[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step in completing a nursing education is to understand the requirements for becoming a nurse in Maryland.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maryland has a robust nursing workforce. In 2023, according to the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON), the state had over 40,000 nurses and over 5,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for nurses continues to grow nationally, offering job security and an avenue for those who wish to care for and educate patients of all ages. Are you thinking about becoming a nurse? Learn more about nursing schools in Maryland, nursing license requirements in Maryland, and a nurse salary and career outlook for the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text]High school diploma or GED[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]License Required[/hen-ui-text]NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average RN Salary in MD[/hen-ui-text]$92,090[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN 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 Become a Nurse in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nursing students in Maryland must meet several requirements before becoming nurses. Aspiring students can choose from a number of nursing schools in Maryland to find the program or educational pathway that’s right for them and their unique circumstances.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Maryland, the steps taken to meet the requirements are listed below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Entry-Level Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Choose your educational program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can choose a 12-18 months diploma program that prepares them to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]become licensed practical nurses (LPNs)[/hen-ui-link]. You can also decide to complete a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/degree-requirements/”]four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]to become a registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The RN license is the most popular, opening more career opportunities and allowing for competitive salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete prerequisite courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to a nursing program, a high school diploma or GED certificate is required. Depending on the school, those who choose the ADN or BSN path must complete several undergraduate courses in relevant fields. Examples of courses include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy and physiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutrition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete your educational program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing schools in Maryland and their education programs are designed to prepare nursing students to deliver care efficiently and safely. Curricula may vary depending on the route taken. For example, because LPN programs are shorter in duration, these students receive less training than ADN or BSN students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN programs focus on basic nursing skills and caring for the patient. LPNs also work under the supervision of an RN.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN program emphasizes the fundamentals of patient care, while BSN programs offer additional classes in research and leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All three nursing programs teach students essential nursing skills, with the level of detail of training becoming more complex and individualized as the programs get longer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students receive hands-on practical experience through clinicals at various settings like the hospital and outpatient clinics. They also gain experience in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/types-of-simulation-in-nursing-education/”]nursing simulation labs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) , while ADN and BSN-prepared nurses take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advanced Practice Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you become an RN and gain experience, nurses can decide to obtain an advanced education and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-link]. An APRN is the umbrella term for nurses with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]masters in science of nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link]. APRNs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN, here are the steps taken to meet the requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a graduate degree and nursing license[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The MSN program must be recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.mbon.org/Pages/education-index.aspx” target=”_blank”]MBON[/hen-ui-link] and accredited by an agency approved by the [hen-ui-link href=”http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx?6d6f64653d31267264743d332f372f3230313220333a35383a343020504d” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] and/or the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.chea.org/” target=”_blank”]Council of Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To fulfill your nursing license requirements in Maryland, prospective graduate students must complete all advanced degree nursing courses, and sit for their national board exam related to their specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you pass your boards, graduate nurses receive their license through the MBON.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn national certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate nurses become certified in their desired speciality by passing their state board exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although not a comprehensive list, you must become certified in one of the following nationally recognized certification agencies. For a complete list visit your state board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aanpcert.org/ptistore/control/index” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Boards[/hen-ui-link], which recognizes the adult nurse practitioner and the adult-gerontology primary care NP.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.amcbmidwife.org/” target=”_blank”]American Midwifery Certification Board[/hen-ui-link], which recognizes the certified nurse-midwife.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aacn.org/DM/MainPages/AACNHomePage.aspx?pageid=1″ target=”_blank”]American Association of Critical-Care Nurses[/hen-ui-link], which recognizes the acute care nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nccwebsite.org/” target=”_blank”]National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties[/hen-ui-link], which recognizes the women’s health nurse practitioner and the neonatal nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.pncb.org/ptistore/control/index” target=”_blank”]Pediatric Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link], which recognizes the pediatric nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Renew your license[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Maryland, APRNs may renew their certifications every two years with their RN license as long as they meet certain criteria. It is important to review MBON and your certification agency for up to date requirements. Certification renewal requirements vary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing License Requirements in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a nurse in Maryland, once you attain your LPN, ADN, or BSN credential, the state of Maryland requires several steps before[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nclex.com/” target=”_blank”] taking the NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link] and obtaining a Maryland nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses will need to be fingerprinted for a criminal history record.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete the online application for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your name must appear on an approved list from your nursing program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Declaration of Primary State of Residence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Register to take the computer-based exam with [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pearsonvue.com/” target=”_blank”]Pearson VUE[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once the application and all requirements are met, the board will issue your Authorization to Test (ATT).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the MBON, the processing time to receive your ATT is 3-5 business days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Maryland, students who fail to pass their boards on the first try can retake the exam in 45 days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The online application fee for the NCLEX-PN is $100, and $200 to take the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN, ADN and BSN-prepared nurses in Maryland renew their nursing license every two years. Nurses must complete 30 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education (CE)[/hen-ui-link] before their nursing license expires.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renewal notices are sent via email 90 days before the expiration date. Nurses must make sure they have a proper email address on file with the board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average yearly salary for nurses in Maryland was $92,090 which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,480.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Areas for Nurses in Maryland[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Location[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Baltimore-Columbia-Towson areas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$92,810[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]California-Lexington Park areas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$88,110[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Hagerstown-Martinsburg areas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$86,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Maryland Nonmetropolitan area[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$82,970[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Cumberland, MD-West Virginia areas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$77,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for nursing jobs, in general, is expected to grow exponentially. According to the BLS, the projected growth is 5% from 2023-2034, slightly faster than the 3% national average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Maryland?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing your licensed practical nurse can take 12-18 months. It takes two years to complete your associate degree in nursing or four years to complete your bachelor of science in nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the requirements to be an RN in Maryland?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed practical nurse in Maryland, you must have a high school diploma or GED.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in nursing and a bachelor of science in nursing degree require certain prerequisites before acceptance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing your nursing program, a licensed practical nurse will take the NCLEX-PN. associate degree in nursing and a bachelor of science in nursing will take the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who has the best nursing program in Maryland?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Perhaps not surprisingly, the world-renowned [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools/nur-rankings/maryland” target=”_blank”]Johns Hopkins University is rated as the best nursing program in Maryland[/hen-ui-link]. However, there are dozens of nursing schools in Maryland, from large universities to local community colleges. The best program will depend on you and your unique needs. If you want to learn more about a school or program, reach out or even consider registering for a prerequisite course.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many nursing schools are there in Maryland?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, there are 12 accredited licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs, 15 associate programs, and 13 bachelor’s degree programs for nursing in the state of Maryland.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]