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's Practical Nursing Certificate prepares students for a critical healthcare career in just one year. The program equips graduates to provide essential patient care in hospitals and medical facilities, leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students gain comprehensive clinical skills through a structured curriculum, with competitive admission requirements including high school science courses, placement exams, and a strong academic background. The program offers an affordable pathway to a rewarding nursing career, with total program costs around $500 beyond tuition and books.
La Plata, MD - Public 2-Year - csmd.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at College of Southern Maryland provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Students gain hands-on clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, preparing them to pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. The program offers flexible scheduling for working adults, with coursework covering nursing principles, patient care techniques, and essential medical skills. Estimated total program costs range from $10,526 to $11,732, including tuition, fees, supplies, and exam preparation. With a recent 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, graduates are well-positioned for employment in long-term care facilities and community healthcare agencies.
Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll Community College in Westminster, MD, offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program designed for students aiming to enter the nursing profession. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, focusing on patient-centered care and teamwork in healthcare. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.500 based on pre-clinical courses. The curriculum includes 60 credits, covering essential topics like health assessment, medication administration, and nursing concepts. Science courses must be completed within five years of starting clinical courses. This program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, ensuring a high-quality education for aspiring practical nurses.
Salisbury, MD - Public 2-Year - worwic.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wor-Wic Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate prepares dedicated students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through a comprehensive, accredited program. Students learn essential nursing skills across diverse healthcare settings, with a curriculum emphasizing patient care, clinical competence, and professional development. The program requires successful completion of pre-nursing and nursing courses, maintaining a minimum grade of 'C' and current CPR certification. Graduates develop critical competencies in patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and collaborative healthcare delivery.
Baltimore, MD - Public 2-Year - bccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Baltimore City Community College is a one-year program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This program equips students with the skills to work under the supervision of registered nurses and primary care providers in various healthcare settings. With a focus on hands-on experience and a curriculum approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, students gain the knowledge needed for a successful career in nursing. The program emphasizes small class sizes, experienced instructors, and practical lab experiences, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enter the nursing field efficiently.
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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