Nursing in Maine
April 2022

Nursing in Maine

Maine Nursing

Maine

Choosing the next step in your career as an RN can be a tough choice, as there are plenty of options that are available for those looking to advance their career. However, the most logical choice that most nurses make is by enrolling in an RN to BSN program in Maine. This program is perfect for those looking for higher-level nursing positions, such as nursing management or critical care positions. If you are leaning towards an online RN to BSN program in Maine, you may want to weigh all your program options before you choose a local school.



Types Of RN To BSN Programs In Maine

While a local RN to BSN program in Maine will certainly give you the training and education you need, there are other options to complete your degree, such as an RN to BSN online program. As an RN, you already know that there are no programs to complete an RN course online, being that it is mostly a hands-on class. That is where this program is different. It doesn’t matter if you enroll in an RN to BSN program in Maine or an RN to BSN online program, as you will essentially get the same exact education since this degree is focused more on classroom learning.

Why would a busy nurse want to enroll in an RN to BSN program in Maine if they can get the same education through an RN to BSN online program? Well, there can be advantages to going to a local school, such as live lectures where you can question the teacher in person. Also, you can make invaluable connections with other nurses in the area. Even though these benefits are great, an online degree may make more sense since you can fit school into virtually any schedule. Whatever choice that you ultimately make, you can trust that it will be a wise one, since going back to school can do nothing but positive things for you!


Cost Of RN To BSN Programs In Maine

Main is not the most expensive state to attend college, but it is also not the cheapest. The yearly tuition rates for colleges and universities can vary for each student. The factors that can affect how much you pay include residency status. In-state students almost always pay less tuition than out-of-state students. The amount of credits taken each semester also affects your cost. Most schools charge per credit hour and then cap on the cost at the “full load” limit, which is around 12 or 15 credits per semester, depending on the school. So there is a sweet spot of how many hours they want you to take each term. Financial aid and scholarships will also affect the net cost to you. Check with each school for current tuition rates.


Nurse Licensing In Maine

The Maine State Board of Nursing issues licenses to nurses in Maine. The nursing board website has all the information you need to apply for a nursing license. Once a candidate graduates from an accredited nursing program, they can take the NCLEX-RN. After passing the exam, you can apply for a Maine nursing license. You will have to submit a criminal background check and fingerprints with the application. 

Maine is a part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). Therefore, registered Nurses in Maine can easily earn a multistate license in other eNLC states. The states currently part of the multistate compact licensing where nurses with a Maine nursing license can potentially work are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey (pending or in progress), New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio (pending or in progress), Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (pending or in progress), South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont (pending or in progress), Virginia, West Virginia (pending or in progress), Wisconsin, Wyoming.

The states without Legislation for the eNLC and not part of the compact are: Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Washington State, and The District of Colombia (Washington DC).


Nurse Salary And Job Outlook In Maine

The May 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Maine employs 14,160 Registered Nurses. The location quotient for Maine is 1.15, indicating more nurses in the state than the national average. In addition, the mean annual salary for Registered Nurses in Maine is $71,040, compared to the national average of $80,010. However, the lower-than-average salary of RNs is offset by the lower cost of living in Maine, which is lower than the national average. 


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