RN Programs in Maine
The Maine State Nurses Association encourages nurses to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, which has resulted from an influx of nurses seeking out their BSNs. It is predicted that the nursing workforce will increase by 26% by the year 2020. This will create many new job opportunities within the state. When this information is analyzed, there is no reason why nurses shouldn’t seek out higher education. It is only logical in that it puts you in a great position. Researching nursing schools and the best program possible can be overwhelming. Nursing students want to make sure they find the best school possible. Fear not! A lot of schools offer distance and online learning that makes attending school more feasible for a busy nurse.
In our Maine RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Maine RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Maine, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Maine RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 7 | 5 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 83.49% | 87.19% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 37.50% to 94.24% | 83.34% to 93.67% |
| Average Net Price | $9,712.57 | $21,811.80 |
| Average Net Price Range | $7,924.00 to $12,126.00 | $16,255.00 to $30,174.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $9,732.43 | $20,594.20 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $7,500.00 to $14,826.00 | $17,240.00 to $25,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Maine State | BSN Rankings for Maine State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Maine
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Maine and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 7 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in Maine. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Maine to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Eastern Maine Community College
- 354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME - 4401
- (207) 974-4600
Eastern Maine Community College is located in Bangor, Maine. EMCC calls their ADN program a “Multiple Entry Nursing Program” as it allows students to enter the program at various times based on their education level. For example, a new student would enter the program at the beginning. An LPN would enter the program later based on the fact that they already have nursing experience.
School Information
Location: Bangor, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.87%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 144
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Southern Maine Community College
- 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME - 04106-1698
- (207) 741-5500
Southern Maine Community College is located in South Portland, Maine. They offer an ASN and an ASN – LPN Upgrade Option. The LPN Upgrade Option allows the LPN to become an RN. SMCC is proud to offer over 45 degrees to over 7,000 students.
School Information
Location: South Portland, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.86%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 222
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Central Maine Community College
- 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, ME - 04210-6498
- (207) 755-5100
Central Maine Community College is located in Auburn, Maine. They offer an ADN program. LPNs can gain entrance into their program; they enter the same program but may be able to skip a few courses. CMCC currently has about 3,000 students and graduates about 300 students each year.
School Information
Location: Auburn, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.21%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 317
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Kennebec Valley Community College
- 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME - 04937-1367
- (207) 453-5000
Kennebec Valley Community College is located in Fairfield, Maine. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to ADN program. KVCC has over 2,500 students currently enrolled in classes.
School Information
Location: Fairfield, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.69%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 337
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Northern Maine Community College
- 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME - 04769-2016
- (207) 768-2700
School Information
Location: Presque Isle, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.21%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 507
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Maine College of Health Professions: Home
- 70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME - 4240
- (207) 795-2840
School Information
Location: Lewiston, ME- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.94%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 562
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
University of Maine at Augusta
- 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME - 04330-9410
- (207) 621-3000
University of Maine at Augusta is located in Augusta, Maine. They offer a variety of nursing programs – an ADN program, an RN to BSN program, and a BSN program. The availability of so many different options allows the student to pick what best fits their needs.
School Information
Location: Augusta, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
ADN Programs In Maine
Community and technical colleges in Maine often offer a late entry option into RN programs. This means that the nursing experiences and prior education is taken into account, allowing, for example, an LPN to "skip out" of various classes, entering the RN program at a later date. Some universities in Maine also offer all types of nursing education, from practical nursing to nursing at the bachelor's level.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Maine ADN Programs
Eastern Maine Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Maine of 94.24%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $8,407.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Maine: 7
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 83.49%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 37.50% to 94.24%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Maine?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Maine so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Maine is offered by Central Maine Community College at about $7,924.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 94.13%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Maine College of Health Professions: Home and it will cost about $12,126.00.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inMaine: $9,712.57
- Net-Price Range for Maine ADN Programs: $7,924.00 to $12,126.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Maine Schools: $9,732.43
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Maine: $7,500.00 to $14,826.00
RANKED 1
University of New England
- 11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME - 04005-9599
- (207) 283-0171
School Information
Location: Biddeford, ME- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.02%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 86
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 2
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- 278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, ME - 04084-5236
- (207) 892-6766
School Information
Location: Standish, ME- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.50%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 294
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
University of Southern Maine
- 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME - 4103
- (207) 780-4141
School Information
Location: Portland, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.01%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 329
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
Husson University
- 1 College Circle, Bangor, ME - 04401-2999
- (207) 941-7000
School Information
Location: Bangor, ME- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.37%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 372
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
University of Maine
- 168 College Avenue, Orono, ME - 4469
- (207) 581-1865
School Information
Location: Orono, ME- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.27%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 387
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
BSN Programs In Maine
In order to be accepted into an BSN program in Maine, the following requirements may be needed:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Successful completion of two years of high school college preparatory science with a lab including biology, chemistry, or anatomy & physiology; or one semester of college biology with a lab
- Completion of ENG 101
- Completion of Mat 030 Algebra 1
- Two or more years of a foreign language
NCLEX Passing Rates for Maine BSN Programs
University of New England wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Maine with a score of 93.67%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $30,174.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Maine: 5
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.19%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 83.34% to 93.67%
Prepare for to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with our NCLEX practice questions with rationales.
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Maine?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Maine to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Maine is offered by University of Maine and will cost you about $16,255.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 87.86%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by University of New England and will cost you about $30,174.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 93.67%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Maine: $21,811.80
- Net-Price Range for Maine BSN Programs: $16,255.00 to $30,174.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Maine Schools: $20,594.20
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Maine: $17,240.00 to $25,000.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Maine
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Maine
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Maine offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Maine RN Licensing Requirements
Maine State Board of Nursing
161 Capitol Street
158 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-1133
Web Site: https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $75
License renewal, RN (every two years): $75
Continuing Education Requirements:
None
Nursing licensure in Maine is strict but there are a few ways to obtain it. Licensure can be obtained by exam, endorsement, and, sometimes, through an education completed in a foreign country.
RN Licensure by Exam
The candidate will be required to submit an application to the Board along with a $75 fee before applying to take the exam. The application must be notarized and have a passport-type photo included. There is a $200 fee that will be paid when candidates apply for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE. Scheduling the exam can only occur after the candidate has received an Authorization to Test.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
RNs who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states are able to apply for licensure by endorsement. In order to complete this, candidates must submit the following:
- License verification
- Evidence, such as transcripts, proving that a two-year program in nursing was completed
- $75 application non-refundable fee
- NCLEX will be require if the candidate had not passed it already
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
The following does not apply to nurses who were trained in Canada. International nurses must complete additional requirements. First, they will need to pass an exam conducted by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. Second, transcripts should be submitted in English.
RN Salaries in Maine
According to a National Nursing Database, reported that Maine currently has approximately 22,560 registered nurses holding active licenses. The Maine Board periodically publishes NCLEX passing rates organized by each school. There are many professional organizations that nurses in Maine will want to know about. The main organization is Maine State Nurses Association. It provides continuing education and other professional resources for nurses.
Maine Registered Nursing Salaries
Southwest Maine has the largest amount of registered nurses employed in comparison to any of the other areas in Maine. However, it does not have the highest annual median wage. The Portland metropolitan area has both the highest hourly mean wage salary and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 2,120 | $30.82 | $64,100 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 1,470 | $29.81 | $62,000 |
| Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME | 4,450 | $31.00 | $64,490 |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area | 1,650 | $27.49 | $57,180 |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area | 4,690 | $29.29 | $60,920 |
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary