Maine offers nursing pathways from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to advanced Nurse Practitioner (NP) degrees, all designed for its coastal cities and inland communities. Whether you’re starting as a CNA, bridging from Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training, or enrolling in an NP track, Maine’s colleges and health networks blend rigorous academics with clinical placements in Portland hospitals and small‑town clinics. With a strong emphasis on community health and flexible program formats, graduates leave ready to deliver high‑quality care across the Pine Tree State.
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2026 Top Nursing Programs in Maine
TopNursing.org presents its comprehensive ranking of the top nursing programs in Maine, offering aspiring nurses an essential guide to educational excellence. Our expert team has carefully evaluated nursing schools across the state, considering factors like academic reputation, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student success rates. Maine offers a diverse range of nursing education options, from community colleges to prestigious university programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. Whether you're seeking an associate's degree, bachelor's, or advanced nursing credentials, our rankings provide valuable insights into the most respected and high-performing nursing programs in the state. These institutions not only deliver rigorous academic training but also foster the skills and knowledge critical for nursing professionals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that starts nursing courses in the freshman year, providing early clinical experience from the sophomore year. With a 90.63% NCLEX pass rate, the program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and partnerships with hospitals across Maine for hands-on training. Small class sizes and personalized mentorship enhance learning, integrating liberal arts with nursing education. An entrance exam such as ACT or SAT is typically required for admission to this bachelor's level program.
Maine College of Health Professions offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, ideal for working nurses aiming to advance their careers. This hybrid program combines online and campus learning for flexibility, allowing up to 75% credit transfers. With 8-week courses and a 6-credit clinical capstone, it supports full or part-time study, focusing on clinical judgment, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Admission requires an Associate Degree in Nursing and a current RN license; no entrance exam is specified for this bachelor's level program. Regionally accredited and hospital-affiliated, it provides unique opportunities in Maine's healthcare landscape.
The University of Southern Maine's Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Traditional Program equips students for diverse nursing roles through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in advanced simulation labs. With a 95% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, it emphasizes rigorous preparation and competitive admissions, requiring a high school GPA of at least 3.25 and specific science prerequisites. As a bachelor's-level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be part of the admission process, though not explicitly waived. Financial aid and scholarships support eligible students in this four-year, accredited program.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in collaboration with the University of Maine at Fort Kent, specifically designed for place-bound students who cannot travel. All coursework is delivered on-campus at UMPI, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on health optimization for individuals, families, and communities, requiring a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses with a minimum C grade, and a recommendation letter for admission. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned as required, making it accessible for local aspiring nurses in Maine.
The University of Maine's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, based in Orono, offers a comprehensive education with pathways like the Traditional Nursing Pathway and minor options for customization. It emphasizes clinical practice, leadership development, and community service, preparing graduates for healthcare careers. Admission requires meeting undergraduate criteria, including potential ACT or SAT scores, with financial aid available to support students.
Campus-based program.
Multiple pathways available.
Focus on clinical practice.
Leadership roles emphasized.
Financial aid options.
Undergraduate admission criteria.
Tailored education options.
Serves Maine communities.
Compassion and expertise focus.
Prepares for healthcare careers.
*Citation: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.
Maine LPN Program Overview
Maine’s LPN programs blend coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and rural health clinics. Students develop hands‑on skills administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing compassionate care under professional supervision. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and obtaining licensure, graduates strengthen Maine’s practical nursing workforce. By filling vital roles in both urban centers and remote communities, LPNs help maintain consistent access to quality healthcare throughout the state.
Maine’s CNA tracks typically last six to twelve weeks, combining classroom modules on patient safety, infection control, and anatomy basics with supervised practicums. Students learn to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, while mastering vital‑sign checks and documentation. Upon certification, graduates support care delivery in both urban hospitals and remote clinics. Their presence ensures that nurses can focus on higher‑level clinical tasks, improving overall patient care quality.
Maine’s RN to BSN programs integrate extensive online modules in leadership, rural and community health, informatics, and policy with in‑person clinical practicums at coastal hospitals and inland clinics. Available in flexible part‑time and accelerated options, they let RNs continue working while they advance their education. Earning a BSN equips nurses with advanced skills in evidence‑driven practice, care coordination, and population health, aligning with employer and accreditation expectations. By moving to the baccalaureate level, Maine’s nursing workforce is better prepared to address the state’s varied healthcare challenges, from remote island communities to larger medical centers.
Maine’s Nurse Practitioner programs elevate BSN-prepared nurses into advanced-practice roles through a mix of rigorous graduate coursework and extensive clinical residencies, typically spanning two to three years, in specialties like family health, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Offered through flexible online, hybrid, and on-campus formats at institutions such as the University of Maine, these MSN and DNP pathways guide candidates toward APRN certification and state licensure. Graduates serve as primary care providers, chronic disease managers, and telehealth clinicians in coastal hospitals, community health centers, and remote northern clinics. By extending high-level nursing services into underserved and island communities, NP programs are pivotal to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes across Maine.
