How to Become a Registered Nurse in Maryland

Maryland map

Working as a registered nurse means you will undoubtedly experience high job satisfaction in your career.

This is an ever-changing field that is always in high demand.

An incredible 94% to 98% of nurses working in various fields of nursing reported a high degree of job satisfaction.

The field is constantly growing, and whether you pursue this field part-time or full-time, there is no shortage of available positions.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Maryland

The following five schools offer accredited nursing courses.

1. Allegany College of Maryland

Allegany College of Maryland Logo

Allegany College offers an Associate of Science degree in Nursing.

Upon graduation from the two-year program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

After the first semester, students are eligible to register as Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA) or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Students are eligible to sit for the national exam after their first year of study to qualify as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Students are placed in various clinical sites throughout the two-year program and spend approximately 1400 hours in a clinical setting under the supervision of a nursing faculty member.

The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The program meets the state license requirements for a registered nurse. Selection for the program is very competitive.

The estimated cost for 30 credit hours and associated fees per year are:

  • In-county – $4,912
  • Out-of-county – $8,902
  • Out-of-state – $11,242

2. Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore City Community College Logo

Baltimore City Community College offers a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved Associate Degree program in nursing.

This is a 70-hour credit program.

Students are eligible to sit for the examination (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses upon completing the two-year program.

The program is comprised of general education and nursing subjects.

This nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Class sizes are small to ensure a higher quality experience for students.

Many students that enroll in this course go on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

All nursing programs at this facility are based on the health/illness continuum, which emphasizes the patient, the family, and the community.

Tuition for those that do not qualify for free tuition is $110 per credit hour for in-state students and $280 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

3. Choppin State University

Choppin State University Logo

Choppin State University offers a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved Bachelor’s degree program in Nursing.

This four-year program prepares students for a career as a Registered Nurse.

The program comprises academic and professional education.

The program is designed under the principles of nursing science.

Theoretical foundations of basic and applied sciences, liberal arts, and humanities are interlinked to create a holistic approach to teaching this course.

To qualify for this course, students must have a 3.0 GPA, and the application process incorporates various steps and documentation.

The course is a total of 120 credit hours, and students are expected to complete a series of general education, prerequisites, and major courses to graduate.

Full-time, in-state undergraduate students will pay $8,932 per 12 credit hours, while out-of-state students will pay $15,558.

Tuition is approximately $205 for part-time undergraduates and $358 for full-time graduate students per credit hour.

4. Chesapeake College

Chesapeake College Logo

Chesapeake College offers an Associate Degree program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

This program allows students to obtain basic knowledge and skills for an entry-level position.

Upon completing the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Students are required to maintain a 75% average on all tests and exams to complete the course.

The program combines bio-psychosocial sciences with humanities and integrates this knowledge with nursing theory and research to prepare students for their role as Registered Nurses.

Tuition per credit hour is:

  • In-county – $128 per credit hour
  • Out-of-county – $224 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state – $314 per credit hour

5. Hartford Community College

Hartford Community College Logo

This school offers an Associate Degree program.

The Maryland Board approved the nursing program.

Graduation prepares students to sit for the licensure examination for registered nurses NCLEX-RN).

This is a 70-hour credit program. Students are prepared for an entry-level position.

The program is offered during the day over four semesters.

Tuition is $135.00 per credit hour for residents of Hartford County, $230.00 per credit hour for Maryland residents, and $325.00 per credit hour for out-of-state and country students.

Registered Nurse Schools in Maryland – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Maryland

School NameAddress
Allegany College of Maryland12401 Willowbrook Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502
Baltimore City Community College2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Choppin State University2500 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216
Chesapeake CollegeChesapeake College, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679
Hartford Community College401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

Salary

Registered nurses working in the capital city of Maryland, Annapolis, are compensated based on their qualifications and years of experience.

The salary range for an RN, depending on the exact position in this city, is $62,931 to $112,872.

The salary will also depend on the facility that the RN is working in.

Annual Salary Range:
$61K
$68K
$78K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Maryland

City NameSalary
Baltimore$68,270
Frederick$71,330
Gaithersburg$73,730
Bowie$73,770
Rockville$73,840
Hagerstown$67,320
Annapolis$70,370
College Park$73,930
Salisbury$70,790
Cumberland$60,940
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Maryland

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD29,390$92,810$44.62$119,150$66,670
California-Lexington Park, MD490$88,110$42.36$111,060$68,640
Cumberland, MD-WV970$77,980$37.49$97,740$63,040
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV2,110$86,720$41.69$103,520$64,550
Salisbury, MD-DE4,030$88,130$42.37$102,830$67,710
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to be licensed in Maryland to work as a registered nurse?

Yes.

The Maryland State Board of Nursing issues licenses to practical and registered nurses.

In addition, Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (Compact) state.

This means that registered nurses with a multi-state license may practice nursing in 25 NLC participating states without needing to obtain another license for that particular state.

Is nursing a promising career?

Yes, if you enjoy helping others and require a high level of job satisfaction, with variety and good compensation, this is a great field to work in.

How do I contact the Maryland Board of Nursing?

Visit their website or call them at (410) 585-1900.

What type of educational courses are available in Maryland to become an RN?

Three options are available: a Practical Nursing program, a two-year Associate Degree Program, and a four-year Baccalaureate Degree program.

How long is a Maryland RN license valid?

The RN license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed 90 days before the expiry date or 30 days after.

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