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.
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
ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLAND
12401 Willowbrook Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
Arnold, Maryland 21012
(410) 777-1310 Baltimore City Community College
2901 Liberty Heights Avenue
Carroll Community College
Cecil Community College
One Seahawk Drive
North East, Maryland 21901
College of Southern Maryland
P.O. Box 910, Mitchell Road
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Chesapeake College/MGW Nursing Program
Wye Mills, MD 21679
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY- Catonsville:
800 S. Rolling Road
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTYEssex:
Office of Selective Admissions
CCBC, Essex Campus
7201 Rossville Boulevard
Frederick Community College
7932 Opossumtown Pike
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown, Maryland 21742
(301) 790-2800, ext. 276
Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Howard Community College
Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, Maryland 21044
Montgomery College
7600 Takoma Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road
Largo, Maryland 20772
Wor-Wic Community College
Nursing Department
32000 Campus Drive
Salisbury, Maryland 21804
BSN Programs Approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing
Dept. Of Nursing
Bowie, Maryland 20715
Columbia Union College
7600 Flower Avenue
2500 W. North Avenue
Baltimore , Maryland 21216
1101 Camden Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21252-0001
University of Maryland at Baltimore
621 West Lombard Street, Room 334
Villa Julie College
Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, Maryland 21153
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