[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maryland is home to many excellent universities, including Johns Hopkins University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. The state also offers many smaller private and public schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide outlines the best nursing programs in Maryland for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), explores how to earn a Maryland nursing license, and provides information on nursing salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about becoming a nurse in Maryland, or go straight to our list of the best nursing schools in Maryland or our list of the best nurse practitioner programs in Maryland.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The right nursing program for you depends on your background, experience, and career goals. Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] to program quality and meeting your career goals, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Maryland, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors to consider when choosing a nursing program in Maryland include tuition and costs, financial aid, the curriculum, the NCLEX-RN pass rate, and the program format. If you attend an online nursing program in Maryland, find out about clinical placement in your community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most nurses in Maryland live and work in Baltimore, nurses also find employment in rural communities and small towns with close access to big city attractions. The number of nursing jobs in Maryland is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow[/hen-ui-link] 22.3% between 2018 and 2028, more than three times faster than the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]national projection[/hen-ui-link] of 7%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Attending nursing school in Maryland and receiving a Maryland license permits you to practice nursing in any [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]other participating states[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Almost 32,000 RNs and more than 2,000 NPs work in the Baltimore area alone. While the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] 22.3% growth in nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028, the government [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]expects a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of 12,100 nurses from 2014-2030. Because Maryland is an NLC state, though, attending nursing school in Maryland is still a good investment, especially if you attend one of the top-rated programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maryland is one of the more expensive states, with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] of 121.4, compared to the national index of 100. However, the median salary for an RN in Maryland is $79,810, compared to $75,330 nationally. For NPs, the median salary is $112,730, compared to $111,680. Learn more about RN salaries in Maryland.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing salaries in Maryland are highest in the Baltimore area, the home of Johns Hopkins University. Baltimore earned its nickname “Charm City” through its many neighborhoods, including Hampden, known as one of America’s quirkiest communities, and its stock of 19th- and even 18th-century housing. Smaller communities also feature a sense of history and charm.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Maryland[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Baltimore-Columbia-Towson[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$80,120[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hagerstown-Martinsburg[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$76,640[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salisbury[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,340[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cumberland[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,130[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]All states require[/hen-ui-link] earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, and applying to the state board of nursing for a license. The application should include a passport-style photo. You must also pass a criminal background check and prove that you do not owe child support payments or have [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/faq-licensing-tax-holds.aspx” target=”_blank”]a tax hold[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Are nurses in demand in Maryland?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Maryland, the number of nursing jobs is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow 22.3%[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028. The BLS even [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]projects a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of 12,100 nurses from 2014-2030. However, nurses with diplomas from the top nursing programs in Maryland will continue to be in demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I become a nurse in Maryland?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must earn an ADN or a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check, and submit an application to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. You may not owe child support or have outstanding taxes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to get a Maryland RN license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN takes two years to complete, and a BSN takes four years. While an ADN is faster and tuition is less expensive, a growing number of employers require or prefer a BSN for higher-level positions. There are excellent nursing schools in Maryland for both ADNs and BSNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is the University of Maryland a good nursing school?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/education-nclex-stats.aspx” target=”_blank”]University of Maryland NCLEX-RN pass rate[/hen-ui-link] is above the state average, an indicator that it is one of the better nursing schools in Maryland. Choosing the right program for your needs also depends on tuition, the curriculum, program structure, and the ability to get clinical placement in your community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]