Maria Delgado, RN
June 2, 2025
The healthcare system of Maine depends heavily on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to function properly. The state of Maine depends on LPNs to deliver essential care because it has many rural areas and one of the nation’s highest median ages. LPNs deliver patient care through health monitoring, daily assistance, and medication administration under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. The LPNs in Maine serve as essential providers of direct patient care services to underserved communities.
Lewiston, ME - Private 4-year - mchp.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Maine College of Health Professions offers a one-year Practical Nursing certificate program in Lewiston, ME, featuring a three-semester curriculum with hands-on clinical experience. It boasts a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and job placement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for healthcare roles. Accredited by ACEN, the program costs under $18,000 and is financial aid eligible, with a 71% completion rate, making it an affordable and effective path to a nursing career.
Bangor, ME - Private 4-year - beal.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Beal University offers a 10-month Practical Nursing Diploma Program with both online and on-campus options in Bangor, Maine. This program focuses on developing skills for safe, patient-centered care through courses in Pharmacology, Lifespan Considerations, and Human Anatomy. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure, benefiting from flexible schedules and small class sizes to support their career goals in various healthcare settings.
Presque Isle, ME - Public 2-Year - nmcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northern Maine Community College's Practical Nursing program is a 9-month certificate that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through hands-on training in advanced simulation centers and clinical experiences. It focuses on developing essential nursing skills across patient lifespans, offering an affordable, debt-free pathway with high job demand and opportunities for advancement to RN roles. No entrance exams are required for this program.
The state of Maine does not provide complete online LPN programs because nursing education requires direct patient contact. Schools in Maine offer hybrid programs that blend online classroom instruction with in-person laboratory work and clinical practice. The combination of online lectures with in-person labs and clinical training suits students who need to balance work responsibilities or other obligations. The educational programs offer flexible scheduling through evening and weekend classes. Students must perform their clinical requirements in person even though alternative education formats provide greater accessibility. Students who want to finish their training in less than a year can enroll in accelerated tracks.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Maine College of Health Professions |
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| Beal University |
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| Northern Maine Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Kansas State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $50 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, $48 criminal background check fee, submit FD-258 fingerprint card and proof of identity |
| Processing Time | 7–10 business days for completeness review, full licensure typically issued within 6–8 weeks after passing NCLEX and completing background checks |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal by the last day of the licensee’s birth month (odd- or even-numbered years) with an $85 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education required each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $50 endorsement application fee, Nursys verification of current unrestricted LPN license, FD-258 fingerprint card, proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher. |
LPNs in Maine should anticipate good pay and job availability. The typical LPN in the state of Maine earns $60,000-$70,000 per year, with those working in more advanced roles and/or select areas earning more. Urban areas have a higher pay rate compared to rural, but rural facilities offer added enticements for healthcare provider shortages. The job market for LPNs is still good due to the fact that there are many places that they can work in including long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health services. Maine has an aging population and large remote areas, which increases the need for LPNs. The career opportunities are compelling, so now is the time to enter the field.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maine | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,999 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$62,584 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$55,999 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,480 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~6.7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~850 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Maine College of Health Professions |
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| Northern Maine Community College |
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| Beal University |
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In Maine, LPNs often go through LPN to RN bridge programs in order to progress as a nurse. Those who are LVNs can take these educational paths to gain credits for their prior education and job experiences to become RNs for less cost and less time. LPNs can continue their education to become certified in wound care, IV therapy, or geriatric nursing. LPNs who develop expertise may become charge nurses in long-term care settings, specifically. Maine institutions of higher learning offer programs in accessible formats to support lifelong career advancement. LPNs have a range of career progression opportunities, either in the form of advancing to RN status or becoming more specialized in a certain field of nursing.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maine
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