Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Maine Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/27/2020
Become a Nurse in Maine – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Maine | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Maine Nursing Salaries
| ME Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Bangor Annual Mean Wage | Portland-South Portland Annual Mean Wage | Portsmouth, NH-ME Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $45,610 | $43,140 | $48,120 | $50,230 |
Registered Nurse | $67,610 | $73,740 | $71,080 | $72,690 |
Nurse Practitioner | $103,220 | $101,130 | $105,460 | $97,950 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $170,300 | Not Available | $170,750 | Not Available |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Maine in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Maine. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Maine, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Maine nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current.If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Maine, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED
Compact State Status
Maine is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Maine
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing – Regulations Relating to Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (PDF, 277KB), nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives may apply for prescriptive authority for Schedule II-V controlled substances. A total of 45 contact hours of pharmacology are required for initial applications.
Nurse Practitioner in Maine
Education: Successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner program and evidence of 45 contact hours in pharmacology.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Experience: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: Nurse practitioner certification from a national certifying organization such as American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); National Board of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners; National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties; and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
- $50 per additional specialty
Renewal: APRN level renewals are made concurrently with registered nurse (RN) renewal with a $100 fee. Nurse practitioners must provide proof of maintenance of national certification.
Learn more on how to become a nurse practitioner.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Maine
Education: Successful completion of a nurse-midwifery program, approved by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: Certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), the former American College of Nurse-Midwives, or the American College of Nurse-Midwives Certification Council.
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
Renewal: CNM level renewals are made concurrently with registered nurse (RN) renewal with a $100 fee. CNMs must provide proof of maintenance of national certification. A total of 75 contact hours are required for renewal.
Learn more on how to become a certified nurse midwife.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Maine
Education: Successful completion of a nurse anesthesia program, accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: Certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
Renewal: CRNA level renewals are made concurrently with registered nurse (RN) renewal with a $100 fee. CRNAs must provide proof of maintenance of national certification. A total of 75 contact hours are required for renewal.
Learn more on how to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNA) in Maine
Education: Successful completion of a master’s degree program in a clinical specialty area, accredited by the National League for Nursing or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: Certification in a clinical specialty by a national certifying body.
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
Renewal: CNS level renewals are made concurrently with registered nurse (RN) renewal with a $100 fee. CNS must provide proof of maintenance of national certification. A total of 75 contact hours are required for renewal.
Learn more on how to become a clinical nurse specialist.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Maine
Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- $75 Application Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Endorsement: Individuals with equivalent licensure in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $75 application fee is required. Registered nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Maine, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Maine.
Renewal: License renewal is every two years on nurse’s birthday. License renewal is every two years on a nurse’s birthday. Renewal fees are $75 per renewal period.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Maine
Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $50 Application Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Endorsement: Individuals with equivalent licensure in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $50 application fee is required. Licensed practical nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Maine, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Maine.
Renewal: License renewal is every two years on nurse’s birthday. License renewal is every two years on a nurse’s birthday. Renewal fees are $75 per renewal period.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for the nursing careers above was retrieved from the Maine State Board of Nursing – Regulations Relating to Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (PDF, 277KB) and the Maine State Board of Nursing Website, as of January 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED