Maine offers a diverse range of nursing education programs, from practical nursing certificates to advanced practice degrees. Prospective students have access to 15 nursing schools across the state, offering programs such as LPN, ADN, BSN, and MSN. The state is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), enabling licensed nurses to practice in other participating states without additional licensing requirements.
Some of the well-established nursing schools in Maine include the University of Maine, Southern Maine Community College, and Husson University. Tuition costs vary depending on the program and institution, but generally, LPN programs are the most affordable, followed by ADN programs. BSN and MSN programs tend to have higher tuition fees, but scholarships and financial aid are often available to help offset these costs.
Maine faces a nursing shortage, particularly in rural areas. This creates strong job prospects for graduates, with high demand across various healthcare settings. The median annual salary for registered nurses in Maine is $84,340, while licensed practical nurses earn around $71,430 per year. These figures reflect the competitive salary landscape and the growing need for qualified nursing professionals in the state.
Central Maine Community College (CMCC) is located in Auburn, Maine. This member of the Maine Community College System was founded in 1963. The school has actually undergone a number of name changes and transformations over the years. Even so, CMCC has been serving the needs of the people for a very long time. It provides all of the students with academic opportunities that can enrich their lives. CMCC currently serves over 2,700 students and it is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school offers students over 40 associate degree, certificate, and advanced certificate programs. It is a stellar option for students who are looking to open up new career prospects for themselves.
CMCC is also a popular school when it comes to nursing. The nursing program at CMCC is going to give students the best chance to succeed as professionals. The associate degree in nursing program gives students the complete education that they need. It focuses on helping nursing students to grow their skills over time while giving them practical experiences along the way. Students will learn to make safe and effective clinical judgments by making use of their critical thinking skills. Nursing students will also become familiar with working as a part of a nursing team while developing great communication abilities. CMCC students go on to enjoy success as professional nurses at a very high rate and the success numbers for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam is higher than the national average, too.
Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is located in Fairfield, Maine. KVCC is a school that was established in 1969. This school is a part of the Maine Community College System and has gone through a number of different changes over the years. One thing that has not changed about KVCC is its deep commitment to the success of the students who are attending the school. KVCC serves over 2,500 students and it offers them many different academic programs. There are more than 30 different associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs for students to choose from. KVCC is also fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The KVCC nursing program is one that has been helping people to grow as nurses for a long time. The associate degree nursing (ADN) program is held in very high regard at this institution. It is designed to prepare students for the rigors of entry-level registered nurse positions. The curriculum will present students with many learning opportunities that will increase their general knowledge while also allowing them to develop the right skills. There will be many classroom experiences, as well as clinical opportunities during this program. Nursing students at this program have traditionally had great success with the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and go on to find employment in their field.
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is located in South Portland, Maine. SMCC was established in 1946 and is a part of the Maine Community College System. This school serves over 7,000 students and is a public two-year institution. It offers students plenty of options by having a lot of academic programs. SMCC has associate degree programs, diploma programs, and technical certificate programs for students to pursue. All of the programs are designed to help students advance their career prospects. This school even has an athletics program for students to participate in. There are a number of different men's and women's team sports available for students to choose from.
The SMCC nursing program is one of the best options for prospective nurses in the area. Nursing students will be able to take advantage of this associate degree in nursing program to get a really thorough education. It offers students a chance to increase their knowledge while learning all of the practical and technical skills that nurses rely on every single day. This nursing program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing and it is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This school also has options for LPN's to pursue becoming an RN, as well as bachelor degree transfer partnerships for RN graduates.
Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) is located in Presque Isle, Maine. NMCC was established in 1961 and is a part of the Maine Community College System. This is a relatively small community college that serves a little under 1,000 students. It offers a very impressive 87-acre campus that has all of the resources that students need to find success. NMCC is capable of awarding many different associate degrees to students in several areas of study. There are also technical certificate programs that students will be able to take advantage of. The school also has an athletics department for students to enjoy. It features both men's and women's teams in several different sports.
The NMCC nursing program is among the most popular options at the school. This school has an associate degree nursing program that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It allows students to pursue becoming a registered nurse and there are a few special options as well. Students who have completed approved practical nursing courses already will be able to jump in at the second year of the program. This makes it easier for current LPN's to pursue becoming RN's. The curriculum of this program is designed to allow nurses to grow their skills in a safe environment. All nursing students will feel properly prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam upon their graduation.
Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) is located in Bangor, Maine. EMCC was established back in 1966 and it has continued to provide great educational opportunities to the community ever since. This school offers its students more than 30 different degree programs. Students will be able to pursue an associate degree, technical certificates, and diplomas while attending this school. EMCC has proven to be a school that is dedicated to the success of its students. It offers them many practical and lucrative career paths to follow. It has become a very popular community college due to the high standards of quality that it has for all of its academic programs.
EMCC has a very good nursing program that students can enjoy, too. The associate degree nursing program at this school is designed to prepare future registered nurses to succeed. Graduates of this program will obtain an associate in science degree and will become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This school has a good reputation for producing nurses who find success as professionals. The pass rate for the licensure exam has been consistently high over the years and graduates of the program go on to find employment very easily. The thorough education that EMCC offers prospective nursing students pays off by giving them lucrative careers and the ability to have continued professional success.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a public institution and part of the University of Maine System, which includes 8 campuses throughout the state. The university was founded in 1878 as a teacher’s school before earning its current name in 1970. Fort Kent is near the US-Canada border. The university is primarily an academic center for French-American culture and heritage. Most students and adults in the Fort Kent area are bilingual in English and French. Current enrollment is just under 1,600 students, making the University of Maine at Fort Kent a small university with a low student to faculty ratio.
Students may choose one of three paths to earn their BSN, depending on their existing education. Incoming freshman may enroll in the traditional BSN program, which is a standard four-year program. Other options include an accelerated BSN for those with a degree in a separate field and an RN to BSN program for registered nurses with at least an associate’s degree. The university offers several opportunities for students to improve their nursing skills. Through the Preceptorship, students work with registered nurses to build clinical skills. There are also employment opportunities at several local medical centers, including the Cary Medical Center.
The University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine is a public university with both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is also part of the University of Maine System that includes 8 campuses in the state. The university was founded in 1878 as the Gorham Academy. In 1970, the academy merged with the University of Maine in Portland to become the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham, before being renamed the University of Southern Maine. The main campus buildings include many multi-story residential homes that were converted into academic buildings. The university ranks as one of the best Northeastern Colleges and enrolls about 7,800 students annually.
The University of Southern Maine School of Nursing offers seven nursing programs. The undergraduate-level programs include BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs. Graduate-level programs include MSN, accelerated MSN, RN to MSN, and DNP. All programs have been accredited by the CCNE since 2005. Students get to develop their nursing skills while practicing in a Health Assessment Lab and Simulation Center. Clinical experience is offered through partnerships with various primary care and public health centers in the region. Students that have already earned a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field may earn their BSN in just 15 months through the accelerated BSN program.