Your Guide to Online Nursing Programs in Maine

In this guide, we’ll cover the top nursing programs in Maine and how they increase your job opportunities, earning potential, and expertise. We’ll also look at the different types of nursing degrees and determine which one is the best fit. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for what kind of nursing program is right for you and the next steps toward a successful nursing career in Maine.

Profiling Popular Nursing Schools in Maine

Are you wondering which schools offer the most popular nursing programs in Maine? We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! Check out nursing programs in Maine that students love for their affordability, student support, and professional development opportunities. All these programs are accredited and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. They feature different learning formats—some hybrid and others in-person—so you can continue your search for the school that is the best fit for you.

University of New England

The University of New England’s BSN degree offers one of the fastest completion times without sacrificing a high-quality education. In this 16-month program, students take in-person foundational courses that offer the skills they need to pass the NCLEX and enter the field. They also complete 550 hours of clinical work at an affiliated hospital system, clinic, or private practice and by working in the university’s labs. The program is intense and is designed for full-time students, not those who are working while getting their degree. It’s also designed for those without previous nursing experience, making it the fastest BSN program in the state.

University of Maine at Presque Isle

While many schools in the University of Maine system offer BSN programs, the one from the University of Maine at Presque Isle stands out in terms of high-quality education and flexibility. The program offers students the chance to take courses online or in person through both the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine Fort Kent. Unlike the University of Maine Fort Kent and other campuses in the University of Maine system, students at Presque Isle can complete their clinical hours in their own communities and aren’t required to complete them in hospitals near Presque Isle or Fort Kent’s campuses. This applies even if they don’t already have their associate degree in nursing. While many RN to BSN programs in Maine offer this perk, the program at Presque Isle is the only one to offer remote clinical hours to traditional BSN students.

Types of Nursing Programs Available in Maine

Nursing schools in Maine offer various types of degrees to suit different students’ education levels and work schedules. These include ADN programs, traditional BSN programs, accelerated programs, and RN to BSN programs. Let’s look at some of the most common options and the types of students who might want to consider each.

A Closer Look at Online Nursing Programs in Maine

In Maine, there are very few direct-entry BSN programs online. Instead, most online BSN programs are designed for those who are already registered nurses. An example of a school with an online RN to BSN program is the University of Maine Fort Kent.

While the online nursing programs offered in Maine are limited, there are also some hybrid and blended learning options. These include the University of Maine Augusta and the Maine College of Health Professions. With hybrid programs, students complete some coursework online and other coursework and clinicals in person. Some RN to BSN programs accept a student’s full-time job as their clinical hours. Other online programs require students to complete clinical hours in person, but they can do so in their own communities and don’t necessarily need to be near campus.

University of Maine Fort Kent

Any registered nurses looking to get a BSN should consider the RN to BSN program from the University of Maine Fort Kent campus. This program has been designed for optimal flexibility so students can work full-time while getting their degree in less than 10 months. Unlike other programs, Fort Kent doesn’t follow a traditional semester schedule. Instead, it offers seven start dates throughout the year. Since most of the coursework is asynchronous, students can advance through the program as fast or as slow as they would like. This online nursing program in Maine is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Maine State Board of Nursing. When students finish, they can easily transfer to the university’s online MSN degree if they want to continue their education.

University of Maine Augusta

Anyone looking for an RN to BSN degree that can be completed online should consider the program from the University of Maine Augusta campus. Successful applicants must already have their ADN as well as some work experience, which can count toward the clinical hours required for this degree. While many of the courses are online, some classes are in a blended learning format, meaning that students come to campus for some hands-on activities and class sessions while the rest of the lectures happen online. This online nursing program in Maine also has an emphasis on healthcare informatics, an in-demand skill for nurses. If students already have their RN, they can complete this degree in as little as two years while working full-time.

Maine College of Health Professions

The Maine College of Health Professions offers a robust associate degree and RN to BSN degree for anyone looking to become a registered nurse in Maine. Unlike a traditional program, these two-degree programs take place in a hospital system, not in a traditional university setting. Most classes are offered online, though each class has an in-person requirement in the hospital system. This blended learning setup ensures graduates have a wide variety of work experience and gives them opportunities to develop their expertise in a specific field of nursing. While the school technically offers only an associate and RN to BSN degree, there is an option in which students can get both, effectively completing a traditional BSN in four years.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Maine

Getting your BSN can be pricey. Luckily, many financial aid opportunities are available for nursing students in Maine. One of the biggest providers of scholarships and loans to BSN students is the state, thanks to the tuition support program for healthcare workers. This program provides loan and equitable loan repayment options for healthcare workers, including nurses. The University of Maine system, the largest in the state, also offers a variety of nursing scholarships, including eight new ones that many BSN students would qualify for. Outside of Maine-specific resources, federal and privately funded financial aid options are widely available. To learn more, check out our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide.

Your Path to Becoming an RN in Maine

Each state has different licensure requirements and its own process to become a licensed nurse. For Maine, the process is monitored by the Maine State Board of Nursing. The board lays out five steps to becoming a registered nurse in Maine:

Step #1: Attend a school approved by the board

Completing an RN degree from a state-approved institution is the first step to becoming a registered nurse in Maine. Generally, most regionally and nationally accredited universities in Maine fit these criteria, though it’s important to check the state board’s list of approved schools to make sure your university is on it and that it’s approved for your specific degree. Some universities are only approved for one type, such as an ADN or a BSN, instead of for every type of nursing program.

Step #2: Fill out an online application

Maine requires all potential nurses to fill out an online application. This is the same application used to renew your license, apply for a more advanced license, and complete other tasks, such as requesting a copy of your license. There’s a $75 fee associated with getting your license, which must be paid when you fill out your form.

Step #3: Present a school certification form and transcript

After you’ve filled out the basic information on the application, the next step is to submit a transcript as well as a school certification form. This form confirms that you have successfully completed your degree in a state-approved nursing program. It must be completed by a representative from your school, most likely upon graduation from the program.

Step #4: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After you’ve presented your school certification form, it’s time to take the NCLEX-RN, a test to ensure you have the necessary skills to work as an RN. While you can take the test before you graduate, Maine’s licensure portal requires you to submit the school certification form and transcript before this step.

Step #5: Keep your license current

Once you are certified as a nurse, it’s your responsibility to keep your license current. To renew your license, you must fill out an online form certifying that you are still actively working in the field. You are required to renew your license every two years, either before or on your birthday. You must pay a $75 renewal fee each time you renew your RN license.

Maine RN Employment Trends

Overall, the nursing job outlook for nurses in Maine is lower than in other states. The job growth rate is about 3.3% in Maine, while it’s 12.1% across the United States as a whole. However, the demand for nurses is increasing in Cumberland County, where Maine’s biggest city, Portland, is located. The demand for nurse practitioners will increase by 37.4% between now and 2030, so it might be worth investing in a master’s after completing your BSN. Having your BSN can also give you a competitive edge since 85% of nurses in the state have only an ADN.

Employment Projections for RNs in Maine

Source: Projections Central

RN Pay Scale in Maine: How Much You Could Earn

Nurses in Maine tend to make around the national average, though that’s slightly less than nurses in some nearby states such as Massachusetts. If a nurse gets additional licenses, becomes a nurse practitioner, or enters a leadership role, they can expect to make even more in Maine. Nurses also can make more money by moving to cities where their skillset is in demand, such as Portland.

Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in Maine

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021

Maine Nursing Resources

• American Nurses Association-Maine
• Maine Hospital Association
• Maine State Board of Nursing
• Maine State Nurses Association
• Scholarships and Resources for Nursing Students