Best Maine LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Maine’s LPN to RN programs provide academic and clinical training for nurses seeking advancement. Students build on existing skills with advanced coursework and clinical rotations in hospitals. Programs emphasize readiness for licensure and the ability to deliver higher-level patient care.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Maine
Kennebec Valley Community College
Fairfield, ME - Public 2-Year - kvcc.me.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kennebec Valley Community College offers an LPN to ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam in just 21 months. This campus-based program includes 69 credit hours with in-state tuition at $96 per credit, making it an affordable option. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations and diverse healthcare settings, all while benefiting from ACEN accreditation and Maine State Board approval. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, as it is an associate degree program focused on entry-level RN preparation.
- 21-month campus program
- 69 total credit hours
- In-state tuition $96/credit
- ACEN accredited program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Clinical simulation experiences
- Maine State Board approved
- Multiple clinical settings
- Entry-level RN preparation
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Fort Kent, ME - Public 4-Year - umfk.maine.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine at Fort Kent's LPN to BSN program offers a campus-based pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It accelerates degree completion by recognizing prior LPN learning and experience, focusing on patient-centered care, hands-on clinical practice, and advanced simulation labs. CCNE-accredited, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, as it's a bachelor's level program. This military-friendly option emphasizes career advancement and clinical skills enhancement.
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Considers Prior LPN Learning
- Patient-Centered Care Focus
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Labs
- Multiple Career Path Options
Maine LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
LPN to RN bridge programs in Maine are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to advance to registered nurse practice through an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). While each college or university sets its own standards, applicants can expect the following common requirements:
- Current, unencumbered Maine LPN license and recent clinical practice as an LPN (some programs require a minimum number of recent work hours).
- Graduation from a state-approved practical nursing program.
- Minimum cumulative GPA in prior coursework and completion of prerequisite classes with set grade thresholds. Typical prerequisites include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- General Psychology and Human Growth and Development
- Nutrition; Statistics is often required for BSN pathways
- Standardized entrance testing (such as TEAS or HESI) as required by the institution.
- Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Clear background check, drug screen, and required immunizations and health screenings per Maine clinical site policies (for example, TB screening, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, influenza, and COVID-19 per site policy), as well as proof of health insurance and student liability coverage.
- Advanced placement or credit for prior learning is commonly available to LPNs through challenge exams, mobility exams, or validation of clinical competency, which can shorten the time to completion.
Graduates must apply for RN licensure and pass the NCLEX-RN after completing a Maine Board-approved program. See the Maine State Board of Nursing for current licensure requirements.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula build on your LPN foundation and emphasize RN-level decision making, comprehensive assessment, and care coordination. Expect a blend of classroom, simulation, and direct patient care across Maine clinical settings. Core learning typically includes:
- Health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology at the RN scope
- Adult medical-surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions
- Mental health, maternal-newborn, and pediatric nursing
- Geriatric and community/public health nursing
- Nursing informatics, quality and safety, leadership, and interprofessional communication
- Evidence-based practice; BSN tracks add research appraisal, population health, and additional leadership and management coursework
Clinical learning occurs in hospitals, long-term care, home health, and community settings with supervised direct patient care. Programs use high-fidelity simulation in a limited, faculty-supervised capacity to reinforce clinical judgment.
Accreditation and approval matter in Maine. To be eligible for RN licensure and NCLEX-RN, you must graduate from a program approved by the state board. Many schools also hold national nursing accreditation (ACEN or CCNE), which supports credit transfer, graduate school options, some employer preferences, and access to certain financial aid. Confirm both state approval and, when possible, national accreditation before enrolling.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Maine offers LPN to RN options at community colleges, public universities, and private institutions. Bridge pathways may lead to an ADN with advanced standing or a BSN with upper-division placement. Delivery formats vary by school and region, and clinical placements are arranged with Maine healthcare providers.
Common courses and learning outcomes include:
- Advanced nursing fundamentals and RN scope transition
- Comprehensive health assessment with lab
- Pharmacology, IV therapy, and medication safety
- Adult health nursing I and II with complex care
- Maternity and pediatric nursing
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Community and population health (more extensive in BSN pathways)
- Leadership, delegation, and care management
- NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the curriculum
Career Outlook
RNs in Maine work in hospitals, critical access hospitals, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, home health and hospice, primary care and specialty clinics, behavioral health, schools, public health, dialysis centers, and correctional health. Demand is steady statewide, with particular need in rural and coastal communities due to population aging and workforce retirements. Shifts can include nights, weekends, and 12-hour schedules in acute care; home health and ambulatory roles may offer more traditional hours.
Compared with LPN practice, RNs in Maine have a broader scope that includes comprehensive assessments, independent nursing diagnoses, development of care plans, IV medication administration, complex clinical decision making, and supervision of LPNs and unlicensed staff. The RN role can open doors to specialty practice, case management, public health, and future graduate education, and typically offers higher earning potential and expanded advancement opportunities relative to LPN roles.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: Often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites and advanced placement are granted. Program length varies with transfer credits and clinical scheduling.
- Part-time LPN to ADN: Commonly 18 to 24 months once in the nursing sequence, designed for working LPNs.
- Evening/weekend formats: Selected programs offer evening or weekend theory and clinicals; timelines are similar to part-time pathways and may extend beyond 24 months based on clinical availability.
- LPN to BSN: Frequently 2 to 3 years full time after meeting prerequisites, depending on the number of transferable credits and upper-division requirements.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Maine
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College |
|
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| University of Maine at Fort Kent |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
Costs vary by institution type and the number of credits you need after advanced placement:
- Public community college LPN to ADN bridges typically fall in the lower to mid four figures for in-state tuition for the nursing sequence, plus fees and supplies.
- Public university LPN to BSN pathways generally range from the low to mid five figures in in-state tuition for remaining credits after transfer, with additional course and clinical fees.
- Private institutions are usually higher, often in the mid to upper five figures for the remaining program.
Budget for books and digital resources, uniforms, clinical supplies, immunizations and titers, background check and drug screen, standardized testing and NCLEX fees, transportation and parking for clinicals, and graduation/licensure costs. Many LPN to RN students in Maine commute; on-campus housing is limited at some institutions, and off-campus rental costs vary widely by region, with higher rents in southern and coastal areas.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Maine
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College |
|
|
| University of Maine at Fort Kent |
|
|
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Yes, to a point. In Maine, many LPN to RN programs offer hybrid delivery: lecture and some labs online, paired with in-person skills labs and supervised clinical rotations at Maine healthcare sites. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not feasible because direct patient care clinicals in approved settings are required for board-approved education.
Out-of-state online programs that place students for clinical experiences in Maine must be authorized to operate and have clinical agreements with Maine sites, and they must meet Maine’s educational standards. Always verify that the program is approved for clinical placement in Maine and that you will be eligible for RN licensure with the Maine State Board of Nursing after graduation.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Maine
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Maine. The Maine State Board of Nursing oversees RN licensure by examination, including application review and authorization to test. After the Board confirms eligibility and you receive your Authorization to Test, you schedule and take the exam through Pearson VUE. For exam format, registration, testing policies, and retake timelines, see the official NCLEX-RN information.
Application instructions, eligibility criteria, and state-specific steps are provided by the Maine State Board of Nursing.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Maine licenses experienced RNs from other states by endorsement. Applicants typically must hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, submit verification of original licensure and education, meet Maine’s background check requirements, and satisfy all Board standards for practice competency. There are no separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements outside of the national compact. RNs from non-compact states must apply for endorsement before practicing in Maine.
Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Qualified Maine residents may hold a multistate RN license that authorizes practice in all compact states. RNs whose primary state of residence is another compact state may practice in Maine with their multistate license without obtaining additional Maine licensure. If your primary residence is in a non-compact state, you must obtain a Maine single-state license to practice in Maine.
Licensure Requirements
The Maine State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure, education standards, and professional conduct. For initial RN licensure by examination, typical requirements include:
- Graduation from a Board-approved RN program, such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge program that meets Maine standards
- Submission of an application for RN licensure by examination with required fees
- Official transcript sent directly from the nursing program showing degree or diploma awarded
- Registration for the NCLEX-RN and authorization from the Board to test
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check as directed by the Board
- For internationally educated applicants, a credentials evaluation and English proficiency as required by Board policy
License Renewal
Maine RN licenses are renewed annually. Renewal is completed online through the Board’s system, and the Board provides renewal reminders in advance of expiration. Key points:
- No set continuing education hours are required for RN renewal in Maine, though employers may mandate training and the Board expects nurses to maintain competence
- Maintain an active, unencumbered license and comply with all Board laws and rules, including timely reporting of name or address changes
- If your license lapses, you must complete the Board’s reinstatement process before returning to practice
Refer to the Maine State Board of Nursing for current renewal timelines, fees, and any audit or documentation requirements.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 18 to 21 months. For example, Kennebec Valley Community College offers a 21-month program.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
Prepares graduates for entry-level RN positions, providing a solid theoretical and experiential background in nursing practice. The curriculum combines general education with nursing-specific courses and includes extensive clinical experience.
Average In-State Tuition in Maine:
Varies by institution. For instance, in-state tuition at Kennebec Valley Community College is approximately $96 per credit hour. Eastern Maine Community College has an in-state tuition of around $3,877 per year.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Maine. Examples include Kennebec Valley Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, and Southern Maine Community College.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 4 years, with the exact duration depending on the number of transfer credits accepted from the LPN program and previous college coursework.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Focus:
Builds upon the LPN's existing knowledge with a curriculum that emphasizes patient-centered care, advanced clinical simulation, leadership, research, and community health. The University of Maine at Fort Kent's program, for example, focuses on these areas.
Average In-State Tuition in Maine:
Tuition varies among universities. For example, the University of Southern Maine's in-state tuition for their accelerated BSN is around $22,638, while Saint Joseph's College of Maine has an in-state tuition of approximately $41,586.
Best For:
LPNs who have long-term career goals that may include leadership, management, research, or advanced practice nursing roles.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges typically offer LPN to BSN bridge programs. A key provider in Maine is the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to working as a registered nurse.
- Lower Initial Cost: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition, making the initial investment in education lower.
- Strong Foundation for Practice: The curriculum provides the essential skills and knowledge required for entry-level registered nursing positions.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and later choose to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with tuition assistance from their employer.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a requirement for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN degree typically have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: The BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP or PhD).
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health, preparing graduates for a wider range of healthcare settings.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Maine
Fairfield, ME
Kennebec Valley Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- 21-month campus program
- 69 total credit hours
- In-state tuition $96/credit
- ACEN accredited program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Clinical simulation experiences
- Maine State Board approved
- Multiple clinical settings
Fort Kent, ME
University of Maine at Fort Kent
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Considers Prior LPN Learning
- Patient-Centered Care Focus
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Labs
- Multiple Career Path Options
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