Maryland is facing one of its worst nursing shortages ever. To address this crisis, health officials are working hard to get more nurses to work in the state. Some schools are speeding up the process of becoming an RN through accelerated nursing programs.
If Maryland is on your top list of states you want to work in, here’s a handy guide you can use to be a successful nurse there.
Requirements: How To Become An RN In Maryland
The process of becoming a registered nurse in Maryland is similar to most states. It starts with finding the right nursing school for you, completing a nursing program, taking the exam, and obtaining your license.
Below is a quick overview of each step:
Complete An Accredited Nursing Program
In the state, you’ll find several levels of degree programs being offered to both aspiring and existing nurses. You should pick the best one based on your career goals and current status.
No matter which program you pick, the most important thing to consider is its accreditation status. This is critical to your career because it helps ensure that the level and quality of education you’ll be getting is what you’ve signed up for.
For example, if you are planning on taking an ADN program, it needs to be accredited either by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education or the Commission for Education in Nursing.
Pass The NCLEX
Once you have completed your chosen nursing program, your next step is to take and pass the NCLEX.
For this part, the first thing you need to do is apply for Licensure with the State Board of Nursing. After that, you’ll be required to register and pay for the exam with Pearson Vue which acts as its host. It runs the testing centers as well as the computerized testing facilities.
Once you’re done with that, you’ll receive your ATT or Authorization to Test. It’s typically released after they received the approval for your application to the State Board of Nursing.
For students in the United States, the registration costs $200.
After you receive your ATT, your next step is to schedule your exam. You can do it through the Pearson Vue website.
Get Your license
Before you can get your Maryland Nursing License, you’ll need to complete an application. You will also be required to submit the following:
- A criminal background check that includes your fingerprint card
- Recent passport-sized photo with your signature
- Official final transcript if it hasn’t already been sent by your nursing program
- Registration for the exam (NCLEX)
ADN Programs In Maryland
For most students aiming for RN licensure, ADN programs offer the most price-conscious option. They are also the shortest.
In Maryland, there are no less than 15 ADN programs you can choose from. Most of them require the following:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- SAT and ACT scores
- Background check
- Proof of vaccinations
In terms of tuition and cost, community colleges offer the most affordable options. However, if you are thinking of taking this route, keep in mind that tuition is just a part of the expense. You will also have to think about books, applicable fees, housing, food, and commuting costs.
LPN To RN Programs In Maryland
If you are already an LPN looking for an entry-level position, you may want to look at LPN to ADN programs. They are usually made up of lectures and discussions along with labs and clinical. They are typically completed in about 13 weeks.
You also have the option to take an LPN to BSN program if you want more in-depth education in nursing.
BSN Programs In Maryland
BSN programs in Maryland require a 4-year commitment. Right after graduation, students are given the chance to take the NCLEX for licensure.
You can find more than 10 universities in the state offering BSN programs. Although requirements vary from one institution to another, most of them require applicants to submit the following:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Payment of application fee
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Compared with the other programs, BSN programs are more expensive. However, depending on the institution, you may receive financial aids or apply for scholarships to help ease the cost of studying.
Despite the higher cost, a lot of students still prefer taking BSN programs. That’s partly due to the increasing numbers of employers who prefer nurses with a BSN degree. Plus, it opens up more opportunities for nurses, particularly in terms of the roles they can take.
MSN Programs In Maryland
MSN programs are excellent for nurses who are aspiring to specialize in a certain field of nursing like pediatrics or gerontology.
Compared with undergraduate programs, most students find MSN programs more challenging. They make balancing professional and personal commitments hard.
In Maryland, programs offer full-time and part-time options. To qualify, you may need to submit the following:
- Professional portfolio
- Current and active RN license
- Professional recommendation letters
- Official transcripts
- Application fee
Accelerated Nursing Programs In Maryland
Maryland has a few accelerated nursing programs being offered. Each of them has its own set of requirements.
Before you can get into one, you’ll be required to complete certain courses. This can have an impact on the overall tuition cost. As for the fees, they vary from program to program.
Best Nursing Programs In Maryland
TRADITIONAL | ONLINE | ACCELERATED | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Maryland Global Campus | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Coppin State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | View School Profile |
Johns Hopkins University | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Morgan State University | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Notre Dame of Maryland University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | View School Profile |
University of Maryland | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Frostburg State University | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Stevenson University | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
Salisbury University | ✔ | ╳ | ✔ | View School Profile |
Towson University | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
A Closer Look At The Best Nursing Programs In Maryland
The following schools have been ranked based on their NCLEX pass rates, post-graduation employment rates, and satisfaction of both graduates and students.
1. University of Maryland
University of Maryland – School of Nursing is quite popular in Maryland’s university system. For those who are interested in pursuing a nursing career, UMSON offers two entry-into-practice options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (currently offered in Baltimore and at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland) and Master’s-Level Entry-Into-Nursing Program (offered in Baltimore only).
Its BSN program focuses on preparing its students to work in a broad spectrum of settings. Before you can get into the program, you’ll need to complete your first two years at another accredited university or college. This ensures that you’re able to fulfill the necessary requirements before your application.
The program lasts for two years and you’ll be given the option to complete it with full or part-time commitment. It’s fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. UMSON’s nursing programs also include DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Online RN-to-BSN.
2. Towson University
Towson University – Department of Nursing has a well-designed curriculum that can hone student nurses to be responsible and accountable for the care of their clients as well as their families. As of this writing, the university is the second largest producer of bedside nurses in Maryland and boasts a 90.23% (NCLEX) pass rate.
Apart from its Nursing and RN-to-BSN programs, the school offers Associate-to-Bachelor’s (ATB) Nursing Dual Enrollment, which is an initiative in collaboration with the Maryland Community Colleges.
It enables students to enroll in a baccalaureate degree nursing program at the school and an associate degree nursing program at another participating community college. Currently, its partners include Cecil College, Carroll Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Frederick Community College, Hagerstown Community College, and Harford Community College.
Towson also offers graduate programs with Entry-Level Master of Science (ELMS), ideal for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to complete their Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nursing.
3. Salisbury University
A testament to its dedication to excellence, Salisbury University graduates have one of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates in Maryland at 92% between 2021 and 2023. Plus, it also takes pride in its strong on-campus community.
The university also offers a variety of nursing programs for nurses and prospective nurses at many career stages, such as traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN programs, and the Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Its traditional BSN program has a two-step admission process. First, you need to be formally admitted to the university. Once you’re able to do that, you’ll need to undergo a separate admission process to get into its nursing program.
Take note that getting admitted to the university doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be accepted into its nursing program. The strict processes explain why they’re only able to take a small number of students each year (only 72 students are admitted each year). In addition to meeting the program’s admission criteria, students must also meet the school’s physical and psychological requirements.
To know if you qualify, you can check out the details here.
4. Coppin State University
Coppin State University is over 100 years old. Despite that, it doesn’t fall short when it comes to honing professional nurses through their excellent BSN and accelerated degree programs, all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Undergraduate nursing programs include traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and Accelerated Second Degree BSN, while graduate nursing programs are MSN and BSN to DNP or Post-Master’s DNP degree. Those with a Master’s degree in Nursing keen in completing the graduate-level Family Nurse Practitioner certificate can also apply for the post-Master’s program.
Its traditional BSN program hones the use of clinical reasoning strategies and therapeutic nursing interventions. It prepares its graduates to work in emerging generalist roles or pursue post-graduate programs. Interested applicants are required to have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Students must finish 120 credit hours to graduate.
5. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is considered the first research university in the country. This is why it’s deemed the gold standard when it comes to science and research.
Unfortunately, the university doesn’t offer traditional programs, but they do offer an excellent graduate program for nurses: MSN Entry into Nursing, MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership, dual-degree MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA degree, and DNP Advanced Practice.
If you’re interested in advancing your nursing career, John Hopkins’ selection of MSN and DNP programs are worth considering.
6. Morgan State University
Morgan State University, also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, is a popular choice when it comes to graduate nursing programs. It puts emphasis on preparing its graduates to take on the roles of nurse leaders or nurse educators.
To qualify, you’ll need to be a practicing RN for at least 2 years and an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0. You will also need to submit three professional letters of recommendation, a BSN degree preferably from a CCNE, NLN or State approved institution, and a minimum average score of 550 for the TOEFL if your native language isn’t English.
The school also offers a competitive undergraduate nursing program, which requires 120 credit hours to complete, and students need to gain at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA to graduate.
You can find out more about the graduate program requirements here. If you wish to enter its traditional BSN program, you can check out the details here.
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University – School of Nursing is considered one of the top educators of licensed and registered nurses in the region, educating for more than 125 years. Its nursing programs are also some of the most affordable in the state, providing several options to help you with tuition fees in addition to the standard financial aid.
The quality of education is also excellent; with a significant percentage of graduates working in the nation’s top healthcare facilities and hospitals, the school has educated, trained, and prepared around 2,000 nurses, nurse educators, and nurse administrators in just three decades.
The university offers the following programs: BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN programs, MSN, and Post-MSN Certificates. The traditional BSN program is for students with zero nursing background who want to pursue the course through the school’s Undergraduate Studies.
Apart from honing the students’ skills and knowledge, the school also focuses on creating professional nurses who are also compassionate. They are able to do that through hands-on experience and by encouraging an intimate classroom environment.
8. Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University is a good choice in terms of affordability and quality. Even better, it offers multiple programs for both first-time and registered nurses. Whether you’re a first time nursing student, a community college transfer, or a registered nurse, FSU’s affordable nursing programs offer the ideal course that’s right for you and your career goals.
Undergraduate programs that are currently available are traditional BSN (on-campus), RN to BSN (online), LPN to BSN (online), and Dual Enrollment /Associate to Bachelor’s Program (online).
To advance your nursing career, FSU also has competitive MSN programs that include Leadership and Management (online), Nursing Education (online), Family Nurse Practitioner (blended), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (blended).
Of all FSU’s nursing programs, the traditional BSN is the only one that’ll require students to be on campus full-time. Overall, the variety of FSU’s programs involve both traditional classroom and online lessons, clinical rotations, and exposure to simulation laboratories.
Another interesting program that the school offers is its Collaborative Pathway for BSN, a Dual Enrollment Pathway that involves FSU and ACM (Allegany College of Maryland). The program is a full-time nursing pathway that students will need to complete for four years. It combines FSU’s general education and RN-BSN program while enrolled with ACM’s associate degree nursing program.
One of the highlights of the Collaborative Pathway is the nursing mentorship program. Through it, students are paired with a mentor whom they can shadow and learn from. It also allows team building and tutoring from a nursing faculty member throughout the time you’re earning your degree.
9. Stevenson University
Stevenson’s BSN program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. It’s also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or CCNE. The school’s BSN program has been educating and training students for over 30 years, proficiently prepping them in their pursuit of nursing.
Unlike many other universities, Stevenson’s nursing program is direct admission, meaning you’re accepted to their nursing program once you’re admitted to the university. Students won’t need to spend years performing coursework just to get into a nursing program.
To enter the program, you’ll need to complete the application form (common or online), bring your official transcripts from all the schools and universities you’ve attended, write the application essay, letter of application (optional), and send your resume. You may need to submit additional requirements if you are a non-U.S. citizen. There’s a $40 non-refundable application processing fee for standard (paper) applications.
10. University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus is a popular choice for nurses who are already working but aspiring to earn a BSN degree. Its RN to BSN program is one of the best in the state. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This helps ensure that the program you’re getting yourself into can prepare you to work in diverse and challenging settings.
An online nursing program designed for students with an existing RN license in an approved state, UMGC’s nursing program focuses on the integration of empathy, leadership, and medicine in order to create positive changes in the patients’ healthcare outcomes. As part of its extensive curriculum, it also covers topics like clinical research, public health, nursing leadership, and more. Students must complete a total of 120 credits (your unencumbered RN license counts for 30 credits).
You can find more about its online RN to BSN program here.