We've organized a comprehensive list of Maryland nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Maryland city.
A nursing assistant takes on the most junior role in the US nursing system. Nursing assistant certification is the basic level of licensure required to practice as a healthcare professional in Maryland. Upon certification, a nursing assistant will perform tasks under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).
Certification
For our 2020 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
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
Are you interested in beginning or furthering a career in Maryland’s nursing industry? Regardless of your age or experience, Maryland has a breadth of nursing programs that can help you either gain initial licensure or enhance your existing career.
The Baltimore metropolitan area has well over a dozen accredited nursing schools. They offer a wide range of nursing education programs, providing a path to licensure for all the major nursing roles.
The Salisbury, Maryland, metropolitan area has a population of more than 6,500 nursing professionals. The most common local nursing roles are nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). Depending on the role, education requirements can range from a brief certificate to a master of science in nursing (MSN) or even a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Fortunately, no matter which role you choose, you can find a nursing school in Salisbury, Maryland, to fit your needs.
The Hagerstown-Martinsburg metropolitan area is home to 2,480 registered nurses (RNs), 720 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 1,240 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Many of these healthcare professionals earned their degree, diploma, or certificate at a local school. A few of the top schools for nursing in the metro area include James Rumsey Technical Institute, which offers LPN and CNA programs, and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, which has an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program for aspiring RNs.
Cumberland, Maryland, is home to approximately 1,000 registered nurses (RNs), 500 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 200 licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Many of these healthcare professionals earned their degree or certificate at a local college or university. Allegany College of Maryland offers an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program for aspiring RNs and a certificate program for aspiring CNAs. Mineral County Technical Center in nearby Keyser, WV, leads a practical nursing program.
The Baltimore metropolitan area has well over a dozen accredited nursing schools. They offer a wide range of nursing education programs, providing a path to licensure for all the major nursing roles.
Baltimore County is home to three accredited nursing schools: The Community College of Baltimore County, Towson University, and Stevenson University. Collectively, these institutions prepare aspiring nurses for four distinct roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Certified nursing assistant
Baltimore’s nursing profession has four distinct roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Responsibilities, education, and compensation vary significantly by role.
The nursing profession in Annapolis can be broadly divided into four roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each role carries distinct responsibilities, education pathways, and licensing requirements.
Maryland’s thriving nursing industry has multiple levels of entry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state employs more than 26,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), 11,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 46,000 registered nurses (RNs). Regardless of nursing role, there are numerous employment opportunities at both private and public healthcare centers throughout the state.
Aspiring nurses must carefully evaluate the all-in costs of nursing education before selecting a school and program of study. The major cost components of nursing education include tuition and fees, books, equipment and supplies, room and board, transportation, and other variable living expenses.
Private nursing schools are not sponsored by the state government, and they thus receive little to no direct funding from the state. Private institutions are a good option for students willing to pay higher tuition in exchange for a prestigious education, smaller class sizes, and a personalized experience. Aspiring nurses can gain licensure for three different nursing roles at Maryland’s private schools: licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).