Best Nursing Schools in Maine: Here is a guide on how to enroll in the best nursing schools in the US and the best nursing programs in the US if you want to study in Maine.

Although,

While Maine isn’t the highest-paying state for RNs, it does employ more nurses and as such, enrolling into any of the best schools for nurses in Maine.

Most nursing programs in Maine have BSN, associate degrees, and online RN-BSN programs.

Here, you will find the list of the best nursing schools and programs in the US that are resident in Maine in this guide.

Ready?

Let’s get the ball rolling!!!

Will Nurses Get Jobs In Maine?

Maine is one of the highest employers of nurses in the USA. The BLS reports that Maine’s location quotient is 1.17, meaning Maine employs more nurses for 1,000 workers than the national average.

What Requirements Do I Need To Apply To Nursing Schools In Maine?

Here are the requirements you need to apply to nursing schools in Maine;

ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation
High school transcript (GPA).

List Of Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Nursing Schools In Maine

Here is a checklist of essential factors to consider when choosing a nursing school in Maine;

NCLEX pass rate
Program outcomes
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
Distance from hospitals for clinical practice
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
School accreditation (regional and national).

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Kansas 2023 | A Detailed Guide

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Maine

Now you’re looking out for the best schools for nurses in Maine, which do you have in mind? Below is a list of the best nursing schools in Maine and the programs they offer.

1. Husson University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.89%
Location: Bangor, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $18,985 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

In the list of the best nursing programs in the US and in Maine, Husson University comes tops due to its 100 years of credibility in offering quality education.

Husson University ensures students get a quality education with experiential learning and the same applies to its nursing program.

The nursing program at Husson University is offered through a partnership with Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Its program includes BSN, two family nurse practitioner programs; MSN and post-master’s certificate, and mental health nurse practitioner program.

APPLY TO HUSSON UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM

2. University of Maine at Fort Kent

NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.28%
Location: St. John Valley, Maine.
Tuition Per Year: $8,475 (In-state), $12,885 (Out-of-State)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (No), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

One of the best nursing schools in Maine is the University of Maine at Fort Kent which is a good location for outdoor recreational activities for exploratory students.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is home to the second-largest undergraduate nursing program in Maine offering three BSN options: a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and an online RN-BSN.

Out of its 119 2019 nursing graduates, 111 passed the NCLEX on the first sitting.

APPLY TO UMFK NURSING PROGRAM

3. University of Southern Maine

NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.04%
Location: Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $9,900 (In-state), $23,640 (Out-of-State)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

The University of Southern Maine is one of Maine’s largest institutions of higher education as such it graduates one of the largest numbers of students each year.

USM’s traditional BSN program focuses on educating students to pass the NCLEX, start a job, or proceed to earn a nursing graduate degree.

In addition to the BSN program are other nursing programs such as the online RN-BSN, accelerated second-degree BSN, and RN MSN programs.

APPLY TO USM NURSING PROGRAM

4. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.35%
Location: Standish, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $38,820 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

If you’re looking for a private nursing school, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine should be first on your list. They are one of the best nursing schools in Maine, USA.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a private Catholic school with over 100 years of credibility in offering quality education.

The school offers both online and offline programs with online studies making up a large part of its programs, even its nursing school.

Two out of the three nursing options available at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine are online: the MSN and the RN-BSN. However, the BSN program is offline with small class size.

APPLY TO SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE OF MAINE NURSING PROGRAM

5. Purdue University Global

NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.64%
Location: All Programs Online
Tuition Per Year: $10,080 (based on the per-credit tuition rate
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (No)

Purdue University Global has one of the best nursing programs in the US and as such is regarded as one of the best nursing schools in Maine as well.

The school does not offer offline programs even though Purdue University Global has two locations in Maine. All of its degree programs are online including nursing.

Its nursing program is the ASN program which is a 10-week accelerated program with a good NCLEX pass rate.

APPLY TO PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL NURSING PROGRAM

6. University of Maine at Orono

NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
Location: Orono, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $6,045 (In-state), $16,887 (Out-of-State) (based on per-credit tuition rate)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

The University of Maine at Orono is a premier public research university in Maine with over 10,000 undergraduate student enrollments.

Its first nursing program dates back to 1939 and it is still running as the traditional BSN program.

The BSN program at the University of Maine at Orono is for 4 years with an honors program option for students who earn admission into the honors college.

APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF MAINE ORONO NURSING PROGRAM

7. University of New England

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.97%
Location: Biddeford, Maine.
Tuition Per Year: $38,750 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

One of the largest private schools in Maine is the University of New England.

As a private school students won’t have access to in-state tuition however, each student receives an average of $26,000 in financial aid.

The University of New England is also the largest and top provider of healthcare professionals in Maine which makes it a smooth transition for nursing students after graduation.

Nursing program options include a BSN and an accelerated second degree BSN out of its 99 graduate students in 2019, 96 passed the NCLEX on their first try.

APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND NURSING PROGRAM

8. Central Maine Community College

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.55%
Location: Auburn, Maine.
Tuition Per Year: $3,784 (In-state), $6,604 (Out-of-State)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Next on our list of best nursing schools in Maine is Central Maine Community College which offers just 1-2 year degree programs.

This invariably means that the BSN program is not available at Central Maine Community College rather you have an ASN program.

The ASN program takes less than 2 years to complete and with it, you can get RN licensure in Maine.

APPLY TO CMCC NURSING PROGRAM

9. Southern Maine Community College

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.31%
Location: Portland and Midcoast, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $3,820 (In-state), $6,640 (Out-of-State)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (No), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

Southern Maine Community College is home to one of the best nursing programs in the US, hence why it is one of the best nursing schools in Maine.

Although a small university, Southern Maine Community College offers credible two-year programs. SMCC associate nursing program leads to RN licensure with an option to upgrade your degree for current LPNs.

This Southern Maine Community College nursing program takes four semesters or a little more to complete.

APPLY TO SMCC NURSING PROGRAM

10. Maine College of Health Professionals

NCLEX Pass Rate: 82.09%
Location: Lewiston, Maine
Tuition Per Year: $28,551 (ADN Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Maine College of Health Professionals is a school for mid-career professionals who want to increase or upgrade their certificates in health.

MCHP boasts of a 100% job placement rate upon graduation for all students. This is one of the best nursing schools in Maine, USA.

Students who enroll in its associate nursing program can get RN licensure after graduation or proceed to earn a BSN via MCHP’s online RN-BSN program.

APPLY TO MCHP NURSING PROGRAM

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Iowa 2023 | A Detailed Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Nursing Schools In Maine

How Much Are Nurses Paid In Maine?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurses in Maine earn an annual salary of $67,610, which is lower than the national average of $75,510.

Which Area Are Nurses Paid More In Maine?

Where you work in Maine determines your potential income.

Here are the mean salaries for a few of highest paying regions in Maine:
– Bangor: $73,740
– Northeast Maine: $61,240
– Southwest Maine: $65,220

How Many Nurses Are Working In Maine?

In total, Maine employs 14,460 registered nurses.
This is a high number relative to the population.
This invariably means that nurses can easily get jobs in Maine.

How Do I Get a License To Practice Nursing in Maine?

After completing your BSN, the next step is to get your license.

Maine is part of the eNLC and as such, it is easier to get your nursing license.

To get your nursing license in Maine, here are the steps to take;

– Study at a state-approved nursing school (Choose from the listed nursing programs in Maine, USA)
– Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
– Pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints
– Apply through the Maine Board of Nursing.

What Are The Official Accreditation Bodies Of Nursing Schools In Maine?

The two official nursing school accreditation organizations in Maine are;

– Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Note, if you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing a job as a nurse after graduation.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top 10 best nursing schools in Maine, USA. It is now up to you to use this information and make the best choice of the best nursing schools in the US.

Let us know in the comments if you have any further questions on how to become a nurse in Maine, USA. Or any other related questions.

Also, remember you can search for the best nursing programs in the US, based on states. Just use the search button.

References

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