If you're an LPN who is looking for more professional opportunities, consider joining Maine's RN workforce. The mean annual salary is about $65,000, and approximately 15,000 RNs work in a variety of settings in Maine, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hospitals employ the largest number of RNs in Maine, but long-term and ambulatory care also offer employment opportunities.
Because of an RN shortage, nursing and healthcare leaders in the state have joined with state policy makers to find ways to satisfy demand. Educational initiatives are part of this plan. LPNs in Maine have several options for LPN to ADN programs. Because of the scarcity of LPN to BSN programs, nurses who want this degree can first get an ADN and then transfer into an RN to BSN or basic BSN program at one of the state's four-year institutions.
Even with federal tuition assistance, paying for your education can be a challenge. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, and the Student Nurses Association of Maine has scholarship information available. For more information about being an RN, check out the Maine State Board of Nursing, American Nurses Association Maine, and the Maine State Nurses Association.
Some LPN to RN programs to consider:
Central Maine Community College (Auburn, ME). CMCC's 135-acre campus is along Lake Auburn's shores. LPNs who graduate with an ADN have the option of transferring into University of Southern Maine's BSN program.
Eastern Maine Community College (Bangor, ME). EMCC's small size allows students to get personalized attention. LPNs can be considered for advanced placement after completing required coursework.
Kennebec Valley Community College (Fairfield, ME). KVCC offers some online prerequisites, but most nursing classes are traditional in structure. For those who want a BSN, KVCC's credits are transferrable to many of Maine's four-year universities.
