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
Licensed practical nurses are responsible for carrying out more complex medical procedures, such as administering medication, measuring blood pressure and body temperature, performing CPR, and administering basic care to patients. LPNs also have opportunities to supervise certified nursing assistants and orderlies, and usually operate under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN).
Training and certification
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.
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).
Public nursing schools are operated by state colleges and universities. They provide a viable option for aspiring nurses with tight educational budgets. These government-funded nursing schools charge lower tuition than private schools; they also offer a state-approved syllabus and standardized methods of instruction. Students can attain licensure for all four levels of nursing at Maryland’s public schools: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Vocational schools provide a viable pathway to nursing employment for individuals with heavy work commitments or limited time for time study. These institutions offer a variety of nursing programs, enabling candidates to fit their study within budget and schedule constraints. Most importantly, vocational, career, and community colleges offer a rapid path to nursing employment.
Four-year colleges and universities offer nursing programs for candidates to attain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). BSN candidates receive numerous hours of clinical experience as part of their nursing education. Students who complete a BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN national exam will gain official licensure as registered nurses (RNs). RNs make independent patient care decisions and supervise the healthcare activities of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
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.
Three nursing roles are most prevalent in the Washington, DC suburbs of Maryland: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN).
Role descriptions
To become a nursing assistant, candidates complete a certification program lasting 8-10 weeks, often followed by a state-administered examination. Upon completion of this program, CNAs are qualified to work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs.