Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Maine
As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you’ll be working to help both patients and other medical staff. Patient care includes administering medication, caring for wounds, helping them dress and bathe and providing information about their treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses help other medical professionals by keeping detailed patient records and providing other day-to-day support. They may specialize in a particular area of medicine as well.
How to Get Your License
After receiving your high school diploma or GED, you will qualify to enroll in an accredited LPN training program. The course will prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon successful completion of the test, you may submit an application to the state’s licensing board. The application includes a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Licensed Practical Nurses who received their licenses in one of 24 partner states can also practice in Maine without reapplying for a license. Those who received their license from any other state must submit an official transcript, proof of having passed the NCLEX, verification of licensure and a passport-style photo to receive their Maine license.
Licenses in Maine expire every two years. They can be renewed without showing evidence of continued education.
Additional Training and Certifications
While no additional certifications are necessary to work as an LPN, many choose to continue their education by taking courses in IV therapy, long-term care, pharmacology, hospice care or other disciplines. These certifications may help job applicants increase their chances of receiving job offers or provide a strong foundation on which to pursue Registered Nurse status.
Educational Programs in Maine
Most educational programs for LPNs take about one year to complete. Some ask that students submit their Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS, results as part of the application process. The following programs are available to students studying in Maine:
- Maine College of Health Professions. This one-year program teaches math, psychology, writing and Practical Nursing skills. It combines classroom and hands-on instruction methods to prepare students for employment.
- Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health. The Salter School, located in nearby New Hampshire, provides students with a comprehensive education. Training includes classroom study, clinical work and internships at ambulatory care centers, hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Career and Salary Outlook
The job market for Licensed Practical Nurses in Maine is expected to remain stable, and the Projections Managing Partnership estimates that job growth will reach 0.8 percent in the 10 years from 2016 to 2026. Annual salaries for LPNs in Maine average $44,590.
Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. The career is fast-paced and provides constant interaction with patients and their families, and successful LPNs are therefore excellent communicators, detail-oriented and able to empathize with their patients. Jobs are typically easiest to find in urban areas, such as Portland or Augusta. These jobs generally provide higher salaries to account for the higher cost of living there.
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FAQs
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn in the state of Maine?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the state of Maine made an average of $46,930 per year in 2019. Entry-level licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned around $36,110 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $59,600.