2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Maine

The University of New England (UNE), located in Biddeford, Maine, is the state’s largest private university. Its Nursing Program, housed by the School of Nursing and Population Health is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Students will complete their nursing coursework in two campuses—the first two years in the Biddeford Campus and the second two years in the Portland Campuses. The former focuses on traditional undergraduate setting while the latter emphasizes clinical experiences.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - UNE’s BSN program utilizes innovative teaching strategies with emphasis on experiential learning through life-life simulation mannequins, and service learning by working with various nonprofit organizations and agencies. Among the domains studied are mental health, pediatrics, obstetrics, and geriatrics. Focus is given on evidence-based nursing science knowledge, with 550+ hours of hands-on learning. A state-of-the-art Simulation and Innovation Center is also available for skill-building. Hence,students learn by doing. Program graduates are fully-equipped to work in various healthcare settings.

Accelerated B.S. in Nursing - This accelerated program allows individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in another field to obtain a BSN degree in as few as 16 months. With more than 550 hours of experiential learning in various healthcare settings, emphasis is given on evidence-based nursing care. Program graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competence necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and join the healthcare industry.

Located in Standish, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJCME) is a Roman Catholic liberal arts educational institution founded in 1912. Its Nursing Department has a Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation. The said center features enhanced and fully-equipped five simulation laboratories and new science laboratories. It also has an entire floor dedicated for student’s needs through the Nursing Advising and Collaborative Learning Center. Moreover, nursing scholarships are available. Its nursing baccalaureate and master’s degree programs are CCNE-accredited, with an approval from the Maine State Board of Nursing for its pre-licensure baccalaureate program.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing -  SJCME’s BSN program provides a solid foundation in nursing care preparing students for demands in diverse environments. Students start nursing courses and hands-on clinical experiences in the freshman and sophomore years, respectively. Some of the hospitals where students can do clinical experiences and final capstone internship are in: Southern Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and Mid Coast Hospital. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, in their preferred state, and are equipped to pursue graduate studies.

 Online RN to BSN - In as little as 9 months, registered nurses with a diploma or an associate degree can earn their BSN degree, given that all required general education courses are met. A 120-credit hour is required for this program, with 32-semester hours from SCME and with up to 90 transfer credits accepted. A personalized course of study will be provided for each student after completion of the transfer analysis. Program admission is on a competitive basis.

MS in Nursing - This MS in Nursing program is offered online. It can be completed in as fast as two years when enrolled full-time. Students also have the option to spread out the courses, with a maximum of five-year completion.  Available program specializations are: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Administration and Education.  A BSN degree is required to be admitted in the program.

With more than 150 years of legacy, The University of Maine in Orono is the only public research university in the state. Its nursing program, founded in 1939 is Maine’s first nursing baccalaureate program. The said nursing program is offered by UMaine School of Nursing under the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. Its nursing baccalaureate program is CCNE-accredited and Maine State Board of Nursing-approved. An inclusive and supportive community for all nursing students is also created through the Orono Student Nurses Association (OSNA). Moreover, learning outside the classroom and traveling to remote international locations is made possible through the UMaine Nursing International (UMNI), a field experience in partnership with the International Service Learning (ISL).

Undergraduate BSN Nursing Program- UMaine’s BSN program consists of 121 total credits. The curriculum consists of liberal arts courses, physical and social sciences, and nursing courses. The liberal courses are taken in the first two words to set a foundation for decision making and critical thinking skills. Community-based and clinical experiences are also given emphasis with the latter done in acute-care facilities such as Acadia Hospital, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center.

MSN Graduate Program: - This CCNE-accredited graduate program was developed in 1992 with the first batch of students receiving their MSN two years later. Initially, the only track offered was the Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration. Currently, the MSN program now includes a Nurse Educator Concentration and an Individualized Concentration.  The program can be completed in 2 or 3-4 years for full-time and part-time study, respectively.

Organized in 1969 by the 104th Maine Legislature, Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is a public community college located in Fairfield. This New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)-accredited educational institution aims to prepare students in achieving their personal, professional, and educational goals. Moreover, it has a nonprofit foundation founded in 1991, the KVCC foundation, which strives to support both the students and the college itself. The raised funds go to provision of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and students’ scholarship funds. In terms of scholarship, the foundation has already awarded 2.35 million dollars and supported 2700+ KVCC students.

 Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Designed to prepare students for a competent entry-level position in the nursing profession, this program received a Continuing Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Aside from the generic entry option, an LPN to ADN track is also available, tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses. The said LPNs must have proof of practical nursing completion from a State Board of Nursing-approved program in order to be admitted in the program. Moreover, they must have a GPA of 2.5 or better from the practical nursing program. 

The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with clinical practice preparing students for a holistic, compassionate, safe and ethical nursing care in various health settings. Program graduates are conferred an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Central Maine Community College (CMCC) is a two-year granting public educational institution in Auburn. It is part of the Maine Community College System and was founded in 1963. Moreover, this college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This institution values quality and lifelong learning. Students can seamlessly transfer and pursue advanced studies in other universities and colleges. In fact, CMCC’s graduates have credits transferred to 200+ educational institutions including top-tier and Ivy League universities. In terms of student support, CMCC has a non-profit, community-based foundation which aims to support the students and the school itself.

Associate Degree in Nursing Program - CMCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with a continuing accreditation decision until 2028. This 68-credit program combines general education and nursing courses to equip students with the needed theory and experience for nursing practice. Classroom lectures are done both through Polycom and in-person, while the hands-on experiences are in clinical or controlled college settings. Graduates are expected to provide holistic patient needs evaluation and intervention, and develop effective interpersonal communication and collaboration skills. Moreover, their critical thinking skills are honed for effective and safe clinical judgments for nurse care provision in various health settings. The said degree can be earned in two campuses—the Lincoln County location in Damariscotta or the Main Campus in Auburn. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) is a publicly-supported, post-secondary technical, career, and transfer education located in Bangor, Maine. This college is fully-accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Moreover, its nursing program is ACEN and Maine State Board of Nursing-accredited.

 Associate in Science Degree - This 70-credit program equips students with the necessary skills to become registered nurses. Program graduates are conferred an associate in science degree and are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN exam. 

The curriculum places emphasis on quality, safe, evidence-based, and person-centered care. Teamwork and collaboration, communication, and leadership skills as well as informatics and professionalism are also embedded in the curriculum. Depending on instructors’ and clinical sites’ availability, clinical rotations may be on weekends, evenings, or daytime, with schedules posted at the start of the semester. EMCC students have seamless transfer opportunities because EMCC has articulation agreements with various colleges and universities.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program - This 180-hour Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program consists of 90, 70, and 20 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical work time, respectively. To be admitted in the program, applicants must at least be 16 years of age who completed 9th grade. Requirements include an application essay, criminal background check, EMCC Health History Form, and Proof of 9th grade completion. Program completers are eligible to take the Maine CNA competency test in Bangor.

A part of the Maine Community College System, Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) is a public, two-year community college in Presque Isle. NMCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education through the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Moreover, its nursing program is Maine State of Board Nursing-approved and ACEN-accredited, with a Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. Graduates will have a seamless transition for BSN degree in other institutions because NMCC has transfer agreements with four-year institutions. 

 Associate in Science Degree - This 60-61 credit hour program is designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing practice and/or advanced studies. Classroom instruction and guided learning opportunities are integrated through the use of the state-of-the art simulation center and campus laboratory. An advanced standing in the nursing curriculum is available for graduates of approved practical nursing programs who would like to earn an associate degree. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing examination and/or pursue a BSN degree in a four-year university.

 Practical Nursing - This 36-credit hour certificate program which is designed for student preparation to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be taken in 9 months. Classroom instruction is complemented with guided learning experiences. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and/or pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing. For those pursuing an associate degree, a career pathway for LPN advanced standing is available, given that the student has at least a year of experience as an LPN.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is a public two-year college accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). It has community satellite centers and two campuses—the South Portland Campus in Fort Road, South Portland and the Midcoast Campus in Brunswick. With a 16:1 student to faculty ratio, SMCC accepts applications year round.

Its Health Science Degree programs prepare students for satisfying and high-wage careers in various settings in the healthcare industry. Moreover, the college has a nursing transfer agreement with the University of Maine Fort Kent (UMFK). With this agreement, students can have a smooth transition and academic transfer from SMCC’s Associate in Science in Nursing to UMFK’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

 Associate Degree in Nursing - With 69-credit hours required for SMCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing, this program can be completed in 4.5 semesters for a full-time study. An upgrade option is also available for certified Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This Maine State Board of Nursing-approved and ACEN-accredited program prepares students for entry-level nursing practice. In terms of curriculum, a blend of general education and nursing courses are emphasized to set a theoretical foundation. Hands-on experiences and diverse clinical experiences are also integrated with didactic courses. A grade of C or 76 is required to receive a passing grade. Students have only one chance of nursing program readmission/reinstatement in the event of failure. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.