Registered nurses (RNs) have professional certifications which qualify them to work as independent healthcare professionals. They are licensed to administer direct care, and also to decide on treatment that should be provided.
Education
There are three types of pre-licensure programs: two-year associate’s degree (ADN), four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN), and direct-entry master’s degree programs. All of these programs are followed by a national licensure examination, the NCLEX-RN. Registered nurses must complete their degree program and pass this national examination to practice in Maryland. The programs provide healthcare professionals with extensive clinical experience and confidence in the workplace. Institutions that offer the ADN program include the College of Southern Maryland, Baltimore City Community College, and Montgomery College. Candidates interested in pursuing the BSN can do so at University of Maryland, Baltimore; Stevenson University; and Notre Dame of Maryland University. Further information on degree-providing institutions is available on this website.
Salary and employment
RNs constitute the largest group of healthcare professionals in the country, with 46,070 registered nurses employed in Maryland alone. Average annual wages for RNs fall between $59,590 and $83,830.
Upon earning their degree, registered nurses are more than adequately prepared to serve their communities well. Check out the list below to learn more about the best programs for becoming a registered nurse in the state of Maryland.