We started a search for nurses in Maine and came up with a list of 10 of the best schools with nursing degrees! We thought we’d share these schools not only to help you with your search but also because we know they’re good schools, accredited by one of the most prestigious accrediting bodies: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

There is a lot of information about the university of southern Maine nursing program requirements, the university of Maine nursing, nursing schools in New Hampshire, USM nursing program, and nursing schools in Massachusetts at Collegelearners.

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Maine, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Maine practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Maine Board of Nursing.

To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Maine, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Maine registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Maine Board of Nursing.

Is Maine a nursing compact state?

Yes, Maine is part of the nursing license compact. Maine recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a Maine Licensed Practical Nurse or a Maine Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.

How long is nursing school in Maine?

The amount of time you spend in a Maine nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Maine Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.

How much does nursing school in Maine cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in Maine will cost between $3,000 to $5,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Maine cost more between $7,000 to $15,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Maine, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. 

If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Maine nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA.

2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

ADN Programs in Maine

Maine is in need of nurses to fortify their workforce and care for an aging population of baby boomers. With this consideration, many students are applying for Maine’s more than five Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs offered at junior colleges and community colleges throughout the state. Students who graduate from the program are eligible to apply and sit the NCLEX-RN examination that qualifies them for licensure.

Colleges with ADN offerings are geographically accessible so that every pre-licensure nurse has the opportunity to fulfill his or her career goals.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Maine

When students start choosing between ADN programs, it can be a series of tough choices to make! We are here to help you decide what’s important to you and what you can live without. Check below for some of the most important things to look for when comparing schools.

Accreditation

ADN accreditation is an important part of the system for both colleges and nursing programs. In Maine, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the regulating accreditation agency – ensuring that colleges throughout the state have processes, faculty, and facilities that are of suitable quality, with an eye toward improvement and accountability measures. Each nursing program within the colleges and universities in the state and beyond voluntarily submits to review and accreditation from either the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Interested students can double-check any of the association’s official websites for an up to date listing of which schools are in full compliance with the accreditation criteria.

Licensing

One of the jobs of the state Board of Nursing is to offer support and guidance, as well as regulatory actions that help shape nursing schools and nurses. To this end, ADN programs are reviewed periodically in order to ensure that they meet the stringent criteria to produce candidates that may be licensed. At this time, over 90% of candidates who sit the NCLEX-RN pass it on their first attempt. This is higher than the national average.

Program Outcomes

An ADN program’s reputation is an important consideration for students. Some indications that you’ve found a great program are reflected in the school’s ‘Program Outcome’ data that is published on an ongoing basis.

• Number of diplomas awarded each year
• Student attraction and retention
• Job achievement data for new graduates
• NCLEX metrics
• Student review information

Central Maine Community College in Auburn and Damariscotta is well regarded for the quality of pre-licensure nursing graduates that come from its ADN program. Graduates are accountable and positive role models for each other, their community and their patients.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Maine

Unique to the location, population, labor demand, faculty and facility, each ADN program has admission requirements that change from year to year. There are some similarities between institutions, so read on in order to prepare yourself for what you might encounter:

• Satisfy college-specific and program-specific applications
• Provide an official transcript with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Students must provide evidence of proficient scores on their first attempt of TEAS testing
• Provide official transcripts directly to the Admissions Office
•  Provide application fees to the Admissions department at their school to be considered ‘in good standing’
• Provide a resume that outlines work and volunteer experience to date

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Maine

Even at the community college level, tuition is often considered separately from other costs of education, like room and board, materials, fees, and equipment. Students who are looking to minimize costs can always choose a school that is close to home in order to live off-campus and not have to worry about a meal plan or other living expenses.

In-state residents who attend the Eastern Maine Community College have tuition that is about $100 per credit hour, plus applicable fees and housing. Students whose permanent residence is out of state to have tuition of about $135 per credit hour.

Advantages of ADN Programs

Pricing is a major factor in making ADN programs continually popular. Not only is the tuition much lower than in BSN programs, but students are finished in half the time of a traditional-style 4-year BSN. With campuses located close to home, students often have flexible living arrangements and don’t have to pay ‘student premiums’ on items that are convenient but not value priced.

LPN to RN Programs in Maine

For those who are already Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), transition programs are available to enter into registered nursing. These LPN to RN pathways build upon the education that LPNs have already received, making them shorter than traditional RN programs. Students can typically choose between an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

LPNs earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. All applicants must be either an LPN or LVN to apply.

LPN to RN program requirements typically include:

• Minimum overall GPA (usually 2.5-3.0 or higher)
• Currently licensed as an LPN
• Must have graduated from a board-approved LPN program
• Up-to-date immunizations required

BSN Programs in Maine

Interested in a baccalaureate degree? Maine’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offerings are usually four years long and have almost double the credit hours that community college ADN programs do. Students who graduate from a BSN program have made a significant committee member both in cost and in time, however, the mobility and flexibility of a degree are often worth it. BSN candidates must write the NCLEX-RN exam just as their ADN counterparts do.

Maine’s universities, both public and private, offer BSN programs to students. There are more than five such offerings throughout the state.

What to Look For in a BSN Program in Maine

BSN programs require careful evaluation before students make a commitment – a mistake could be quite costly! The best programs are ones that have a diverse and active faculty that takes time to make connections with their students at every level. Clinical experiences amongst a variety of patient populations are also important, as is the quality of life on campus.

The University of New England is located in Biddeford and offers a BSN degree for qualified students. The faculty strives to prepare students to become competent and ethical nurses, who have compassion in their evidence-based approach to patient care. Many graduates go on to leadership roles.

BSN Program Length in Maine

Consisting of about 120 credit hours, the BSN program pace is about 4 years long. Without any break, however, students can be completed in as little as 2.5 years, though the number of credit hours doesn’t change.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Maine

The following is a sample of common admission criteria – while each school has individual requirements, there are some similarities as you will see:

• Submit an online application prior to the deadline
• Apply with competitive GPA and ACT scores through online application systems
• Submit official transcript
• Background and drug screening must be ‘negative’

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Maine

The cost of tuition has risen substantially in recent years; however, students have a lot of help to figure out how best to deal with their financial commitment. Every school has a clearly itemized list of expenses that students are expected to incur and that may or may not be covered under the heading of ‘tuition’. Costs may include room and board, books, equipment, insurance, and university fees.

The University of Maine at Orono has a yearly tuition cost of over $8,000 and mandatory fees of about $2,500. Room and board are estimated at slightly over $10,000 per year.

Advantages of BSN Programs

The BSN program is a good idea for nursing students. With a BSN, students are well-positioned to move into leadership roles in the workforce or go back to school to pursue their MSN – a specialty track with much higher pay. University programs are often affiliated with city hospital networks as well, which can help students make valuable professional connections for their future careers.

MSN Programs in Maine

A nurse educator, a nurse researcher, or a pediatric nurse practitioner are some of the specialty roles that are available for nurses who choose to pursue graduate work and earn their Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Maine has five or so universities that offer the MSN program stream in various specialties. Students are encouraged to look carefully through the course descriptions in order to select the right school for their needs.

List Of Nursing Schools In Maine

Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Maine. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Maine Board Of Nursing.

Beal College

99 Farm Road, Bangor, ME 04401
207-307-3900

Beal College is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Bangor, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Bangor, Maine campus for Beal College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 390. In-state tuition and fees were $23,500 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN, MSN

• Tuition Cost $23,500
• Acceptance Rate Open

Central Maine Community College

1250 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210
207-755-5100

Central Maine Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Auburn, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Auburn, Maine campus for Central Maine Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,068. In-state tuition and fees were $3,784 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: ASN

• Tuition Cost $3,784
• Room and Board $9,340
• Acceptance Rate Open

Eastern Maine Community College

354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401
207-974-4600

Eastern Maine Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Bangor, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Bangor, Maine campus for Eastern Maine Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,396. In-state tuition and fees were $3,779 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

• Tuition Cost $3,779
• Room and Board $8,400
• Acceptance Rate Open

Husson College

One College Circle, Bangor, ME 04401
207-941-7100

Husson College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Bangor, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Bangor, Maine campus for Husson College is located in a City setting.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Practitioner

Kennebec Valley Community College

92 Western Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937
207-453-5822

Kennebec Valley Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Fairfield, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Fairfield, Maine campus for Kennebec Valley Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,473. In-state tuition and fees were $3,817 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

• Tuition Cost $3,817
• Acceptance Rate Open

Northern Maine Community College

33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769
207-768-2700

Northern Maine Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Presque Isle, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Presque Isle, Maine campus for Northern Maine Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 811. In-state tuition and fees were $3,741 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

• Tuition Cost $3,741
• Room and Board $7,818
• Acceptance Rate Open

Purdue University Global – Lewiston

475 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
207-333-3300

Purdue University Global – Lewiston is a Public institution with a campus in Lewiston, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Lewiston, Maine campus for Purdue University Global – Lewiston is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 503. In-state tuition and fees were $14,343 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN

• Tuition Cost $14,343
• Acceptance Rate Open

Purdue University Global-Augusta

14 Marketplace Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
207-213-2500

Purdue University Global-Augusta is a Public institution with a campus in Augusta, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Augusta, Maine campus for Purdue University Global-Augusta is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 489. In-state tuition and fees were $14,343 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN

• Tuition Cost $14,343
• Acceptance Rate Open

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084
207-893-7746

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Standish, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Standish, Maine campus for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,106. In-state tuition and fees were $35,650 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Practitioner

• Tuition Cost $35,650
• Room and Board $13,680
• Acceptance Rate 84%
• ACT Score 18-23

Southern Maine Community College

2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106
207-741-5800

Southern Maine Community College is a Public institution with a campus in South Portland, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The South Portland, Maine campus for Southern Maine Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,852. In-state tuition and fees were $3,770 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

• Tuition Cost $3,770
• Room and Board $9,238
• Acceptance Rate Open

University of Maine at Augusta

46 University Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
207-621-3465

University of Maine at Augusta is a Public institution with a campus in Augusta, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Augusta, Maine campus for University of Maine at Augusta is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,128. In-state tuition and fees were $7,988 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN

• Tuition Cost $7,988
• Acceptance Rate Open

University of Maine at Fort Kent

23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743
207-834-7883

University of Maine at Fort Kent is a Public institution with a campus in Fort Kent, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Fort Kent, Maine campus for University of Maine at Fort Kent is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,791. In-state tuition and fees were $8,115 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN

• Tuition Cost $8,115
• Room and Board $8,220
• Acceptance Rate 95%
• ACT Score 16-21

University of Maine at Presque Isle

181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769
207-768-9400

University of Maine at Presque Isle is a Public institution with a campus in Presque Isle, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Presque Isle, Maine campus for University of Maine at Presque Isle is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,553. In-state tuition and fees were $8,035 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN

• Tuition Cost $8,035
• Room and Board $8,406
• Acceptance Rate 92%

University of Maine, Orono

5724 Dunn Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5724
207-581-2592

University of Maine, Orono is a Public institution with a campus in Orono, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Orono, Maine campus for University of Maine, Orono is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,404. In-state tuition and fees were $11,170 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Practitioner

• Tuition Cost $11,170
• Room and Board $10,718
• Acceptance Rate 92%
• ACT Score 22-27

University of New England

716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
207-283-0171

University of New England is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Portland, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Portland, Maine campus for University of New England is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,010. In-state tuition and fees were $37,620 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Anesthetist

• Tuition Cost $37,620
• Room and Board $14,790
• Acceptance Rate 80%
• ACT Score 20-26

University of Southern Maine

71 Bedford St, Portland, ME 04104
207-780-4505

University of Southern Maine is a Public institution with a campus in Portland, Maine. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Maine Board of Nursing. The Portland, Maine campus for University of Southern Maine is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,140. In-state tuition and fees were $8,918 for the most recent reporting period.…

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Accelerated MSN, DNP

• Tuition Cost $8,918
• Room and Board $9,850
• Acceptance Rate 85%
• ACT Score 19-25