Nursing Schools in Maryland, MD

The Maryland Board of Nursing lists 14 approved Licensed Practical Nurse programs , 14 Associate Degree, Nursing programs to become a Registered Nurse, and an additional eight programs that provide a Bachelor of Science, Nursing and prepare students for RN licensure. No matter which program you choose to enter, it is advisable to consider at least several options as there is significant variation between programs with regards to price, courses offered, and NCLEX pass rates.

Nursing Schools Through Online Programs in Maryland

The state of Maryland boasts an impressive 874 registered nurses per 100,000 population, more than the average throughout the United States.[1] This figure means that the growth of the nursing field of Maryland will likely continue into the foreseeable future as nurses retire, relocate, and advance within their careers. Enrolling in an online nursing school in Maryland is one excellent way to get into the unparalleled and rewarding career of nursing.

Advantages of Online Nursing Courses
Earning a degree online isn’t a simple task. It takes a great deal of self-motivation and sacrifice to stay on track, but the feeling of accomplishment after graduation makes it all worthwhile. There are several advantages to enrolling in a distance course that you may not have considered before:

• Brush up on technology. When you are forced to use the internet and computers to attend classes and submit assignments, you will find yourself gaining knowledge of how computers and software works simply by being forced to use it every day. This is a particularly useful skill in the healthcare field.
• No transportation costs. The cost of walking into your office and firing up your computer is miniscule compared to the cost of hopping on the bus or car and driving to class. And, since time is money, taking online nursing courses allows you to more productively utilize the time that you would’ve spent sitting in traffic.
• Flexibility. Taking online nursing courses means that you don’t have to give up your job or choose school over spending time with kids. It takes effort and scheduling, but it is quite possible to have a life and your nursing degree, too.

Selecting an Online Nursing Program
Not all nursing programs are a perfect fit for all students. Thankfully, with so many options for pursing a degree in Maryland, there is a program for everyone. Before enrolling in a distance program, take a few essential steps to ensure the most successful start to your education.

• Familiarize yourself with the different online nursing schools. Get a feel for how the semesters or quarters are laid out, what kind of degree tracks are offered (e.g. accelerated vs. traditional), and the equipment required for the courses.
• Select a handful of schools that offer the nursing degree that you wish to pursue. Request further information from these nursing schools. Look into the cost of the nursing programs and read up on others’ experiences with the nursing program.
• Contact the nursing schools with questions. Consider emailing specific questions to the nursing school and/or an instructor within the school. This could be a good indicator as to how easy communication will be while you’re enrolled in the nursing program.
• Narrow down your selection and apply. Apply for the schools that meet as many of your requirements as possible. This process is generally simple and the online nursing school will have a step-by-step process to get you through it.

Online Nursing Degrees
One unique aspect of the nursing field is the number of different nursing degrees available and the numerous ways those degrees can be utilized. Almost any education that can be obtained in a traditional classroom-based program can also be pursued through a distance program. The following are some of the more common online nursing degrees.

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Following successful completion of this two-year program, graduates sit for the NCLEX exam, a national exam for registered nurses. After passing the NCLEX, graduates become licenses registered nurses and can work in clinics, schools, and other similar healthcare facilities.
• Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN takes approximately four years to finish. During this program, students gain an advanced knowledge of the nursing field. Following graduation, an advanced NCLEX exam is given. Those who successfully complete the degree and exam become registered nurses who are often put into higher-paying advanced nursing positions.
• Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program spans about seven years. Graduates of this program generally go on to pursue a Nurse Practitioner specialty after passing a national NP exam for that specialty.

Career Expectations For Nurses in Maryland

The healthcare field is continuously growing, but the registered nursing profession is particularly promising. It is reported that the job outlook for registered nurses is expected to grow faster than average for quite some time, particularly for those employed in physicians’ offices.[2]
For nurses in Maryland, this is likely the trend as well. In addition, registered nurses within the state make an impressive wage compared to most other states. Depending upon the area within the state, Maryland’s registered nurses earn an annual median wage that falls between $

 53,800 and $78,520.[3] These numbers vary upon the area within the state.
Overall, Maryland is an excellent place to pursue an online nursing degree and advance within the nursing field.

Cities in Maryland, MD Most Likely To Have Nursing School Programs:  Looking for a nursing school program or course in your area? Chances are there is a campus close by. If not, don’t give up too soon.  Nursing Degrees and Schools in Maryland can be available via online programs, which are accredited and very useful to enter the health care sectors in Maryland, MD.  Commonly nursing schools are available from or in the following cities: Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Springs, Waldorf, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Frederick, Dundalk, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Towson, Bowie, Apen Hill, Wheaton, Bel Air South, Potamac, Severn, North Bethseda, Catonsville, Hagerstown, Essex, Annapolis, Woodlawn, Saverna Park, Odenton, Clinton, Olney, Chillum

[1]State Health Facts: Nurses Per 100,000 Population:
[2] BLS.gov: Registered Nurses:
[3]BLS.gov: Maryland Registered Nurse earnings.

Cities in Maryland, MD with Nursing School Campuses in Close Locations:  In smaller populated cities Nursing School Programs are not as widespread, therefore you may have to research nearby locations to find a nursing school course or be open to online nursing programs.  Online classes have been found to be a convenient route to attaining a nursing degree.  The following cities in Maryland, MD may have a near campus: Randallstown, Montgomery Village, Pikesville, Parkville, Owings Mills, Bel Air North, Eldersburg, College Park, Salisbury, Carney, Milford Mill, Perry Hall, Crofton, South Laurel, Reisterstown, Suitland, Edgewood, Lochearn, Middle River, Laurel, North Potomac, Scaggsville, Pasadena, Fort Washington, Fairland, Ilchester, Arnold, Landover, Greenbelt, Cumberland, Cockeysville, Arbutus