How to Become an LPN in Maine in 4 Easy Steps

Deciding to become a Licensed Practical Nurse is one of the best decisions you can make.

Becoming an LPN offers exciting opportunities, rewarding salaries, meaningful interactions with patients and their families, interesting work life, and much more.

But how do you become one?

Well, most people find that the tricky part.

But don’t fret because we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ve gone in-depth, offering you everything you need to know about how to become an LPN in Maine.

We’ll also answer FAQs, such as:

• What is the difference between an LPN, CNA, and RN?
• How much do LPNs make in Maine?
• Is Maine an NLC state?

Every goal starts with single steps

How to Become an LPN in Maine – 4 Simple Steps

Below are the 4 simple steps to becoming an LPN in Maine:

Step #1: Enroll in an LPN Program

Step #2: Get Your LPN License

Step #3: Find Your First Job

Step #4: Keep Your License Active

Let’s have a look at each one.

Step #1: Enroll in an LPN Program

The first part of becoming an LPN is studying to become one. 

You just can’t start working as an LPN without getting the proper education and training first. 

LPNs handle patients every day, and this requires a very specific skill set. 

To start your studies, you must enroll in an approved LPN program. 

We know, we know, studying sounds boring, but it doesn’t have to be.

If you want a memorable and enjoyable studying experience with quality education, make sure to look for state-approved schools. 

State-approved schools are the best nursing schools and provide accreditation which is extremely useful in job applications. 

Aside from that, your LPN education program will not qualify you for a license unless it is state-approved. So better make sure whatever school you’re looking at is approved by Maine’s Board of Nursing! 

Average Course Duration

LPN programs in Maine can usually be finished in 1 year (12 months) if you are studying full-time. 

However, it can extend to 18 months if you are studying part-time. 

Program Content 

LPN programs usually include coursework, laboratory work, and clinical exposure.

You will take classes on subjects such as Nursing Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Nursing Leadership, etc. 

Aside from that, you will also be assigned to different healthcare settings where you will get to experience the real-life work of an LPN.

Of course, you will be strictly supervised by an RN, but it’s a great way to get exposed to a real-world setting and develop your skills and techniques. 

Step #2: Get Your LPN License

It’s tempting to think that graduating from an LPN program immediately spells success for your career. 

Unfortunately, even if it is already a big accomplishment, there are other requirements that you need to comply with to qualify for a license. 

One of the major hurdles to overcome is the NCLEX, otherwise known as the “board examinations.”

All aspiring LPNs in Maine have to undergo this process, otherwise known as the licensure through examination process. 

A secondary option known as licensure through endorsement is also available, however, it is only applicable to those who are already active and licensed PNs in other states. 

Let’s discuss both processes.

Examination

As mentioned, if you want to work as an LPN, you must pass the NCLEX-PN tests. 

The NCLEX-PN is a national test of your nursing expertise, to see whether you can start working as an entry-level LPN. 

It includes 85-205 questions, mostly in multiple-choice format. It covers a multitude of nursing topics ranging from basic healthcare principles to advanced management and administration in the workplace. 

You’ll need to prepare well and work hard for this exam because it can be challenging.

But thankfully, your nursing program would have prepared you for this. 

There are also a lot of resources to help you review, including practice exams that mimic the actual NCLEX exam. 

To take the exam, you need to apply for it through Maine’s Board of Nursing. They will evaluate your application and see if you qualify for the exam. 

To apply, you should: 

1. Complete the LPN Online Application. 

• You will need to upload a current picture and a signature page that is manually signed. 
• You need to send in supporting documentation for all “yes” responses to questions in the disciplinary section. You need to submit a signed explanation (and court documents for any incidents that occurred less than 10 years ago).

2. Pay $50 for the application fee. 
3. Make sure that the LPN school that you graduated from sends your official transcripts and school certificate to the BON.
4. Undergo a Criminal Background Check. 
5. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson Vue and pay the $200 exam registration fee. 

Once your application is approved by the BON, you’ll receive an email known as the Authorization to Test (ATT) as evidence of successful approval and permission for an exam. 

When you receive this document, then you can schedule your final exam day and testing center.

You can read more about the whole licensing process through this link. 

Passing the exam will mean that you will receive your LPN license! Congratulations! 

Endorsement

Endorsement is a way of licensing that is only applicable to those who are already LPNs but want to work in Maine. 

In Maine, you need to meet the following conditions to get an endorsement:

• Complete the LPN Online Application. 

• You will need to upload a current picture and a signature page that is manually signed. 
• You need to send in supporting documentation for all “yes” responses to questions in the disciplinary section. You need to submit a signed explanation (and court documents for any incidents that occurred less than 10 years ago).

• Pay $50 for the application fee. 
• Have your LPN school send your official transcript to the BON (if requested). 
• Undergo a criminal background check.
• Have your license verified either through Nursys or directly from the nursing board of your home state. 

You can read more about the endorsement process through this link. 

But it’s important to note that Maine is an NLC state. 

This means that if you are an LPN with a multistate license, you don’t need to apply for a separate Maine license to be able to practice as an LPN in Maine. 

Step #3: Find Your First Job

Congratulations, you’ve finally got a license! Now all you need is a great job.

Finding a career as an LPN is not difficult; in fact, there are many opportunities for novice nurses to find work. 

Finding employment prospects for LPNs starts with knowing the most popular places in which they work.

Below are some areas where LPNs work:

• Nursing Care Facilities
• Outpatient Clinics
• Acute Medical/Surgical Hospitals
• Convalescent Hospitals (Long Term Care, Hospice)
• Home Care Agencies

You can also advance your career by gaining specializations and other certificates, or even by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the future. 

Step #4: Keep Your License Active 

You’ve finished your education, you’ve got your license, and you’ve landed a fantastic job, but there’s one more thing to keep in mind – keeping your license active.

Licenses are not permanent. They expire every two years on your birthday. So, two years from your acquiring date, your license can expire.

It’s important to note that not renewing your license after the two-year mark will result in huge fines. If this continues for an additional two years ( 4 years total), you could risk completely losing your license. 

So, how do I renew my license? Just pay for renewal! 

Yes, it’s that easy.

Normally in other states, you need to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education, but in the state of Maine, there are none!

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an LPN in Maine

Now that we’ve covered the steps to becoming an LPN in Maine, let’s answer some FAQs.

What is the difference between an LPN, CNA, and RN?

These terms are often thrown around, but what do they mean, and what do they do?

We’ve got you covered!

How much do LPNs make in Maine?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Maine have an annual mean wage of $50,790. This translates to an hourly mean wage of $24.42.

LPN salaries in Maine differ by city and other factors, such as the type of institution, years of experience, and credentials. 

Is Maine an NLC state?

Yes, it is!

Maine is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact. 

This is an agreement among states to allow LPNs and RNs who are licensed in their states to practice in other NLC states without having to go through the endorsement process, and vice versa. 

Since Maine is an NLC state, LPNs from Maine with multistate licenses can work in other NLC states easily.

On the other hand, if you are an LPN from another NLC state, you can easily work in Maine. 

Wrapping it up

It’s not simple to become an LPN, but it’s also not impossible.

Hard effort is the only key to success. As a result, if you want to achieve your goal of becoming a nurse, you must follow a planned strategy, put in a lot of hard work, be extremely devoted, and constantly remain consistent.

As we’ve already said, if you’re willing to accept enormous rewards, there are even more options! If you’d like to learn about more intriguing job options, go here.

Dream big, and aim high!

Good luck!

We hope this may be useful to you in pursuing your LPN career.