Maryland RN Programs

RN Nursing Education Programs in Maryland

A Registered Nurse is a person who has successfully graduated from a 2-year or 4-year university or completed a hospital-based diploma nursing program and passed a national licensing exam. The average RN salary in Maryland is $78,350 per year. These special individuals help people, families and different groups achieve and maintain maximum health, and prevent disease. On a daily basis, Registered Nurses (RNs) care for the sick and injured in hospitals, doctors offices, patient’s homes, schools and even public health facilities. Becoming a registered nurse takes great skill and patience.

In the state of Maryland, becoming an RN or a Registered Nurse is usually completed in one of two ways: an ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) or a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). The ADN is the fastest way to become a nurse, as it only takes two years after quite a few prerequisite courses. The longer route to obtaining a nursing degree and to become an RN is a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is chosen by about half of nursing students in the state.

Differences Between ADN and BSN Degree Nursing Programs

In Maryland, the course work during the first two years of an ADN program or BSN program is very similar. The primary difference between the two program types comes into play when the Bachelor-track extends beyond the initial two years of study to go further in-depth in scientific theory and research methods. The initial course work consists of lower level psychology, sociology, physiology, statistics and biology courses which a solid educational foundation. Most ADN programs prepare students to be general nurses, whereas BSN programs offer extended training to prepare the individual for management roles, research positions, becoming faculty members or specializing in a specific field within nursing.

Benefits After Completion of Education

Once students complete either an approved BSN or ADN program they must take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN). The test is given by the Pearson Vue and costs $200. The Maryland Board of Nursing must approve the nurse’s application which includes a criminal background check (fingerprints) and proof of completion of nursing training before taking the test. Once the student takes and passes the test and becomes a licensed RN in the state of Maryland, a full time RN can make an average of $69,000 per year. The original “nine to five” work schedule is very rare and nurses are usually required to work 12-hour shifts during 3-4 consecutive days.

Rewarding Results

Becoming an RN in the state of Maryland can be very challenging, yet can have very rewarding results. After all the rigorous education and studying, helping patients becomes the main priority of being a nurse. Most people choose to become nurses not only because of the great salary and benefits available, but because of the great experience of working with different kinds of people and helping them. Being a nurse can also lead to many other opportunities within the health care field and gives the individual great career options.

Associates Degree RN Programs in Maryland

Accredited Maryland RN Schools

See our complete list of qualified RN nursing education programs in the state of Maryland. The schools listed here offer pre-licensure nursing programs that meet the registered nursing education requirements set forth by the Maryland State Board of Nursing. The two most common types of RN programs are: two-year Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN). Although the schools listed on this page are accredited by the Maryland Board of Nursing and approved by the state of Maryland, they might not be accredited by national organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Individuals should check to see if the state-approved nursing school they are considering also enjoys national accreditation status if they are seeking a school with both accreditations.