Maine’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing.
The Maine Hospital Association had a shortage of 17%, or 2,250 registered nurses (RNs), in 2021. By 2025, they predict that the shortage of nurses will be 14%. This means there will be plenty of RN jobs and advancement opportunities for future and current nurses in Maine.
People may choose to live in the Pine Tree State for many reasons. Maine’s quality of life has been ranked one of the highest in the nation. Maine offers affordable housing and a lower cost of living when compared to neighboring states. It also has some of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
Maine is known for its rural areas but also contains some beautiful cities. The cities in Maine contain a variety of art, fine dining, marinas, and summer festivals. It also has more coastline than California, with 3,478 miles of gorgeous shoreline. Augusta is Maine’s state capital and is full of rich history, great walking and biking trails along the river, and plenty of places to stay and eat. If beaches and fishing aren’t your scene, Maine also has acres of relaxing forest and miles of wildlife. There is plenty for all ages to do in Maine.
The America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report ranked Maine 12th in the nation for overall healthcare. Maine also achieved an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 83.54% in 2022, which is higher than the national average. The combination of Maine’s robust healthcare systems, high NCLEX-RN pass rates, and numerous RN job opportunities make Maine a great place to be a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Maine
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Maine to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Maine based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Maine Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Maine ADN Nursing Program
Central Maine Community College
Central Maine Community College in Auburn, Maine, offers an associate in science degree that blends general education courses with nursing courses to provide a sound theoretical and experiential background for nursing practice. Students can earn their degrees on the main campus in Auburn or the Lincoln County location in Damariscotta. To meet the growing demand for nurses in Maine, Central Maine Community College expanded the nursing program in the spring of 2023 by offering clinical rotations in the evenings and weekends.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,864
Out-of-State: $6,744
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,864 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,744 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
70% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
97% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,375 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
50.3% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Maine ADN Nursing Program
Southern Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College in South Portland and Brunswick, Maine, offers an ADN program with a curriculum that blends nursing and general education courses to provide a sound theoretical base for nursing practice. Their program is 69 credits that are designed to be completed in five semesters when attending full-time. To apply to the program, you must have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET/High School Equivalency Diploma, a grade of a Bor higher in Anatomy & Physiology, English Composition, and Dosage Calculations, and pass an entrance exam with a total score of 66.1% or higher.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,874
Out-of-State: $6,754
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,874 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,754 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.34% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017-2020 |
81% |
| Job Placement |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,789 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Maine ADN Nursing Program
Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield and Hinckley, Maine, offers an ADN and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to ADN program. Their programs prepare students for entry-level positions in the nursing profession by combining general education and nursing studies in the classroom, labs, and clinical rotations. Students are given hands-on experience in skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,865
Out-of-State: $6,745
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,865 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,745 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.12% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,297 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
47.9% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Maine BSN Nursing Program
University of New England
University of New England in Portland and Biddeford, Maine, offers a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. Their traditional BSN program is designed to be completed in four years. Their accelerated BSN program can be completed in 16 months but requires the student to hold a bachelor’s degree. Their program utilizes a variety of innovative teaching strategies, including skill-building in their state-of-the-art Simulation and Innovation Center. Students learn how to be part of a healthcare team and are prepared to work as entry-level nurses upon completing the program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $39,820
Out-of-State: $39,820
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$39,820 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$39,820 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
94.12% |
| Admission Rate |
90% |
| Retention Rate |
76% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,642 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
43.9% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maine
When choosing a nursing program in Maine, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN. Some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 8 ADN programs and 7 BSN programs in Maine are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Maine
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Maine predicts a nursing shortage of 14% by 2025. Maine’s NCLEX-RN pass rate on the first attempt in 2022 was 83.54%, which exceeds the national average of 79.9%. According to America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, health strengths in Maine include:
- Low racial disparity in premature death rates
- High prevalence of having a dedicated health care provider
- Low levels of air pollution
- 42% decrease in food insecurity from 16.5% to 9.5% of households between 2014 and 2016, as well as in 2019 and 2021
- 29% decrease in uninsured from 8% to 5.7% of the population between 2019 and 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Maine earn an average annual salary of $77,410. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living is lower than in neighboring states, making Maine a more affordable state to live in.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Maine
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Maine is $77,410, and it employs 14,610 nurses. Maine also employs 1,300 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $118,300.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Cities in Maine for RNs |
| Bangor, ME |
$83,100 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME |
$79,320 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME |
$76,480 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Maine
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Maine Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Maine, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Maine:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first Maine RN license, depending on your birthdate, your license will be active for at least one year and no more than two years. After you renew your license for the first time, you will need to renew it every two years before your birthdate. Maine does not require continuing education credits for RN license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Maine:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Maine.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years with and complete a minimum of 50 continuing education in nursing, medicine, or allied health in the area of practice prior to renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maine
Is Maine a good place for nurses to work?
Maine is a great place for nurses to work. The NCLEX-RN pass rate in Maine is higher than the national average, and Maine is ranked 12th in the nation for overall healthcare.
Is Maine a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Maine is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact nursing license for Maine, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Maine?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your first Maine RN license, depending on your birthdate, your license will be active for at least one year and no more than two years. After you renew your license for the first time, you will need to renew it every two years before your birthdate.
How much does a Maine RN license cost?
Maine license by exam and endorsement are each $75. It also costs $75 to renew a Maine RN license.
