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Maryland, MD - LPN Nursing Program Information

How to Become an LPN in Maryland

In order to apply for a Licensed Practical Nurse education program in Maryland, one must first complete  a half dozen general studies prerequisite courses, usually introductory level offerings in topics like biology, psychology, and physiology. Only after completing these courses with sufficient grades—usually a minimum of a C average, but sometimes higher—aspiring nurses apply to the school of nursing they wish to attend. While minimum GPA requirements aren’t too high, acceptance is competitive and based on grades, so it is advisable to excel during prerequisites.

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Maryland LPN programs take a year. They are focused on providing the training necessary to successfully take the National Counsel Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). The test requires application to the Maryland Board of Nursing and proof of graduation from a state-approved LPN program, plus a criminal history record check that indicates a student has not committed a crime deemed to be of undesirable moral character—if you have a criminal record, it is best to check with the Board of Nursing before entering a program to ensure it won’t be a barrier to licensure. Once approved, the NCLEX-PN is offered by national test administrator Pearson Vue at a cost of $200. Success rates are high, and close to 85 percent of graduating LPN students receive licensure to work as an LPN the first time they take the NCLEX-PN.

Maryland LPN Duties and Salary

In Maryland, LPNs are mostly responsible for direct patient care. Four out of every five finds work in a hospital, while the remaining twenty percent work in nursing homes, doctor’s offices, clinics and elsewhere. Normal duties include monitoring patient health, administering their medicine, feeding, bathing, and reporting back to their superiors—Registered Nurses and doctors. The hours can be variable, with patient care needed 24 hours a day, meaning it is rare to work a typical nine to five schedule. And they are well compensated for their efforts, with an average salary around $43,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) for LPNs working in urban areas like Baltimore, before usually excellent benefits.