Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNPs) are ‘terminal' degrees which prepare graduates for clinical nursing education and advance practice nursing. DNPs are the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Registered nurses seeking DNP degrees are able to focus their studies on either advanced practice nursing and systems or organizational/educational leadership.
The number of unit hours required to complete a program will vary from program to program and depend on the specialty being pursued; however, BSN to DNP students are usually expected to complete between 65 and 95 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours. Programs are also available in tracks like executive leadership, informatics, and health policy that don't involve direct patient care. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete between 28 and 39 unit hours, and offer APRNs options to advance to leadership roles in clinical practice, add an additional specialty or patient population focus, and more.
Core competencies students are expected to master during DNP programs will likely include:
- Advanced nursing practice.
- Advanced physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
- Scientific underpinning for practice.
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Maryland
Looking for the best DNP programs in Maryland? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list highlights schools offering quality education, strong clinical experiences, and support for your nursing career. Whether you're advancing your practice or stepping into leadership, find a program that fits your goals. Start your journey today with our trusted rankings. Learn more about our rankings methodology here.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive pediatric healthcare. Over three years, students gain sophisticated clinical skills to diagnose, manage, and treat pediatric patients from newborns through adolescence. The rigorous curriculum combines online learning with onsite immersions, preparing graduates to provide complex, evidence-based care across various healthcare settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, students complete 74.5 credits and earn 840 clinical hours, positioning themselves as expert pediatric nurse practitioners ready to transform healthcare delivery.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 840 clinical hours
- 74.5 total program credits
- Prepares for pediatric certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral level advanced practice
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program uniquely prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in pediatric healthcare. This top-ranked, innovative 3-year online program with onsite immersions equips students to diagnose and manage complex pediatric health conditions across primary and acute care settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, students gain comprehensive clinical expertise through 960 clinical hours and advanced scholarly training. Graduates become certified in both primary and acute care pediatric nursing, positioning themselves as leaders in pediatric healthcare delivery and equipped to drive meaningful patient outcomes.
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing program
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for complex adult and elder patients. This rigorous three-year program equips students with advanced clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and critical medical conditions across diverse healthcare settings. With world-renowned faculty and clinical immersion experiences at Johns Hopkins Hospital, graduates develop sophisticated decision-making capabilities, evidence-based treatment strategies, and leadership competencies. Estimated tuition is $1,997 per credit, with various financial aid options available, including scholarships and federal loans.
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Maryland RN licensure required
- Certification preparation included
Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is a transformative three-year program designed to elevate nursing practice. Students gain comprehensive skills to diagnose, manage, and provide holistic care across patient lifespans. With a rigorous curriculum combining advanced clinical training and leadership development, graduates emerge as expert practitioners capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. The program includes 960 clinical hours and prepares students for national certification, emphasizing complex decision-making, advanced assessment techniques, and systemic healthcare improvement. Estimated tuition is $1,997 per credit, with various financial aid options available.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Transform mental healthcare with Johns Hopkins' elite DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Designed for passionate nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise, this rigorous three-year online program prepares professionals to address critical mental health gaps across patient lifespans. Graduates gain comprehensive skills in complex diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based treatment, and sophisticated clinical decision-making. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit and robust financial aid options, students develop advanced competencies to diagnose, manage, and treat mental health disorders independently across diverse healthcare settings.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- 160 project practicum hours
- Comprehensive mental health training
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for adult and older adult populations. This rigorous 3-year online program with onsite immersions equips students with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based decision-making techniques, and leadership capabilities. Students learn to diagnose and manage complex health conditions, conduct sophisticated assessments, and transform healthcare delivery across various settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, an active RN license, and one year of nursing experience. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and emerge as clinical scholars ready to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Leadership skill development
- Complex patient care focus
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's DNP Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide complex, comprehensive care for critically ill adult and older adult patients. Designed as a three-year hybrid program with online coursework and onsite immersions, students develop advanced clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patients across acute care settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, the program offers financial aid options and requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical practice hours. Applicants must have a BSN, one year of acute care RN experience, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced clinical training for nurses seeking to elevate their healthcare expertise. This comprehensive 3-year hybrid program prepares professionals to diagnose and manage complex health conditions across patient lifespans. Students gain sophisticated skills in physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical decision-making, and healthcare leadership. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, the program offers robust financial aid options and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Graduates are equipped to transform healthcare delivery through evidence-based practice and independent patient care.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track empowers experienced nurses to transform healthcare through advanced leadership and evidence-based practice. This innovative two-year online program with brief onsite immersions prepares nurse professionals to drive systemic improvements and policy changes. Designed for working nurses, the program integrates scholarly research with practical application, enabling students to develop cutting-edge solutions in their current practice settings. With a competitive per-credit tuition of $1,997 and flexible learning format, nurses can advance their careers while maintaining professional commitments.
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
- Full CCNE accreditation
- Part-time study friendly
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This comprehensive program prepares advanced practice nurses to drive systemic improvements through evidence-based practices, cutting-edge technology, and innovative policy development. Designed for registered nurses seeking terminal degrees, the program offers flexible distance-accessible formats with full-time and part-time options. Students complete 80 credits over four years, gaining critical skills in research, healthcare management, and clinical practice while accumulating 1,000 essential clinical hours. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners ready to address complex healthcare challenges and lead organizational change.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Distance-Accessible Format
- 80-Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
- 1,000 Clinical Practice Hours
- Leadership and FNP Tracks
- Small Class Sizes
- Competitive Tuition
- Advanced Clinical Specializations
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Multiple Entry Pathways
Doctorate - Nursing, D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) with a Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. Designed for working professionals, this 87-credit online program allows completion in approximately three years. Graduates develop specialized skills in managing complex healthcare needs, leveraging research and technology to improve patient outcomes. Admission requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and completing 1,000 clinical hours. The program offers flexible scheduling and prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings.
- 87-credit post-masters online program
- Three-year completion timeline
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Competitive admissions process
- Certification exam eligibility
- Individual curriculum planning
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) Leadership Track prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare systems. This innovative online program empowers nurses to develop critical leadership skills, enhance patient outcomes, and drive systemic improvements. Designed for working professionals, students can complete the 38-credit program in approximately three years. Admission requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and professional references. Graduates emerge as expert healthcare leaders equipped to analyze complex health challenges, integrate evidence-based practices, and implement strategic improvements across organizational levels.
- Online distance delivery program
- 38-credit post-master's option
- Three-year completion timeline
- Leadership concentration focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Requires 1,000 clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- National certification preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Leadership concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to drive healthcare transformation. Designed for working professionals, this flexible hybrid program enables nurses to develop critical leadership skills in healthcare systems. Graduates emerge as strategic leaders capable of implementing evidence-based practices, developing innovative policies, and improving patient outcomes across complex healthcare environments. The program offers two entry paths: post-master's and post-bachelor's options, with comprehensive coursework covering health policy, management, informatics, and quality improvement. Tuition and financial aid options are available, with competitive admission requirements including a minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure.
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership concentration focus
- 38 minimum credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Professional nursing leadership preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This rigorous 80-credit program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. Designed for full-time students, the four-year curriculum combines advanced clinical training with leadership development, enabling graduates to become expert practitioners. Students complete 1,000 clinical practice hours, engage in evidence-based research, and develop skills in healthcare systems, policy, and advanced clinical management. The program offers flexible entry options for both post-master's and post-bachelor's students, with competitive admission standards emphasizing academic excellence.
- 80-credit doctoral nursing program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical management focus
- Competitive admission process
- Full-time four-year study plan
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead high-quality healthcare in urban communities. This rigorous program offers two pathways - BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP - with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Students complete 1000 clinical practice hours and develop advanced skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, technology integration, and interprofessional collaboration. The hybrid format accommodates full-time and part-time learners, making it flexible for working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing expertise.
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced healthcare professionals a transformative pathway to becoming expert family health practitioners. This rigorous program prepares nurses to serve diverse, vulnerable populations through comprehensive clinical training and leadership development. Students complete 1000 clinical practice hours, gaining skills in evidence-based practice, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible hybrid and part-time formats, making advanced nursing education accessible. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, unencumbered RN licensure, and a minimum 3.25 GPA.
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced pathway for nurses seeking comprehensive healthcare expertise. This rigorous program prepares students to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care through an innovative hybrid format. Students complete 1,000 clinical practice hours, integrating advanced clinical skills with leadership and technology. The curriculum emphasizes serving vulnerable urban and global communities, focusing on holistic patient care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates emerge as transformative healthcare leaders equipped to address complex medical challenges and improve population health outcomes.
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
Hood College
Frederick, MD - Private 4-year - hood.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for nursing professionals seeking advanced career paths. These fully online programs offer three unique MSN tracks: adult-gerontology primary care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. The DNP focuses on systems leadership, combining research with practice and emphasizing healthcare policy, finance, and management. Designed to address critical nursing shortages, these programs prepare students to become nurse practitioners, educators, and healthcare leaders with comprehensive, holistic training.
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Certification exam preparation
- Three-phase DNP capstone project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Systems Leadership concentration equips advanced nursing professionals to drive healthcare transformation. This fully online doctoral program prepares nurse leaders to combine research and practice, addressing complex healthcare challenges. Students develop expertise in healthcare finance, business management, policy, and advocacy through a comprehensive curriculum culminating in a three-phase capstone project. Ideal for nurses seeking high-level leadership roles, the program responds to critical workforce needs and empowers graduates to make significant impacts across healthcare settings.
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Advance your nursing career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. This top-ranked program prepares expert nurses for leadership roles. The hybrid curriculum blends online learning with in-person instruction. Focusing on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, the DNP equips graduates with skills to improve patient outcomes. Contact us for admissions requirements and cost information.
- Top-ranked DNP program
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Improves patient outcomes
- Fall admission
- Multiple specialties
- Post-Master's option
- Four DNP pathways
Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maryland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals across the lifespan. This top-ranked specialty offers a rigorous curriculum blending face-to-face and online instruction, with over 700 precepted clinical hours. Students develop expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practice and professional leadership.
- Top-ranked Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maryland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced clinical preparation for nurses seeking top-tier expertise in primary healthcare. This rigorous hybrid program provides comprehensive training across the lifespan, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and complex condition management. Students benefit from over 700 precepted clinical hours, ensuring hands-on experience with expert faculty. With a remarkable 100% certification exam pass rate, graduates are positioned as highly skilled primary care providers ready to address critical healthcare needs in diverse settings.
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Choosing the right school to earn your DNP from is of crucial importance. When researching schools, there are a few important factors to be aware of.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Maryland can range widely vary depending on whether the program is offered at a private or public institution. If attending a private university in the state of Maryland like John Hopkins University, you can expect to pay $1,671 per unit hour. However, if you plan on going to a public university, expect to pay around $653 per unit hour if you are an in-state resident and approximately $1,168 per unit hour if you're an out-of-state student.
- Online Options— Three universities with in the state of Maryland offer students seeking DNPs online options:
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing: offers an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program where Students are only required to attend approximately two weeks of on-site classes each semester, with the rest of the program requirements to be completed online
- Salisbury University: offers a post-master’s DNP program that's available online
- University of Maryland School of Nursing: offers students a post-masters DNP option delivered in a blended format. The blended program consists of classes that are offered online, including synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Maryland are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies—
- University of Maryland Medical Center— Post-Graduate Critical Care Surgery Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Johns Hopkins Medicine— Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Indian Health Service— HIS Nurse Residency Program for Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Gaining entry into a doctorate program is a competitive process. Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Maryland will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:
- Hold a BSN or MSN degree
- Have an unencumbered RN license
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
- Provide GRE Scores
- Provide academic transcripts
- Write a Statement of Purpose
- Pass a drug and background test
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Verification/documentation of clinical hours
- Provide letters of recommendation/references
Certification
In Maryland, after a student completes their DNP degree, they are able to sit for their state's certification exam. Once passed, graduates are eligible to become certified in advanced nursing specialties including, but not limited to the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Family
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive
Licensing
Requirements for APRN licensure in the state of Maryland include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
- Drug screens
Maryland BSN to DNP Program Options
BSN-to-DNP program offer nurses with a BSN the opportunity to obtain a doctorate-level education. Three universities have programs that offer BSN to DNP pathways in the state of Maryland, giving BSN-educated nurses the opportunity to study toward a DNP degree.
Related Education Paths
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Maryland
- Maryland Nurses Association
- Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland
- Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders
- Maryland Academy of Advanced Practice Clinicians
- Maryland Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
Johns Hopkins University
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 840 clinical hours
- 74.5 total program credits
- Prepares for pediatric certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral level advanced practice
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing program
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Frederick, MD
Hood College
- Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
Salisbury, MD
Hood College
- Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health