Nursing is a career that offers rewarding work, job security, opportunities for advancement, and high salaries, and there is currently a high demand for nurses in Maine. There are also nursing schools and programs in the state to set you on track to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or a registered nurse (RN).
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Maine
We've organized a comprehensive list of Maine nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Maine city.
City-specific information
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
Because of the competitive nature of the job market, earning a higher degree is a way to distinguish yourself from the field of other qualified job applicants. Pursuing a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree not only gives registered nurses (RNs) this competitive edge, but also opens the doors to a number of compelling advancement opportunities.
Registered nurses (RNs) have come to play a crucial role in the medical field. Not only do RNs have rewarding careers, but it is also a lucrative and in-demand profession. Earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a great way to launch your career as an RN. In addition to offering many general education courses, BSN programs provide future RNs with strong backgrounds in nursing-specific fields like human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biology, trends in nursing, and emergency care.
Associate’s degree programs can prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs) in as little as two years. There are two types of associate’s programs in the field: the associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and the associate of applied science in nursing (AASN). Both programs take the same amount of time and both prepare students to become RNs. Associate’s degree programs include general education courses, as well as nursing-specific courses such as clinical nutrition, human anatomy, physiology, and contemporary ethical dilemmas.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in the medical community, providing basic patient care under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses (RNs). In addition to providing for patients’ everyday needs, LPNs provide basic medical care such as monitoring symptoms, taking vital signs, administering medications and injections, and if needed performing first aid and CPR. LPNs can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, extended care facilities, private homes, and in a number of other environments.
There are many expenses in nursing school beyond the simple cost of tuition, registration fees, room and board, and books. Other expenses include the up-front costs of moving in, which may include furniture for your apartment or dorm and additional school supplies. The total cost of attending nursing school also depends on the type of school and the length of the program. Generally speaking, the less time spent in school, the less expensive it will be. It is important to keep in mind, however, that more time spent in school often correlates with a higher potential salary.
Private colleges and universities are institutions of higher learning that are privately owned and operated, without funding from the government. Private schools tend to be more expensive, but can offer many benefits that public schools cannot, such as fewer students, smaller class sizes, and more individual attention. Private schools are also generally perceived as being more rigorous and more prestigious, which is part of the reason they attract professors with such rich academic and professional achievements.
Aspiring registered nurses (RNs) in Maine can choose to complete their pre-licensure programs at a public or private college, both of which offer distinct benefits. Public schools are usually subsidized by the government, making them less expensive and more accessible than private schools. Public colleges and universities are also found in cities and towns all around the country, making them convenient to attend while living close to home.
Nursing is a career that offers rewarding work, job security, opportunities for advancement, and high salaries, and there is currently a high demand for nurses in Maine. There are also nursing schools and programs in the state to set you on track to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or a registered nurse (RN).
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)