Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
The healthcare system of Maryland depends heavily on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to deliver direct patient care throughout multiple clinical settings. The professionals function under RN and physician supervision to provide assistance which includes vital sign measurement along with support for daily patient needs. Their presence in healthcare facilities both reduces system overload and delivers essential help to patients in need. For many individuals the LPN role serves as their initial career path toward higher nursing profession advancement.
Cumberland, MD - Public 2-Year - allegany.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Allegany College of Maryland offers a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as an LPN. With a competitive admission process requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA and science prerequisites, the program includes 45 credit hours of coursework and hands-on clinical experience. It is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and provides an affordable path to licensure, focusing on essential patient care skills without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT.
La Plata, MD - Public 2-Year - csmd.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Southern Maryland's Practical Nursing Certificate program offers a robust, campus-based education for aspiring LPNs, featuring a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate. Students benefit from hands-on clinical training in varied healthcare settings, flexible part-time schedules ideal for working adults, and a curriculum covering nursing fundamentals and patient care. Accredited by ACEN, the program includes costs from $10,526 to $11,732 and provides scholarship opportunities, preparing graduates for roles in long-term care and community health without requiring an entrance exam.
Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll Community College in Westminster, MD, provides a campus-based Practical Nursing Certificate program focused on preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a 60-credit curriculum, it emphasizes patient-centered care, teamwork, and essential skills like health assessment and medication administration. Admission requires a minimum 2.500 GPA from pre-clinical courses, and science courses must be completed within five years. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, this program includes general education and clinical phases, ensuring a solid foundation for aspiring LPNs.
Salisbury, MD - Public 2-Year - worwic.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wor-Wic Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate program is nationally accredited, offering a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for LPN licensure. Emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practice, it includes comprehensive clinical training across various healthcare settings. Prerequisites involve pre-nursing courses, a minimum 'C' grade requirement, and current CPR certification. The program focuses on developing essential competencies in collaborative healthcare delivery without any specified concentration, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse nursing roles.
Baltimore, MD - Public 2-Year - bccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baltimore City Community College's one-year Practical Nursing Certificate program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, focusing on hands-on skills for roles under registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, it features small classes, experienced instructors, and practical labs, emphasizing team-based care and requiring computer literacy. This campus-based program efficiently builds foundational nursing expertise without a specified concentration.
The state of Maryland delivers its practical nursing programs through traditional classroom learning because nursing education requires direct hands-on experience. The state does not allow LPN training through fully online programs since practical clinical experience and laboratory training are mandatory components. More hybrid programs are available today. The educational format includes virtual learning for standard subjects along with traditional laboratory sessions and clinical practice. Students who need flexible arrangements can benefit from this structure because it ensures high-quality education. LPN programs at certain educational institutions provide classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals who want to earn their LPN certification. Through these different formats Maryland residents can personalize their educational experiences to better match their personal requirements and professional commitments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College |
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| Anne Arundel Community College |
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| Allegany College of Maryland |
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| Certifying Board | Maryland Board of Nursing, Department of Health |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE ($187 exam/re-exam fee) |
| Educational Prerequisite | High school diploma (or equivalent) and graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program |
| Application & Background Check | Online licensure-by-exam application with payment, FD-258 fingerprint cards for state & FBI checks, and Declaration of Primary State of Residence |
| Temporary Permit | Optional temporary license ($70 fee) valid for 90 days pending full licensure |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every two years on the 28th of the licensee’s birth month (odd birth years renew in odd years, even in even) with a $165 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | Evidence of one of the following at renewal: 1,000 active nursing hours in past five years, completion of a Board-approved nursing program in past five years, or 30 CEUs in past two years |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $230 endorsement fee, NURSYS (or equivalent) verification of current unrestricted license, fingerprint/background checks, and proof of practice or education compliance. |
LPNs working in Maryland receive both favorable compensation packages and promising job market conditions. The state of Maryland pays LPNs above the national median annual salary which indicates high local demand and cost of living expenses. The compensation levels in urban and suburban regions tend to be higher than those in rural areas but some rural employers offer recruitment benefits to attract staff. The profession offers a stable income and the potential for career advancement without the extended timeline of a four-year degree. Benefits for employees include tuition reimbursement programs and flexible work schedules. LPN positions in Maryland offer an excellent career opportunity for healthcare professionals who want dependable work while having potential for professional growth.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maryland | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $59,221 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.49 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$66,185 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $59,221 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$53,385 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~5.3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Fortis College-Landover |
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| Anne Arundel Community College |
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| College of Southern Maryland |
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LPNs in Maryland have various career advancement opportunities through different professional development routes. Practical nurses can become registered nurses through LPN-to-RN bridge programs that lead to associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These educational programs provide prior learning credit and work experience to shorten the duration needed to complete the program. The educational programs exist to help working nurses by offering part-time and evening classes. The career growth possibilities available to LPNs help them gain higher salaries while expanding their clinical abilities and gaining authority in their roles. The adaptable career paths in Maryland make long-term nursing growth accessible and appealing to nurses who maintain their dedication to their profession.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maryland
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