Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs serve registered nurses who aim to develop their current competencies by obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. RN to BSN programs have become more significant in Maine because healthcare facilities across both urban and rural areas need educated nurses. The combination of an aging population with underserved communities leads to an increased demand for BSN-prepared nurses.
Standish, ME - Private 4-year - sjcme.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's College of Maine provides an online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This flexible program allows completion in as few as 9 months, with up to 90 transferable credits and nursing courses prioritized at the start. It focuses on evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and health promotion, enabling immediate application in professional settings. With competitive tuition of approximately $19,890, multiple annual start dates, and no entrance exam required, it offers a convenient and affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Augusta, ME - Public 4-Year - uma.edu
Concentration: Holistic Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine at Augusta's RN to BSN Completion Program, offered in a hybrid format, specializes in Holistic Nursing, integrating biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and environmental aspects into patient care. Designed for RNs with an Associate's Degree, it enhances clinical practice, leadership, and critical thinking through a blend of online and blended courses, focusing on informatics and individualized care. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program, making it accessible for nurses advancing their careers and preparing for graduate studies in holistic healing practices.
Maine offers numerous online RN to BSN programs which provide support to practicing nurses. The asynchronous format in these programs enables students to schedule their assignments independently. Students can access high-quality education through fully online programs without losing their schedule flexibility. The combination of online learning with occasional campus visits in hybrid programs lets students access institutional resources alongside convenient scheduling options. Educational institutions throughout Maine offer evening and weekend classes as an accommodation to students with busy work commitments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine |
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| University of Maine at Augusta |
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| Certifying Board | Maine State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from an approved BSN program, submit official transcripts, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and pass the NCLEX‑RN |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal on your birthdate, with licenses expiring on that date every two years |
| Continuing Education | No CE required for RN renewals, APRNs must complete 50 contact hours every two years (including at least 3 hours on opioid prescribing) |
| License Application Fee | $75 application/exam fee plus vendor fingerprinting fee |
| Clinical Hours | Verification of all required didactic coursework and clinical practicum hours via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Applications processed online on a first‑come, first‑served basis, license issued after NCLEX results and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $75 endorsement fee, submit verification of active out‑of‑state RN license, approved transcripts, and fingerprint clearance |
Maine BSN-prepared nurses receive superior pay rates together with excellent employment prospects. The annual salary for registered nurses in Maine reaches $80,000 on average while BSN-trained nurses usually earn salaries near the upper end of this range. Experience level and location along with specialization determine nursing salaries, which tend to be higher in urban areas such as Portland. The need for BSN nurses continues to rise because of population aging along with healthcare service expansion and efforts to enhance patient care through better-trained nursing staff. The nursing shortage in Maine persists mainly in rural regions and long-term care facilities thus requiring more qualified nursing professionals. The acquisition of a BSN degree improves candidates’ chances of advancing to leadership positions that usually come with higher salaries.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maine | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $76,330 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $37.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$94,917 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $76,330 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$55,042 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~940 | |
| ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maine at Augusta |
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| Saint Joseph's College of Maine |
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Nurses with a BSN degree can pursue various career advancement opportunities. BSN-prepared nurses in Maine can typically pursue leadership positions which include roles like charge nurse, nurse manager, and clinical coordinator. The positions combine increased pay with advanced responsibilities in leading patient care decisions and managing nursing teams. The BSN serves as a required educational foundation for students who want to pursue advanced practice nursing roles including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse educator which demand graduate-level education. BSN nurses can obtain specialized certifications in oncology, critical care, and informatics which both boost their professional expertise and employment prospects. BSN programs teach leadership alongside research and community health skills which enable graduates to shape healthcare policies and enhance care systems. The natural career progression for BSN nurses includes continuing education which leads to lifelong learning and professional development. A BSN provides nurses with fundamental education that enables them to grow their careers while creating healthcare’s future direction.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maine
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Concentration: Holistic Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
