[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Historically, in-state and out-of-state tuition for colleges and universities in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/maine/”]Maine[/hen-ui-link] have been lower than any other New England state. Students can save money by choosing traditional or online nursing programs in Maine, but they should note that each state’s licensure requirements vary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for more information on the best nursing schools in Maine, how to earn a Maine nursing license, and typical salary ranges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Explore Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Maine[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best nursing program in Maine for you should match your background and career goals. Students can complete an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) program faster. However, earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) degree is more valuable if you plan to [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]become a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (NP) later in your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Maine, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maine[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Even though there are relatively few nursing schools in Maine, you still have a range of options. When making a decision, consider the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Costs, including tuition and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid for nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, which can indicate how well a school prepares its students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical placement and assistance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program curriculum[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program size[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Logistics of attending[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing school accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] for a program’s value, this guide only lists accredited nursing programs in Maine. Unaccredited programs may offer faster or cheaper courses, but the resulting credits or degree may not be beneficial for employment or when transferring to an accredited school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Maine[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, meaning that when you graduate from a nursing school in Maine, you can apply for a multistate license. A multistate license is valid in any of the 37 participating NLC states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you decide to become a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educator[/hen-ui-link], Maine offers a generous loan repayment program for nursing school faculty. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing member schools report that funding does not impact hiring nursing faculty as it does in most other states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN pass rate [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_NCLEXExamStats.pdf” target=”_blank”]was 92.3%[/hen-ui-link] in 2019, higher than the national pass rate of 88.2%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maine is famous for its scenic coastline, laid-back lifestyle, and outdoor recreation. The state also has one of the country’s lowest crime rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Maine[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of living in Maine is higher than most other states, with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]115 cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link], compared to the national index of 100. The average annual RN salary is $71,040, compared to a national $80,010 salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The gap is narrower for NPs, with an average Maine NP salary of $111,580 compared to $114,510 nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/top-registered-nursing-jobs-and-careers/”]RN jobs[/hen-ui-link] in Maine is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow 6.5%[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028. The BLS projects an NP job growth rate of 20.6%. Attending nursing school in Maine can give you the advantage of having a close-knit local network.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maine is a largely rural state, with only three metropolitan areas. All three are known for outdoor recreation and access to national parks, though Bangor is perhaps best known as the home of horror novelist Stephen King. Lewiston has a higher proportion of French speakers than any other state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about RN salary in Maine here.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Maine[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bangor, ME[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$76,650[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Portland — South Portland, ME[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,360[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lewiston — Auburn, ME[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,760[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in Maine” href=”/state/maine/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Maine[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]become a registered nurse[/hen-ui-link], you need a nursing degree, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing grade on the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], and a criminal background check for [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state nurse licensing[/hen-ui-link]. You must apply online for your Maine nursing license; the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] does not accept paper applications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maine[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Does Maine need nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maine is experiencing a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] that began before COVID-19, according to a 2017 study from the Maine Department of Labor. The study projects a shortage of 3,200 nurses by 2025 and identifies nurses as the most in-demand profession in Maine.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become a nurse in Maine?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes at least two years to earn an ADN. A BSN degree typically takes four years to complete but is a more valuable and versatile degree for career advancement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants usually receive a temporary license within two weeks of submitting a complete application and a full license within 90 days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is Maine a compact state for nursing?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maine is an NLC state, so you can apply for a multistate license if you graduate from a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/maine/”]nursing program in Maine[/hen-ui-link]. You must be a resident of Maine to apply for the multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses from other NLC states are eligible to practice in Maine once they verify their license through Nursys.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I get a Maine nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must graduate from a nursing program in Maine or another state with an ADN or a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and pass a criminal background check. Apply to the state board of nursing online and submit the application and criminal background check fees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]