Maine LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

Practical Nursing Careers in Maine (ME)

Licensed practical nursing is a fast-paced career that is expected to grow in the next few years. It is a popular career choice for those who want to pursue nursing, because it requires less time and money than becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). The typical salary for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is between 30,000 and 50,000 a year.

Licensed practical nurses, also referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVN) are nurses who are responsible for observing patients, giving medicine, checking vital signs, cleaning and bandaging wounds, completing charts, and assisting in emergency situations. LPNs can also be required to perform tasks such as helping patients to bathe and dress themselves or assisting them with toileting. LPNs are placed under the supervision of Registered Nurses or physicians, and generally work in hospitals or nursing homes. Some LPNs provide private in-home patient care for injured, sick or elderly clients.

All people who want to become a LPN in the state of Maine are required to complete a licensed practical nurse training program approved by Maine’s State Board of Nursing. Before entering a licensed practical nursing program, an applicant will need to possess a high school diploma or GED. There are five approved licensed practical nurse training programs in Maine. Maine allows for the completion of practical nursing programs approved by other states with similar requirements to be used as the education requisite to become an LPN. The education for LPNs takes about one year, and applicants will generally receive clinical study in addition to classroom study. An approved practical nursing training program in Maine can be completed at either a community college or career institute. Normally, training programs will consist of classes in biology, pharmacology, pediatrics, obstetrics, ethics, caring for patients, and anatomy.

The state of Maine has two licensure options for those wanting to become an LPN. The first option is endorsement; this option is only available to practical nurses that have completed an educational program, passed the licensing exam, and already hold an LPN license in another state. The second option is licensure through examination. The exam required to gain license is the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam is broken into four categories which are psychological integrity, psychosocial integrity, safe and effective care environment, and health promotion and maintenance. Before the exam can be taken, applicants must submit a notarized application to Maine’s State Board of Nursing. After submitting their application, complete transcript, and a fee, applicants will receive their authorization to test. If an applicant passes their exam they can then receive their license and begin applying for jobs as an LPN.

List of LPN Programs in Maine (ME)

Find Local LPN Classes in Every State

Maine LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Maine schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Maine state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Maine

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Maine

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Maine Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Maine as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Maine

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Maine state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

Maine Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses