
Jake Flannigan, NP
July 14, 2025
Maryland’s nurse practitioner programs prepare registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice in settings from major medical centers in Baltimore and Silver Spring to community clinics in rural counties. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks are offered by schools such as the University of Maryland School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and Salisbury University. These programs emphasize evidence‑based care and leadership, and graduates qualify for national certification and Maryland APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an intensive 17-credit program targeting advanced practice nurses. With 500 clinical hours, the curriculum develops comprehensive mental health expertise across patient lifespans. Students learn evidence-based integrated care strategies, preparing to work in diverse healthcare environments from behavioral health centers to primary care settings. The program emphasizes holistic treatment approaches for mental health and substance use disorders, positioning graduates for professional certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive pediatric healthcare training over three years. This rigorous hybrid curriculum equips nurses to diagnose and manage pediatric patients from newborn through adolescence, combining online learning with strategic onsite immersions. Students complete 74.5 credits and 840 clinical hours, developing sophisticated skills in evidence-based pediatric care. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and preferential consideration for candidates with one year of RN experience, positioning graduates as expert pediatric healthcare providers.
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides innovative training for advanced practice nurses. This three-year hybrid program uniquely prepares students to diagnose and manage complex pediatric health conditions across primary and acute care settings. With 960 clinical hours and advanced scholarly training, graduates earn dual certification, becoming leaders in pediatric healthcare delivery. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive clinical expertise, leadership development, and driving meaningful patient outcomes in pediatric healthcare.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program transforms nursing practice through a comprehensive three-year curriculum. Students develop advanced skills to diagnose, manage, and provide holistic care across patient lifespans. The hybrid program includes 960 clinical hours, focusing on complex decision-making, advanced assessment techniques, and systemic healthcare improvement. With a leadership-oriented approach, the program prepares nurses for national certification, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and preferential consideration for candidates with RN experience.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an elite three-year online training pathway for advanced mental healthcare professionals. Designed to address critical mental health gaps, the curriculum develops comprehensive skills in diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based treatment, and independent clinical decision-making. Students complete 1,040 clinical hours and 76 total credits, preparing to diagnose, manage, and treat mental health disorders across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes board certification preparation and complex patient care approaches.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive healthcare delivery to adult and older adult populations. This three-year hybrid curriculum develops sophisticated clinical skills, evidence-based decision-making techniques, and leadership capabilities. Students learn to diagnose and manage complex health conditions across various settings, completing 960 clinical hours. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of nursing experience, positioning graduates to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams and pursue national certification.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers advanced training for nurses specializing in critical care for adult and older adult patients. This three-year hybrid program develops sophisticated clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patients in acute care environments. Students complete 840 clinical hours and 1,000 total practice hours, with a curriculum emphasizing advanced clinical decision-making and scholarly project development. The program prepares graduates for ANCC certification, requiring a BSN, Maryland RN license, and one year of acute care experience.
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration offers a dynamic hybrid program preparing nurses for advanced family health roles. Blending online coursework with 750 direct care clinical hours, this 36-39 credit program provides comprehensive training in epidemiology, research, and advanced practice. Graduates become eligible for national board certification exams like ANCC and AANPCB. The curriculum covers critical areas including pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, and health management across pediatric, adult, and women's care domains. Admission requires a B.S. in nursing, 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license, with part-time and full-time options available.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study delivers a specialized program for D.N.P. graduates targeting FNP certification. The competitive curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing practices, comprehensive patient care, and healthcare leadership. Designed for nurses seeking career advancement, the program rigorously prepares students for the FNP certification exam through selective admissions and an intensive educational framework. Students develop critical clinical skills, exploring complex healthcare dynamics and preparing for high-level professional roles in family practice settings. The program stands out for its focused approach to meeting educational requirements for professional licensure.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration offers an innovative 87-credit online program for working professionals. Spanning approximately three years, this advanced degree prepares nurses to deliver evidence-based healthcare through comprehensive training. The curriculum emphasizes managing complex patient needs, integrating research and technology to optimize health outcomes. Admission requires a nursing master's degree, active RN licensure, and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates emerge as healthcare leaders equipped with specialized skills, flexible scheduling options, and comprehensive preparation for advanced practice roles.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Post-Bachelor's to D.N.P. program provides an innovative pathway for nurses pursuing advanced Family Nurse Practitioner expertise. This comprehensive doctoral program offers flexible entry options for professionals seeking transformative healthcare education. With options for post-bachelor's and post-master's entry, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and health policy. Students complete a rigorous four-year program involving 1,000 clinical practice hours, ensuring graduates are prepared to significantly impact patient care and healthcare systems through advanced clinical skills and strategic knowledge.
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive full-time training across 48-51 credits. This campus-based curriculum delivers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology training with extensive practicum experiences in adult, child, and women's health domains. Requiring a BSN for admission, students engage with sophisticated coursework including epidemiology, health system policy, and elective opportunities in global health and nursing education. The program cultivates versatile clinical skills, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments with a strong emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care approaches.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate provides specialized training for experienced RNs seeking advanced urban healthcare expertise. Targeting registered nurses with existing master's degrees, this program cultivates comprehensive clinical skills and cultural competence in primary care settings. Students develop profound diagnostic and management capabilities, emphasizing holistic patient-centered approaches. The two-year study plan integrates practicum-based learning, advanced health assessment techniques, and research-driven methodologies. Graduates emerge as skilled healthcare professionals prepared to serve diverse metropolitan populations with nuanced, compassionate medical interventions.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative educational pathway for advanced healthcare professionals. This rigorous hybrid program prepares nurses to serve vulnerable populations through comprehensive clinical training and leadership development. Requiring 1,000 clinical practice hours, students gain expertise in evidence-based practice, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible part-time formats with weekend executive-style classes. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, unencumbered RN licensure, and a minimum 3.25 GPA, positioning graduates as innovative healthcare leaders.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's innovative Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides advanced professionals a strategic pathway to family healthcare leadership. Utilizing a flexible hybrid format, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, and specialized Family Nurse Practitioner preparation. Students complete 1,000 clinical practice hours and a scholarly project, developing critical skills for serving diverse urban communities. The program accommodates full-time and part-time students, with a minimum 3.25 GPA requirement. Graduates emerge as transformative healthcare practitioners equipped to address complex medical challenges with sophisticated clinical expertise.
Frostburg, MD - Public 4-Year - frostburg.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Frostburg State University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a transformative hybrid educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Tailored for healthcare professionals passionate about serving underserved communities, this program provides comprehensive training aligned with national nursing standards. Students develop critical skills to address complex health challenges, leveraging a blended learning format that combines online coursework with practical experiences. The program emphasizes leadership development, community-focused healthcare, and prepares graduates to enhance patient care across diverse clinical settings with potential career advancement opportunities.
Concentration: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Frostburg State University's Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips experienced registered nurses with advanced clinical and leadership competencies. Through a hybrid learning model, students gain comprehensive training in mental health care, focusing on developing specialized skills across patient lifecycles. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications in psychiatric healthcare. Graduates are prepared to address complex mental health challenges, with opportunities for career advancement and potential median pay reflecting the specialized nature of psychiatric nursing practice.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Frostburg State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN provides a dynamic hybrid program designed for experienced RNs seeking advanced practice roles. Accredited by CCNE, the curriculum emphasizes rural health needs and leadership development without requiring rural residency. Students explore comprehensive mental health care, covering neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic management across patient lifespans. The program aligns with national nursing competencies, offering flexible learning that blends online coursework with practical experiences, preparing graduates to address critical mental health challenges in diverse healthcare environments.
Concentration: Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Frostburg State University's Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN offers a specialized hybrid program targeting nurses seeking advanced mental health practice. Spanning 60 credits, the curriculum integrates online and practical learning experiences, emphasizing comprehensive care across patient lifespans. Students delve into neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic management, developing advanced clinical skills. The program prepares graduates for specialized roles in psychiatric healthcare, providing a rigorous academic pathway that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in mental health treatment.
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 27-month part-time pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Specifically designed for working professionals, the program integrates 750 clinical practicum hours with interactive coursework, emphasizing compassionate, patient-centered care across all age groups. Students benefit from a supportive cohort model, expert faculty guidance, and potential tuition support through the ANEW Grant for those committed to serving vulnerable populations. The CCNE-accredited program requires a BSN, unencumbered RN license, and maintains a rigorous 3.0 GPA standard for admission.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program provides a dynamic 27-month hybrid learning experience targeting comprehensive patient care from adolescence through older adulthood. Spanning 47 credit hours, the curriculum blends online and in-person instruction, emphasizing holistic health management and preventative strategies. Students develop advanced diagnostic skills through interactive coursework and extensive clinical practice, benefiting from small class sizes and a personalized 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver nuanced, evidence-based care across complex patient populations.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's Family Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills in primary healthcare delivery. Designed for working professionals, this 27-month campus-based program integrates 750 practicum hours with a curriculum emphasizing holistic health, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students engage in wellness coaching and condition management across all age groups, developing scholarly and practical competencies. The program requires a BSN, active RN license, and 3.0 GPA, preparing graduates to transform healthcare through compassionate, advanced nursing practice and innovative patient care strategies.
To accommodate working nurses and those in remote areas, many Maryland programs use a hybrid model that delivers lectures and discussions online through asynchronous modules and live webinars. Periodic on‑campus intensives offer simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites statewide, and a few schools provide fully online didactic phases with minimal in‑person requirements.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
Johns Hopkins University
|
|
|
| Salisbury University |
|
|
| Bowie State University |
|
|
| Certifying Board | Maryland Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduation from a Board-approved NP program and current national APRN certification from an approved body (e.g., ANCC, AANP, PNCB, NCC, NBCRNA, ONCC, AMCB) with primary-source verification |
| License Renewal Period | Renews biennially on the 28th day of your birth month (odd/even years based on birth year), with online renewal opening 90 days before and closing 30 days after expiration |
| Continuing Education | Maintain the CE requirements of your national certifying body and provide proof of current national certification at renewal |
| License Application Fee | $50 non-refundable fee for initial APRN certification ($25 for each additional specialty area) |
| Clinical Hours | Submit official graduate transcripts verifying completion of the clinical practicum hours required by the accredited NP program |
| Application Processing Time | Allow approximately two to four weeks for initial review, incomplete applications will extend processing time |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold or concurrently apply for a Maryland RN license and submit primary-source APRN certification verification |
Nurse practitioners in Maryland earn an average annual salary of about $125,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $100,000 and experienced practitioners, especially in the Baltimore‑Washington corridor, earning upwards of $150,000. Employers often include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages. Advanced certifications, specialized roles, and leadership positions can further boost compensation.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maryland | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg NP Salary | $124,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $59.70 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$139,800 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $124,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$108,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,200 | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University |
|
|
| Notre Dame of Maryland University |
|
|
Johns Hopkins University
|
|
|
Many NP graduates pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership or academic roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs allow practitioners to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maryland
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website