Online Nursing Programs in Maine: Guide to Top Schools

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great starting point if you are interested in a healthcare career and want to get started as soon as possible. As a CNA, you’ll assist patients with daily needs and positively impact their hospital experience.

Online CNA programs make it easy to get started, with some offering two-week and four-week programs, while more comprehensive programs may take up to a year to complete.

Example: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

• Cost: Free
• Length: 7 weeks
• Mode: In-Person

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Online and hybrid licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs combine online learning with hands-on training. Students start by completing general education courses online before attending in-person nursing classes and gaining practical clinical experience.

This approach gives you flexibility while helping you develop the skills and knowledge needed to become an LPN.

Example: LNA Health Careers

• Cost: $25,000
• Length: 45 weeks
• Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Online ADN programs, commonly known as Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs, prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed registered nurses.

Most schools have a two-year timeline involving online classes and on-site clinical training. Graduating with your ADN allows you to become an RN in less time than a BSN program. However, you may qualify for fewer jobs and get paid slightly less than RNs with a four-year degree.

Example: Beal University

• Cost: $32,751–$45,417 a year
• Length: 18 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are designed for students transitioning from high school, transferring from another institution, or returning to academia as non-traditional students.

These programs typically take four years to complete. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a registered nurse and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Example: University of Maine Fort Kent

• Cost: $9,420 a year
• Length: 120 credits
• Mode: In-person

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Online and hybrid ABSN programs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing subject looking to become registered nurses. These programs are shorter than traditional BSN programs because you will not need to fulfill the general education requirements that transfer over from your bachelor’s degree.

The curriculum focuses on core nursing principles and hands-on training and can be completed in one year or less for full-time students.

Example: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

• Cost: $900 per credit hour
• Length: 15 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

If you want to become a midwife, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist, you must first graduate from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. You can also choose to specialize in a chosen field, opening doors to advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and diverse career opportunities.

Traditional MSNs take around two years to complete, although this will vary based on program and course load.

Example: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

• Cost: $30,450 to $34,800. These amounts do not include expenses for textbooks, clinical fees, or online fees.
• Length: The full-time program lasts 2 years and 3 months, while the part-time program takes between 3.5 and 4 years, depending on the track.
• Mode: Online

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

If you want to shape the future of nursing, online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs are the pinnacle of nursing education. DNP programs focus on the practical application of nursing principles via education, consultancy, leadership, and patient care.

Meanwhile, nursing PhD programs focus on the practical application of research to improve quality of care, patient outcomes, and more.

Example: University of Southern Maine

• Cost: $601 per credit hour
• Length: 30-33 credit hours
• Mode: Online

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Earning a post-master’s nursing certificate can strengthen your expertise and credentials, often in less time than a DNP or PhD.

Many graduates become certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), specializing in gerontology, oncology, mental health, acute care, and more. Program length and cost will vary based on your previous education and chosen certificate specialization (if any).

Example: Husson University

• Cost: $2,196 per 3-credit course
• Length: 121–122 credits
• Mode: Online

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

Practicing LPNs can choose from two types of bridge programs, LPN to ADN/RN and LPN to BSN. While LPN to ADN programs generally take two years or less, the LPN to BSN track typically takes two full years.

Both programs will prepare you to become an RN. However, BSN programs have a more comprehensive curriculum and qualify you for more roles and higher pay.

Example: The University of Maine at Augusta

• Cost: $472-$826 per credit hour (residency dependent)
• Length: Four years
• Mode: Hybrid

RN to BSN

RN-to-BSN programs require you to hold an ADN/ASN and a current, unencumbered RN license. These programs are generally taken by RNs who want to increase pay and career opportunities by building upon their associate degree education. These programs can be completed in one year but may take longer, depending on the school and course load.

Example: Maine College of Health Professions

• Cost: $27,200
• Length: Less than 18 months
• Mode: Online

RN to MSN

Online RN to MSN bridge programs allow you to earn your Master of Science in Nursing without needing a BSN. Many working RNs choose these bridge programs over RN to BSN bridge programs, as the increase in pay and opportunities will be far more significant. Graduating with an MSN qualifies graduates for leadership roles in anesthesia, midwifery, and more.

Example: University of Maine at Fort Kent

• Cost: $500 per credit hour
• Length: 15 months
• Mode: Online

Direct-Entry MSN

Are you looking to change careers and become a nurse? Online Direct-Entry MSN programs allow students holding bachelor’s in non-nursing subjects to switch majors.

As bachelor’s grads have already earned general education credits when pursuing their undergraduate degree, these programs aim to build a strong foundation of nursing knowledge. They often have more intensive clinical requirements to compensate for students’ lack of previous nursing experience.

Example: University of Southern Maine

• Cost: $631-$1,707 per credit hour (residency dependent)
• Length: 7 weeks to 12 months
• Mode: Online