The state of Maine is known for its majestic coastline and picturesque natural beauty. It is an east coast state full of character and history. If you are interested in becoming a CRNA in Maine or you currently reside in Maine and have wondered how to further your nursing career, this page is a good place for you to start. It will give you some information on what types of things may be necessary to do in order to apply to CRNA schools in Maine as well as basic information on CRNAs in Maine.
CRNA School- The Basic Requirements
If you have already been practicing as an RN and are interested in furthering your career into advanced practice nursing, working to become a CRNA may be something you have considered. When thinking about advancing your career and taking the next step by applying to CRNA school, it is important to know the types of things administrators expect to see on a typical application. Maine is home to one school which offers a CRNA program. The University of New England, located in Portland, offers a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree. The below basic requirements apply generally to many CRNA schools. For the specific requirements for admission to any CRNA program, it is important to check with each school individually.
So, what are some of the basic academic and experience requirements to apply to a CRNA school? First, many CRNA programs require that the applicant hold a baccalaureate level degree (preferably in nursing) but some may accept a baccalaureate degree in another field. Second, many CRNA programs will expect that the applicant has a current RN license in his or her home state and is working as an RN. (Upon acceptance into a CRNA program the applicant will likely have to apply for RN licensure in the state in which they will be completing the clinical portion of their studies). Third, not only should the applicant have experience as an RN, but it is also often expected that he or she has worked specifically in a critical care area such as an ICU, PICU, or Neuro ICU environment for one to two years. Finally, most schools recommend an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate work.
Some schools also recommend that applying RNs hold Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. Again, specific recommendations and requirements change between schools and programs, but this provides a general overview of the types of academic and experiential requirements an applicant may be expected to possess.
Maine CRNAs
CRNAs in Maine work in some of the largest medical centers in the busiest metropolitan areas as well as in some of the most rural hospitals in the state. The Maine Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MeANA) reports that over 260 CRNAs are currently active members and live in all areas of the state. The MeANA was established in 1956 and works to “facilitate cooperation between nurse anesthetists and other medical professionals…to advance the science and art of anesthesia and promote patient safety.” Most every state seems to have a non-profit association dedicated to the needs of CRNAs in their state. Most are affiliated with the national organization, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. While active membership in a state nurse anesthetist association is not necessary to be a CRNA, it may be looked upon favorably by potential future employers and may also be of benefit to the CRNA as it can offer opportunities for networking and meeting other people working in the same career field.
In 2024, RAND research released a report entitled “Is There a Shortage of Anesthesia Providers in the United States?” This report found that there was a shortage of CRNAs and Anesthesiologists in the Northeast in general. Anesthesiology is a crucial part of the healthcare industry. Without adequate CRNA resources, many of the nations’ rural hospitals and medical centers could not perform crucial surgeries and procedures. CRNAs who work in Maine work in both urban and rural settings. The annual mean wage of a CRNA in Maine is reported at between $159,480 and $169,450 (BLS, January 2024). This statistic takes into account the wages of CRNAs from all around the state. Salary ranges vary widely depending on a number of different factors including location, experience, and facility.
CRNA Programs Located in Maine
University of New England School of Nurse Anesthesia
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
- Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
- Average Program Length: 27
- Start Month: January
- Number of Clinical Sites: 29