In Maine, there are opportunities for nurses at every level of the healthcare system. In Portland specifically, there are a number of positions available for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).

Certified nursing assistant
Becoming a CNA is the quickest and easiest way to enter the nursing field. CNA programs can be completed in as little as several weeks to a few months. Nursing assistants provide for the basic everyday needs of patients, assisting them with eating, bathing, getting dressed, and moving around. In Portland, there are approximately 2,700 positions for nursing assistants, generally paying between $23,180 and $30,010 per year.

Licensed practical nurse
LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, and prepare nurses for a more advanced level of patient care, including monitoring symptoms and administering medications and injections. LPNs can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, extended care facilities, private homes, and many other types of facilities. In the Portland area, there are approximately 380 positions for LPNs, which generally pay between $37,370 and $46,300 per year.

Registered nurse
The preferred pre-licensure program for RNs today is the four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The BSN program will make you a more compelling candidate to potential employers. However, there is also a two-year associate of applied science in nursing (AASN) program, which takes considerably less time and is less expensive. In Portland, there are approximately 4,510 positions for RNs, which generally pay between $54,100 and $76,310.

Some of the major employers for nurses in the state are Genesis Healthcare, Maine Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital.

If you are an aspiring nurse in Maine, below you’ll find a comprehensive list of the nursing programs in the Portland area.

Portland nursing schools by NCLEX score

Saint Joseph's College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Road | Standish, Maine 04084
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 86.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2021)
  • Dual Degree: Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Business Administration in Leadership
  • Dual Degree: Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Health Administration
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Administration
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Southern Maine Community College
Two Fort Road | South Portland, Maine 04106
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
University of New England
716 Stevens Avenue | Portland, Maine 04103
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street | Portland, Maine 04103
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Direct Entry MSN
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Post-Master's Certificates
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Saint Joseph's College of Maine Bachelor of Science in Nursing 86.5% 2011-12 to 2021
Dual Degree: Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Business Administration in Leadership
Dual Degree: Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Health Administration
MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Nursing Administration
MSN: Nursing Education
MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Southern Maine Community College Associate Degree in Nursing
University of New England Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
University of Southern Maine Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Direct Entry MSN
Doctor of Nursing Practice
MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Master's Certificates
RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Category: 
Maine