Overview of Nursing Schools in Maine
- There are 12 nursing schools in Maine. The CCNE accredits 4 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 11 schools in Maine.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Maine is between 37.50% and 94.24%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Maine is between 83.34% and 89.50%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Maine can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Maine
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools 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% | 86.35% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 37.50% to 94.24% | 83.34% to 89.50% |
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.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) 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
University of New England
Pass Rate
- 11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME - 04005-9599
- (207) 283-0171
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.86%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 320
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,654
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
Graduation Rate: 61%
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Pass Rate
- 278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, ME - 04084-5236
- (207) 892-6766
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.66%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 72
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,537
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 59%
University of Maine at Orono
Pass Rate
- 168 College Avenue, Orono, ME - 04469
- (207) 581-1865
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.45%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 564
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,986
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,704
Percent Admitted: 92%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) 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.
Kennebec Valley Community College
Pass Rate
- 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME - 04937-1367
- (207) 453-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 42
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,865
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 81%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,486
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 39%
Central Maine Community College
Pass Rate
- 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, ME - 04210-6498
- (207) 755-5100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 52
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,864
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 83%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,154
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Eastern Maine Community College
Pass Rate
- 354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME - 04401
- (207) 974-4600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 58
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,865
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,765
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
Northern Maine Community College
Pass Rate
- 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME - 04769-2016
- (207) 768-2700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 38
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,830
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,040
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 42%
Southern Maine Community College
Pass Rate
- 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME - 04106-1698
- (207) 741-5500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 98
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,874
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 83%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,455
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
Maine College of Health Professions (CMMC)
Pass Rate
- 70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME - 04240
- (207) 795-2840
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 12
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 60%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,275
Percent Admitted: 45%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 89%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Additional Listings for Maine Nursing Schools
Grade
|
University
|
Maine Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
82.85 | University of Southern Maine | 5 | BSN |
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.
Popular Online NP Programs for Maine Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.