Maryland LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

If you have a penchant for helping those who need medical attention and would like a career that is both challenging and rewarding, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may be an excellent choice.

“Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 54,400 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2024 the average LPN salary in Maryland is $61,162 per year. This trend makes licensed practical nursing one of the hottest careers for the next decade and beyond.

Licensed Practical Nurses are those special people who are in the trenches of the medical field. Their main job is to care for sick, disabled, and injured people under the direction of the supervising physician and/or registered nurse (RN). They may work in a generalized environment such as a hospital, or work in a nursing home, private doctor office or home healthcare setting.

The big difference between the LPN and the RN is the years of schooling and the degree (in some cases). While the RN is required to complete at least two to four years of training, typically receiving an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, LPN training is usually one year of study and results in a diploma or certificate.

What Does an LPN Do?

The LPN provides direct care for patients and they have many duties that make up their job profile. It is the LPNs responsibility to record patient vitals such as height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. They also assist in bedside care which may include:

• Monitoring catheters
• Dressing wounds
• Alcohol rubs and massages
• Assistance with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene
• Feeding incapacitated patients

Other duties performed by an LPN are collecting samples for testing, performing routine lab tests, and even cleaning and monitoring healthcare equipment. It is from the information obtained by the LPNs that RNs and doctors base many of their decisions regarding treatment options for patients.

For LPNs who work in private doctors’ offices, typical duties may include scheduling appointments, working closely with insurance companies, managing patient records, and executing clerical duties.

Required Training

LPN training takes about one year and must be complete through a state-approved training program from a qualified educational institution. Training is usually offered by technical or vocational schools as well as community colleges. Some four-year colleges and universities offer practical nursing programs, and a few hospitals feature on-site LPN training programs. After satisfying the education requirement, all LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to practice as an LPN in the state of Maryland.

LPN training consists of two parts: classroom and supervised patient care. The curriculum taught in the classroom portion includes:

• Basic Nursing Concepts
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Surgery Nursing
• Pediatric and Obstetric Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Nutrition and First-Aid

Supervised patient care takes place in hospitals or medical care centers and includes a variety of hands-on training. This segment of the program teaches students how to use medical equipment and exposes them to the realities of being a nurse and dealing with actual patients.

List of LPN Programs in Maryland (MD)

Maryland LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Maryland schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Maryland state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Maryland

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Maryland

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Maryland as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.