""

Healthcare Training For ME

For a better career. And a healthier Maine.

Make a real difference in your community. Find meaningful work in healthcare. You’ll help your neighbors, support families, and make Maine healthier every day. 

The best part? We’ll show you training programs that fit your life and build on what you know. Whether you’re starting fresh or want to grow in healthcare, we’ll guide you to the right opportunity. Ready to make a difference? Let us help you get there.

Find training programs

You want to help people. We’ll show you how.

Your skills fit somewhere in healthcare. Talk to us—you might be surprised by your options.

Many paths. One rewarding field.

See which healthcare training option is right for you.

Got questions? We have answers.

Find answers to common questions about our programs and opportunities.

Meet our Students

The best decision I ever made was to jump in with two feet into healthcare. I feel like I'm teaching my children that no matter how old you are, you can always go back and change, go down a new road and get a new career.

—Cheryl, Surgical Tech

Going into the healthcare field, more specifically, nursing, there are so many different things you could do. You could work in pediatrics, you could work with the geriatric population, you could work in labor and delivery, you could work outpatient, I mean, the opportunities are endless. The world is your oyster as a nurse.

—Olivia, Registered Nurse

I recommend just experiencing all of it, take it all in and then that way you know exactly what you want to do. You get a feel for all the different positions that you can do after being a CNA. So I think it's honestly a really big step into healthcare.

—Sierra, CNA

The one decision that I'm most proud of, is definitely signing on to go back to school…and fulfilling a dream I didn't realize I had. I was already working full time at the hospital and the opportunity presented itself. This is do-able.

—Shannon, Medical Assistant
Cheryl, Surgical Tech
Olivia, Registered Nurse
Sierra, CNA
Shannon, Medical Assistant

Looking For More Resources?

Whether you’re ready to start a new career in healthcare or you’re an employer who wants to upskill your team, we have training programs and resources for you. Ready to get started?

A smiling paramedic wearing an orange high-visibility jacket.

For individuals

Find training programs that meet your needs and build on your existing skills. We’ll help you get the certifications you need for meaningful work in healthcare.

A healthcare reception area where a staff member seated at a desk hands paperwork to a standing visitor.

For employers

Discover workforce training solutions that help your employees grow while meeting your organization’s needs.

FAQ’s & More Information

What is Healthcare Training for ME?

The goal of this resource website is to highlight the many ways people can enter and grow in the health and human services field in Maine. Healthcare Training for ME is a partnership between Maine-based health sector employers, the Maine DHHS, the Maine DOL, training partners, and education programs, including the Office of Adult Education, the Maine Community College System, the University of Maine System, and private universities in Maine that offer education paths into great healthcare careers.

How is this funded?

Many of the program offerings you will find on this website are generously sponsored by employers, training grants, and private philanthropy, including the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce. You will also find information about degree programs, scholarship opportunities, “earn while you learn” programs, healthcare apprenticeships, sponsorships, and other resources to support you in your journey to a great career in healthcare. 

Are all of the programs listed “free”?

Some, but not all, of the programs listed on the training catalog are financially supported by the partnership. The Healthcare Training for ME team will help you understand what training grants, scholarships or “earn while you learn” programs could be right for you.

Many of the short-term training programs, like Personal Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Professional, offer training at no cost to the learner, and some will even pay you through on-the-job training and apprenticeships! Many of the degree programs like nursing, social work, and others have opportunities for sponsorship and scholarships that make entering the field now a great option.

All of the training programs have been vetted by the partnership and are aligned with the certification and licensing requirements of Maine health employers. If you are ready to get started or grow in your health career, we have a great path for you. 

It's been a long time since I have been in school, is this only for recent graduates?

No! The health sector has many career opportunities for people in all stages of their professional journey. We welcome career changers, those who stepped out of the workforce and are ready to come back, people new to Maine, as well as recent graduates. If you have a calling for healthcare, we have a career for you. Many of our programs also offer supports like tutoring, and strategies to help you succeed. 

How do I get started?

Take a look at the various program offerings in our Training Catalog, and connect with a Health Career Navigator.

If I need help, can I talk to a real person?

Yes! We have career specialists who would love to talk to you about getting started, understanding what you need to succeed, and how to enroll in the training program that best aligns with your career goals.  Make an appointment using the DOL Navigator appointment calendar.

Training Opportunities

Healthcare has a place for you, no matter where you're starting from.

  • Programs that build on what you already know
  • Apprenticeships where you earn while you learn
  • Short-term certifications & on-the-job training
  • Many programs cost nothing—some even pay you
  • Help finding grants, scholarships & funding

Partners

University of Maine System
Maine Department of Education
State of Maine Office of Adult Education
Maine's Community Colleges
Maine Department of Labor
Department of Health and Human Services