ORONO- James A. Bois, RN, MSN, of Auburn, was conferred a master of science in nursing degree, graduating with distinction, during commencement ceremonies held May 8 at the University of Maine in Orono. It followed the traditional academic convocation with “hooding” of academic regalia for graduate degree candidates on May 7.

Bois began graduate study at his baccalaureate alma mater, the University of Southern Maine, then transferred to UMaine to complete his studies.

His clinical concentration of graduate study was in family-oriented primary care and advanced family health nursing. Bois completed clinical practicum rotations under the precepting and mentoring of experienced nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians in professional practice.

His clinical rotations covered primary care across the life span to include pediatric/neonatal and adolescent care at Pediatric Associates of Lewiston, obstetrics and gynecology at Central Maine Clinical Associates’ Obstetrics-Gynecology, adult internal medicine and geriatrics at Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program, community-based primary care at the DFD Russell Medical Center’s rural community health clinic and occupational health at WorkMed.

Bois’ academic achievement during graduate study was recognized by an at-large membership into the Chi Eta Phi Nursing Soror Society, a nursing honors organization that acknowledges scholarship, community service and the contribution of social-cultural and ethnic minorities’ diversity to the profession of nursing. He was accepted as a member of the Outstanding Student Honor Society for his academic accomplishment.

During his graduate study, he was awarded a Federal Advanced Education Nurse Traineeship, a student aid award administered through the University of Maine, form the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions – Division of Nursing.

He is eligible to complete professional certification examinations to be credentialed as a nurse practitioner and advanced practice registered nurse in the specialty of family health primary care. Upon certification, he will seek advanced practice licensure privileges from the state Board of Nursing and registration as a physician extender with the Maine Board of Medicine.