Best Nursing Schools in Maine in 2024

Known as “The Pine Tree State”, Maine offers incredible natural beauty, a low cost of living, and coastal charm mixed with vast forestry. Yet behind the tranquil forests lies an urgent need – with over 14,380 Registered Nurses currently employed and earning $73,630 per year on average, there is a rising demand for top nursing graduates to fill new healthcare jobs opening each year. In fact, projections estimate that Maine needs to add 840 licensed RN’s annually until 2030 to meet a future nursing shortage of over 15,430 nurses statewide.

This increasing demand raises the question – which top nursing schools in Maine provide the best nursing program to become a nurse, earn an accredited associate in science or graduate nursing degree, and get approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing? With nurses earning up to $35 per hour on average and excellent job outlook, the state needs to find the best ways to fill its list of the best nursing schools. Read ahead to find the best nursing schools in Maine in the year 2024.

• There are 16 nursing schools in Maine.
• The CCNE accredits 7 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 12 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Maine is between 84.16% and 89.76%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Maine is between 37.50% and 96.93%.
• RNs currently employed in Maine are 14,380.
• RNs in Maine earn an average of $73,630  per year or $35.40 per hour.
• Maine needs 15,430 new RNs by 2030 or 840 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Maine

Maine offers various nursing degree programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the field. These include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When researching the best nursing program in Maine for your goals, key factors to consider include:

• Program Types: ADN and BSN degrees qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN). An MSN allows you to specialize, while a DNP or PhD prepares you for advanced nursing practice and research roles.
• Cost: ADN programs at community colleges are typically the most affordable. Private universities and advanced degrees cost more.
• Format and Timing: Programs range from full-time campus options taking 2-4 years to accelerated and online programs for earning degrees faster.
• Location: Maine offers nursing programs statewide, but clinical rotation availability can vary by region.
• Accreditation: Ensure any program under consideration holds accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) to indicate quality standards are met.

The Maine State Board of Nursing licenses and oversees RN practice within the state. To become an RN requires graduating from an approved program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional certifications may be required for advanced specialty roles.

Online Nursing Programs for Maine Students

Many accredited nursing schools in Maine offer online program options, providing flexibility for students balancing work and family obligations. Online programs allow completion of academic coursework remotely, yet some on-campus sessions and in-person clinical trainings are still required.

When researching online nursing program availability locally, pay attention to each school’s residency or campus attendance requirements for online students. Some online programs based out-of-state also accept Maine nursing students provided they can arrange a preceptor for clinicals locally.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Maine?

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs provide a fast-track option for earning a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, geared towards students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree in another field. Typical ABSN program structures condense nursing curriculum into 12-18 months of year-round intensive study.

Standard prerequisites before admission include specified undergraduate credits and a 3.0 GPA minimum. Other requirements can include CNA experience, an entrance exam, interviews, and letters of recommendation indicating you will thrive in a rigorous nursing curriculum.

ABSN students enjoy flexible schooling options in Maine, including a hybrid accelerated program blending online and on-campus components. Plan for approximately 30-35 hours per week managing blended coursework and clinical rotations simultaneously. Nursing student schedules require dedication, yet rewarding nurses’ salaries provide good return on investment.

With proper preparation, ABSN graduates see strong first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, paving the way for nurse licensure and launching healthcare careers faster.

RN to BSN Programs

Many accredited RN programs in Maine include nurse advancement pathways like RN to BSN programs. Whether graduating from an associate degree nursing program to gain an initial RN license in Maine, or looking to expand opportunities with further education, there are multiple nursing program options offered across the state.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Maine

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Maine

Southern Maine is one region with top-rated undergraduate nursing programs. Experienced RNs holding an Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) benefit by returning to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree available at many Maine nursing schools.

Compared to an ASN that trains nurses for generalist roles, BSN programs expand knowledge on research, leadership, community health, and more. These programs build skills in clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and management to advance nurses’ careers.

Maine community colleges and universities offer flexible RN to BSN bridge programs taking 1-2 years around working schedules. With credits often transferring from prior degrees, programs maximize affordability. Financial assistance including tuition reimbursement, scholarships and loan forgiveness can provide support to balance budgets amidst Maine’s reasonably low cost of living.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those wanting to specialize in an advanced nursing field can earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) in one of several high demand specializations, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Other common MSN training paths prepare graduates for roles as nursing administrators managing facilities or staffs, or as nursing educators developing curriculum and teaching the next generation of clinical nurses and nursing faculty.

Most full-time campus-based MSN programs take 2-3 years to complete, while part-time and online MSN program options allow working RNs to continue gaining valuable nursing experience while studying for an advanced degree on a flexible timeline.

Admissions to competitive MSN nurse practitioner tracks often require submitting test scores from graduate level standardized exams along with transcripts showing strong undergraduate performance in science courses and statistics. Relevant work experience boosts NP program acceptance chances as well.

Once licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), MSN graduates see expanded career prospects and enhanced salary potential. Those choosing an MSN nurse educator track also qualify for faculty roles training nurse practitioners after gaining a few years of practical patient care experience post-graduation.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Specializing as a nurse practitioner (NP) appeals to nurses seeking to deliver advanced patient care within a defined specialty, such as family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health, or mental health services. Many colleges and universities in the state of Maine offer RN to MSN bridge programs to allow licensed practical nurses and registered nurses to achieve this goal. For example, Northern Maine Community College provides an online pathway to becoming a family nurse practitioner. These flexible programs reward licensed nurses with opportunities for career advancement while meeting healthcare workforce demands across the state.

NP programs blend rigorous academics with 500-1,000 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience assessing patients and managing caseloads with physician oversight. Students choose either a Master’s or Doctoral level program taking around 2-3 years to complete full-time. Part-time programs allow spacing study hours around work schedules but last 3-5 years.

Post-master’s NP certificates are options as well for nurses holding MSN degrees in another specialty to qualify as licensed nurse practitioners upon graduation after passing the ANCC or AANP national certification exam for their population foci.

The meaningful work of NPs diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, prescribing medications delivers both personal and financial rewards. NPs in Maine see competitive salaries while helping address primary care shortages both rurally and in cities statewide.

Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in Maine

• Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Maine

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

Those committed to exploring nursing research problems or driving complex policy change pursue doctoral nursing programs at the PhD in nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) level.

A DNP degree focuses on nursing practice, leadership, and specialized patient care delivery, including completion of an evidence-based healthcare improvement project. The program’s capstone deliverable provides advanced clinical expertise in an existing nursing specialty.

Alternatively, a PhD in nursing program centres research methodology training to prepare graduates for academic roles and nursing faculty careers. Earning a PhD pivot nurses into investigative science inquiring benefits for patients and populations. Rigorous doctoral-level analysis and a dissertation advancing original research is mandatory.

Both DNP and PhD nursing pathways support experts positively impacting 21st century healthcare. Required residency hours foster scholarly skill-building under guidance of faculty mentors with aligned research interests. Opportunities for publishing and presenting breakthrough findings may arise as well.

Financial assistance toward tuition and living expenses comes via schools, private donors and nursing scholarship programs to offset costs and help top nursing professionals advance their education.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Maine

Prospective students considering nursing schools in Maine enjoy friendly communities and affordable cost of living relative to other New England states. New nurse graduates also find:

● High Job Demand: Shortages ensure high demand, with competitive new RN salaries that continue rising as senior nurses retire.

● Varied Work Environments: Nurses work in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and home care. Specialized options exist as well.

● Opportunity to Specialize: Obtain certifications for preferred nurse specialty areas as ambition, interests grow post-licensure.

How to Earn Your Maine Nursing License

Follow the steps below to earn your nursing license in Maine and to start an exciting, meaningful nursing career:

1. Graduate from an approved Associate or Bachelor’s in nursing degree program at a Maine nursing college or university campus.

2. Prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing examination by committing to study nurses’ core responsibilities, best practices and protocols for delivering competent care.

3. Apply for RN licensure by endorsement/examination through the Maine Board of Nursing online portal, My License.

4. Maintain an active, current nurse license through timely renewals every 2 years per state requirements. Continuing education credits need fulfilment as well.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Maine

Use the following criteria to find your best-fitting nursing program match:

● Accreditation
Search for regional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Confirm programmatic nursing accreditation through ACEN or CCNE indicating educational quality standards are met.

● Strong Pass Rates
Research program NCLEX-RN nursing exam first-time pass rates over 80% as an indicator of effective teaching preparing graduates for licensure.

● Affordability
Compare tuition costs across ADN and BSN public and private university options. Ask about availability of nursing scholarships and financial aid to offset expenses. Consider RN to BSN programs after becoming licensed.

● Quality Clinical Training
Look for nursing schools partnering with esteemed medical centers, community hospitals and clinics known for delivering exceptional care within specialties of interest.

● Supportive Learning Climate
Evaluate student life touchpoints suggesting personalized support like nursing clubs, advising resources and approachable faculty. Monitor student-to-faculty ratios as well.

Special Search

Getting Licensed as an RN in Maine

A critical first step for aspiring nurses lies in earning qualification to practice. Gaining licensure as a Registered Nurse in Maine opens doors to rewarding patient care roles with excellent job growth and pay statewide. The top nursing schools in Maine and accredited online nursing programs prepare students for entry-level nursing positions by following a clearly established path, including:

Graduating from an Approved RN Program

Maine requires candidates to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from a state-approved school or university. The University of Maine and Southern Maine offer both traditional and online nursing programs from respected colleges of nursing and health. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, the state’s community colleges, and other private institutions also provide 2-4 year nursing degrees aligned with licensure guidelines. 

These science-based curriculums combine theoretical coursework with clinical training guided by knowledgeable nurse educators conducting nursing research. Students develop care competencies while engaging with patients at sites like the Eastern Maine Medical Center, Southern Maine Medical Center, and rural clinics. By graduation, nursing program graduates have gained proficiency delivering compassionate evidence-based care in diverse settings – ready to pass the RN licensure exam.

Passing the NCLEX-RN and Receiving Licensure  
After earning a degree, nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs to receive permission to practice. This rigorous 2-day computerized test approves candidates for an entry-level nursing license based on comprehension of nursing knowledge. With a board exam pass rate over 90% statewide, Maine’s top nursing schools prepare graduates to demonstrate clinical judgment, critical thinking, and technical skills during the NCLEX.

Newly licensed RNs enter the Maine State Board of Nursing registry, validating their qualification to begin professional nursing. Nurses must then renew licenses biennially by completing continuing education and paying renewal fees. Maintaining an active RN license ensures competency delivering safe, ethical, effective care aligned with the state nursing board’s high practice standards.   

In-Demand RN Specializations
While all nurses remain in high demand across settings in Maine, certain specializations offer especially strong growth. Positions in emergency departments, intensive care, oncology, labor and delivery, and operating rooms top the list. Aspiring nurse leaders and advanced practitioners should consider nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and management/education roles.

RNs can prepare for these fields through targeted certifications, graduate degrees, and on-the-job training guided by seasoned nurse mentors. For example, experienced ICU nurses pursuing management often study for a Master’s of Science in Nursing with healthcare leadership focus. Specialized skills allow RNs to qualify for senior positions as they advance careers.  

Favorable Nursing Job Outlook and Salaries
Current projections estimate a need for over 15,000 additional RNs in Maine by 2030 to avoid a major shortage. With Maine’s population aging and expanded access to healthcare, nurses play integral roles providing primary care, preventative services, transitional support, and chronic disease management. 

These essential functions combined with high demand significantly impact nursing salaries. New nurses earn approximately $30 per hour or $60,000 annually. With a few years of experience, RNs make upwards of $75,000, especially in specialized roles. Competition for top talent encourages hospitals to offer generous benefits and initiatives supporting nurse wellbeing and career development.   In such a promising environment, securing licensure provides newcomers immense possibilities to launch meaningful nursing careers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nursing Schools in Maine

What are the requirements to become an RN in Maine?

To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Maine, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for RN licensure through the Maine State Board of Nursing. Candidates can apply for licensure by examination or endorsement if already licensed in another state.

Which Maine nursing schools offer online programs?

Some Maine nursing schools offering accredited online nursing programs include the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine, and the University of New England. These online programs provide flexibility to working nurses seeking to advance their degrees.

What is the average nursing salary in Maine?

The average nursing salary in Maine ranges from $55,000 – $75,000 annually depending on factors like education level, certifications, specialization, and work experience. Generally, nurses earn higher salaries working in hospitals and with higher nursing degrees or specializations.

Does Maine have good job prospects for nurses?

Yes, Maine has great job prospects for nurses at hospitals, long-term care centers, ambulatory care centers, schools, and private practices across the state. The Maine Department of Labor projects over 1,100 average annual nursing job openings through 2026 due to growth and replacements.

What does it take gain approval to practice as an RN in Maine?

To earn a nursing license in Maine, candidates must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and meet character requirements approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Practicing Maine nurses must also complete continuing education.

What is the average RN salary and job outlook in Maine?

The average registered nurse earns $73,630 per year or $35.40 per hour in Maine. With the state facing a significant nursing shortage by 2030, the job outlook for both entry-level and graduate nursing roles remains very strong.

How can I learn more about becoming one of Maine’s top nursing graduates?

Consult Maine’s Board of Nursing website for the official steps to earn certification as an RN. Reaching out to accredited nursing schools directly also allows prospective students to ask questions and determine the best path to launch their nursing career. With excellent prospects statewide, Maine offers great opportunity to give back as a nurse while enjoying its famed natural beauty.

Whether seeking the flexibility of online nursing schools in Maine or earning an on-campus degree, there are excellent options for launching a rewarding career. Combined with Maine’s relatively low cost of living compared to the national average and great projected job growth, earning a nursing degree presents opportunity. With strong academic instruction and clinical training, nursing students can feel confident finding one of the best nursing programs offered across the Pine Tree State.

More of the Best Maine Nursing Schools

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Maine State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

Best Nursing Schools Near Me