2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Maine

Overview of Nursing Schools in Maine

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

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

Department of Nursing

94.86% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME - 04005-9599
• 
  (207) 283-0171

Nurse Admin: Jennifer Morton, DNP, MS, MPH, RN

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.86%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

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

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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

Department of Nursing

94.66% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, ME - 04084-5236
• 
  (207) 892-6766

Nurse Admin: Kelly Hudock, DNP, CRNP, CNE

Title: Interim Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.66%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

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

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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

School of Nursing

94.45% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  168 College Avenue, Orono, ME - 04469
• 
  (207) 581-1865

Nurse Admin: Kelley Strout, PhD, RN

Title: Director, Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.45%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

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

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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

97.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME - 04937-1367
• 
  (207) 453-5000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

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

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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

93.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1250 Turner Street, Auburn, ME - 04210-6498
• 
  (207) 755-5100

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

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

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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

93.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME - 04401
• 
  (207) 974-4600

Nurse Admin: Pilar Burmeister,

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.40%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

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

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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

92.80% 3-Year
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

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

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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

92.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME - 04106-1698
• 
  (207) 741-5500

Nurse Admin: Michael Nozdrovicky,

Title: Department Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

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

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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)

RN-BSN Program

91.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME - 04240
• 
  (207) 795-2840

Nurse Admin: Lynne Gotjen, PhD, RN

Title: Chief Nurse Administrator

• 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

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.