2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Maryland

Overview of Nursing Schools in Maryland

About Nursing Schools in Maryland

There is a wide variety of challenges in the healthcare industry that come from the fact that nurses are being called to provide complex healthcare to service a large amount of patients. The patients are experiencing acute illnesses. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is a nice head start. However, nurses who pursue their bachelor’s degree will be opened up to new career opportunities. They will also be able to provide better care to their patients. There are RN and BSN programs across the state that allow nurses to achieve an advanced education. A bachelor’s degree in nursing in the state of Maryland builds on knowledge gained in the nursing industry such as leadership and management of healthcare systems.

In our Maryland RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Maryland RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Maryland, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Maryland RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in Maryland

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Maryland and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 11 BSN degree programs in Maryland. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Maryland to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Maryland

Nursing schools in Maryland have developed new ways to aid busy nurses advance their education. A lot of BSN programs in Maryland will often consider previous nursing education. Programs are offered online as well as in the traditional campus setting. Nurses are encouraged to review all possible options. Courses in a BSN program will provide nurses with the tools to grow as a professional in management roles, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced research. The curriculum of a BSN program typically includes:

• Nursing leadership
• Research in nursing
• Diversity in health
• Policy and legislation
• Management of complex health systems and disease
• Humanities
• Medical information technology

Salisbury University

School of Nursing

94.13% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD - 21801-6862
• 
  (410) 543-6000

Nurse Admin: Debra A. Webster, EdD, MS

Title: Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.13%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN

Salisbury University (SU), is a four-year regionally-accredited public university in Salisbury, Maryland. Its nursing programs under the school of nursing are CCNE-accredited. Moreover, SU provides on and off campus involvement opportunities for students, with its Student Nurses Association gaining national recognition in the area of community service. Nursing Major -

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 439
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,188
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 91%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,676
• Percent Admitted: 78%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
• Graduation Rate: 69%

Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Maryland

There are a variety of education options for prospective RNs in Maryland.  Students can seek education at community colleges, colleges and universities.  Unique to Maryland is that many of the RN programs offer an ATB (associates-to-bachelor's) option, which means that students can simultaneously take courses for their ADN and BSN at the same time.

Anne Arundel Community College

97.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  101 College Pky, Arnold, MD - 21012-1895
• 
  (410) 777-2222

Nurse Admin: Beth Martin,

Title: Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.40%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is a public, two-year institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Located in Arnold, Maryland, it is nationally-recognized and is the state’s largest single-campus community college. AACC offers two-year degrees with transfer credits and complete credit certificate programs. Its Associate of Science

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 250
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,910
• Book and Supplies: $13,550
• Percent Received Aid: 50%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,416
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 27%

Cecil Community College

95.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One Seahawk Drive, North East, MD - 21901-1900
• 
  (410) 287-1000

Nurse Admin: Roxanne Rash,

Title: Assistant Director of Nursing / Professor of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.60%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Founded in 1968, Cecil College is a comprehensive, inclusive, and open-access college in North East, Maryland. With a student to faculty ratio of 12:1, it is a learner-centered educational institution which is committed to academic excellence. Its Nursing programs allow for ease of transfer credits in nursing bachelor’s and master’s

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 54
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,770
• Book and Supplies: $9,510
• Percent Received Aid: 84%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,379
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 23%

Chesapeake College

95.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD - 21679-0008
• 
  (410) 822-5400

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 52
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,890
• Book and Supplies: $7,400
• Percent Received Aid: 73%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,366
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Hagerstown Community College

93.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, MD - 21742-6514
• 
  (240) 500-2530

Nurse Admin: Karen Hammond,

Title: Director, Nursing Division

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Hagerstown Community College (HCC), a two-year public community college located in Hagerstown is Maryland’s first community college. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. HCC’s RN and LPN programs under its Nursing Division are accredited by ACEN and MBON as well. The Division equips its students

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 74
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,320
• Book and Supplies: $8,190
• Percent Received Aid: 74%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,123
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 35%

Frederick Community College

92.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD - 21702-2964
• 
  (301) 846-2400

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Frederick Community College (FCC) is a public college named after its location, Frederick, Maryland. It is known for its affordability and flexibility without compromising quality. FCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Practical Nursing Certificate - This 48-credit hour certificate program prepares students for competent

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 101
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,772
• Book and Supplies: $9,844
• Percent Received Aid: 57%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,498
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 33%

Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville/Essex

91.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD - 21237
• 
  (443) 840-2222

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

The Community College of Baltimore County (CBCC) has an expansive selection of degree and certification programs. CBCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and has gained national recognition in the area of affordable and high-quality training and education.  Its Nursing Program under the School of

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 400
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,380
• Book and Supplies: $10,880
• Percent Received Aid: 79%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,190
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 14%

Allegany College

90.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  12401 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, MD - 21502-2596
• 
  (301) 784-5000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) located in Cumberland, is one of the 16 colleges within the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. Originally called Allegany Community College when it was founded in 1961, it was renamed to its current name in 1996. ACM has an average class size of 14 with

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 93
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,730
• Book and Supplies: $10,280
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,750
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 27%

Harford Community College

90.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD - 21015-1698
• 
  (443) 412-2000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 90.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Harford Community College is an open-access public community college in Bel Air, Maryland established in 10957.  It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its nursing programs place emphasis on theory and experience. Flexible class options are available, with a student-centered curriculum. Aside from supervised clinical experiences

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 107
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,827
• Book and Supplies: $8,302
• Percent Received Aid: 57%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,967
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 31%

Additional Listings for Maryland Nursing Schools

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Maryland

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Maryland

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Maryland offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner 
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Maryland  RN Licensing Requirements

Maryland State Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 585-1900

Website: http://www.mbon.org/

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $100
License renewal (annual), RN: $73

Continuing Education Requirements:
None

RN Licensure by Exam

Before a candidate can register and complete the NCLEX exam, he/she must obtain permission from the Board to test. Background checks are required for candidates who completed one during lower levels of education. Candidates should register for the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website. There is a $200 fee to register for the exam. Exams are constantly scheduled but it is important for candidates to schedule their exam in the time frame noted in the Authorization to Test. If a candidate fails to pass the NCLEX, he/she will need to wait 45 days before attempting it again.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Programs completed out-of-state will be accepted as long as they are equivalent. Not all programs are equivalent and may need a mentor. Additionally, RNs who are licensed in one of the other 50 states will be able to gain licensure by endorsement. There is an application fee of $100 and an additional fee of $40 in order for the candidate to obtain a temporary license. Fingerprinting is required for candidates to be granted a temporary license.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

There are additional requirements for nurses who were trained in a foreign country. First of all the candidate must apply to the Maryland Board. The candidate should also apply for a CES Professional Report and complete an oral proficiency exam before registering to take the NCLEX. There are several exams that will be accepted in order to prove English proficiency such as: TOEFL, IELTS, and ILA. The proficiency exam may be waived if the program was completed for three years or longer in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or Canada (with the exception of Quebec). There is a $100 fee attached to the application.

RN Salaries in Maryland

Employers in Maryland highly value nurses who have obtained a BSN because it shows initiation. A BSN degree will help nurses to advance their knowledge and show dedication to the career. Opportunities that are available to nurses who have obtained a BSN may include:

• Occupational nursing
• Medical oncology
• Nursing administration
• Corporate nursing
• Wound and ostomy
• Psychiatric

Maryland is one of many states that is proposing legislation in favor of increasing the number of RNs that have obtained a BSN or higher. The RNs in Maryland are able to revel in the fact that they have a higher median salary than the median average. The median salary for RNs in the state of Maryland is $71,000.

Maryland Registered Nursing Salaries

While there are more registered nurses in Baltimore by a large margin, it is not the highest paying area. The Bethesda metropolitan area has both the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.