Becoming an RN in Maryland

These are exciting times for prospective nurses. Technology is changing the face of nursing in Maryland. It’s improving patient care, and it’s also increasing access to education. Nursing education hasn’t become easier. If anything, it’s more rigorous, as the health care system itself is becoming more complex. However, you are now able to complete some of your coursework at your home or workplace. Even traditional schools are incorporating computer-assisted learning.

Interested in becoming an RN in Maryland? The Board of Nursing lists 15 in-state associate’s level programs and eight BSN programs. Associate’s programs include anatomy and physiology, mathematics, composition, microbiology, and social sciences as well as professional nursing courses. Those who enroll in BSN programs typically take two years of general studies. The course of study includes life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences as well as humanities. The last two years of a BSN program include substantial clinical experience. They also prepare students to pass the NCLEX exam, which is a requirement for licensing.

You can find first time pass rates for all Maryland schools on the site of the Board of Nursing. It’s one of many things that you may take into account when selecting a program. Scheduling is of course another. Some Maryland schools offer flexible options, including evening and weekend courses.

Nursing students educated outside of Maryland may also apply for licensure. Those who did their initial preparation in either Puerto Rico or a foreign nation will also need to demonstrate oral English proficiency through the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or ILA OPI.

RN Career Bridge Pathways

LPNs have a shorter path to licensure. All public Maryland institutions, and some private ones, participate in an articulation agreement. This generally allows a nurse to complete her associate’s and earn RN licensure in about a year’s time. LPNs may enroll in in-state ADN completion courses. There are also LPN to BSN options available from distance learning programs located outside the state’s borders. Students must of course also do clinical hours in a health care setting.

A second degree bachelor’s is another fast track option. These programs assume that a person already has a strong background in general studies and that they are ready for an intensive, fast-paced course of study. Indeed such programs are often referred to as accelerated BSN programs.

Returned Peace Corps volunteers won’t necessarily have shorter programs than other second career students, but they may find financial assistance and unique educational experiences through the fellowship program at John Hopkins University.

Registered Nursing Career Outlook in Maryland

Times have been tough economically for many of Maryland’s residents, but nurses still enjoy an excellent long term career outlook. The government predicted, in 2008, that Maryland would see 22% growth in the occupation over the next decade. In 2010, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing published a report describing how BSN and MSN nursing graduates had fared job-wise during the previous two years. 68% of Maryland’s graduates had job offers at graduation; fully 96% did four to six months out of school.

The Application Process

Some programs, like John Hopkins, receive applications from around the country. The process can be highly selective. Professionalism and leadership are valued as is academic aptitude.

Due to limited number of seats, and the need to admit candidates who can complete the program and meet licensing requirements, even community college programs in Maryland are selective in their admissions. At the lower levels, the process may not be as involved. It’s less likely that you’ll be interviewing, for example. Do expect academic skills to be a big part of the picture. In some cases, you will have a choice about what criteria will be used by the selection committee. At Wor-Wic Community College, for example, you can mark on your application whether you want to be considered on the basis of your GPA or your ACT scores.

ADN Programs Approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing

BSN Programs Approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing