Maryland has many accredited colleges that offer online nursing programs at every degree level, from an associate in nursing to a master's in nursing. We've selected several options to consider and have provided NCLEX pass rates so you can determine the best fit. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees in Maryland are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in Maryland.
- The school offers an online bachelor's program in nursing or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available for the baccalaureate degree level from the previous year. 2023 pass rates are sourced from Maryland's government reports.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Many of the best online nursing programs still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Maryland
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Towson University | 90.23% | 1,430 |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University | 84.14% | 915 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 81.11% | 50,144 |
| Stevenson University | 70.75% | 777 |
Becoming a Nurse in Maryland
There are many ways to become a nurse in Maryland. The pathway simply differs based on the type of nurse you're interested in being.
Each level of nursing has progressively more complex requirements as we move from certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). But they all require some type of nursing education and a demonstration of knowledge and skill by passing a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The is responsible for regulating the profession in the Freedom State. Maryland is a member of the , which makes it easier to earn a license by endorsement in Maryland if you have an equivalent license in another compact state. But Maryland still faces the same that many parts of the country struggle with. This staffing problem predates COVID-19 but worsened during the pandemic as more people left the profession than were replaced.
Keep reading to learn Maryland's application requirements for each type of nurse. Then visit the Board of Nursing page to find all necessary application forms.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in Maryland
CNAs work under the supervision of an RN or LPN provides hands-on aid to patients. This assistance includes bathing, dressing wounds, repositioning, and feeding.
All CNAs must be certified in order to work. Prior to certification, individuals must complete a board-approved . These programs emphasize both academics and hands-on skills training.
After completing a training program, individuals have to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program () examination. They must also submit to a criminal background check and pay an application fee.
A Maryland CNA certification is valid for a two-year period. Certificate holders will be able to renew online 60 days before and 30 days after the expiration date of their certification.
How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in Maryland
An LPN provides direct medical care to patients and gathers information to help physicians diagnose, monitor, and treat conditions. Duties may include taking vital signs, inserting catheters, helping with tests and procedures, and providing personal care such as bathing.
All applicants for a Maryland LPN license must take the NCLEX-PN exam. This test evaluates an individual's knowledge in health promotion and maintenance, creating safe care environments, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. requires graduation from a practical nursing education program approved by the board.
Applicants for licensure by exam will take the NCLEX-PN in Maryland, but candidates for licensure by endorsement must prove that they passed the exam and earned their certification in another state. All applicants need to give their Social Security or Federal Tax Identification Number in order to process their applications.
LPN licenses must be renewed every two years. Licensees will be able to renew 90 days before and 30 days after the expiration date of their license.
How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Maryland
In a clinical setting, RNs are tasked with many responsibilities, including caring for their patients' physical and emotional well-being. RNs administer medications, monitor patients, assist during medical procedures and may even manage other nurses.
Earning a Maryland nursing license starts with graduating from an accredited school of nursing with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Candidates then need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and
To be eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination, the following requirements must be met:
-
A state board-approved degree or diploma from a registered nursing education program
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A degree or diploma from a registered nursing education program in any other state that the board finds substantially equivalent to the programs in the state of Maryland
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An official final sealed transcript from out-of-state students
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Maryland Board of Nursing licensure by exam application (apply online)
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Criminal history record check prior to applying
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Declaration of primary state of residence
A Social Security or Federal Tax Identification Number is mandatory in order to process an application. Candidates for licensure by endorsement must submit proof of an active RN license in their home state.
Maryland RN licenses need to be renewed every two years. Online license renewal is available on the board's website. Licensees will be able to renew 90 days before and 30 days after the expiration date of their license, which is the 28th day of the licensee's birth month.
We have resources about how to become a pediatric nurse, a neonatal nurse, or a travel nurse for RNs who are curious about these specialties.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License in Maryland
As the title implies, an APRN is a nurse with an advanced degree, usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). They work closely with physicians to devise and implement effective treatment plans for patients. Depending on their specialty, an APRN's duties may include ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medication, providing patient education, and managing preventive care.
Individuals may choose to be certified in one or more nursing specialties. The state of Maryland recognizes the following :
Nurse Practitioner (NP or CRNP)
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Nurse Psychotherapist
APRN license applicants in Maryland must submit official graduate school transcripts to the Maryland Board of Nursing, along with verification of their RN license. They must also prove that they hold a nursing certification in the medical specialty they have selected. Certification is granted by independent national agencies that set their own education, experience, and testing requirements. The final step is submitting fingerprints for a criminal background check.
APRN licenses expire at the same time as RN licenses. Individuals must renew their license biennially. They must also provide the board with a copy of their current national nursing certification.
OnlineU offers several pages for APRN hopefuls, including How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
For so many years I鈥檝e been wanting to go to nursing school. I never ever had the confidence in myself until I talked to Judith at Chamberlain :) She made my process so smooth and easy. Before I knew it I was signing up and enrolled. Now I鈥檓 in my second semester with straight A鈥檚.
Review Date: 12/3/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school and the instructors are an incredible opportunity to advance your career I am a better nurse after this program, I gained a wealth of knowledge. The only downside is the exam at the end, but it is a small part to a beautiful journey I am encouraged for many doors that are now opened
Review Date: 10/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
American Sentinel was a good fit for me, all my professors where accesssble and called me back when I needed to get clarifications. Most all my professors held PhDs or EdDs . Many tutorials were available and live conferences with the Deans at select times. They dont just take you regardless of credits as I needed 2 humanities courses extra to graduate. They are Nationally accredited and will have their Initial Regional accreditation as of 9/19 as it is a 4 year process . They also value Veterans... Read More
Review Date: 12/31/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Indiana Wesleyan University Bachelors program was a good program. It was easy to follow and I still had time to work full time and have a life. I learned many useful tools in nursing leadership and management that I can apply in my job now. I am currently enrolled in the Masters program and look forward to what I will learn in it!
Review Date: 10/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great way to earn your degree, while still working full time! My Professors were very helpful and gave insight every step of the way! I have recommended their program to two coworkers who are now taking classes towards their BSN. I wanted to have new doors open for me when I graduated, and they have! Grateful for the experience!
Review Date: 11/4/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was a distance learning student, RN-BSN at Winston-Salem State University. Going into the program, I had heard from various people that you do not learn much from a RN-BSN program, as it is mostly writing papers. I feel like I gained a vast amount of new knowledge that I can carry into my future career, particularly in the business class. The instructors were always helpful and replied in a timely manner. As an individual who had to pay out of pocket for my education, with minimal financial assistance,... Read More
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Chamberlain College of Nursing has a great online program for RN-BSN. I loved that they offered 8 week classes. The instructors were helpful and followed the guidelines set up for the classes. I was able to advance as a nurse after earning my RN-BSN. I will be attending Chamberlain College of Nursing for my MSN-FNP this Fall.
Review Date: 8/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It's not a horrible school. I participated in the accelerated BSN program offered. The program is a few years old, but the staff behaves like it is brand new. There are a lot of inconsistencies, and the higher level staff there do not appear to care much about the students. There are some wonderful and very helpful professors and clinical instructors, but there are some that are a miss. We graduated during a pandemic, and some of the students were award recipients, and I know they have not received... Read More
Review Date: 5/11/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Ok, now for a more objective review, not an emotional rant. Judge Chamberlain on the basis of the individual campus. I live in a city where there are 3 campuses and all 3 are not the same. The graduation rate, NCLEX pass rate, professor satisfaction is not the same with each. The campus I attend is great and many who attend the other 2 eventually transfer to the one I attend. To give a little background on myself, I already have a 2 degrees in another field and 2 diplomas. I have been to 2 major... Read More
Review Date: 12/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Absolutely the most unbelievably horrible admission's experience ever. Computer registration process is also bad. Undergraduate professors are all different quality and some could care less. The FAU administration should be replaced. Almost no merit aid so most middle class family pay full cost! You can get a better education at a lower price at almost any other college..
Review Date: 6/16/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Delaware is a great medium-large sized school that boasts many desirable aspects of college. In addition to a fantastic education, the campus offers plenty of activities including sports, clubs, and Greek life if desired. Campus has a large downtown and is also convenient to travel to cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) accepted me into their nursing program rather quickly, due to the competitiveness of the other local colleges. Overall, the campus is very beautiful, has a wonderful atmosphere, and has a highly recommended nursing program in the state of Idaho. The downfalls of the program is mandatory chapel 3 times a week, which can be reduced depending on need and if you did not live on campus. Otherwise, I'd recommend this program if you don't want to wait to get into Boise... Read More
Review Date: 12/16/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UF is an amazing school to go to with so much to do and state of the art facilities, classrooms, and labs. Professors are wonderful and the campus is so beautiful.
Review Date: 6/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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