Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Maryland presents a wealth of opportunities for nurses at every stage of their careers, offering programs that span from foundational certification to advanced clinical practice. Whether you’re beginning your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from an RN to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure, or specializing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges and universities deliver comprehensive curricula tailored to diverse learning styles. With options ranging from hands‑on clinical rotations to flexible online coursework, Maryland’s nursing programs equip graduates to excel in a vibrant healthcare ecosystem while enjoying competitive salary prospects.
Owings Mills, MD - Private 4-year - stevenson.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stevenson University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a direct admission pathway with over 30 years of experience, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN through personalized instruction and clinical placements at top institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and holistic care in diverse settings, with small class sizes and mentorship from experienced faculty. An entrance exam such as ACT or SAT is required for admission.
Takoma Park, MD - Private 4-year - wau.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington Adventist University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a CCNE-accredited program that integrates a Christ-centered education with hands-on clinical training in diverse healthcare environments. Students gain professional competence through partnerships with Adventist HealthCare and other leading institutions, preparing them for roles in hospitals and community health. This 4-year baccalaureate program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, focusing instead on a curriculum that supports graduate study opportunities. Financial aid is available, including FAFSA applications, to assist with educational costs.
Cumberland, MD - Public 2-Year - allegany.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Allegany College of Maryland's Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Accredited by ACEN and approved by Maryland and Pennsylvania boards, it features state-of-the-art equipment and diverse clinical settings, emphasizing both the science and art of nursing. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
Concentration: LPN to RN Online - Online Learning - Visit Website
This online LPN to RN program at Allegany College of Maryland is tailored for licensed practical nurses with at least one year of experience, requiring a minimum 2.50 GPA in prerequisites like English and sciences. It focuses on transitioning LPNs to RN roles through general education and nursing courses, offering financial aid for affordability. No entrance exam is specified for this associate-level pathway.
Concentration: Weekend Hybrid - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Weekend Hybrid Nursing program combines online learning with in-person Saturday classes, ideal for those without prior nursing experience. Admission requires a 'C' or better in Bio 207, completion of developmental courses, and a competitive HESI A2 exam score. It includes general education and features flexible scheduling with mandatory orientation. For this associate-level program, the HESI A2 entrance exam is required.
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a campus-based offering that requires a 3.0 GPA and the ATI TEAS entrance exam for admission. This 120-credit curriculum integrates nursing science with humanities, covering topics from human anatomy to community nursing, and includes a senior practicum. It prepares graduates for generalist nursing roles or further study, with financial aid available to support students. As an HBCU and military-friendly institution, it emphasizes accessibility and comprehensive education.
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Traditional BSN program is a campus-based offering that prepares students for nursing careers through a competitive two-step admission process. Applicants must first gain university admission, then apply separately to the nursing program, which requires prerequisites in sciences like chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. With an annual cohort of about 72 students, the program emphasizes a strong science foundation and nursing principles, recommending a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. This bachelor's-level program may require ACT or SAT exams as part of the university admission process. Graduates are well-prepared for clinical placements and licensure, meeting physical and psychological standards.
Maryland’s LPN programs combine classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. Through 12 to 18 months of hands‑on training, students learn to administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide essential patient care under professional oversight. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning Maryland licensure, graduates step into roles that support RNs and physicians by easing staffing pressures and enhancing patient access. By strengthening the practical nursing workforce across both Baltimore’s urban centers and the state’s rural areas, these programs help ensure consistent, high‑quality care throughout Maryland.
Maryland’s CNA programs offer six to twelve weeks of structured training in infection prevention, patient hygiene, and basic care techniques, followed by hands‑on practicums. Through real‑world training, learners gain expertise in feeding, mobility assistance, and accurate vital‑sign monitoring. After earning certification, they contribute to care teams across a variety of healthcare settings. Their role helps maintain efficient, compassionate care delivery statewide.
Maryland’s RN to BSN offerings leverage the state’s extensive healthcare network, from urban medical centers to community clinics, by combining self‑paced online modules in nursing leadership, population and community health, informatics and healthcare policy with supervised clinical rotations across varied settings. Tailored for practicing RNs, these bridge programs provide part‑time and accelerated tracks that fit around shift schedules. Completing a BSN deepens skills in evidence‑driven care and interdisciplinary coordination, aligns with employer and accreditation expectations for degree‑prepared nurses, and opens doors to management, specialty certification and public health roles. By advancing their credentials, Maryland’s nurses help strengthen patient care across both metropolitan and rural communities.
Maryland’s Nurse Practitioner pathways take registered nurses beyond their BSN through rigorous graduate study and hands-on clinical residencies, usually lasting two to four years, in specialties like family practice, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Available through fully in-person cohorts, blended, and fully online options at universities and health systems statewide, these MSN and DNP tracks equip nurses for APRN certification and Maryland licensure. Graduates emerge ready to serve as primary care providers, chronic condition managers, and telehealth clinicians in urban hospitals, community clinics, and underserved Eastern Shore and rural Western Maryland settings. By cultivating a cadre of advanced-practice nurses, these programs play a vital role in expanding access to high-quality care across the state.
| Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still available, BSN strongly preferred in major hospitals |
| RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | Not offered in Maryland |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 requirement, employers usually require BSN |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs practice independently with full authority |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide |
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Weekend Hybrid - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: LPN to RN Online - Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: LPN to RN - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Military Medic to RN - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Paramedic to RN - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website