.

Students must take and pass the Level 2 CE examination as a condition of graduation.

Students are allowed a maximum of three (3) attempts to pass COMLEX-USA Level 1 and COMLEX-USA Level 2. Any student who fails to pass any individual component of the COMLEX-USA examination series after three (3) attempts will be recommended for dismissal from the college.

Students are allowed a maximum of six (6) years to complete all of the College of Osteopathic Medicine curriculum, including passage of COMLEX-USA Level 1, and Level 2 CE. At the conclusion of six (6) years, students who have not met all graduation requirements will be recommended for dismissal from the College.

Registration and scheduling of the exams is the responsibility of the student. Students should also plan to register and take the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2 (CE) with sufficient time allowed to receive exam results and be able to comply with any deadlines for clinical rotations or graduation. Students applying for residency should have registered for and taken COMLEX –USA Level 2 CE prior to the start of residency interviews. Students should plan on taking COMLEX-USA Level 2 no later than May 31st of their third year and COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE no later than July 31 of their fourth year. This timing should allow sufficient time to receive scores for residency interviews and allow time to meet graduation requirements. Students are responsible for being current in their knowledge of residency application guidelines and graduation requirements and take steps to ensure they meet all requirements in a timely manner. This may require registration and scheduling with NBOME up to twelve (12) months in advance. It is recommended that these exams be taken early enough to ensure that the exams are passed with sufficient time to allow for any necessary retesting.

Laptop Requirement

The College has instituted a mandatory laptop computer requirement. Specifics regarding the minimum configuration are updated and made available annually.

Course Grade Reporting

The process of determining grades and the criteria for passing a course are described explicitly in each course syllabus ratified by the Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) and posted prior to the beginning of the course.

A final course grade is determined by the course director and must comply with the standards and principles endorsed by the Curriculum Advisory Committee.

Academic Standing

The Committee on Student Progress (CSP) is responsible for making recommendations of each student's progress through the curriculum. Recommendations for yearly progress go to the COM Dean, while recommendations for interruption of progress will go to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (first and second year) or the Associate Dean of Clinical Education (third and fourth year). This includes recommendations on behavioral, disciplinary, and academic matters. The CSP makes recommendations to the COM Dean concerning the promotion of students to the next class, and to the COM Faculty Assembly (COMFA) and COM Dean on the awarding of the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine to those who have satisfied all graduation requirements.

In addition to the UNE COM Student Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy, UNE COM students must also follow the UNE Student Code of Conduct. Any violations to the UNE Code of Conduct will be reviewed and addressed through the UNE process outlined in the Student Handbook. Students experiencing academic, behavioral and/or professional difficulties may be referred to CSP.

The CSP may review the status of a referred student whenever the student's performance is found to be unsatisfactory in the accumulation of knowledge or skills, professional behaviors, and/or personal growth, which are all considered part of the student’s academic performance. 

After discussion and deliberation on any matter, CSP decides by majority vote to make a recommendation to the appropriate Associate Dean.

All students are expected to meet the academic requirements for progression. 

Course Retesting Policy

The syllabus of the original course, approved by the Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC), may or may not allow for retesting; and will specify the dates, duration, and plan of any allowable retesting, reassessment, competency assurance process (CAP) or remedial activity for any failed assessment, competency, discipline or achievement criteria.

Withdrawal/Dismissal

A student who is required to repeat a course, or an academic year, or is suspended or dismissed from the College, may appeal this decision to the Dean according to the guidelines in the COM Student Handbook Supplement and the University Student Handbook. The Dean may, at their discretion, convene an Academic Appeals Review Committee for a review of the decision. The charge of the Academic Appeals Review Committee will not be to repeat the deliberations of the Committee on Student Progress (CSP), but rather to determine whether or not the following conditions apply to the original decision:

• New information is available that was not available to the original recommending committee (CSP).
• Procedural errors in the original review process that had a substantial impact on or otherwise prejudiced the original determination.

If the Academic Appeals Review Committee upholds the original recommendation, the decision is final and there is no further appeal. If the Academic Appeals Review Committee does not uphold the requirement to repeat the year, suspension, or dismissal, it will recommend to the Dean such other requirements, as it deems appropriate.

An application for voluntary withdrawal from the College must be submitted in writing to the appropriate associate dean. The dean may grant a leave of absence due to financial difficulties or for personal, medical, or family problems. To begin this process, a student must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request Form found on the Registrar’s website in consultation with the ADSS or ADRSAS.

Probation

Placement of a student on academic probation or disciplinary probation indicates the faculty’s extreme dissatisfaction with the student’s behavioral performance and the student’s failure to maintain satisfactory academic or behavioral standards. While on probation, the student will not represent the college at outside events and will be asked to curtail elected office responsibilities until their performance improves. In addition, a student on academic probation must pass all units of study. A student on disciplinary probation must discontinue the behavior leading to probation and maintain a record of exemplary behavior, which will be monitored by the College. Students who violate the conditions of probation as listed above will be reviewed again by CSP, which will make such recommendations to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA) or the Associate Dean for Clinical Education (ADCE) as appropriate. For further information please refer to the COM Student Handbook Supplement.

Exceptional UNE undergraduate students aspiring to a career in medicine or dentistry may apply to the University of New England HuMed program which provides the opportunity that spans their junior and senior years as an undergraduate and their four years in UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine or College of Dental Medicine. UNE HuMed makes it possible to deepen student learning in English, History, or Liberal Studies while they prepare for a career as a dentist or an osteopathic physician. Requirements are described at http://www.une.edu/humed.

During their years as an undergraduate in UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences, students complete the requisite coursework in the natural sciences to prepare for their graduate education, while earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, History, or Liberal Studies. As a HuMed student, they are not required to take the DAT or the MCAT. Instead, the College of Osteopathic Medicine requires individuals to take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude test (UKCAT). In both programs, students have an assurance of acceptance contingent upon fulfilling the HuMed curricular requirements and passing the interview process.

Application

2025-2026 Application Cycle

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS) centralized application service. All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Applications for admission are reviewed holistically by the UNE COM Committee on Admissions based on compatibility with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of UNE COM and a combination of GPA, academic record, MCAT scores, applicant interview, and lived experiences.

Degree Requirement

Completion of ninety (90) semester hours or 75% credit progress towards a bachelor’s degree, to be earned at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or international equivalent, at time of application. Undergraduate degree must be conferred with official transcripts submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment before matriculation.

• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to AACOMAS. Please refer to the AACOMAS Help Center for additional information and instructions.

GPA Requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 at the time of application, as calculated by AACOMAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes)*.

Minimum science GPA of 2.8 at the time of application, as calculated by AACOMAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes)*.

All applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements to be considered for admission.

*The average GPAs for those offered admission to UNE COM are well above published minimums.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

Additional Recommended Courses

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Cell/Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Math/Statistics
• Microbiology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Humanities

Other Prerequisite Coursework Considerations

• Pass/Fail courses are accepted for prerequisite courses taken in spring 2020 only.
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better (C- grades are not acceptable).
• Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test credit can be accepted towards prerequisite requirements. To apply AP or IB test credits towards prerequisite requirements, the credits must be broken down by subject on the undergraduate transcript. An official letter from the University Registrar, including subject breakdown, is also acceptable.
• Prerequisite courses may be in progress or planned at the time of application. However, all courses must be completed by January 1, 2026, with an official transcript submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment before the start of the program.

All planned or in-progress coursework must be listed on the AACOMAS application at the time of application submission; not doing so will result in the applicant not meeting all admissions requirements and therefore will not be eligible for admission review.

Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites as well as online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities are acceptable.

Standardized Tests

Completion of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required.

• Although UNE COM does not have a minimum score requirement, highly competitive applicants typically score in the 50th percentile or higher.
• Official MCAT score reports must be submitted directly to AACOMAS from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). MCAT Score Report
• The MCAT must have been taken between January 2023 and January 2026.

Letters of Evaluation

Three (3) letters of evaluation are required – submitted via AACOMAS:

The UNE COM Committee on Admissions seeks evaluation letters that outline a holistic description of the applicant, including information on student engagement (especially teamwork within academic settings), interpersonal skills, character, and professionalism.

• All letters of evaluation should be submitted directly through AACOMAS.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.
• Preferred sources of evaluations include Pre-Health Committee Advisor, Pre-Health Advisor, a faculty member with substantial knowledge of the applicant, a direct supervisor with substantial knowledge of the applicant, or a health care professional with substantial knowledge of the applicant (preferably physicians). Letters from an Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) are recommended but not required.
• Successful applicants submit letters that characterize and reflect their most recent academic, clinical, and community engagement experiences.

Personal Statement

Please refer to the AACOMAS application for UNE COM-specific writing prompts and additional instructions.

Interviews

Interview sessions are held from September to March and are done by invitation only. Interviews are a required part of the application process.

UNE reserves the right to adjust interview dates, modalities, and processes as needed. Applicants will be notified immediately if changes to the format or timing of interviews occur at any point during the cycle.

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade/course equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please submit the WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to AACOMAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of an English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the UNE website for specific information and minimum score requirements.
• Please refer to the AACOMAS application for test score submission instructions.

Other Requirements

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following compliance requirements or may have their acceptance offer rescinded without return of deposit:

• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by UNE COM and clinical training sites).
• All students must have the ability to meet all Academic and Technical Standards of UNE COM.
• UNE follows AACOMAS traffic rules, with notification dates and deadlines structured as such.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates

Transfer Credit

Students in good standing at other Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine may apply for transfer admission into the third year of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at UNE.

For more information on the transfer process please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment.

Advanced Standing

No advanced standing placement is available.

Experiential Learning

No credit is awarded for experiential learning.

Mission

Advance the practice of pharmacy through an exemplary, learner-centered pharmacy education built upon interprofessional collaboration, patient care, service, and research. 

Core Values

The School of Pharmacy operates by a set of values that emphasizes

• Learner-centered approaches
• Professional and servant leadership
• Diversity and inclusiveness
• Lifelong learning, discovery, and creativity
• Integrity and accountability
• Continuous quality improvement

Overview

The school offers the Doctor of Pharmacy as the professional degree that prepares students for careers as pharmacists in a variety of practice settings. A minimum of two (2) years of undergraduate pre-professional education is required for admission which can be completed at UNE or elsewhere. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is awarded after successful completion of four (4) years of professional study in the Westbrook College of Health Professions School of Pharmacy located on UNE’s Portland Campus in Portland, Maine. To apply or to learn more about our exciting professional pharmacy program, please call 1 (800) 477-4UNE, or email gradadmissions@une.edu.

Pharmacy is one of the most highly respected healthcare professions in the United States. We believe that our program makes a difference in providing competent practitioners to serve the health needs of our citizens. In addition to achieving the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, all graduates of the program will be further certified to immunize patients, perform Medication Therapy Management, and communicate to patients about Point of Care Testing options. These certifications are offered by national pharmacy associations and the UNE SOP has incorporated them into the curriculum.

Interprofessional education

Vision

We envision interprofessional learning as a cornerstone of education for healthcare professions.

Mission

The mission of the UNE School of Pharmacy Interprofessional Education (IPE) program is to prepare healthcare professionals to provide patient and community care in a collaborative team environment. We integrate with UNE's diverse collection of programs in the healthcare professions to provide opportunities for students to learn from and with one another. Collaborative patient- and community-centered practice is cultivated to improve the effectiveness of healthcare and patients quality of life.

Research Objectives

The School of Pharmacy strives to achieve balance in its research efforts between discovery of clinically relevant drugs or drug delivery systems and pre-clinical and clinical development of these entities. Our primary area of focus will be the discovery and development of new drug molecules. Other areas of research activity will include therapeutic biomarkers, drug delivery methods, nutraceuticals, herbal medicines, and strategies for assessing individual variations in drug response, nutritional status or inborn errors of metabolism. We educate our pharmacy students about the drug discovery process and the necessary regulatory compliance required for drug development. Our students will understand the basic science, thought process, and strategies for the generation of new drug discoveries. They will also be familiar with the safety, the formulation, and the delivery of new drug entities. They will have instruction on the principles of proper clinical trial design and the process by which a new drug product is introduced into commercial use.

University of New England School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603-3410, Phone: (312) 664-3575, Fax: 1 (866) 228-2631, website www.acpe-accredit.org.

*The purpose of the catalog is to provide a comprehensive list of required courses. The School of Pharmacy can provide a degree map listing which courses should be taken in each stage of this timeline.

Pharmacy Practice Experiences

The process of experiential education provides the student with the ability to integrate first-hand practical experience with their didactic and laboratory coursework.

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE)

All course requirements in the first and second professional years must be successfully completed before a student may participate in an IPPE. The Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience will consist of two (2) courses, one (1) of four (4) weeks duration, and one (1) of three (3) weeks duration. The four (4) week course will occur in a community (retail) pharmacy while the other will occur in an institutional (hospital) pharmacy. The community course experience, totaling one hundred and sixty (160) hours, is four (4) credits while the institutional course, totaling one hundred and twenty (120) hours, is three (3) credits. Completion of the Pharmacy Success courses one (1) through six (6) will provide the student with twenty (20) hours of IPPE simulation and is required to meet the full three hundred (300) hours of IPPE for the degree. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences in community and institutional pharmacy settings begin early in the professional curriculum and are interfaced with didactic course instruction. This provides an introduction to the profession and continues in a progressive manner preparing the pharmacy student for advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE)

All first- through third-year courses must be successfully completed before a student may participate in an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience. The APPEs will begin immediately following the third year and continue throughout the fourth year. These experiences will consist of six (6), six (6)-week assignments for a total of thirty-six (36) credit hours (one thousand and four hundred and forty (1440) contact hours). Each student will be required to successfully complete four (4) required experiences in the following patient care settings: inpatient acute care medicine; outpatient or ambulatory care, community pharmacy, institutional pharmacy, as well as, two (2) elective experiences in various practice environments.

Pharmacy students must complete all Doctor of Pharmacy program requirements and receive a passing grade in all courses and clinical rotations to be eligible for graduation. The graduating student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Matriculation and continued enrollment requirements

In addition to receiving a passing grade in all course and clinical rotations, a student is expected to read, understand, accept and adhere to the following requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements by stated deadlines is considered unprofessional conduct and may impact or delay the student's graduation.

School of Pharmacy (SOP) Code of Professional Conduct

• UNE SOP Name Badges
  • School Name badges are issued to students upon matriculation.
  • Students are expected to wear these name badges at all times to identify themselves as members of the School of Pharmacy community.
• Immunizations
  • Students are required to have appropriate immunizations before they matriculate into and as they progress through the PharmD program.
• CPR Training
  • All School of Pharmacy students are required to have current CPR certification. The training program needs to be the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) Program or the American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer & Health Care Provider. An online or blended course will not be accepted. A copy of your CPR card must be uploaded to the student’s CORE account along with the expiration date.
• Pharmacy Intern License
  • Students must be able to meet the Maine State Board of Pharmacy Licensing requirements to obtain a valid Maine Pharmacy Intern License, which is required to complete experiential courses in the State of Maine. Inability to obtain and maintain a valid license may prevent a student from continuing in the program and completing the requirements for graduation.
  • In accordance with the Maine Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations, any change in your name, address, email address, criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or any material change set forth in your original application for licensure must be reported to the Board of Pharmacy within ten (10) days. Failure to follow this requirement may result in an immediate suspension of your intern license and a possible civil penalty/fine.
• HIPPA
  • Students must be in compliance with UNE HIPAA requirements to attend classes and rotations.
• Communication skills
  • Students must pass a written and verbal English proficiency test.
• NAPLEX Review Week
  • All P4 students are required to take part in the School of Pharmacy NAPLEX Review week during the week between the end of the spring term of the graduation year and the UNE Commencement and WCHP Hooding ceremony.
  • Students must achieve a passing raw score of 70% or greater on a pre-NAPLEX exam during their P4 year.
• Electronic Portfolio
  • Students will maintain an electronic portfolio as directed by School policy.
• Health Insurance
  • This is a requirement of all students at the University of New England.
• Drug Screening
  • Rotation sites may request drug screens. Information obtained in drug screens may inhibit students from completing introductory or advanced practice experiences and thus may delay or hinder graduation.
  • Students must pay for these tests.
• Background checks
  • The School may be required to provide information from background checks on each student who participates in IPPE and APPE rotations.
  • Any disqualification of a student by a practice facility could prevent the student from undertaking clinical rotations that are required to complete the pharmacy program at the University of New England.
  • Students may have to pay for these background checks.
• Transportation
  • All students must provide their own transportation to off-campus pharmacy practice experience sites.
• Laptop Computers
  • Students must have laptop computers, meeting School of Pharmacy minimum specifications, upon arrival to campus to attend required sessions/classes.
• School-sponsored professional events
  • All students are expected to be in attendance at the following events: White Coat, University of New England Commencement, and WCHP Hooding Ceremony.

Technical Standards

All students must be able to meet the following University of New England (UNE) School of Pharmacy technical standards. A student accepted into the Doctor of Pharmacy program must have abilities and skills in five (5) categories observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social. Standards are developed as criteria to achieve the Doctor of Pharmacy degree in preparation for licensure as a practicing pharmacist and for postgraduate professional training and education in any of the varied fields of pharmacy. Further, the safety of the patient, on whom the pharmaceutical education process is largely focused, must be guarded as the final and ultimate consideration.

The University of New England, Westbrook College of Health Professions School of Pharmacy acknowledges Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and PL 11-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 19903, and requires minimum technical standards be present in students accepted into the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The School of Pharmacy will engage in an interactive process with applicants with disabilities but the School of Pharmacy reserves the right not to admit any applicant who cannot meet the Technical Standards set forth below, with reasonable accommodations. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of their disability(ies), if any, to the Admissions Committee. However, any applicant with questions about these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss their specific issue(s) with the Student Access Center prior to the interview process. If appropriate, and upon the request of the applicant, reasonable accommodations will be provided.

Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program must be able to perform in an independent manner. Every applicant is considered without regard to disability. Once accepted, students must complete all elements of the curriculum with or without reasonable accommodations. In the case of a documented disability, the School of Pharmacy must be fully satisfied that the applicant can make progress through the curriculum. Students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program must have the functional use of the senses of vision and hearing. A student's skills will also be lessened without the functional use of the senses of equilibrium and smell. Additionally, they must have sufficient exteroceptive senses (touch, pain, and temperature), and sufficient motor functions to permit them to carry out the activities described in the sections that follow. Doctor of Pharmacy students must be able to integrate information received from multiple senses quickly and accurately. They must also have the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze and synthesize data. Graduates of the School of Pharmacy must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical, administrative, and leadership situations and to render a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical care.

Throughout the pharmacy program, a student will be expected to maintain the technical standards and demonstrate them through their coursework, interaction with peers and faculty, and in their professional experiences. Students who fail to demonstrate the technical standards while in the program will be evaluated and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal) will be taken. Because this expectation is separate from academic achievement, simply maintaining a passing GPA is not sufficient.

While the School of Pharmacy recognizes that certain disabilities can be accommodated without compromising the standards required by the school and the integrity of the curriculum, the use of a trained intermediary means that a student's judgment must be mediated by someone else's powers of selection and observation, and is not acceptable. Additionally, those individuals who would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of others are not considered suitable candidates for continued matriculation.

The following skills are required, with or without accommodation

Observation

Students must be able to observe demonstrations and conduct exercises in a variety of areas related to contemporary pharmacy practice, including but not limited to monitoring of drug response and preparation of specialty dosage forms. Students must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and pharmaceutical sciences, medical illustrations and models, microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. A student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting nonverbal as well as verbal signals. The student must be able to observe and interpret presented information. Specific vision-related requirements include, but are not limited to the following abilities: visualizing and discriminating findings on monitoring tests; reading written and illustrated material; discriminating numbers and patterns associated with diagnostic and monitoring instruments and tests; observing the activities of technical staff operating under their supervision; reading information on a computer screen and small print on packages or package inserts; distinguishing shapes, colors, markings, and other characteristics of small objects (e.g. different dosage forms); and competently using instruments for monitoring drug response. Observation requires not only the functional use of the sense of vision but other sensory modalities as well such as hearing and other somatic senses. For example, observation can be enhanced in some situations by the use of the sense of smell.

Communication

A pharmacy student should be able to speak, hear, and observe patients and other health care professionals in order to elicit both verbal and non-verbal information, and must be able to communicate effectively with and about patients. Communication includes speech, reading, writing, and computer literacy. The student must be able to perceive and respond appropriately to all types of communication including telephone communications (verbal, non-verbal, written) from faculty, staff, peers, patients, caregivers, the family of patients, the public, and all members of the health care team.

Specific requirements include but are not limited to the following abilities: reading, writing, speaking and comprehending English with sufficient mastery to accomplish didactic, clinical, and laboratory curricular requirements in a timely, professional and accurate manner; eliciting a thorough medication and medical history; and communicating complex findings in appropriate terms that are understood by patients, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team. Each student must be able to read and record observations and care plans legibly, efficiently, and accurately. Students must be able to prepare and communicate concise but complete summaries of individual activities, decisions, and encounters with patients. Students must be able to complete forms or appropriately document activities according to directions in a complete and timely fashion.

Motor

Pharmacy students must have sufficient motor function to carry out basic laboratory techniques and skills to accomplish basic pharmacy practice tasks utilizing both gross and fine motor skills. These include but are not limited to; compounding prescriptions, filling prescriptions, counting prescription medications, administering medications, preparing intravenous products, and administering intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. The student must be able to conduct a physical assessment of a patient by palpation, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers. Other motor activities include performing first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the clinical setting.

The student must be able to transport themself to off-site settings and experiential locations in a timely manner. Students must be able to respond promptly to urgencies within the practice setting and must not hinder the ability of their co-workers to provide prompt care. Examples of such emergency treatment reasonably required of pharmacists include arriving quickly when called, rapidly and accurately preparing appropriate emergency medication, and the preparation of sterile intravenous medications.

Students must be able to use computer-based information systems and have sufficient motor function and coordination required for the manipulation of small and large objects. The student must have the ability to move and position another person in a manner that will facilitate physical assessment or another diagnostic lab testing. Lastly, students must exhibit the physical and mental stamina needed while standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Intellectual

A student should possess sufficient intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities to complete a rigorous and intense didactic and experiential curriculum. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, decision-making, judgment, information integration, and solution synthesis. In addition, the student should be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relations of structures. Especially important is the appropriate and rapid calculation of dosages for a variety of patient-specific conditions such as renal or hepatic failure, obesity, cardiac or respiratory arrest, etc. Additionally, calculations involving appropriate dilution or reconstitution of drug products, electrolytes, etc. must be made accurately and quickly. Students must be able to retain and recall critical information in an efficient and timely manner. Students must be able to identify and acknowledge the limits of their knowledge to others when appropriate and be able to recognize when the limits of their knowledge indicate further study or investigation before making a decision. Students must be able to interpret graphs or charts describing biological, economic, or outcome relationships. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction, small group activities, individual study, preparation and presentation of reports, and use of computer technology. Students are expected to be fully alert and attentive at all times in the classroom and clinical settings.

Behavioral and Social

A pharmacy student must possess the physical and emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and the development of effective relationships with patients. Students must adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the academic and clinical environments with appropriate coping responses. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are qualities that are assessed during the admission and education process. The student must recognize and display respect for differences in culture, values, and ethics among patients, faculty, peers, clinical and administrative staff, and colleagues. The student must be able to identify and demonstrate appropriate behavior to protect the safety and well-being of patients, faculty, peers, clinical and administrative staff, and colleagues. Lastly, the student should handle situations appropriately and professionally when those situations may be physically, emotionally, or intellectually stressful, including those situations that must be handled promptly and calmly. At times, this requires the ability to be aware of and appropriately react to one's own immediate emotional responses and environment.

When a letter of acceptance to the University of New England Westbrook College of Health Professions School of Pharmacy is mailed, a detailed copy of the Technical Standards for completion of the curriculum will be included. The applicant will be asked to respond in writing whether they can meet the standards with or without accommodation. An applicant should be able to evaluate themself for compliance with these Technical Standards. In the event that accommodation is requested, the student must submit documentation of disability with the proposed accommodation from a certified specialist to UNE's Student Access Center. A continuing student who develops a disability should request accommodations based on the limitations of the disability through the Student Access Center. Individuals unable to meet the above Technical Standards may be unable to progress and/or complete the Pharm.D. program.

Students must be able to meet the Maine State Board of Pharmacy licensing requirements to obtain a valid Intern License. These licenses are required to complete off-campus experiential courses. Inability to obtain a Maine IPPE or APPE License may prevent completion of experiential courses and prevent a student from continuing in the program and completing the requirements for graduation. Students completing their experiential education in other states must meet the licensing requirements of that state.

The School of Pharmacy's Admissions Committee will consider the applicant based on the criteria for admission of all applicants. An applicant who discloses a disability and requests accommodation in the admission process may be required to submit, in writing, the request for accommodation and pertinent supporting documentation. This pertinent information may include a history of accommodations granted previously in other educational programs.

Requests for accommodation may be initiated with UNE’s Student Access Center.

For more information on disabilities and accommodation, please contact the UNE Student Access Center.

Course load

A pharmacy student must be registered for at least ten (10) credits to be classified as full-time status. Being enrolled in less than ten (10) credits will result in part-time student status. Maintaining less than a six (6) or ten (10) credit load may affect financial aid, scholarship receipt, or insurance verifications. It is the student's responsibility to monitor their own enrollment status.

Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures (PDF) for a detailed description of academic standards. 

Grading policy

Upon completion of a course of study, the faculty member in charge of that course submits a grade for each student to the Registrar’s Office. The Doctor of Pharmacy program uses a standard letter grade format (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, and F). The minimum passing grade for didactic courses is a C-. The minimum passing grade for IPPE and for APPE is a C. Any course that receives a grade less than the minimum for passing will require remediation of the course, as dictated by the Student Development Committee.

Incomplete Grade Policy

An incomplete grade (I) is given to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond their control, is not able to complete the work on time. The incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and usually does not extend beyond six (6) weeks following the end of the semester. The incomplete grade defers the computation of credits for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of a failing grade (F) for the course.

Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal policy

Under special circumstances, students may withdraw from a Doctor of Pharmacy program core course without penalty up to two-thirds (2/3) of the way through the semester if the student is passing the course based on accumulated grades to that point in the course. After that time, a student receives either a WP, for Withdraw Passing, or a WF, for Withdraw Failing, depending on accumulated grades to that point. Students contemplating course or curriculum withdrawal should seek the advice of their advisor or the personnel in the Dean's office.

Repeat Course Policy

Courses in the Doctor of Pharmacy program are offered once per year. Any course that receives a grade less than the minimum for passing will be classified as "failed" and will require repeat of the course as dictated by the Student Development Committee.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which they are enrolled.

Non-Matriculated Audit Course policy*

Any non-matriculated student, with the prior consent of the instructor, may enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be done at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by the signed approval of the instructor. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible (i.e. once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on the person’s academic record). A person who wishes later to be graded for such a course must matriculate into the pharmacy program and then re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the person is expected to attend classes regularly but is not permitted to submit coursework for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count towards enrollment status (i.e., part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran’s benefits, etc. Audit courses carry zero (0) credit.

*This applies to non-matriculated students. Matriculated students may not audit a course.

Curricular philosophy

The goal of the UNE School of Pharmacy (SOP) curriculum is to create a student-centered learning experience that cultivates highly competent pharmacy practitioners. The pharmacist of the twenty-first century will be prepared to deliver optimal patient-centered care in a collaborative, interprofessional environment. Didactic and experiential learning experiences integrate foundational knowledge for optimizing patient care and therapeutic outcomes in health systems, community practice, and research settings. Students will interact with health care professionals and students from other disciplines in order to function effectively as part of an interprofessional team. The curriculum promotes the core values of UNE SOP including professionalism, servant leadership, diversity, and lifelong learning. To cultivate critical thinking as well as clinical reasoning, modes of instructional delivery include interactive lectures, laboratories, case studies, and group problem solving and discussion. 

Upon completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Develop, integrate, and apply knowledge from the foundational sciences to evaluate the scientific literature, explain drug action, solve therapeutic problems, and advance population health and patient-centered care.
• Provide patient-centered care as the medication expert.
• Manage patient healthcare needs using human, financial, technological, and physical resources to optimize the safety and efficacy of medication use systems.
• Design prevention, intervention, and educational strategies for individuals and communities to manage chronic disease and improve health and wellness.
• Describe how population-based care influences patient-centered care and influences the development of practice guidelines and evidence-based best practices.
• Identify problems; explore and prioritize potential strategies; and design, implement, and evaluate a viable solution.
• Educate all audiences by determining the most effective and enduring ways to impart information and assess understanding.
• Assure that patients' best interests are represented.
• Actively participate and engage as a healthcare team member by demonstrating mutual respect, understanding, and values to meet patient care needs.
• Recognize social determinants of health to diminish disparities and inequities in access to quality care.
• Effectively communicate verbally and nonverbally when interacting with an individual, group, or organization.
• Examine and reflect on personal knowledge, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, and emotions that could enhance or limit personal and professional growth.
• Demonstrate responsibility for creating and achieving shared goals, regardless of position.
• Engage in innovative activities by using creative thinking to envision better ways of accomplishing professional goals.
• Exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the trust given to the profession by patients, other healthcare providers, and society.

Transfer credit

Transfer credits may be awarded to students who transfer to UNE from another Doctor of Pharmacy program.

The School of Pharmacy will review courses and award transfer credits on a case by case basis.

Experiential learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Application

2025-2026 Application Cycle

The University of New England School of Pharmacy participates in the Pharmacy College Centralized Application Service (PharmCAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

The UNE School of Pharmacy utilizes a holistic approach in the evaluation of applicants, with the goal of identifying candidates with unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives.

Degree Requirement

All candidates must complete a minimum of two (2) years of pre-professional coursework from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent (minimum total of forty (40) semester or sixty (60) quarter credits).

• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to PharmCAS. Please refer to the PharmCAS application for additional information and instructions.

GPA Requirement

• Prerequisite GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred, as calculated by UNE using the best grade received (if there is repeated coursework).
• Last sixty (60) credit GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred, as calculated by PharmCAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes).

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

Additional Recommended Courses

• Microbiology
• Public Speaking
• Behavioral Sciences (e.g. Psychology)

Additional Important Prerequisite Coursework Considerations

• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better (C- grades are not acceptable).
• All math and science courses should be completed within ten (10) years of anticipated enrollment into the UNE Doctor of Pharmacy program. Courses beyond the ten (10) year limit will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.
• AP credit is accepted to fulfill prerequisite requirements, as long as the course, subject, and credits are broken down and detailed as transfer credit on the applicant's undergraduate transcript.
• All courses must be successfully completed with official transcripts submitted to the UNE Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment prior to starting the program.
• After application submission, official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the fall term should be submitted to PharmCAS for verification during the fall Academic Update period.
• All planned or in-progress coursework (including prerequisite coursework) should be listed on the PharmCAS application at the time of application submission; not doing so may result in the applicant not meeting all admissions requirements.
• Online courses, such as those offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites as well as online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities are acceptable.

Standardized Tests

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is not required for admission.

Letters of Evaluation

Two (2) letters of evaluation are required as part of the application, and no more than four (4) will be accepted - submitted directly to PharmCAS

• We encourage at least one (1) letter from a faculty or pharmacist who can speak to the applicant's ability to be successful in a doctoral-level graduate program and/or work experience.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

Experience Hours

All experiences should be listed directly in the PharmCAS application. Pharmacy and/or healthcare-related experience is recommended, but not required.

Personal Statement

Please refer to the PharmCAS application for specific writing prompts and additional information.

Interviews

Interviews are required for admission:

• Qualified applicants will be contacted and invited to interview by the Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment.

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to PharmCAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE-approved English language proficiency test for graduate students.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the UNE website for specific information on acceptable tests, minimum score requirements, and test score submission instructions.

Other Requirements

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following compliance requirements:

• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations).
• All students must be able to meet all Academic and Technical Standards of the pharmacy profession.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy exceptions

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Books and Computers

Course syllabi and the program booklist include recommended books which students are not required to purchase, but may wish to have as important reference materials. A substantial number of the required textbooks for courses are available to students through an online service via college subscription. A laptop computer is required for all students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program. At least one (1) copy of all required textbooks will be available for use within the Portland Campus library.

Other Expenses

Students are responsible for expenses involved with travel, parking, living expenses and meals at clinical sites.

Housing

For information about on-campus and off-campus housing visit the Housing and Residence Life website.

Student Health Care

UNE has Student Health Centers on both the Biddeford Campus and the Portland Campus. For more information visit the Student Health Center website.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Student Financial Services website.

The Department of Physical Therapy is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, and service. 

Core Values

The Department of Physical Therapy values excellence in student-focused teaching and learning, evidence-based practice, service to the community and profession, interprofessional education and collaboration, research and scholarship, and clinical practice.

Student-Focused

• Friendly, collegial atmosphere
• Low student-to-faculty ratios
• Supportive and engaged faculty and professional staff

Academic Excellence

• Expert academic and clinical faculty
• State-of-the-art equipment and technology
• Experiential learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving
• Quality clinical education experiences
• High standards and expectations for student admission and retention
• Continuous program improvement

Evidence-Based Practice

• Critical appraisal of evidence
• Integrate evidence, expertise, and patient values
• Best practice

Community and Belonging

• Professional and community service
• Academic-Community partnership

Professional Conduct

• Academic Integrity
• Respect for all individuals

​​Trustworthy and Truthful

• Confidentiality of patient-therapist relationship
• Sound judgment
• Competence and professional development
• Pro bono service
• Life-long learning

Collaboration

• Interprofessional education and collaboration
• Research and scholarship
• Teaching and learning

Scholarship

• Student participation and choice
• Collaborative, interprofessional, and individual intellectual pursuits

Health and Wellness

• Whole person wellness
• Injury and disease prevention
• Promotion of healthy environments

Program Goals

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program is designed to graduate physical therapy practitioners prepared to enter the profession in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum is structured around a series of increasingly complex clinical cases integrated across courses and threaded with foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and pathophysiology. Key areas of emphasis include adaptive learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based collaborative practice. 

The ninety-six (96)-credit curriculum spans seven (7) semesters. Beginning with the first semester, the curriculum lays the foundation for student success through online instruction in foundational concepts. Semesters two (2) through five (5) include on-campus didactic instruction interspersed with part-time (local) integrated clinical education experiences and six (6) weeks of full-time clinical education experience. Semester six (6) consists of eight (8) weeks of online didactic coursework followed by a ten (10) week full-time clinical education experience. The culminating semester is a full-time, twelve- (12) week clinical education experience. 

The first semester includes online instruction in human anatomy and an introduction to the physical therapy profession and graduate education. Didactic courses during semesters two (2) thru six (6) are structured with clinical cases to enhance critical thinking and clinical application. Courses are organized as five (5) curricular threads: 1) Science of Movement, 2) Patient/Client Management, 3) Health and Human Development, 4) Professional Roles and Responsibilities, and 5) Clinical Education. Students learn to employ an evidence-based approach to the physical therapy management of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to movement, function, and health across the lifespan. Coursework also includes the study of human movement, the psychosocial impacts of health conditions, and relevant medical and surgical management. Students also learn various roles of the physical therapist in disease prevention, health promotion, education, consultation, legislation and policymaking, management, leadership, advocacy, and healthcare administration. 

Part-time integrated clinical education experiences are introduced early in the curriculum to support didactic learning. Full-time clinical education experiences, totaling thirty (30) weeks, begin at the end of the second semester. The DPT curriculum culminates with two (2) full-time, terminal clinical education experiences. Clinical sites are available within the United States and internationally to provide a breadth and depth of experiences to support learning in diverse healthcare settings. 

Beyond the classroom and the clinic, students have opportunities to further engage in scholarly inquiry, service-learning, community-based activities, global travel, and interprofessional education. Students may also explore topics beyond those required in the curriculum through elective courses and/or workshops.

The D.P.T. program at the University of New England is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. 

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (207) 221-4590 or email ptdepartment@une.edu.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program is seven (7) semesters in length and includes a combination of classroom coursework, laboratory coursework, and four (4) full-time clinical education experiences. In addition to the ninety-six (96) required credits, students are invited to take elective coursework offered by the department.

*Please note: Curriculum is subject to change.

Conferring the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon the successful completion of academic and clinical coursework, including a total of ninety-six (96) academic credits.

Academic Standards

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of physical therapy. Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures (PDF) for a detailed description of academic standards.

Essential Technical Standards

The Essential Technical Standards support the admission, promotion, and graduation of students in the University of New England Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Physical therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession. It is during the prescribed curriculum that students begin to develop the qualities necessary for practice as a physical therapist. Students acquire the foundation of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors needed for the physical therapists’ professional careers.  The abilities that physical therapists must possess to practice safely and competently are reflected in the technical standards that follow. The standards apply to all program activities, including those taking place in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The obligation of the D.P.T. program is to produce effective and competent physical therapists who are able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, all students will be held to the same standards. 

Candidates for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree must be able to meet these minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, for successful completion of degree requirements.  

Please review this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the technical standards below. 

Technical Standards: Abilities and Skills

Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that students must possess to engage safely and competently in all program activities, including those taking place in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The abilities and skills are described in five domains, including observation skills; communication skills; motor skills (fine and gross); intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

Observation

Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and somatic sensations. A student must be able to observe lectures, laboratory dissection of cadavers, and lecture and laboratory demonstrations in person. The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, observe digital and waveform readings, and other graphic images to determine a patient’s condition. Examples in which these observational skills are required include: palpation of peripheral pulses, bony prominences, and ligamentous structures; visual and tactile evaluation for areas of inflammation; and visual and tactile assessment of the presence and degree of edema or other changes in the skin and underlying tissues.

Communication

Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing, and computer literacy. Students must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients to elicit information regarding affect and functional activities, as well as perceive non-verbal communications. Students must also be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in person and in writing with other members of the health care community to convey information essential for safe and effective care. 

Motor

Students must possess sufficient motor function and strength to elicit information from the patient examination, examples include palpation, auscultation, tapping, manual muscle testing, and other examination maneuvers. Students must be able to execute movements required to provide general and therapeutic care, examples include: safely lifting, transferring, and positioning large, heavy, and/or immobile patients and guard during gait training, using assistive devices and orthotics. Students must possess sufficient motor function and strength to be able to learn and then demonstrate the ability to position themselves and patients, perform manual mobilization techniques, perform non-surgical wound debridement, and place electrodes. Learning these skills and performing necessary physical therapy techniques on patients requires coordination of both gross and fine motor skills, sufficient strength, mobility, endurance, balance, proper body mechanics, and the integrated use of touch and vision, or the functional equivalent. 

During the curriculum, students are required to perform motor skills representative of licensed physical therapists working with patients in a variety of settings. 

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

To effectively solve problems, students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, receive information visually and through communication and examination, and process, integrate and synthesize that information quickly, sometimes immediately, and, at times, under stressful and chaotic conditions. For example, the student must be able to quickly and accurately synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history and examination findings, accurately assess the patient and develop an effective treatment program. In addition, students must be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes

A student must possess the psychological ability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities, for the exercise of good judgment, for the prompt completion of all responsibilities inherent to patient care, and for the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, colleagues and other health care providers. Students must be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to a changing environment, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. As a component of their education, students must act professionally and maturely and demonstrate ethical behavior commensurate with the profession of physical therapy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The University of New England Physical Therapy Program welcomes qualified learners with disabilities and encourages students to make requests for accommodations early in the program. The program is committed to providing equal access through the use of reasonable accommodations for students who are otherwise qualified and able to satisfy the technical standards listed above and the academic requirements of the program with or without accommodation. Candidates who, after review of the technical standards, determine that they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program should contact the Student Access Center to schedule a confidential access consultation. Given the nature of our program, timely requests are essential and encouraged because time may be needed to create and implement approved accommodations. Because requests for retroactive accommodations are not reasonable and will not be granted, students should seek accommodations early in the program if they believe that they will need accommodations at some point in the program. 

Students are expected to abide by the academic policies and procedures and conduct code outlined in the University of New England (UNE) Student Handbook, the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook, and the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures (PDF). Failure to abide by these policies, procedures, or codes may result in disciplinary action.

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the 2024 standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

After completing the D.P.T. curriculum, students will:

• Integrate concepts from the biological, physical, behavioral, and clinical sciences into physical therapy services.
• Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors that are consistent with the legal and ethical practice of physical therapy.
• Demonstrate compassion, caring, integrity, and respect for differences, values, and preferences in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, healthcare providers, students, other consumers, and payers.
• Demonstrate culturally sensitive verbal, nonverbal, and written communications that are effective, accurate, and timely.
• Collect and critically evaluate data and published literature to apply in the delivery of care, practice management, and to examine the theoretical and scientific basis for physical therapy.
• Screen patients/clients to determine if they are candidates for physical therapy services or if a referral to, or consultation with, another health care professional or agency is warranted.
• Complete a patient/client examination/reexamination and evaluate and interpret the examination data to determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis.
• Employ critical thinking, self-reflection, and evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions about physical therapy services.
• Collaborate with patients/clients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement an evidence-based plan of care that coordinates human and financial resources.
• Provide services and information related to health promotion, fitness, wellness, health risks, and disease prevention within the scope of physical therapy practice.
• Advocate for patient/client and profession.
• Provide consultative services and education to patients/clients, caregivers, health care workers, and the public using culturally sensitive methods that are adapted to the learning needs, content, and context.
• Employ effective leadership skills in the context of supervising, delegating, and mentoring within the profession.

Transfer credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another Physical Therapy program.
• The program director and admissions committee will review and award transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing

• No advanced standing placement available.

Experiential Learning

• No credit is awarded for experiential learning.

Admissions Requirements

Application

2025-2026 Application Cycle

The University of New England Department of Physical Therapy participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, before matriculation.

• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to PTCAS. Please refer to the PTCAS application for additional information and instructions.

GPA Requirement

UNE has a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 for both overall and prerequisite coursework. Applications are reviewed holistically, and applicants are invited to interview on a rolling basis.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

Other Important Prerequisite Coursework Considerations

• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better (C- grades are not acceptable).
• There is a strong preference that all science and statistics prerequisites be completed no more than ten (10) years prior to the PTCAS application deadline.
• Science course requirements – Alternative higher-level biology and chemistry courses with a lab component may be acceptable (with program approval).
• Advanced Placement (AP) test credits can be accepted towards prerequisite requirements. To apply eligible AP test credits toward prerequisite requirements, the credits must be broken down by subject on the undergraduate transcript. An official letter from the University Registrar, including subject breakdown, is also acceptable.
• Official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the summer/fall term should be submitted to PTCAS and verified during the fall Academic Update period.
• All planned or in-progress prerequisite coursework should be listed on the PTCAS application at the time of application submission.
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with official transcripts submitted to UNE prior to the start of the program.
• Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites as well as online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities are acceptable.

Standardized Tests

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required.

Letters of Reference

Two (2) letters of reference are required – submitted via PTCAS

• One (1) academic reference from a professor, research advisor, or academic advisor.
• One (1) letter from a licensed physical therapist from whom you have completed observation hours.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

Observation Hours

• UNE requires that all applicants complete at least forty (40) hours of observation with a licensed physical therapist (PT).
• Observation hours with a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) may also be considered upon request.
• All hours should be documented, submitted, and verified via PTCAS.
• Although not required, it is recommended that applicants complete observation hours in a variety of practice settings and patient populations.

Personal Statement

Please refer to the PTCAS application for specific writing prompts and additional information.

Interviews

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview via email. All interviews are completed through the Kira Talent virtual assessment platform.

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to PTCAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE-approved English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the UNE website for specific information, minimum score requirements, and test score submission instructions.

Other Requirements

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following compliance requirements:

• Admitted and deposited students must arrange for the submission of all outstanding documents, including transcripts and baccalaureate degree conferral via an official transcript submitted to the UNE Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment prior to the start of the program.
• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations). Additional details and questions should be addressed to D.P.T. program staff.
• All students must have the ability to meet the Academic and Technical Standards of the Physical Therapy profession.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case-by-case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Other Expenses

Other expenses will include textbooks and lab fees in some courses. Students should also anticipate transportation, housing, and living expenses during clinical education experiences.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service and a laptop computer with the capability of utilizing Brightspace or a similar online education format, and ExamSoft.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

UNE is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), whose mission is to establish and maintain high standards of education through the doctoral level. Accreditation by NECHE signifies that UNE meets or exceeds those high standards.

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Anatomy program offers post-baccalaureate training in the anatomical sciences, a fundamental cornerstone for understanding health and disease. This program will provide students with an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and medical physiology, and the skills to apply this knowledge to teach or work in medical fields. All students completing the program will be knowledgeable in detailed human anatomy, embryology, histology, clinical imaging, and physiology. Completion of the Graduate Certificate courses will provide students with a strong foundation for medical school.

*The purpose of the catalog is to provide a comprehensive list of required courses. The College of Osteopathic Medicine can provide a degree map listing which courses should be taken in each stage of this timeline.

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Anatomy, students will need a minimum score of 70% at the end of the semester in each of the courses in order to pass that course. If a student fails a course, they would be allowed to move on to the second semester and become eligible for the certificate, but any failures will show on their transcript. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of human anatomy, embryology, histology, and physiology with special emphasis on knowledge relevant to health professionals.
• Describe advanced anatomical knowledge as it relates to clinical imaging studies including fluoroscopy, radiology, CT scans, MRI, venous and arterial studies, cardiac studies, etc.
• Demonstrate interpersonal/interprofessional skills (such as student-staff and peer-peer communication), peer-active teamwork, and collaborative leadership, thereby fostering, identifying, and practicing the professional behavior(s) expected within the healthcare setting.
• Identify relevant landmarks and anatomical structures in the living and cadaveric body.
• Identify selected normal anatomical structures and features on medical images, including X-ray, CT scans, and MRI.
• Define and describe the normal structure and biomechanical function of the musculo-skeletal-fascial system.
• Discuss and integrate a fundamental understanding of structure-function relationships for each area of the body and its relationship to the physical exam.
• Discuss and integrate a fundamental understanding of physiology as it relates to the various organs and structures of the body.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another program.

Advanced Standing

No advanced standing available.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Application

The University of New England Graduate Certificate in Clinical Anatomy program participates in the Graduate Centralized Application Service - GradCAS. All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, before matriculation.
• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to GradCAS. Please refer to the GradCAS application for additional information and instructions.

GPA Requirements

Minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.8 at the time of application is highly recommended (including all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes).

prerequisite coursework requirements

additional recommended courses

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Cell/Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Math/Statistics
• Biochemistry

other prerequisite coursework considerations

• Pass/Fail courses are acceptable for prerequisite courses taken in Spring 2020 only.
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better (C- grades are not acceptable).
• Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test credit can be accepted towards prerequisite requirements. To apply AP or IB test credits towards prerequisite requirements, the credits must be broken down by subject on the undergraduate transcript. An official letter from the University Registrar, including a subject breakdown, is also acceptable.
• Prerequisite courses may be in progress or planned at the time of application. However, all courses must be successfully completed with an official transcript submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment before matriculation.
• All planned or in-progress coursework should be listed on the GradCAS application at the time of application submission.
• Online courses offered through UNE Online and online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities may be acceptable.

letters of recommendation

• Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, submitted via GradCAS.
• At least one (1) recommendation must come from a science professor/faculty researcher. The admissions committee seeks recommendation letters that outline a holistic description of the applicant, including information on student engagement, interpersonal skills, character, and professionalism.
• Successful applicants have recommendation letters submitted that characterize and reflect their most recent academic, clinical, and community engagement experiences.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

cv or resume

All applicants should upload a current CV or resume to their application in GradCAS.

personal statement

Please refer to the GradCAS application for additional information and instructions.

interviews

Interviews are a required part of the application process. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. All interviews are conducted by invitation only.

UNE reserves the right to adjust interview dates, modalities, and processes as needed. Applicants will be notified immediately if changes to the format or timing of interviews occur at any point during the application cycle.

international applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to obtain an official credential evaluation by World Education Services (WES), confirming degree and grade/course equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please submit the WESI ICAP course-by-course evaluation with grades. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to GradCAS.

International applicants should refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for additional information and instructions.

Standardized Tests

English-Language Proficiency Tests:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of an English language proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Official score reports are required and must be submitted as a part of a complete application.
• Applicants should refer to the Graduate Requirements section of the UNE English Language Proficiency page for specific information and minimum score requirements.

other requirements

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following compliance requirements:

• Completion of a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• All students must have the ability to meet all Academic and Technical Standards of the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of recommendation, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

policy exceptions

Policies are established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants to the university and its programs.

All information presented in this summary is subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.

Exceptions to existing admissions policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment

After two (2) academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except their thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of three (3) thesis credit hours plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program. 

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student. Currently, there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.

The goals of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study programs are to prepare students to:

• Lead schools, programs, and classrooms in a humanistic, caring manner.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical decision-making.
• Meet the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL):
  • Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Core Values
  • Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms
  • Standard 3: Equity and Cultural Responsiveness
  • Standard 4: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Standard 5: Community of Care and Support for Students
  • Standard 6: Professional Capacity of School Personnel
  • Standard 7: Professional Community for Teachers and Staff
  • Standard 8: Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community
  • Standard 9: Operations and Management
  • Standard 10: School Improvement

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study — Advanced Educational Leadership

For educators interested in pursuing an administrative certification, the University of New England offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required and approved by the State of Maine.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Advanced Educational Leadership is a post-master’s degree program of study preparing educators to seek an educational administrative credential in Maine through the Department of Education. This program has been designed to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and innovative curricula delivered through an online format. This program requires completion of ten (10) post-master’s degree courses (thirty (30) credits). Emphasis is on developing the knowledge and skills needed by school administrators and other educators who wish to assume significant leadership roles in their schools, educational institutions, and communities. The program is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL).

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one (1) of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (This also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Post-Masters Certificate or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or by administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Financial Aid

Gainful Employment Program Disclosure (PDF)

Students will learn to:

• Apply research results to leadership decisions.
• Describe the requirements of the PSEL standards.
• Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about school administration.
• Exhibit leadership skills in an actual school administrative setting.

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study — Advanced Educational Leadership programs or any other program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to regularly access an environment where you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement / Writing Sample.
• Two (2) professional/academic references.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework as not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please view the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program website.

Policy Exceptions

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program and the CAGS Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies, reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the School of Nursing is to provide an academic environment that allows students to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia.  This is accomplished by providing a select group of experienced, graduate-level critical care nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab, and clinical site experiences.  UNE’s graduate nurse anesthetists develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills, technical skills, and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) in independent practice or within a collaborative anesthesia environment. 

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, have been providing anesthesia care in the United States of America for over one-hundred and fifty (150) years. Currently, there are approximately sixty-thousand (60,000) CRNAs in the United States with more than two-thousand and eight-hundred (2,800) students graduating per year.

CRNAs are anesthesia specialists who safely administer approximately fifty-million (50,000,000) anesthetics to patients in the United States each year. As Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, they serve in a variety of capacities in daily practice, such as a clinician, educator, administrator, manager, and researcher. CRNAs work in the administrative positions of hospitals, academic institutions, and other health care facilities.

• CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients across the lifespan for all types of surgical cases, using all anesthetic techniques. CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from university-based and tertiary medical centers, community hospitals, free-standing surgical facilities, and office-based surgeries. CRNAs deliver anesthesia in traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; critical access hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; ketamine clinics; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, and pain management specialists; and in the U.S. military, Public Health Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities.
• CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in almost 100% of rural hospitals in the United States, affording access to anesthesia care where it would otherwise not be available. CRNAs also provide anesthesia in urban areas.
• CRNAs are qualified and permitted by state law or regulations to practice in every state in the nation. They provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Nurses first provided anesthesia on the battlefields of the American Civil War. During World War I, nurse anesthetists became the predominant providers of anesthesia care to wounded soldiers on the front lines in Europe. Today, CRNAs have full practice authority in every branch of the military and are the primary providers of anesthesia care to U.S. military personnel on front lines, navy ships, and aircraft evacuation teams around the globe. 

Degree Curriculum

The curriculum for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Post Master’s degree is a sequential, chronological curriculum that meets the requirements of the AACN Essential Elements for a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.  Each doctoral course builds upon prerequisite course work and presents increasingly complex content and where applicable, competencies. There are no elective courses. All coursework applies directly to anesthesia or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s essential elements and is interrelated. 

The curriculum for the completion degree is fully online and has twenty-nine (29) credit hours over five (5) semesters. The program begins in the fall semester.  For students who wish to complete the program at a slower pace, it is possible to extend the program and take fewer courses per semester.  Each course is offered during specific semesters. There is no clinical component to this program. All students are master’s prepared CRNAs.  There is an opportunity to acquire a certificate in health care management by taking two (2) additional courses in the College of Professional and Graduate Studies. 

All students will complete three (3) courses in research and the scholarly project culminating in the dissemination of the acquired information via publication, poster or oral presentation, or submission to DUNE- Digital University of New England Library. 

The School of Nursing is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education through the fall of 2031. The program received the maximum ten (10)-year accreditation length in the fall of 2021.

Contact information for the Council on Accreditation:
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs 10275 W. Higgins Rd
Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: (224) 275-9130
http://coacrna.org

View the department performance data sheet (PDF). The data only reflects the entry to practice performance, as post-masters students do not take the certifying exam. 

Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of the graduate. These competencies identify knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability to their peers, interprofessional colleagues, and other healthcare stakeholders throughout the program and peri-anesthetic clinical experiences.
2. Demonstrate the integration of critical and reflective thinking in the leadership approach while fostering interprofessional collaboration.
3. Apply analytical processes in the areas of health policy, quality improvement of patient care outcomes, information systems, and business practices to support and improve healthcare delivery systems.
4. Develop and evaluate quality improvement methodologies to promote safe, timely, effective patient-centered care.
5. Use information technology appropriately to analyze data from practice and design evidence-based intervention.
6. Educate others, including policy makers at all levels, regarding nurse anesthesia, health policy, and patient care outcomes.
7. Use analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine and implement the best evidence for practice.
8. Disseminate findings from evidence-based practice and research to improve healthcare outcomes. 

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS:

Nurse anesthesia education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia school faculties have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best prepared nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications.

The essential technical standards presented in this handbook are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England School of Nursing. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

It is imperative that all students recognize the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthetist education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The school has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem, which impairs the student’s ability to meet the school’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations by the school.

Recommendations:

1. No otherwise, qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nursing based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Candidate with disabilities applying to the School of Nursing will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
3. Matriculation into the School of Nursing assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist students with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the student in learning, performing, and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the student’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
4. Reasonable accommodations that facilitate student progress will be provided, but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nursing, fundamentally alter the program, or significantly affect the rights of other students.
5. The School, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled students may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the University of New England School of Nursing.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

A student of this program must have abilities and skills of five (5) varieties including observational skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I.    Communication Skills

The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families, and all members of the health care team. A student must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and status. He or she must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

II.    Intellectual Skills- Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the student must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities.

III.    Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes

Students must possess the emotional health, intelligence, and stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.

Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.

Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the educational processes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDY

1. Graduate education represents an opportunity for self-motivated learning in which the student assumes the principal responsibility for the learning process through the comprehensive engagement of the material outlined in the program curriculum.
2. The role of the program faculty is to facilitate the learning process by guiding the student to the resources necessary for him or her to meet the educational objectives of the program in a self-directed manner, and by promoting a supportive and collaborative environment conducive to the pursuit of academic excellence, clinical competence, and professional success.
3. Didactic instruction in the program is designed to synthesize the wide body of knowledge represented by the program curriculum in a manner that highlights foundational principles and that facilitates the student’s mastery of the material through the development of learning strategies for which he or she is ultimately accountable.
4. Examinations will evaluate the extent to which the student is able to master the material in a comprehensive and self-directed manner. It is expected that all written assignments and/or projects should be the result of comprehensive research and reflection on a given topic in keeping with the principles of intellectual honesty and scientific inquiry and be presented in a professional manner on the due date.
5. Meeting deadlines for submission of administrative paperwork, is a professional expectation and failure to do so is considered a breach of conduct becoming of a professional graduate student such behaviors will be met with consequences ranging from probation to course failure.
6. Time-sensitive communication between faculty and students is an essential component of the student’s success in the program and efficient department functioning. For this reason, the University has provided a communication platform based on individual email accounts for each student and a web-based platform which supports live chat and threaded online class discussions. It is considered a professional obligation that students respond to faculty calls and electronic correspondence within 24 hours or sooner if requested, of receiving messages. Failure to do so will be construed as unprofessional behavior. Students should remain updated on Web-based class related notifications and information. It is recommended that students check their email and the Brightspace Announcement section for updates initially in the morning and throughout the day.
7. On-going evaluation of the program’s didactic courses by students is an essential component of meeting standards of quality as mandated by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs and an important means of communication between students and faculty. Please note course evaluations are a required element of every course; to receive your grades at the end of the semester, you will need to complete the on-line course and instructor evaluation. Notices and time frames for completion are sent out via email and determined by the University. Participation in evaluation processes by students is a professional and departmental expectation and is required by the Westbrook College of Health Professions. Students must have appropriate resources necessary to fully participate in all phases of the program.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The DNP-NA Program abides by the UNE policy on discrimination. Discrimination, based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, marital status, handicap, sexual orientation or national origin will not be tolerated.

 PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMELINE

The program consists of five semesters. Courses are only offered during specific semesters. Students may choose to take longer to complete the program.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students will meet with the program director in the semester prior to graduation to determine eligibility to graduate.  

GRADUATION CRITERIA

• All UNE Graduation Criteria Met
  • All fees paid in full
• Registrar’s Graduation Application
  • Submitted in January for May graduation
• Completed course requirements for all courses
• Meet all Doctoral Standards as set forth by the COA
• All DNP courses completed with overall cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher
• Scholarly Project requirements met:
  • Scholarly project and manuscript completed
  • Scientific poster completed and presented
  • Scholarly project manuscript submitted to DUNE
  • Outside publication or presentation application completed
• Proof of Meeting attendance
• Final Paperwork
  • Financial Aid Meeting
  • Exit Interviews
  • Program evaluations
• A current RN license and ACLS and PALS Certifications must be on file
• Current recertification from the NBCRNA must be on file

The program reserves the right to defer a student’s graduation until all requirements have been met. 

TRANSFER CREDIT

No transfer credit will be awarded for prior coursework.

ADVANCED STANDING

No advanced standing track is available.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All applicants must submit an application through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).
• Verified applications received on or before the application deadline will receive full admission consideration.
• Highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are conducted by invitation only.
• UNE communicates all status updates, notifications, and admission decisions via email.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Items to submit to NursingCAS:

• Application with application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Proof of current unencumbered APRN license
• Proof of CRNA certification or recertification from NBCRNA

Degree Requirement

Master's in Nurse Anesthesia from a COA-accredited program. 

Licensure and Certifications*

• Current unencumbered APRN license
• Current certification or recertification from NBCRNA
• Current ACLS/BLS/PALs certification

*Upload copies of all licenses and certifications in NursingCAS

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books, which are estimated at $750. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid 

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call (207) 283-0170, ext. 2342, or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the DSW program is to advance the profession of social work by preparing experienced professionals to become visionary leaders, educators, researchers, and administrators who drive social change and promote social justice. Rooted in the values and ethics of the social work profession, our program is dedicated to excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Vision

The vision of the DSW is to be a national leader in social work education, research, and administration, fostering excellence, community, and belonging. We aspire to educate ethical and inclusive leaders who drive positive change, promoting equity and social justice through innovative practice, research, and policy advocacy. With a commitment to community collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning, we aim to shape the future of the social work profession and empower the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION

N/A

The DSW with an emphasis in Interprofessional Leadership is a forty-five (45)-credit hour program that provides a comprehensive and advanced curriculum designed to equip social work professionals with the specialized skills needed for leadership and practice in interdisciplinary settings. The program emphasizes an IP approach to address complex social issues through the integration of social work principles alongside insights from diverse fields. Students engage in coursework and simulation experience covering advanced social work practice, interprofessional collaboration, organizational leadership, education, and research methodologies. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication across disciplines.

Program Goals

• Equip graduates with advanced leadership skills to effectively guide organizations, communities, and systems in addressing complex social issues and promoting social change.
• Prepare graduates to excel as educators in higher education, employing innovative teaching methodologies and fostering inclusive environments.
• Develop graduates' capacity to conduct rigorous, practice-informed research that contributes to the evidence base of social work and informs policies and practices.
• Instill a commitment to ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration, ensuring that graduates lead with integrity and foster partnerships across diverse disciplines and sectors.

LO 1: Synthesize knowledge and skills across advanced clinical social work practice, interprofessional leadership, social work administration, and research to effectively address complex social and health challenges.

LO 2: Demonstrate the ability to lead and innovate in interprofessional settings, applying advanced social work clinical and administrative skills to effect positive change in complex social systems and organizations.

LO 3: Demonstrate the ability to practice effectively as a peer colleague in an interprofessional setting.

LO 4: Evaluate and apply ethical considerations in interprofessional leadership, using the ethical principles that guide social work practice and analyzing their implications for collaborative decision-making and conflict resolution within a diverse professional context.

LO 5: Analyze, develop, and advocate for policies that promote social justice and equity, utilizing advanced research skills to inform evidence-based practice and policy decisions in social work and related fields.

UNE'S DSW Academic Standards

The Doctorate in Social Work is a CSWE aligned program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) uses a competency-based education framework in its Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to ensure students can demonstrate essential competencies in practice. This approach emphasizes integrating knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes to address practice situations in a culturally responsive, intentional, and professional manner, promoting human and community well-being. Competence is viewed as holistic, multidimensional, and developmental, evolving through continuous learning and adaptation to changing social contexts. The EPAS outlines nine interrelated competencies with component behaviors that guide curriculum design, teaching strategies, and learning activities. Outcome-oriented assessment plays a crucial role, providing evidence of student readiness for professional practice and informing ongoing program improvement. Given the complexity of social work practice, assessment methods may vary but remain essential for evaluating student competence and program effectiveness (CSWE, 2022).

UNE's social work faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage personal and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication. At the same time, students must recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful SSW education, both in and out of the classroom, rests with the student.

All students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Situations can arise in which a student's behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances present a problem which impairs the student's ability to meet the standards set forth, even after reasonable accommodations have been considered and, if appropriate, made by the program, all students must still meet the requirements set forth by the program.

All applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards. All enrolled students, regardless of disability, will be held to the same academic standards, understanding that all properly submitted requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Academic Program Standards

All students must complete all Social Work program requirements and receive a passing grade in all courses and practicums to be eligible for graduation. DSW students must have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or better to graduate. 

Academic Policy

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via UNE Compass. Please see the Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term, and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form available online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

RE-ADMISSION

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal, their previous coursework will be evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not recur. The letter should be attached in the application portal.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned.

However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans; stop out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not
acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. The appeal of a decision may be made to the dean, whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Professional Studies Student Handbook.

STUDENT ACCESS CENTER

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program. To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application. Be worth (3) credits.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

The DSW program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

See Online Admissions for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include course textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program aims to develop strategic, ethical, and innovative leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s global business environment. Through engaged full-time faculty, experiential learning, and a forward-thinking curriculum, we empower students and working professionals to: 

• Advance their careers by acquiring the skills needed for leadership roles in industry.
• Lead with integrity and make socially responsible business decisions.
• Analyze complex challenges and develop data-driven solutions.
• Communicate effectively across diverse professional and organizational settings.
• Adapt to change and drive organizational success in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world. 

The UNE MBA also offers the chance to specialize your MBA in areas of UNE strength, including Healthcare Administration, Sport Leadership & Management, and Supply Chain Management.

The College of Business (COB) MBA degree is delivered in partnership with UNE’s College of Professional Studies (CPS). The MBA is designed for working professionals who seek to drive innovation, promote ethical leadership, and embrace a global perspective in today’s dynamic business environment. This online program is open to students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline. No specific coursework in business is required prior to enrolling. The thirty (30)-credit MBA degree provides working professionals with deep learning in the core areas of business. An additional thirty-six (36)-credit degree option exists for students interested in earning a concentration in the focused areas of Healthcare Administration, Sport Leadership & Management, or Supply Chain Management. Classes are offered in an eight (8)-week online format, allowing students to start the program at six (6) different points each year and to plan their progress at a pace that suits their own situation, timelines, and career development plans. The program specifically and deliberately targets recent graduates and working professionals who are seeking to change careers, advance internally, or build their expertise in business disciplines. Grounded in flexible learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program furthers the careers of working professionals with the skills necessary to allow them to make an impact in various industries with advanced skills.

1. Offer students a flexible, online, innovative, and comprehensive graduate business program providing contemporary knowledge and developing the core skills which promote graduates’ employment and career advancement successes.
2. Enhance the regional and national reputation of the COB and UNE for offering strong academic programming in a flexible manner linked to UNE’s areas of strength.
3. Attract and develop talent for New England’s vibrant industry sectors.

*Three (3) concentrations offered within the MBA program include Sport Leadership and Management, Supply Chain Management, and Healthcare Administration.

Matriculated graduate students must attain a grade of B- or higher in every MBA course.  A grade below B- is considered a failing grade, and students must re-enroll and repeat the course to meet the program’s minimum standard. Failure to successfully repeat a course with a B- or higher grade may result in academic probation and possible dismissal from the program. Students who fail two (2) or more courses will be dismissed from the program. Students must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) to be eligible for graduation.

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Business will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Students may request a leave of absence from their program for up to one (1) academic year, defined as two (2) consecutive full terms, including both A and B 8-week sessions. Requests must be submitted through the student’s assigned enrollment and retention counselor.  Please note the time spent on leave counts toward the overall time allowed to complete the program.  During an approved leave of absence, students will be classified as “active/not enrolled”.

To return from a leave of absence, students must request reinstatement within one (1) academic year. In certain cases, such as medical leaves, students may be required to provide appropriate medical documentation or clearance before returning.  Students who do not return within the one (1)-year time-frame will be administratively withdrawn and must follow the readmission process to return. Readmitted students may be subject to the current catalog year, including any updates to program requirements and academic policies. These changes may affect degree requirements, time to completion, and overall academic planning, so careful review is strongly advised.

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Leave of absence time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

1. Solve complex business problems utilizing advanced critical thinking skills.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of foundational elements of business, including but not limited to accounting, finance, marketing, and operations.
3. Demonstrate essential leadership qualities to manage teams effectively.
4. Appraise the ethical implications of strategic decisions.
5. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills to convey business ideas clearly.

Students may transfer up to six (6) credit hours of graduate-level coursework toward the MBA program. However, to earn an MBA from UNE, at least thirty (30) credit hours must be completed at UNE. Transfer credits can help students pursue an MBA with a concentration, ensuring a seamless transition into the program while maintaining academic integrity and degree requirements.

Applicants must hold a four (4)-year undergraduate degree from an accredited from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent. The program is tailored for professionals with or without a business background, offering a comprehensive advanced education with no specific prerequisites. 

Degrees from any discipline are welcome, and non-business students are encouraged to apply. 

• For applicants with five (5) or more years of work experience, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
• For all other applicants, a minimum GPA of 2.8 is required.
• GMAT and GRE tests are NOT required.
• The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test or IELTS overall band score of 6 or higher for applicants whose undergraduate degree was not completed in English.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the UNE Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED NUTRITION PROGRAM GOALS

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

• Interpret, evaluate, communicate and apply complex nutrition concepts to a wide variety of individuals, communities, and organizations.
• Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions.
• Provide leadership and innovation to the nutrition profession, facilitating the growth and application of best practices in the field to our region and globally.
• Utilize theories of health behavior and the translation of theory into practice as a valuable tool in public health, community, and clinical nutrition settings.

OBJECTIVES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED NUTRITION PROGRAM

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will: 

• Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives.
• Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities.
• Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives.
• Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences.
• Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based and theory-driven educational materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.

Students in the RDN to M.S.A.N. program will develop skills in and an understanding of multiple competency areas of nutrition study and practice, dependent on their individualized course of study. This program allows the student to take the requisite classes and then diversify their educational plan of study to best meet their personal and professional needs.

FOCUS AREA: NON-DIET APPROACHES TO HEALTH PROMOTION

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

• Define and explain key concepts related to overweight/obesity to a variety of audiences.
• Describe the prevalence of and trends in overweight/obesity.
• Develop materials to combat the impacts of overweight/obesity.
• Analyze and communicate the medical, psychosocial, and economic costs associated with overweight/obesity to a variety of audiences.
• Compare overweight/obesity prevention and treatment approaches to evaluate their efficacy at the individual and community levels.
• Propose and communicate new approaches to combat the incidence of overweight/obesity for a variety of audiences based on an analysis of existing policy and regulations.

FOCUS AREA: NUTRITION AND DISEASE PREVENTION

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

• Analyze nutrition research literature to apply it to nutrition practice.
• Analyze and communicate evidence-based nutrition information to a variety of audiences.
• Apply theories of health behavior in nutrition practice settings.
• Analyze and communicate research in nutrition-related disease prevention and progression to a wide variety of audiences.
• Design and implement nutrition and wellness research to include identifying research hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting research results, and writing publishable reports.

FOCUS AREA: SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

• Assess current regional and global agricultural policies and practices in relation to environmental stewardship, human health, and food justice.
• Analyze nutrition, food systems, and agricultural literature to apply it to nutrition practice, education, and advocacy.
• Evaluate the environmental sustainability of traditional and current diets worldwide and how they can meet nutritional needs while lessening environmental impacts.
• Analyze and communicate evidence-based nutrition and food systems information to a variety of audiences.
• Design and implement nutrition and food systems research to include identifying research hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting research results, and writing publishable reports.

Focus Areas

Focus Area: Non-diet Approaches for Health Promotion

Focus Area: Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Focus Area: Sustainable Nutrition

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION 

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the Registrar’s Office via UNE Compass. Please see our Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form available online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

READMISSION 

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not recur. The letter should be attached in the application portal.

TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION 

A student who has not completed the M.S. Applied Nutrition program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and will be required to apply for readmission.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop-out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized 
   assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.

STUDENT ACCESS CENTER 

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

The M.S.A.N. program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

See Online Admissions for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the UNE Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

The Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Dietetics program provides a verification statement upon successful completion of program requirements, which prepares graduates for practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) after passing the national registration exam.

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION

The University of New England Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Dietetics program is Fully Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education (ACEND) in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement, visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.

In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited graduate program of Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Dietetics program at The University of New England are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED NUTRITION PROGRAM GOALS

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

• Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply complex nutrition concepts to a wide variety of individuals, communities, and organizations.
• Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions.
• Provide leadership and innovation to the nutrition profession, facilitating the growth and application of best practices in the field to our region and globally.
• Utilize theories of health behavior and the translation of theory into practice as a valuable tool in public health, community, and clinical nutrition settings.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED NUTRITION, DIETETICS GOALS

In addition to the above, M.S.A.N. Dietetics graduates will:

• Be competent practitioners that are equipped to pass the RDN exam, that are ethical and skilled in-patient care, and that are competitively employable in the field.
• Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions and Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Objectives in Support of the Goals of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

• Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives.
• Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities.
• Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives.
• Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences.
• Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based and theory-driven educational materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.

• At least 80% of graduates who respond to the “Alumni Survey” will select “strongly agree” or “agree” indicating they were adequately prepared to be an effective RDN practitioner in their first post-graduate professional position.
• At least 80% of employers who respond to the “Employer Survey” will select “strongly agree” or “agree” indicating the graduates demonstrated ethical behavior and cultural competency in all areas of nutrition and interprofessional practice in their first post-graduate professional position.
• At least 80% of graduates who respond to the “Alumni Survey” will select “strongly agree” or “agree” indicating they were able to communicate evidence-based research in nutrition to a wide variety of audiences in their first post-graduate professional position.
• At least 80% of employers who respond to the “Employer Survey” will select “strongly agree” or “agree” indicating the graduates were able to communicate evidence-based research in nutrition to a wide variety of audiences in their first post-graduate professional position.

ACEND REQUIRED OBJECTIVES

• Program Completion: At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within three (3) years and six (6) months (150% of the program length).
• Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within twelve (12) months of graduation.

Employer Satisfaction: At least 80% of employers who respond to the “Employer Survey” will select “strongly agree” or “agree” indicating graduates were prepared for entry-level practice.

GRADUATE PERFORMANCE ON REGISTRATION EXAM

• At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within twelve (12) months of program completion.
• The program’s one (1)-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one (1) year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

Program outcomes data measuring success against these objectives is available upon request. Please contact the MSAN Assistant Program Director/Director of Dietetics Focus for further information.

Successful graduates of the M.S.A.N. Dietetics program, will receive a verification statement allowing them to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration exam, administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession

Principles and Standards

M.S.A.N. Dietetics students are required to become members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Student members are held to the principles and standards of Nutrition and Dietetics practitioners.

Competence and professional development in practice (Non-maleficence)

Nutrition and dietetics practitioners (students) shall:

1. Practice using an evidence-based approach within areas of competence, continuously develop and enhance expertise, and recognize limitations.
2. Demonstrate in-depth scientific knowledge of food, human nutrition, and behavior.
3. Assess the validity and applicability of scientific evidence without personal bias.
4. Interpret, apply, participate in, and/or generate research to enhance practice, innovation, and discovery.
5. Make evidence-based practice decisions, taking into account the unique values and circumstances of the patient/client and community, in combination with the practitioner's expertise and judgment.
6. Recognize and exercise professional judgment within the limits of individual qualifications and collaborate with others, seek counsel, and make referrals as appropriate.
7. Act in a caring and respectful manner, mindful of individual differences, cultural, and ethnic diversity.
8. Practice within the limits of their scope and collaborate with the inter-professional team.

Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and practices (Autonomy)

Nutrition and dietetics practitioners (students) shall:

1. Disclose any conflicts of interest, including any financial interests in products or services that are recommended. Refrain from accepting gifts or services that potentially influence or may give the appearance of influencing professional judgment.
2. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including obtaining/maintaining a state license or certification if engaged in practice governed by nutrition and dietetics statutes.
3. Maintain and appropriately use credentials.
4. Respect intellectual property rights, including citation and recognition of the ideas and work of others, regardless of the medium (e.g. written, oral, electronic).
5. Provide accurate and truthful information in all communications.
6. Report inappropriate behavior or treatment of a patient/client by another nutrition and dietetics practitioner or other professionals.
7. Document, code, and bill to most accurately reflect the character and extent of delivered services.
8. Respect patient/client autonomy. Safeguard patient/client confidentiality according to current regulations and laws.
9. Implement appropriate measures to protect personal health information using appropriate techniques (e.g., encryption).

Professionalism (Beneficence)

Nutrition and dietetics practitioners (students) shall:

1. Participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of patients/clients.
2. Respect the values, rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other professionals.
3. Demonstrate respect, constructive dialogue, civility, and professionalism in all communications, including social media.
4. Refrain from communicating false, fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, disparaging, or unfair statements or claims.
5. Uphold professional boundaries and refrain from romantic relationships with any patients/clients, surrogates, supervisees, or students.
6. Refrain from verbal/physical/emotional/sexual harassment.
7. Provide objective evaluations of performance for employees, coworkers, and students and candidates for employment, professional association memberships, awards, or scholarships, making all reasonable efforts to avoid bias in the professional evaluation of others.
8. Communicate at an appropriate level to promote health literacy.
9. Contribute to the advancement and competence of others, including colleagues, students, and the public.

Social responsibility for local, regional, national, global nutrition and well-being (Justice)

Nutrition and dietetics practitioners (students) shall:

1. Collaborate with others to reduce health disparities and protect human rights.
2. Promote fairness and objectivity with fair and equitable treatment.
3. Contribute time and expertise to activities that promote respect, integrity, and competence of the profession.
4. Promote the unique role of nutrition and dietetics practitioners.
5. Engage in service that benefits the community and enhances the public's trust in the profession.
6. Seek leadership opportunities in professional, community, and service organizations to enhance health and nutritional status while protecting the public.

Glossary of Terms

Autonomy: Ensures a patient, client, or professional has the capacity and self-determination to engage in individual decision-making specific to personal health or practice.¹

Beneficence: Encompasses taking positive steps to benefit others, which includes balancing benefit and risk.¹

Competence: A principle of professional practice, identifying the ability of the provider to administer safe and reliable services on a consistent basis.²

Conflict(s) of Interest(s): A personal or financial interest or a duty to another party that may prevent a person from acting in the best interests of the intended beneficiary, including simultaneous membership on boards with potentially conflicting interests related to the profession, members, or the public.²

Customer: Any client, patient, resident, participant, student, consumer, individual/person, group, population, or organization to which the nutrition and dietetics practitioner provides service.³

Diversity: “The Academy values and respects the diverse viewpoints and individual differences of all people. The Academy's mission and vision are most effectively realized through the promotion of a diverse membership that reflects cultural, ethnic, gender, racial, religious, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, geographical, political, educational, experiential, and philosophical characteristics of the public it serves. The Academy actively identifies and offers opportunities to individuals with varied skills, talents, abilities, ideas, disabilities, backgrounds, and practice expertise.⁴”

Evidence-based Practice: Evidence-based practice is an approach to health care wherein health practitioners use the best evidence possible, i.e., the most appropriate information available, to make decisions for individuals, groups, and populations. Evidence-based practice values, enhances, and builds on clinical expertise, knowledge of disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology. It involves complex and conscientious decision-making based not only on the available evidence but also on client characteristics, situations, and preferences. It recognizes that health care is individualized and ever changing and involves uncertainties and probabilities. Evidence-based practice incorporates successful strategies that improve client outcomes and are derived from various sources of evidence, including research, national guidelines, policies, consensus statements, systematic analysis of clinical experience, quality improvement data, specialized knowledge, and skills of experts.²

Justice (social justice): Supports fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment for individuals¹ and fair allocation of resources.

Non-Maleficence: The intent to not inflict harm.¹

References

¹ Fornari A. Approaches to ethical decision-making. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(1):119-121.

² Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Definition of Terms List. June, 2017 (Approved by Definition of Terms Workgroup Quality Management Committee May 16, 2017). Accessed October 11, 2017.

³ Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Standards of Practice in Nutrition Care and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018; 118: 132-140.

⁴ Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics "Diversity Philosophy Statement" (adopted by the House of Delegates and Board of Directors in 1995).

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION 

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the Registrar’s Office via UNE Compass. Please see our Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term, and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form available online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

READMISSION 

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not recur. The letter should be attached in the application portal.

TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION 

A student who has not completed the MS Applied Nutrition program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and will be required to apply for readmission.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures.

Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized 
  assistance or information.
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
• Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
• Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
• Plagiarism is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the program director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.

STUDENT ACCESS CENTER 

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

The M.S.A.N. program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

See Online Admissions for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the UNE Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program Goals

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

• Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply complex nutrition concepts to a wide variety of individuals, communities, and organizations.
• Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions.
• Provide leadership and innovation to the nutrition profession, facilitating the growth and application of best practices in the field to our region and globally.
• Utilize theories of health behavior and the translation of theory into practice as a valuable tool in public health, community, and clinical nutrition settings.

Objectives in Support of the Goals of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

• Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives.
• Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities.
• Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives.
• Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences.
• Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based and theory-driven educational materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.

Students in the M.S.A.N. Food and Nutrition Science (Pre-Dietetics) program will develop skills in and an understanding of multiple competency areas of nutrition study and practice. Upon successful completion of the requirements to enter the UNE Dietetics program, the student may change major into the Dietetics program, or they may choose to remain in the Food and Nutrition Science program and choose electives dependent on their individualized course of study. This program allows the student to take the requisite first-year classes and then diversify their educational plan of study to best meet their personal and professional needs.

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE 

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION 

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the Registrar’s Office via UNE Compass. Please see our Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form available online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

READMISSION 

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for re-admission. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not re-occur. The letter should be attached in the application portal.

TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION 

A student who has not completed the MS Applied Nutrition program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized 
   assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.

STUDENT ACCESS CENTER 

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program.
To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

The M.S.A.N. program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

See Online Admissions for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The Climate Change Leadership program is designed to prepare you for a meaningful career at the forefront of climate solutions. Fully online and accessible to learners from all academic and professional backgrounds, this thirty-four (34) credit program provides the skills and interdisciplinary knowledge you need to drive impactful change.

The Masters of Climate Change Leadership (CCL) is an online MS degree program. This is a thirty-four (34) credit hour applied and interdisciplinary graduate degree program, designed for students with or without an environmental policy or science background. Students may complete the coursework for the program in two and a half (2.5) academic years, taking one (1) course during each seven (7) week term and one (1) during each fourteen (14) week term, or on an accelerated schedule by increasing the number of courses taken per term.

Program-Specific Electives

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via UNE Compass. Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

Attendance Policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term, and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

University Withdrawal

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form (PDF) online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop-out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned Enrollment and Retention Counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop-out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
• Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
• Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
• Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the dean, whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Student Access Center

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Experiential Learning

The CCL program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

1. Appraise the complexities of climate change and the associated systematic impact to the environment, public health, and business at regional and global scales.
2. Evaluate the issues, sustainability challenges, opportunities, and natural and social-ecological foundations of interdisciplinary work that is at the heart of climate change.
3. Apply a systematic and scientific approach in examining the complex facets of climate change.
4. Demonstrate team-based interdisciplinary leadership knowledge, skills, and dispositions in addressing climate challenges and advancing change across diverse sectors.
5. Demonstrate integration of the scientific method, public health principles, and business acumen through a capstone project addressing climate change.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) course into the Master of Climate Change Leadership program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding the evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

Re-Admission

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission through the reapplication process. The application essay must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and a plan for the successful completion of the program.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework as not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. 

International Admissions.

• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The CCL Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies, reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Master of Science in Education — Reading Specialist

For educators interested in pursuing certification, the University of New England offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

attendance policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students will learn to:

• Apply leadership frameworks that focus on personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles.
• Address the full range of motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's educational systems.
• Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests.
• Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of coursework.
• Develop online collaborative relationships with peers. 

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into any program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding the evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online. 

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework as not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to The College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency, See International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Master of Science in Education website.

Exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the M.S.Ed. Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Master of Science in Education — Teaching Methodology

The Master of Science in Education — Teaching Methodology is available only to UNE students who have successfully completed the former Teacher Certification Program (TCP). The Teaching Methodology program is a thirty (30)-credit master’s degree encompassing fifteen (15) graduate credits from UNE’s former College of Arts and Sciences Teacher Certification Program and fifteen (15) core credits in the current College of Professional Studies (CPS) Graduate Programs in Education.

*Please note: These courses are no longer offered. Other courses from UNE’s former Teacher Certification Program that are 500-level or above may also be considered with review from the program director.

attendance policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students will learn to:

• Apply leadership frameworks that focus on personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles.
• Address the full range of motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's educational systems.
• Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests.
• Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of coursework.
• Develop online collaborative relationships with peers. 

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into the Master of Science in Education — Teaching Methodology program.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online. 

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework as not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to The College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency. See International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Master of Science in Education website.

Exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the M.S.Ed. Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Master of Science in Education — Educational Leadership

For educators interested in pursuing certification as building administrators, the University of New England offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

attendance policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students will learn to:

• Apply leadership frameworks that focus on personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles.
• Address the full range of motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's educational systems.
• Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests.
• Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of coursework.
• Develop online collaborative relationships with peers. 

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into any program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online. 

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to The College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency. See International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Master of Science in Education website.

Exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the MSEd Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Master of Science in Education — Special Education

For educators interested in pursuing certification, the University of New England offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

attendance policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

Minimal Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned enrollment and retention counselor, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students will learn to:

• Apply leadership frameworks that focus on personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles.
• Address the full range of motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's educational systems.
• Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests.
• Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of coursework.
• Develop online collaborative relationships with peers. 

Transfer credit cannot be accepted into any program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding the evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• A computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet, as all classes are accessed 100% online. 

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution. 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework as not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to The College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency. See International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Master of Science in Education website.

Exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the MSEd Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the School of Nursing is to facilitate the education of students as safe clinicians and leaders. As professional nurses, students are prepared to promote the ability of individuals, families, and communities to attain their highest level of wellness. As leaders, students are consumers of evidence-based practice and advocates for individuals, families, and communities.

The University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) provides graduate education for students with an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The UNE PMHNP program aims to provide exemplary, accessible education and clinical training for students seeking to become credentialed PMHNP practitioners.

Students in the MSN PMHNP Program will complete a total of forty-six (46) credits and seven-hundred and eighty (780) direct care clinical hours with a qualified PMHNP Preceptor or Psychiatrist. 

The PMHNP role is based on the Scope of Practice of Psychiatric – Mental Health Nursing. Specifically, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner promoting integrated and comprehensive health and wellness through prevention and education, as well as assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of the full range of psychiatric-mental health disorders, across the lifespan. Psychiatric nurses practice transpersonal caring to promote the health and healing of humanity. The practice of PMHNP nursing is both a science and an art, based on evidence and the purposeful use of self and the therapeutic relationship. PMHNPs provide care at to the individual, family, community, and societal levels to promote well-being and quality of life, as well as to sustain positive health outcomes.

The goal of the of the University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is to prepare PMHNP-APRN graduates to:

Be providers of advanced practice mental health services for persons across the lifespan in in-patient and out-patient rural and urban underserved settings and through demonstrating knowledge, skills, and competencies set forth by the American Nurses Association American Psychiatric Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice (2022) and the additional competencies for which PMHNP-APRNS and graduate-level prepared nurses are accountable. 

Students who complete the University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are educated and eligible upon completion of the MSN PMHNP or the Post Master’s Certificate Program to take the (American Nurses Credentialing Certification (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national certification examination to become credentialed and accountable for functioning within the parameters of their education and training as PMHNPs as well as the scope of practice for PMHNPs as defined by their state practice acts. PMH-APRNs are responsible for making referrals for health problems that are outside their scope of practice.

Academic Criteria

• Students must maintain cumulative and term GPA of 2.65 or greater in all course work.
• Students may repeat any course in the program once.
• Repeating a course will likely result in a delay in progression and/or program completion.

Department Policies

Academic Integrity at UNE

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty, in any form, undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the university community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director and Dean of the College and may result in a failing grade on the assignment and a maximum of dismissal from the University of New England. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Cheating, copying, or offering, receiving unauthorized assistance or information*
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers, reports, and patient care documents
• Actions that destroy or alter the work of another student
• Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor
• Plagiarism:
  • The appropriation of records
  • Research materials
  • Ideas
  • Language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one’s own.

*The School of Nursing considers the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these instances as a form of academic dishonesty.

Please refer to the university Division of Student Affairs website for further information.

HIPAA Compliance

Before attending any experiential offering (clinical or community setting), it is mandatory that each nursing student documents yearly completion of the UNE training program explaining their legal responsibilities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under this regulation, nursing students are permitted to have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) only when observing and performing direct client/patient care as a part of their training and must follow approved HIPAA policies on usage of PHI. More detailed information is available in UNE's School of Nursing PMHNP Student Handbook and will also be provided by the UNE HIPAA training program. Students requiring further clarification are referred to the faculty of this course. Students must comply with requirements and expectations for appropriate storage and transmittal of client information. No PHI can leave a covered entity site unless it is de-identified. All HIPAA violations will be reported to the UNE HIPAA Compliance Officer.

Student Access Center

The University of New England will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students need to register with the Student Access Center and inform their instructors of any academic accommodations. Timely accommodations are dependent on early registration with the Student Access Center. Further information is available through the Division of Student Affairs website. This office is located in the Student Access Center Building on the Biddeford Campus, (207) 602-2119 and Linnell Hall on the Portland Campus, (207) 221-4302.

WCHP Course and Instructor Evaluation Policy

Course and instructor evaluations are important tools providing meaningful feedback to course faculty and evaluation of program outcomes. 

School of Nursing Academic and Progression Standards

Students accepted into the Westbrook College of Health Professions at the University of New England are subject to two (2) sets of academic standards, one (1) to meet minimum qualifications for ongoing enrollment at the University of New England and two (2) to meet specific School of Nursing PMHNP  requirements.

Academic Requirements

In keeping with the minimum standards identified in the UNE student handbook, all students must achieve the minimum cumulative semester-end grade point average to meet University requirements found on the Academic Policy and Regulations catalog page.

• Failure to maintain the required GPA will result in university academic probation as described in the catalog of the University of New England.
• Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.65.
• Students must comply with requirements for attendance and professionalism (See Technical Standards, ANA Code of Conduct, NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct).
• Students must acknowledge and comply with the policies stated in UNE and Nursing Student Handbooks.
• Students must receive a minimum of a B- in the clinical or experiential setting for each nursing course with a clinical/experiential component. A final evaluation resulting in any designation less than a B- for the clinical/experiential component, regardless of the grade in the classroom/didactic component of the course. Failure to obtain a minimum overall grade of B- in any nursing course necessitates that the student repeats the course to achieve the minimum grade a maximum of one (1) time.
• A student may enroll in nursing courses a maximum of two (2) times. Enrollment consists of receiving a letter grade. Receiving a W from a course is not considered being officially enrolled. A student may not withdraw (W) more than twice from a course.*

*Course Withdrawal Process

• Students who wish to withdraw from a course must consult their advisor and are encouraged to discuss their withdrawal with their instructor.  To officially withdraw from the course, the withdrawal form should be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office before the last day to withdraw.
  • Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.
• Late Withdrawal: Requests to withdraw from a course after the deadline will only be considered in extreme circumstances.  
  • A student must consult with their advisor or program/academic director and submit a completed Academic Petition stating the extenuating circumstances and a letter of support for consideration. Late withdrawal petitions must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the class.
• Grade: A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of W, which appears on a student’s official transcript. The grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.
• Eligibility: Withdrawing from a course may affect athletic eligibility, veterans’ benefits, visa status, or financial aid. Please consult with the appropriate office regarding the implications of withdrawing from a course on your eligibility.

Dismissal from the Program

A student may be dismissed from the nursing program for one (1) or more of the following:

• Violations of the academic integrity policies.
• Failure to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.65.
• Failure to achieve a grade of B- or higher in any nursing course after a prior failure to achieve a satisfactory/passing grade in the same course.
• A criminal background finding which results in clinical partner refusal to admit to the facility for clinical education.
• Discovery of falsification or omission of clinical background information on the application for admission.
• Failure to disclose pertinent criminal activity during course of enrollment in nursing program.
• Professional misconduct, including unsafe and unacceptable conduct, as stated in the Nursing Student Handbook (Technical Standards, University Academic Integrity Policy, ANA Code of Conduct, NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct).

Students dismissed from the nursing program related to academic deficiencies (low GPA, second failure of science courses or second failure of a nursing course) may file an Academic Appeal through an Academic Petition. Students must follow proper steps identified in the university student handbook.

Once submitted for review, faculty will submit their recommendation to the Director of the School of Nursing PMHNP program regarding the decision on readmission to the nursing program. 

Technical Standards

Technical standards consist of functional abilities essential for the delivery of safe and effective nursing care. These basic abilities make up the core components of nursing practice. An increased risk of untoward consequences may result in clients cared for by nursing students who fail to demonstrate these functional abilities. In compliance with state and federal laws, nursing education programs must attend to these essential functional abilities in the teaching and evaluation of students preparing for the practice of nursing. This statement of technical standards identifies the functional abilities deemed by the Nursing Faculty in the School of Nursing at the University of New England to be essential to the practice of nursing, and as such, are reflected in the requirement for satisfactory progression through the program and in the performance-based outcomes which are the basis for teaching and evaluating all nursing students. The technical standards can be found in the School of Nursing PMHNP Student Handbook.

MSN Specific Learning Outcomes

These collective guidelines, standards, value statements, and competencies informed the development of the MSN end-of-program student learning outcomes and serve to guide the curriculum. The eight (8) MSN end-of-program student learning outcomes are as presented below:

At the conclusion of the PMHNP MSN program, the student will be able to:

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to inform high-quality, person- centered nursing practice, education, and research.
2. Advance continuous quality improvement strategies to foster cultures of patient safety, workplace well-being, and system effectiveness.
3. Apply a systematic and scientific approach to address practice-related problems across diverse clinical settings.
4. Utilize information and communication technologies to deliver care, coordinate services, and analyze data to improve patient, population, and system outcomes.
5. Engage in advocacy and policy development to promote achievement of equitable health outcomes, cost containment, and to advance the profession of nursing.
6. Demonstrate advanced interprofessional communication and collaborative leadership skills to foster teamwork and positive clinical outcomes.
7. Appraise social, cultural, economic, legal, ethical, and political factors which inform person- centered and population-focused care.
8. Appraise professional responsibilities and ethical conduct characteristic of advanced practice nursing.

PMHNP Specific Learning Outcomes

In addition to the eight (8) MSN  end-of-program student learning outcomes, there are UNE’s five (5) PMHNP role-specific end-of-program student learning outcomes for the program that students in the PMHNP MSN and PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate programs must meet.

At the conclusion of the program, the student will be able to meet the following five (5) PMHNP role-specific end-of-program student learning outcomes for the program:

1. Provide holistic mental health care inclusive of comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, psychopharmacology, and delivery of therapeutics with populations across the life span.
2. Evaluate patient outcomes and revise treatment plans using individual and aggregated data, clinician expertise, patient preference, and best practice evidence.
3. Appraise the legal, ethical, and cultural care considerations in the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
4. Engage patients, families, and communities in health promotion, disease prevention, risk assessment, and risk reduction strategies through psychoeducation and resilience training across the lifespan.
5. Synthesize mental health theories and research, clinical practice guidelines, and evidence-based practice using a scientific and ethical framework.

Transfer credits for courses completed prior to application to the UNE PMHNP MSN or PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate will be reviewed and determined on an individual student case-by-case basis.

For example, applicants wishing to transfer the three courses of Advanced (Lifespan) Physical Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and/or Advanced Pathophysiology must provide evidence of meeting the following criteria: 

• NSG 500 — Advanced Pharmacology                       
• NSG 505 — Advanced Pathophysiology
• NSG 510 — Advanced (Lifespan) Physical Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

Transfer course requirements:

• Must be listed as separate course on the transcripts and part of an advanced practice licensure program.
• The course description and course syllabus must have specific language that the course is both graduate level and part of an advanced practice licensure program.
• Students must have earned a grade of B- (2.65) or better in each of these three (3) courses. 

Admission Criteria

• BSN degree from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.
• Scholastic GPA 3.0 (preferred minimum of at least 3.0 from the last 60 credits completed from an accredited college or university).
• Official transcripts.
• Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional).
• Current Resume /CV.
• Current, unencumbered RN license from an authorized state.
• Interview (if moved forward by admissions committee).
• TOEFL or IELTS if English is not the applicant’s native language.

Applicants can complete an online application through the Admissions Office website.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other program expenses include books, special laboratory fees, and housing during the on-campus immersion, in Year 2. For more detailed information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog. 

Financial AID

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the School of Nursing is to facilitate the education of students as safe clinicians and leaders. As professional nurses, students are prepared to promote the ability of individuals, families, and communities in attaining their highest level of wellness. As leaders, students are consumers of evidence-based practice and advocates for individuals, families, and communities.

The University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Master’s Certificate Program provides graduates with a prior advanced practice nursing degree a dual certification as a PMHNP. The PMHNP Post master’s certificate (PMC) is a twenty-eight (28) credit certificate to help advanced practice nurses currently licensed as nurse practitioners in another specialty area to become dual certified.   

Students in the PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate  will complete a total of twenty-eight (28) credits and seven-hundred and eighty (780) direct care clinical hours with a qualified PMHNP Preceptor or Psychiatrist. 

The PMHNP PMC role is based on the Scope of Practice of Psychiatric – Mental Health Nursing. Specifically, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner promoting integrated and comprehensive health and wellness through prevention and education, as well as assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of the full range of psychiatric-mental health disorders, across the lifespan. Psychiatric nurses practice transpersonal caring to promote the health and healing of humanity. The practice of PMHNP nursing is both a science and an art, based on evidence and the purposeful use of self and the therapeutic relationship. PMHNPs provide care at the individual, family/relationship. 

The goal of the of the University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Master’s Certificate Program is to prepare PMHNP-Post Master’s Certificate graduates to:

Be providers of advanced practice mental health services for persons across the lifespan in in-patient and out-patient rural and urban underserved settings and through demonstrating knowledge, skills, and competencies set forth by the American Nurses Association American Psychiatric Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice (2022) and the additional competencies for which PMHNP-APRNS and graduate-level prepared nurses are accountable.

Students who complete the University of New England (UNE) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Master’s Certificate Program are educated and eligible upon completion of the MSN PMHNP or the Post Master’s Certificate Program to take the (American Nurses Credentialing Certification (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national certification examination to become credentialed and accountable for functioning within the parameters of their education and clinical competencies as PMHNPs as well as the scope of practice for PMHNPs as defined by individual state nurse practice acts. PMHNPs are responsible for making accurate diagnoses and timely referrals for physical and psychological patient issues and diagnoses that are outside their scope of practice.

Academic Criteria

• Students must maintain cumulative and term GPA of 2.65 or greater in all course work.
• Students may repeat any course in the program once.
• Repeating a course will likely result in a delay in progression and/or program completion.

Department Policies

Academic Integrity at UNE

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty, in any form, undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the university community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director and Dean of the College and may result in a failing grade on the assignment and a maximum of dismissal from the University of New England. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Cheating, copying, or offering, receiving unauthorized assistance or information*
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers, reports, and patient care documents
• Actions that destroy or alter the work of another student
• Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor
• Plagiarism:
  • The appropriation of records
  • Research materials
  • Ideas
  • Language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one’s own

*The School of Nursing considers the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these instances as a form of academic dishonesty.

Please refer to the university Division of Student Affairs website for further information.

HIPAA Compliance

Before attending any experiential offering (clinical or community setting), it is mandatory that each nursing student documents yearly completion of the UNE training program explaining their legal responsibilities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under this regulation, nursing students are permitted to have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) only when observing and performing direct client/patient care as a part of their training and must follow approved HIPAA policies on the usage of PHI. More detailed information is available in UNE's School of Nursing PMHNP Student Handbook and will also be provided by the UNE HIPAA training program. Students requiring further clarification are referred to the faculty of this course. Students must comply with requirements and expectations for appropriate storage and transmittal of client information. No PHI can leave a covered entity site unless it is de-identified. All HIPAA violations will be reported to the UNE HIPAA Compliance Officer.

Student Access Center

The University of New England will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students need to register with the Student Access Center and inform their instructors of any academic accommodations. Timely accommodations are dependent on early registration with the Student Access Center. Further information is available through the Division of Student Affairs website. This office is located in the Student Access Center Building on the Biddeford Campus, (207) 602-2119 and Linnell Hall on the Portland Campus, (207) 221-4302.

WCHP Course and Instructor Evaluation Policy

Course and instructor evaluations are important tools providing meaningful feedback to course faculty and evaluation of program outcomes. 

School of Nursing Academic and Progression Standards

Students accepted into the Westbrook College of Health Professions at the University of New England are subject to two (2) sets of academic standards, one (1) to meet minimum qualifications for ongoing enrollment at the University of New England and two (2) to meet specific School of Nursing PMHNP  requirements.

Academic Requirements

In keeping with the minimum standards identified in the UNE student handbook, all students must achieve the minimum cumulative semester-end grade point average to meet University requirements found on the Academic Policy and Regulations catalog page.

• Failure to maintain the required GPA will result in university academic probation as described in the catalog of the University of New England.
• Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.65.
• Students must comply with requirements for attendance and professionalism (See Technical Standards, ANA Code of Conduct, NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct).
• Students must acknowledge and comply with the policies stated in UNE and Nursing Student Handbooks.
• Students must receive a minimum of a B- in the clinical or experiential setting for each nursing course with a clinical/experiential component. A final evaluation resulting in any designation less than a B- for the clinical/experiential component, regardless of the grade in the classroom/didactic component of the course. Failure to obtain a minimum overall grade of B- in any nursing course necessitates that the student repeats the course to achieve the minimum grade a maximum of one (1) time.
• A student may enroll in nursing courses a maximum of two (2) times. Enrollment consists of receiving a letter grade. Receiving a W from a course is not considered being officially enrolled. A student may not withdraw (W) more than twice from a course.*

*Course Withdrawal Process

• Students who wish to withdraw from a course must consult their advisor and are encouraged to discuss their withdrawal with their instructor.  To officially withdraw from the course, the withdrawal form should be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office before the last day to withdraw.
  • Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.
• Late Withdrawal: Requests to withdraw from a course after the deadline will only be considered in extreme circumstances.  
  • A student must consult with their advisor or program/academic director and submit a completed Academic Petition stating the extenuating circumstances and a letter of support for consideration. Late withdrawal petitions must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the class.
• Grade: A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of W, which appears on a student’s official transcript. The grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.
• Eligibility: Withdrawing from a course may affect athletic eligibility, veterans’ benefits, visa status, or financial aid. Please consult with the appropriate office regarding the implications of withdrawing from a course on your eligibility.

Dismissal from the Program

A student may be dismissed from the nursing program for one (1) or more of the following:

• Violations of the academic integrity policies.
• Failure to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.65.
• Failure to achieve a grade of B- or higher in any nursing course after a prior failure to achieve a satisfactory/passing grade in the same course.
• A criminal background finding which results in clinical partner refusal to admit to the facility for clinical education.
• Discovery of falsification or omission of clinical background information on the application for admission.
• Failure to disclose pertinent criminal activity during course of enrollment in nursing program.
• Professional misconduct, including unsafe and unacceptable conduct, as stated in the Nursing Student Handbook (Technical Standards, University Academic Integrity Policy, ANA Code of Conduct, NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct).

Students dismissed from the nursing program related to academic deficiencies (low GPA, second failure of science courses or second failure of a nursing course) may file an Academic Appeal through an Academic Petition. Students must follow the proper steps identified in the university student handbook.

Once submitted for review, faculty will submit their recommendation to the Director of the School of Nursing PMHNP program regarding the decision on readmission to the nursing program. 

Technical Standards

Technical standards consist of functional abilities essential for the delivery of safe and effective nursing care. These basic abilities make up the core components of nursing practice. An increased risk of untoward consequences may result in clients cared for by nursing students who fail to demonstrate these functional abilities. In compliance with state and federal laws, nursing education programs must attend to these essential functional abilities in the teaching and evaluation of students preparing for the practice of nursing. This statement of technical standards identifies the functional abilities deemed by the Nursing Faculty in the School of Nursing at the University of New England to be essential to the practice of nursing, and as such, are reflected in the requirement for satisfactory progression through the program and in the performance-based outcomes which are the basis for teaching and evaluating all nursing students. The technical standards can be found in the School of Nursing PMHNP Student Handbook.

MSN Specific Learning Outcomes

These collective guidelines, standards, value statements, and competencies informed the development of the MSN end-of-program student learning outcomes and serve to guide the curriculum. The eight (8) MSN end-of-program student learning outcomes are as presented below:

At the conclusion of the PMHNP MSN program, the student will be able to:

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to inform high-quality, person- centered nursing practice, education, and research.
2. Advance continuous quality improvement strategies to foster cultures of patient safety, workplace well-being, and system effectiveness.
3. Apply a systematic and scientific approach to address practice-related problems across diverse clinical settings.
4. Utilize information and communication technologies to deliver care, coordinate services, and analyze data to improve patient, population, and system outcomes.
5. Engage in advocacy and policy development to promote achievement of equitable health outcomes, cost containment, and to advance the profession of nursing.
6. Demonstrate advanced interprofessional communication and collaborative leadership skills to foster teamwork and positive clinical outcomes.
7. Appraise social, cultural, economic, legal, ethical, and political factors which inform person- centered and population-focused care.
8. Appraise professional responsibilities and ethical conduct characteristic of advanced practice nursing.

PMHNP Specific Learning Outcomes

In addition to the eight (8) MSN  end-of-program student learning outcomes, there are UNE’s five (5) PMHNP role-specific end-of-program student learning outcomes for the program that students in the PMHNP MSN and PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate programs must meet.

At the conclusion of the program, the student will be able to meet the following five (5) PMHNP role-specific end-of-program student learning outcomes for the program:

1. Provide holistic mental health care inclusive of comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, psychopharmacology, and delivery of therapeutics with populations across the life span.
2. Evaluate patient outcomes and revise treatment plans using individual and aggregated data, clinician expertise, patient preference, and best practice evidence.
3. Appraise the legal, ethical, and cultural care considerations in the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
4. Engage patients, families, and communities in health promotion, disease prevention, risk assessment, and risk reduction strategies through psychoeducation and resilience training across the lifespan.
5. Synthesize mental health theories and research, clinical practice guidelines, and evidence- based practice using a scientific and ethical framework.

Transfer credits for courses completed prior to application to the UNE PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate will be reviewed and determined on an individual student case-by-case basis.

For example, applicants wishing to transfer the three courses of Advanced (Lifespan) Physical Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and/or Advanced Pathophysiology (commonly referred to as the 3-P’s) must provide evidence of meeting the following criteria: 

• NSG 500 — Advanced Pharmacology                    
• NSG 505 — Advanced Pathophysiology
• NSG 510 — Advanced (Lifespan) Physical Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

Transfer Course Requirements:

• Must be listed as separate courses on the transcripts and part of an advanced practice licensure program.
• The course description and course syllabus must have specific language that the course is both graduate level and part of an advanced practice licensure program.
• Have earned a grade of B- (2.65) or better in each of these three (3) courses.

Admission Criteria

• MSN or doctoral nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
• MSN GPA 3.0 (preferred minimum of at least 3.0)
• Official transcripts  
• Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional)
• Current Resume /CV
• Current, unencumbered RN license from an authorized state
• Proof of current national certification in advanced practice specialization
• Interview (if moved forward by admissions committee)
• TOEFL or IELTS if English is not the applicant’s native language

Applicants can complete an online application through the Admissions Office website.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other program expenses include books, special laboratory fees, and housing during the on-campus immersion, in Year 2. For more detailed information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog. 

Financial AID

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Graduate Programs in Public Health (GPPH) are globally accessible programs committed to promoting health equity in communities through education, research, and service using a scholar-practitioner model.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an eighteen (18)-credit hour program that provides students with the core public health courses they need to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge. All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are also transferable to the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program.

Program Vision

Our graduates will build healthier global communities through informed and collaborative public health practice.

Program Goals

Education

1. Enroll and support qualified and diverse students.
2. Cultivate a learning environment that values diversity and cultural competence.
3. Ensure all graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for public health practice.
4. Align curricula with public health workforce needs.
5. Recruit, retain, and support qualified and diverse faculty.

Research

1. Sustain a scholarly research agenda to advance the field of public health.
2. Support scientific inquiry among students.
3. Support a collaborative scholarly environment for students and faculty.

Service

1. Facilitate student and faculty participation in service activities with a public health focus.
2. Identify service opportunities that fosters networking and aligns with career goals.

Program Values

At GPPH, we value and encourage:

• Accessibility
• Advocacy
• Collaboration
• Cultural Humility
• Diversity
• Equity
• Integrity
• Service

The Master of Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Public Health programs at the University of New England are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The University of New England is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).

graduate certificate in public health

To qualify for completion and receive the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete eighteen (18) credits of specified coursework within three (3) consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with Internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the Internet, as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal statement
• Two (2) professional/academic references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent 

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.​

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application. Detailed instructions are included in the online applications.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, see the Graduate Programs in Public Health website.

Policy Exceptions

The Graduate Programs in Public Health and the GPPH Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include course textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available upon request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Master of Biomedical Science prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed for advancement into a wide range of healthcare-related graduate programs, such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery), (Physician Assistant) PA, Nurse Practitioner (NP), and others. 

The Master of Biomedical Science is a nine (9)-course, thirty (30)-graduate-credit hour program that prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed for advancement into a wide range of healthcare-related graduate programs, such as D.O., D.D.S., PA, NP, and others. Students may complete the coursework for the M.B.S. program in two (2) academic years, taking one (1) course during each eight (8)-week term, or on an accelerated schedule by increasing the number of courses taken per term.

1. Advanced Biomedical Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced biomedical concepts and their applications in research, healthcare, and industry.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Graduates will be able to critically analyze complex biomedical problems, apply evidence-based approaches, and develop innovative solutions to address challenges in the field.
3. Research Skills and Innovation: Graduates will possess strong research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, and will be prepared to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research.
4. Professional Development and Leadership: Graduates will develop the professional skills and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in a variety of biomedical careers, including academia, industry, and healthcare.
5. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility: Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles and social responsibility in biomedical research and practice.

1. Apply advanced integrated knowledge of biological sciences as related to medicine and human health.
2. Critically appraise and apply evidence-based skills in biomedical sciences to medicine and other health disciplines.
3. Advance responsible conduct and ethical standards in medical and other healthcare professional settings.
4. Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders across interprofessional education and practice.
5. Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to the biomedical sciences. 

*Prerequisite course(s) required.

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via UNE Compass. Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form (PDF) online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned Enrollment and Retention Counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop-out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
• Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
• Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission from each instructor.
• Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the program director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the dean, whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

Student Access Center

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to one (1) course into the Master of Biomedical Science program. 

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The MBS program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding the  evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement / Writing Sample.
• Two (2) professional/academic references.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

RE-ADMISSION

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission through the reapplication process. The application essay must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and a plan for the successful completion of the program. 

Policy Exceptions

The Healthcare Administration Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Overview

The Graduate Programs in Public Health are designed to provide foundational skills desirable for professionals engaging in the practice, education, and research of public health. The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program competencies align with the competencies outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2018 and revised in 2024. Required and elective courses in the M.P.H. program help students attain these competencies that are at the center of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by public health professionals.

Major Description

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) offers a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH). These programs provide graduate education to individuals currently working in the field of public health, allied health professionals, clinicians, recent graduates, and those making a career change to the field of public health. All curricula are delivered in an online, asynchronous format, making content accessible to students regardless of where they live. The programs offer full- and part-time options.

The Master of Public Health is a forty-two (42)-credit-hour curriculum that develops and enhances skills in a variety of professional areas, including epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioral health, program development and evaluation, and public health policy, administration, and management. Applied Practice Experience (APE) and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) are required components of the M.P.H. program.

Concentrations

M.P.H. students can select from four (4) concentrations: M.P.H. in Epidemiology, M.P.H. in Public Health Education and Communication, M.P.H. in Global Health, or a Generalist Concentration where you can customize your M.P.H. degree. Students must declare a concentration before taking their first elective.

Program Vision

Our graduates will build healthier global communities through informed and collaborative public health practice.

Program Mission

The Graduate Programs in Public Health are globally accessible programs committed to promoting health equity in communities through education, research, and service using a scholar-practitioner model.

Program Goals

Education

• Enroll and support qualified and diverse students.
• Cultivate a learning environment that values diversity and cultural competence.
• Ensure all graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for public health practice.
• Align curricula with public health workforce needs.
• Recruit, retain, and support qualified and diverse faculty.

Research