Maryland’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. The Maryland Nurse Workforce Projections: 2021-2035 shows that in 2021, Maryland had a shortage of approximately 5,000 registered nurses (RNs) and could meet about 91% of the demand for RN services at a national average level of care. Additionally, the RN shortage is projected to grow to 13,800 RNs by 2035, leaving only 80% of the demand for RN services. This means there will be plenty of open RN jobs and opportunities for growth for new and existing RNs.
Maryland is known as the “Old Line State” for its historical significance, having the nation’s first railroad and several historic battles. Cities in Maryland, like Baltimore, played an important role in our history as they established a port for sugar trade and tobacco. Along the Eastern Shore, you can find exhibits about the life of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Network.
Maryland has many beautiful harbors, beaches, state parks, and scenic railroads. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery, spot wild horses, or enjoy other outdoor recreational activities, Maryland has much to offer. Many of its cities have a small-town feel but are close to big-city amenities.
US News ranked Maryland the 22nd best state overall and fourth in healthcare. It is home to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, one of the largest military medical centers in the nation. Ranking high for health quality and the need for additional nurses makes Maryland a great state to practice nursing.
The Best Nursing Schools in Maryland
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Maryland to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Maryland based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Maryland ADN Nursing Program
Chesapeake College
Chesapeake College, located in Wye Mills, Maryland, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. Their mission is to provide a sustainable and transformative educational experience. Their program prepares students for licensure eligibility, entry-level positions, and continued education in nursing. In addition to their traditional nursing track, they offer an advanced program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), paramedics, and veterans.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,344
Out-of-State: $8,504
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,344 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,504 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,904 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
69% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Maryland ADN Nursing Program
Cecil College
Cecil College in North East, Maryland, offers an ADN program that prepares students for a nursing career. They provide clinical experiences throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, engaging students in comprehensive, interactive, evidence-based nursing education. Their program prepares graduates for entry-level nursing positions emphasizing educational competencies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,310
Out-of-State: $9,510
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,310 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,510 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017-2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2020-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,783 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
78.9% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Maryland ADN Nursing Program
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, has an award-winning ASN program where students get hands-on experience at their state-of-the-art simulation laboratory and in their clinical rotations. They also offer accelerated options for LPNs, veterans, and paramedics in addition to a nursing transfer degree that prepares students to transfer to a four-year university to earn their BSN.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,900
Out-of-State: $13,550
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,900 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,550 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.7% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
61% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
15,555 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Maryland BSN Nursing Program
Salisbury University
Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, offers a BSN program with a traditional track, a second-degree BSN track, and an RN to BSN track. Their program prepares new nurses to meet the healthcare demands of people across the region and Maryland. Students have many opportunities for hands-on learning through clinical skills courses, simulation, and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Students are given access to resources, including pre-nursing group advising and a robust student nurses association. Once you are in the program, you can choose from three bachelor’s degree options that can be completed in 12-16 months.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,188
Out-of-State: $20,458
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,188 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,458 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.79% |
| Admission Rate |
86% |
| Retention Rate |
80% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,123 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
44.75% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Maryland BSN Nursing Program
University of Maryland School of Nursing
University of Maryland School of Nursing, located in Baltimore and Rockville, Maryland, offers a traditional RN to BSN program that transforms nursing students into top-tier nurses who can make an immediate and lasting impact in various healthcare settings. Students build on their nursing competencies in state-of-the-art facilities and engage in clinical experiences that challenge them to succeed in real-life situations
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,955
Out-of-State: $38,636
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,955 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,636 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
86.62% |
| Admission Rate |
52% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
30,353 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
4% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Maryland BSN Nursing Program
Towson University
Towson University in Towson, Maryland, offers a BSN program that aims to provide exceptional graduate and undergraduate education in a student-centered, caring environment that meets the diverse health needs of all populations. Graduates are prepared to meet the healthcare demands of a rapidly changing healthcare environment using compassion, ethics, evidence-based care, and inter-professional collaboration. They offer a traditional BSN track and an RN to BSN track.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,464
Out-of-State: $25,516
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,464 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$25,516 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
85% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
85% |
| Students Enrolled |
20,856 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maryland
When choosing a nursing program in Maryland, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 15 ADN and 11 BSN programs in Maryland are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Maryland
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide. Maryland predicts a nursing shortage of 13,800 by 2034, leaving only 80% of the RN workforce required for quality care. This means that there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
Maryland is home to one of the largest military medical centers in the nation, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. US News ranked Maryland fourth overall for healthcare, showing strengths in healthcare access, quality, and public health.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $87,990, which is higher than the national average.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Maryland
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Maryland is $87,990, and it employs 49,790 nurses. Maryland also employs 4,170 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $119,670.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Maryland for RNs |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD |
$89,510 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE |
$82,250 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD |
$82,070 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Maryland
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Maryland, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Maryland:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license. The Maryland licensure exam application must be completed within two days of getting fingerprinted.
- Once you have been issued your first Maryland RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education during their two-year licensing period. They must also have 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in the last five years or completed a board-approved refresher course or preceptor program. Maryland RN licenses expire on the 28th of the RN’s birth month.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Maryland:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Maryland.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years and complete a minimum of 30 continuing education hours in nursing, medicine, or allied health in the practice area before renewal. Starting June 27, 2023, all DEA-registered practitioners are required to complete eight hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maryland
Is Maryland a good place for nurses to work?
Maryland is a great place to work as it was ranked fourth overall for healthcare. With the continued shortage of nurses, there will be plenty of RN opportunities.
Is Maryland a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Maryland is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact nursing license for Maryland, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Maryland?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your Maryland RN license, you must renew it every two years. It expires on the 28th of your birth month. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider. You must also have 1,000 nursing practice hours in the last five years or have completed a board-approved refresher course or preceptor program.
How much does a Maryland RN license cost?
Maryland license by exam and endorsement both cost $100. The cost to renew a Maryland RN license is $136, which includes a $26 Maryland Health Care Commission fee.
