Best Nursing Schools in Maryland

Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
Last Updated On Nov 8, 2024
Expert Verified: Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
8 Min Read
Maryland

Due to the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly aging population, much of the country is reeling from a nursing shortage that is due to last for many years to come. Maryland in particular is expected to have a 17% increase in nursing positions within the next ten years. If you’re considering a career in nursing, now is a great time to explore your options in Maryland as job security and higher salaries are only expected to rise in the state.

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Cities in Maryland

Best RN Programs in Maryland

Selecting the best nursing school in Maryland can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Maryland by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 25 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

1 Seahawk Dr, North East, MD 21901

Score: 97.56

Cecil College is home to a widely acclaimed Associate of Science nursing program. With direct articulation opportunities with several higher-ed nursing programs, Cecil nursing students are poised to take their careers as far as they wish. Through innovative coursework, Cecil creates knowledgeable and caring patient advocates who are committed to lifelong learning and experiential growth.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (410) 287-1000
2.

1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679

Score: 94.54

Located in Wye Mills, Chesapeake College provides students with an associate's degree in nursing program that prepares them for entry-level practice in the field. The program aims to equip students with excellent nursing judgment so that they can grow into successful careers.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (410) 822-5400
3.

101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012

Score: 93.79

Anne Arundel Community College is located in the suburban Annapolis town of Arnold. Graduates of AACC's quality associate's degree nursing program have the benefit of a variety of clinical placements to enrich their practical skills, and a healthcare community that welcomes exemplary nurses to their ranks.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (410) 777-2222
4.

1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801

Score: 92.72

Salisbury University is located west of Ocean City, south of Delaware. Graduates can pursue a BSN or MSN - either pre-licensure or on a continuing education basis. Degree-holding graduates are compassionate leaders and actors on behalf of their patients.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (410) 543-6000
5.

11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742

Score: 91.27

Hagerstown Community College is home to an acclaimed 2-year associate's degree in nursing program. Located northwest of Frederick, HCC allows nursing students to begin on their ADN degree with the ability to seamlessly transfer over to a 4-year BSN program at a local university, thus creating an affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (240) 500-2000
6.

800 S Rolling Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228

Score: 90.75

Community College of Baltimore County can be found in the southwestern fringes of Baltimore proper. The school's practical mandate for nursing students is to promote professional and ethical nursing practice, which is accomplished through the innovative curricula of the school's multiple nursing program pathways.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN, Paramedic to RN
  • Phone: (443) 840-2222
7.

7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702

Score: 90.18

Frederick Community College nursing program uses innovative patient care models and technologies to mold nursing students into confident and competent graduates who are ready for the challenges of today's healthcare.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (301) 846-2400
8.

8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252

Score: 87.34

Towson University's 120-unit BSN program allows students to build the communication and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in nursing. Graduates of the program boast a first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate higher than the Maryland average - a testament to Towson's quality educators and comprehensive curriculum.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (410) 704-2000
9.

12401 Willowbrook Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502

Score: 87.21

Cumberland's Allegany College of Maryland offers students a unique "ladder style" ADN program in which students are eligible to first become Certified Nursing Assistants or Geriatric Nursing Assistants after completing the first semester of coursework. After completing the first year of coursework and a summer course, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become practical nurses. At the completion of the full 2-year program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (301) 784-5000
10.

8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

Score: 85.98

The College of Southern Maryland is located in La Plata, north of the Potomac River. The college strives to mold professional nurses who engage in continuous professional development to continue to inform their on-the-job decision making capacities.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (301) 934-2251

Maryland Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you’re beginning your career in nursing in Maryland, an entry-level degree is the first step. The common pathways for new nurses include an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Let's break down the differences between these options

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re interested in a fast and straightforward path to enter the nursing profession, a nursing diploma or ADN program could be an ideal choice. These programs typically take about one to two years to complete and provide the essential skills and knowledge required to launch your nursing career. For those already working as LPNs, an LPN to RN bridge program might be worth considering. These programs build on your existing experience, enabling you to complete an ADN or BSN more quickly than starting from scratch and helping you move toward becoming a licensed RN.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Maryland include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Maryland.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a popular choice for nurses seeking to enhance their education. It’s especially favored by students planning to pursue graduate-level degrees in the future. However, a traditional BSN typically requires around four years to complete. If you already hold an RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can fast-track your education through an RN to BSN program, which can be completed in as little as two years. Additionally, if you have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, Maryland offers Accelerated BSN programs that enable you to earn your BSN in just one to two years.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Maryland typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

Maryland RN to BSN programs are a great option for nurses who are already nurses and working in the field. This program works with the student’s existing education and experience and shortens the time to graduation by as much as two years.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and you want to make the switch to a nursing career from your current career, you can do so in only about a year’s time through a Maryland ABSN program.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Whether you’re a current nurse aiming to broaden your career prospects or a student aspiring beyond entry-level nursing roles, Maryland offers numerous advanced nursing education opportunities. Programs like a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — the highest degree in the field — provide paths for growth. To begin, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an MSN, as well as an active, unrestricted RN license.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Maryland:

Getting an RN License in Maryland

After graduation, your next step toward becoming a nurse in Maryland is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain your RN license. Following the exam, you’ll need to submit an application along with the required fee to the Maryland Board of Nursing. Additionally, staying current with any continuing education requirements set by the state is essential for keeping your license active.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Maryland

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Maryland Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

As you begin exploring nursing programs in Maryland, you’ll likely encounter the term “accredited” during your research. RN program accreditation refers to a formal evaluation process that ensures a nursing school or program adheres to established quality standards. In the United States, two main organizations provide accreditation for nursing programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In Maryland, nursing programs typically pursue accreditation from one or both of these bodies to confirm their adherence to national education standards, ensuring that graduates are eligible for licensure. It’s important to remember that if your nursing program is not accredited, you will not be able to obtain licensure.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Maryland

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
11.
Westminster, MD 21157 | Phone: (410) 840-8443
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
85.18
12.
Bel Air, MD 21015 | Phone: (443) 412-2000
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
84.98
13.
Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: (410) 706-3100
Programs: BSN, MSN
84.95
14.
Takoma Park, MD 20912 | Phone: (240) 567-5529
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN, ADN to BSN
84.45
15.
Largo, MD 20774 | Phone: (301) 546-7422
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
84.40
16.
Salisbury, MD 21804 | Phone: (410) 334-2800
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
83.12
17.
Columbia, MD 21044 | Phone: (443) 518-1000
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
82.27
18.
Stevenson, MD 21153 | Phone: (877) 468-6852
Programs: BSN
80.09
19.
Baltimore, MD 21215 | Phone: (410) 462-8300
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
79.71
20.
Baltimore, MD 21210 | Phone: (410) 435-0100
Programs: BSN
79.19
21.
Baltimore, MD 21216 | Phone: (410) 951-3000
Programs: BSN
76.37
22.
Maryland, MD 20912 | Phone: (800) 835-4212
Programs: BSN
64.31
23.
Bowie, MD 20715 | Phone: (301) 860-4000
Programs: BSN
64.20
24.
Baltimore, MD 21251 | Phone: (443) 885-3333
Programs: BSN
60.58
25.
Baltimore, MD 21205 | Phone: (410) 955-4766
Programs: MSN
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