Maine
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Maine Nursing CEU Overview
Maine does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
Maine has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Maine
Maine has approximately 22,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 1.4 million. MaineHealth, based in Portland, is the largest employer and operates facilities throughout the state. Maine has the oldest population of any U.S. state, creating substantial demand for geriatric and chronic disease management nursing skills.
Maine does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and professional responsibility. However, nurses with prescriptive authority and other advanced practice nurses have specific CE requirements related to their scope of practice.
Common Practice Settings in Maine
MaineHealth System
The state's largest integrated health system provides most specialized care and operates extensive rural outreach.
Aging Services
Maine's elderly population creates high demand for long-term care, home health, and hospice nursing.
Rural Health Centers
Many Maine communities rely on rural health centers and critical access hospitals for primary care.
Maine License Renewal Tips
Although general CE is not required, employers typically expect ongoing education.
APRNs have specific CE requirements that must be maintained.
Consider geriatric care CE given Maine's older population.
Document education for professional development and future licensure applications.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Maine
Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Maine nurses to practice in other compact states and is valuable for nurses who may work in nearby New Hampshire or provide telehealth services.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Maine does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Maine does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Maine does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, New Hampshire requires 30 hours, while Massachusetts requires 15 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Maine allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Maine requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Maine compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Maine State Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Maine Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.