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.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, nursing roles typically fall into one of the following three categories: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN).
The first category, nursing assistants, operate largely under the supervision of LPNs and RNs. To become a nursing assistant, candidates complete a certification program lasting 8-10 weeks. This program is usually followed by a state-administered examination.
There are three primary types of nurses in Montgomery County, Maryland: certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
Nursing assistants
Nursing assistants work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs. They need to complete a brief eight- to ten-week certification program in order to become a qualified healthcare professional. A state-administered examination follows this program.
Licensed practical nurses
Registered nursing (RN) to master of science in nursing (MSN) programs
An RN-to-BSN program enables an existing registered nurse (RN) who holds an associate’s degree to earn a bachelor’s (BSN) degree. These programs are offered both on-campus and online, to cater to the varied needs of students. Candidates on a full-time track complete the program in 18-24 months and can look forward to broadened career options, greater credibility in the workplace, and increased earnings. The BSN degree is offered at such schools as Stevenson University and University of Maryland - Baltimore.
Skills
The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is offered along two tracks: 1) pre-licensure programs that prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and 2) “RN-to-BSN” programs that enable existing registered nurses (RNs) to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Education
The pre-licensure track is a four-year degree program that prepares students to work as licensed RNs, equipped to independently administer medical care and treatment.
An associate’s degree program (ADN) is one of three degrees that prepares candidates to gain licensure as a registered nurse (RN). This two-year program equips its graduates with the skills and experience necessary to provide quality medical care and treatment as independent healthcare professionals. Candidates gain clinical experience by working with hospitals, nursing homes, and other health agencies. After completing the ADN program, students are required to take a national licensure examination, the NCLEX-RN, to officially earn their license as a registered nurse.
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
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
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