Best Nursing Schools in Maine
The rural landscape of Maine is one of beauty and tranquility. However, while Maine’s stunning countryside invites thousands of travelers every year, it also invites a shortage of certain amenities and resources. Due to this and Maine’s rapidly aging population, it can often be hard to find adequate healthcare options in the state. According to recent surveys, Maine is expecting a 3% decrease in the nursing population. While this is troubling for local Mainers, it is also an opportunity for those who have been considering a career as a nurse. Many nursing programs exist in Maine and with the use of online programs and bridge programs, it’s now easier than ever to begin this new journey.
Jump to:
- Maine RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Maine
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Maine
Best RN Programs in Maine
Selecting the best nursing school in Maine can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 5 nursing schools in Maine by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 12 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Kennebec Valley Community College
Score: 95.85
Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, Maine is located north of state capital Augusta. Graduates of KVCC's nursing programs, including its ADN and LPN to RN offerings, provide evidence-based and patient-centered care modeled after the faculty they learn from and enriched by their own life and clinical experiences.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (207) 453-5000
Central Maine Community College
Score: 95.41
Located in Auburn, Maine, Central Maine Community College strives to provide nurses to fill gaps in the state's workforce. CMCC's associate degree in nursing graduates provide compassionate and efficient patient-centered care.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (207) 755-5100
University of New England
Score: 94.73
The University of New England, located in Biddeford, offers two distinct baccalaureate nursing pathways: the traditional BSN and the accelerated BSN. These ACEN-accredited programs train nurses as leaders, promoting the highest level of wellness for their patients.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (207) 283-0171
Southern Maine Community College
Score: 93.76
South Portland’s Southern Maine Community College offers an ADN degree that prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and gain entry into practice. The curriculum combines a sound theoretical base with diverse clinical and didactic experiences to fully train grads for real-life healthcare situations.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (207) 741-5500
Maine College of Health Professions
Score: 92.14
Maine College of Health Professions creates strong students who work within the resources provided to them in order to manage health information and patient cases as part of and on behalf of the healthcare team.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (207) 795-2840
Maine Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
If you're thinking about starting a career as a registered nurse, Maine offers several entry-level degree pathways to help you get there. Many aspiring nurses begin with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each pathway has unique advantages, so consider which option aligns best with your career aspirations.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
If you're new to nursing and seeking the quickest path into the field, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a great choice. Both the ADN and a nursing diploma can be completed in one to two years. For those with prior nursing experience, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), an LPN to RN bridge program can be an excellent option, allowing you to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Maine include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Maine.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
As you explore the right nursing program, you'll find three main bachelor's degree options: the traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN (ABSN). For those new to nursing without a prior bachelor's degree, the traditional BSN is the ideal choice. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a different field, an ABSN program enables you to earn a BSN on an accelerated timeline. Meanwhile, the RN to BSN pathway is tailored for licensed, working nurses who want to complete their BSN more quickly.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Maine typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
As a working nurse, the easiest way to get a BSN is through a Maine RN to BSN. These bridge programs are available to any nurse who has their RN license and an ADN (plus usually a few years of experience). While a traditional BSN program usually takes four years to complete, an RN to BSN program only takes about two years.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Maine ABSN programs are available for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject. These types of programs work with the student’s existing education to deliver a pathway to a BSN within a year or two.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For many aspiring nurses, graduate school is the key to advancing their careers. Options like a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offer pathways to higher salaries, greater autonomy, and broader job opportunities. Typically, applicants to nursing graduate programs must have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a current RN license.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Maine:
- Maine Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Maine MSN Program
- Maine RN to MSN Programs
- Maine Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Maine DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Maine
Requirements for RN Licensure in Maine
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Maine Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
The most important thing you must consider when shopping for RN programs is RN program accreditation. Accreditation is a formal review process that ensures a nursing school or program meets established quality standards. In the United States, two primary organizations accredit nursing programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program is not accredited, it means that if you graduate from it, you will no the able to get licensed.
Continued List of All RN Programs in Maine
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | Northern Maine Community College Presque Isle, ME 04769 | Phone: (207) 768-2700 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.91 | nmcc.edu |
| 7. | Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, ME 04084 | Phone: (207) 892-6766 | Programs: BSN | 88.43 | sjcme.edu |
| 8. | Eastern Maine Community College Bangor, ME 04401 | Phone: (207) 974-4600 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.45 | emcc.edu |
| 9. | University of Maine at Orono Orono, ME 04469 | Phone: (207) 581-1865 | Programs: BSN | 87.00 | umaine.edu |
| 10. | Beal College Bangor, ME 04401 | Phone: (207) 307-3900 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.97 | beal.edu |
| 11. | University of Maine at Fort Kent Fort Kent, ME 04743 | Phone: (207) 834-7500 | Programs: BSN | 78.72 | umfk.edu |
| 12. | Husson University Bangor, ME 04401 | Phone: (207) 941-7000 | Programs: BSN | 76.35 | husson.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.