If you reside in the state of Maine and aspire to be a nurse, consider training to become a licensed practical nurse to get started. Since training only takes 12 to 18 months to complete, it's one of the fastest and easiest ways to get the credentials that you need to break into the exciting field of nursing. LPNs in Maine enjoy excellent job security and close-to-average compensation. What's more is that they have all kinds of opportunities for advancement.
Of the many steps that are required to become an LPN in Maine, completing a state-approved training program is the most important. Therefore, selecting the right program is crucial. With dozens of options across the state, selecting the right thing can be pretty overwhelming. Read on below for recommendations for some of the top LPN programs in Maine.
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Top LPN Programs in Maine
Get the ball rolling on your nursing career today by searching for LPN training programs in Maine that suit your budget and other needs. As you have learned, the right program will be officially approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, so always confirm this prior to enrollment. It also pays to check the school's NCLEX-PN pass rates. Avoid programs with pass rates below 95 percent or so.
Some reputable and approved LPN programs in Maine include:
Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP)
70 Middle St, Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 795-2843Northern Maine Community College
33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769 (207) 768-2700
Neighboring States: New Hampshire
As you will see while browsing through these popular options, many LPN programs in Maine are offered on a hybrid basis, which means that they are partially administered online. This is great for busy, working adults, and it gives you a lot more flexibility when working toward your LPN license.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Maine
Do you know what you need to do to obtain an LPN license in Maine? It helps to be familiar with the steps and requirements before moving forward. Some of the most important licensing requirements for LPNs in this state include:
- Completing an LPN training program that has been approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing; this usually takes 12 to 18 months
- Submitting a notarized application to the Maine State Board of Nursing, including a headshot, or passport photo, that was taken within the last two years as well as official transcripts from your LPN training program. You may also have to submit to a criminal background check.
- Registering for, taking and passing the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. It is administered at testing sites across the state on dates throughout the year
Maine is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC. If you hold an LPN license in another NLC state, you may be able to transfer it to Maine more quickly. Check with the Maine State Board of Nursing for more information.
In Maine, LPN licenses expire, following first renewal, every two years on the licensee's birthday. After the first issuance of your license, it stays active for at least one year and no more than two years, depending on your birthdate.
Maine State Board of Nursing
When applying for LPN licenses in Maine, submit applications to the Maine State Board of Nursing. This is the agency that handles all matters relating to nurse licensing in the state. Contact info is as follows:
Maine State Board of Nursing
161 Capitol St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 287-1133
Fax: (207) 287-1149
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Maine
If you're going to go through the time, effort and expense of training to become an LPN, you'd probably like to make sure that it will be worth it. After all, you're going to want to be able to find a well-paying job right away after obtaining your license.
The good news is that LPNs in Maine do fairly well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Maine earn a mean wage of $56,050 per year, which is equal to $26.95 per hour. This is only a tiny bit lower than the average pay for LPNs across the U.S., which is $54,620, or $26.26 per hour.
Nationally, the LPN field is projected to grow by about 16 percent between 2014 and 2024. In Maine, according to the BLS, the field is expected to grow by around 5 percent during that time. Therefore, the rate of growth is 10 percent slower than the national average. Don't worry, though. At this rate, around 40 new LPN jobs will open up per year during that period, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding gainful employment.
LPN Salaries in Maine By Area
Many factors affect how much you can expect to earn as an LPN in Maine. Where you are located in the state is among the most important, but others come into play too. For instance, your level of work experience will affect how much you can expect to earn. Similarly, the quality and level of the education that you've received will impact your earning potential as an LPN.
Since geography is something that you may be able to do something about, here's a rundown of how LPNs fare in various parts of the state:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland | 240 | $29.49 | $61,340 |
| Bangor | 90 | $27.00 | $56,150 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | 90 | $26.26 | $54,620 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022
If you're ready to begin your journey toward becoming an LPN in Maine, find and enroll in an approved training program today.
