Maine Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in Maine is 16
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Maine ADN programs is 85.41%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Maine BSN programs is 86.94%.
- Find the best ranked Maine nursing schools, RN to BSN programs, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs. (Replace # with the relevant internal links)
Maine Nursing Licenses at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | Yes |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | No |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | Maine Board of Nursing |
| Contact Phone | (207) 287-1133 |
| Full Address | Insert Address Here |
Fees
Endorsement Application:
- RN: $75.00
- LPN: $50.00
Temporary Permit:
- Not Applicable
Timing
Permanent License:
- The BON typically processes licensure within 2-3 weeks with out-of-state fingerprints, and 1-2 weeks with Maine fingerprints.
Temporary License:
- Not Applicable
License Renewal
Renewal Cadence:
- Every 2 years, with the first renewal depending on the licensee’s birthdate.
Renewal Fee:
- RN: $75.00
- LPN: $50.00
Required Contact Hours:
- None
License by Examination in Maine
Gaining licensure is the pivotal first step for newly graduated nurses in Maine. Meeting key eligibility criteria opens the door to professional nursing practice.
Earning initial licensure involves completing several mandatory steps: finishing an Board of Nursing-approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX national licensing exam at the required cut score, submitting a complete license application with fee and undergoing a fingerprint-based criminal background screening.
We’ll explore each requirement nurses must fulfill before beginning work in earnest. Understanding these components paves the way for smooth credentialing.
Steps to Earn Maine’s RN or LPN License by Exam
- Education: First, graduate from a Maine Board of Nursing-endorsed RN diploma, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program or PN certificate curriculum. Approved in-state schools structure courses to align with testing and practice standards. Out-of-state programs must meet similar criteria.
- Examination: Upon completing studies, register to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This computerized test assess nursing knowledge essential for safe, ethical practice. Pass the exam at the Maine Board of Nursing’s set cut score to demonstrate readiness.
- Application: Upon passing the licensing exam, submit Maine’s endorsement application form either electronically or by mail with the $75 RN or $50 LPN non-refundable fee. Pay by credit card, check or money order. Expect 2-3 week processing time once all materials are received.
- Criminal Background Check: Finally, complete a comprehensive fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history record screening by following Maine Board of Nursing guidelines. Passing this screen indicating no disqualifying convictions is integral to activate licensing.
Fulfilling Maine’s well-defined nursing licensure qualifications establishes credibility to commence a nursing career grounded in patient advocacy and clinical excellence.
Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who hold active licenses in other jurisdictions can transfer them to Maine through a streamlined endorsement process.
Pursuing licensure by endorsement permits qualified out-of-state nurses to become authorized to practice in Maine while leveraging current credentials. Experienced nurses find this pathway allows securing licensing in a new state without retaking the NCLEX exam.
We’ll explore key steps for endorsement candidates seeking permission to work as nurses in Vacationland. Following proper procedures results in smooth approvals.
Endorsement Requirements for Licensed Nurses
Meeting endorsement prerequisites accurately helps nurses transition existing licensure to Maine efficiently.
- License Verification: First, request official verification of a current, active and unencumbered nursing license from your original state board of nursing through NURSYS. Alternatively, the licensing body can submit this documentation directly to Maine officials.
- Submit Endorsement Application: File Maine Board of Nursing’s endorsement application for licensure by credentials along with the non-refundable $75 RN or $50 LPN fee. Pay special attention to fully disclose disciplinary, criminal history and competency questions.
- Pass Criminal Background Check: Complete a new Maine and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record screen as outlined by the Board of Nursing. Disqualifying convictions may hinder endorsement.
Upon approval, the Maine Board of Nursing grants authority to practice nursing under established scope of practice statutes. This privileges allows nurses to leverage hard-earned knowledge, expertise and skills to enrich communities without added testing. Welcome!
Maintaining an Active Maine Nursing License
Once licensed in Maine, mandatory renewal every 2 years perpetuates practice permissions.
Nurses play a pivotal care role for Maine’s aging population through preventing and managing chronic disease and supporting holistic wellbeing. Fulfilling renewal mandates means providers can continue offering invaluable services without disruption.
We’ll look specifically at specifications to maintain licensure. Failing to adhere to these guidelines can lead to expiration – so an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure!
Maine RN and PN License Renewal Essentials
Don’t let your hard-earned license lapse! Abiding by a few key prerequisites allows maintaining authorization to provide excellent nursing care.
- Complete Renewal Application: Maine mandates online license renewal. Submissions are accepted within 90 days of your license expiration date. Begin the easy process through the Maine Board of Nursing portal here.
- Renewal Fee: Pay the $75 RN renewal fee or $50 LPN renewal fee by credit card when submitting your application. Fees partially fund licensing regulation.
- Meet Continuing Education Requirements: Maine currently holds no continuing education requirements for renewals. However, pursuing voluntary learning promotes enhanced clinical judgment.
Timely online renewal backed by non-refundable payments keeps licenses active. Through this simple process, nurses prevent disruptions in delivering compassionate, ethical patient care.
Worth noting for renewal planning: Initial Maine licenses last 1-2 years depending on birthdate. Subsequent renewals extend licenses for the full 2 year period on an ongoing basis.
Licensing Fees
Projecting expected nursing licensing costs aids smart financial planning. We’ll explore typical RN and LPN expenses applicants incur.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $75 RN / $50 LPN |
| License Renewal | $75 RN / $50 LPN |
| Criminal Background Check | $31 |
Factor these averages fees into budgets as you take steps toward Maine authorization. Although a financial investment, securing licensure also opens doors to enhanced nursing career prospects and higher salaries over time.
Nurse Licensure Compact
Maine adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), permitting eligible RNs and LPNs to practice physically or virtually in 34+ eNLC jurisdictions with multistate privileges.
This interstate agreement expands career flexibility. Once holding a Maine nursing license, simply applying for multi-state recognition allows legally working across borders while adhering to each state’s nursing Practice Act.
eNLC Impacts for Maine Nurses
The convenience of securing licenses in multiple states through a streamlined application supports professional growth.
- Eligibility for a multistate license after holding Maine nursing licensure for 6 months with 400 practice hours
- Ability to physically or electronically deliver expert nursing care across 34+ eNLC states
- Requirement to follow each state’s laws governing appropriate nurse scope of practice
The Nurse Licensure Compact simplifies endorsement processes so nurses licensed in Maine can smoothly expand opportunities. Patients across America benefit!
Advanced Practice Licensure in Maine
Many nurses pursue rewarding careers as Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Gaining licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) involves accredited graduate nursing studies, national advanced practice certification testing in a chosen specialty and approval by Maine’s Board of Nursing.
We’ll briefly summarize prerequisites to earn advanced credentials:
- Graduate Education: Complete a MSN, DNP or post-graduate APRN certificate program at an accredited nursing school. Coursework builds specialized clinical knowledge.
- National Certification: Pass a recognized national certification exam in a specialty like family practice, midwifery, pediatrics, women’s health or anesthesiology. Testing demonstrates advanced competencies to consumers and employers.
- APRN Licensure: Apply to Maine’s Nursing Board for advanced registered nursing licensure after finishing graduate training and earning certification. Credentialing confers prescription and higher level care privileges.
Nurses can pursue specialized advanced credentials allowing providing expanded care. Earning an advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) license involves accredited graduate studies, national certification and state approval.
Common APRN roles in Maine include:
- Nurse practitioners (NPs), trained in diagnosis, treatment planning and prescriptive authority
- Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) expertly caring for women and infants
- Clinical nurse specialists (CNSes) driving best practices in specialty areas
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) delivering anesthesia and pain relief
Maintaining advanced licensure also requires staying current through nursing continuing education and submitting renewal forms. Re-certification may be periodically required to show competency.
Pursuing graduate nursing studies and advanced credentials allows RNs to perform comprehensive assessments, order tests, make differential diagnoses, create care plans or provide anesthesia informed by enhanced clinical judgment and scientific knowledge.
