Nursing Programs in Portland, ME

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Portland

Rankings help nursing students identify top programs by comparing key metrics like NCLEX pass rates. Registerednursing.org presents the "Best Nursing Schools in Portland" rankings, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria to evaluate program effectiveness. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Portland-area NCLEX pass rates have shown variability, with a notable increase in recent years. The data indicates improved performance over time.

• 2024: Average pass rate 94.8% with 250 students
• 2023: Average pass rate 93.91% with 279 students
• 2022: Average pass rate 75.79% with 95 students

Top Performing Schools

Schools with consistently high NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong program outcomes. These institutions have maintained excellence across multiple years.

• University of New England: 95.51% average pass rate (245 students over 3 years)
• Southern Maine Community College: 92.74% average pass rate (234 students over 3 years)
• Saint Joseph's College of Maine: 83.2% average pass rate (125 students over 3 years)

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Both BSN and ADN programs in Portland show competitive pass rates, with minimal difference between program types.

• BSN programs: 94.63% average pass rate (149 students)
• ADN programs: 95.05% average pass rate (101 students)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size appears to correlate with pass rates, with medium-sized programs showing the highest performance.

• Small programs (<50 students/year): 85.51% average pass rate (69 students)
• Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 98.34% average pass rate (181 students)

Biggest Improvements

Several Portland nursing schools have shown significant pass rate improvements, reflecting enhanced program quality.

• University of New England: 23% improvement (from 75% to 98%)
• Southern Maine Community College: 20.77% improvement (from 78% to 98.77%)
• Saint Joseph's College of Maine: 17.17% improvement (from 70.59% to 87.76%)

#1

University of New England

Biddeford, ME - Private 4-year - une.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of New England's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training. Students complete over 550 hours of hands-on experience in diverse settings including geriatrics, pediatrics, and obstetrics. The program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and interprofessional education opportunities. Admission requires a 3.2 high school GPA with chemistry, biology, and math prerequisites; no ACT/SAT is specified. UNE's BSN program demonstrates strong outcomes with NCLEX pass rates of 98.29% in 2023 and 98% in 2024. The program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, offering financial aid and scholarship support.

• Four-year campus program.
• Over 550 clinical hours.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Interprofessional education focus.
• Covers geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics.
• Admission requires 3.2 GPA.
• Chemistry, biology, math prerequisites.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.

#2

Southern Maine Community College

South Portland, ME - Public 2-Year - smccme.edu

Associate - Nursing Associate Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Maine Community College's campus-based Nursing Associate Degree program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, requiring a high school diploma, specific course grades, and ATI TEAS test scores for admission. The program combines nursing and general education courses with diverse clinical experiences, maintaining ACEN accreditation and Maine State Board of Nursing approval. Recent NCLEX pass rates show significant improvement, from 78% in 2022 to 98.77% in 2024 among 81 students, reflecting the program's effectiveness. Graduates enter various nursing roles, demonstrating the program's strong foundation in both clinical and didactic components.

• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Blends nursing and general education.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• High NCLEX pass rate.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by Maine State Board.
• Prerequisites include ATI TEAS.
• Graduates work in various nursing roles.
• Includes clinical and didactic experiences.
• Requires C grade or better to pass.

#3

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing — Traditional Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Southern Maine's Traditional BSN program provides comprehensive nursing education through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in modern simulation labs. This four-year program maintains competitive admissions, requiring a minimum 3.25 high school GPA and specific science prerequisites, though no ACT or SAT exam is mandated for entrance. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN performance, with recent pass rates improving from 77.7% in 2022 to 91.61% in 2024, reflecting enhanced preparation. Students benefit from small-group clinical supervision, community-based training opportunities, and faculty actively engaged in research, all within a nationally accredited curriculum that facilitates seamless transition to professional practice.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• Competitive admissions.
• Four-year completion time.
• Modern simulation labs.
• Hands-on clinical training.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• High school GPA 3.25 required.
• Science course prerequisites.

#4

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME - Private 4-year - sjcme.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Joseph's College of Maine's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program integrates nursing courses from the freshman year with clinical experiences starting sophomore year. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art simulation labs and partnerships with hospitals across Maine. With a 90.63% NCLEX pass rate, the program prepares students for licensure through personalized mentorship and small class sizes. This campus-based program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Recent NCLEX data shows improving pass rates: 70.59% in 2022, 83.05% in 2023, and 87.76% in 2024, demonstrating program effectiveness.

• Nursing courses start freshman year
• Clinical experience begins sophomore year
• NCLEX Pass Rate 90.63%
• New nursing innovation center
• Community health care partnerships
• Clinical sites across Maine
• Accredited nursing program
• Hands-on simulation labs
• Caring nursing faculty
• Personalized mentorship approach

*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2024).

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Portland, ME

If you are interested in becoming an RN, the place to begin is an entry-level training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX certification exam and your first job as a registered nurse. In the Portland area, there are LPN to RN programs designed to help licensed practical nurses make the leap to RN, and Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that put an RN license within reach for high school grads with little or no nursing experience. Whatever your background, these entry-level programs can make your dreams of professional nursing a reality.

LPN to RN Programs

LPNs are experts at providing basic patient care such as feeding and dressing patients, taking vital signs and sanitizing patient rooms. For many LPNs, an RN license opens the door to additional responsibilities and higher pay. LPN to RN bridge programs provide a streamlined pathway for experienced LPNs to earn their associate’s degree and become prepared to take the NCLEX licensing exam. The LPN to RN program at Kennebec Valley Community College allows experienced LPNs to enter their ADN program in the second semester, saving students time and money on the process of becoming an RN.

ADN Programs

ADN programs provide aspiring nurses with the education and clinical experience they need to pass the NCLEX exam and secure their first jobs as RNs. Designed for high school graduates and those who are new to the nursing profession, ADN programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and nursing skills. The ADN program at Southern Maine Community College is generally completed in 4.5 semesters of full-time study.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Another entry point to the nursing profession is the BSN degree. Increasingly, top hospitals and healthcare employers are looking for nurses who have a bachelor’s degree or higher education. Research shows that nurses with bachelor’s degrees can improve patient outcomes and make fewer mistakes. If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing as your first nursing degree, the traditional BSN program at the University of Southern Maine is a 120-credit program with coursework in nursing research, clinically-applied genetics, leadership management and ethics, community nursing, child health nursing, and critically ill/older adult nursing as well as other advanced nursing skills classes.

Find out more about Maine Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Another option for aspiring nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in another subject is to consider a direct-entry MSN program, in which students earn their master’s in nursing at an accelerated pace. These programs are generally rigorous, but they provide an excellent foundation in nursing principles and advanced practice nursing skills, and prepare nurses for leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings. The direct-entry MSN program at the University of Southern Maine allows students to graduate with their MSN in three years of full-time study.

Find out more about Maine Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Portland, ME

If you are an experienced nurse with an ADN who is interested in pursuing a BSN or MSN degree, consider applying to an RN to BSN/MSN bridge program specially designed for your needs. These programs are made for working RNs, and as such, often offer courses on a flexible schedule or in a distance learning format. Schools offering these programs understand the challenges of returning to school and make every effort to provide a flexible and stress-free experience. BSN and MSN degrees provide nurses with competitive advantages when seeking new, higher paying jobs.

RN to BSN Programs

An example of an RN to BSN program in the Portland area is offered at the University of Southern Maine. The School of Nursing recognizes up to 30 nursing credits transferred from an associate’s degree program, which saves RNs the time and expense of having to repeat that coursework. The program is open to graduates of both diploma and associate’s degree programs and enrolls students on a rolling basis for study in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Find out more about Maine RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

If you are interested in pursuing an advanced practice nursing career, such as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator, you’ll need to earn your master’s degree. For nurses with their ADN, an RN to MSN program provides a streamlined option that builds on existing professional experience and prior nursing coursework. The RN to MSN program at the University of Southern Maine offers nurses the opportunity to pursue careers as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners, nurse educators, family nurse practitioners, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Find out more about Maine RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Portland, ME

Nurses with advanced degrees earn higher salaries and become leaders in their organizations. APRN nurses may provide primary and acute care to patients across the lifespan, become nurse administrators and leaders or educate the next generation of nurses. In many cases, advanced practice nursing degree programs are available in an online or hybrid format, and/or can be taken on a part-time basis, which offers RNs the flexibility to complete their degree while continuing to work.

MSN Programs

St. Joseph’s College of Maine offers an MSN program in an online format, so students can complete their degree from wherever, whenever it fits their schedule and in as little as two years of study. The program allows students to specialize their studies along a particular career track, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.

Find out more about Maine Nurse Practitioner Programs

DNP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice programs train nurses for the highest levels of clinical care and prepare them for a number of leadership positions. The DNP program at the University of Southern Maine emphasizes evidence-based practice, effective interpersonal collaboration, and patient safety.  The program is designed to accommodate working nurses, offers classes in a hybrid online/on-campus format on a full-time and part-time basis.

Find out more about Maine DNP Programs