
If you are a registered nurse (RN) seeking a higher salary, more professional autonomy, and to help patients by diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatments, you can earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) through an RN-to-MSN program. This guide to the top RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland explains how this step can advance your goals.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Maryland RN-to-MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs
- Bowie State University
- Notre Dame University of Maryland
- Coppin State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Morgan State University
- Salisbury University
- Stevenson University
Featured Online RN-to-MSN in Nursing Programs
How Do Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs Work?
An RN-to-MSN program takes advantage of what you learned during your associate degree in nursing (ADN) program and RN work experience. You can finish a bridge program in about three years, rather than the typical four years it would take to earn both a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an MSN separately.
Most MSN programs focus on a particular population or type of nursing, such as pediatric acute care, nurse midwifery, or family practice. These programs lead to licensing as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are also MSN programs in nurse leadership or nurse education. Students must choose a specialty before applying to an RN-to-MSN program in Maryland.
Applying to a Maryland RN-to-MSN Program
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your application materials. Have someone you trust look over your essay and application to make sure it reflects your strengths and qualifications. Be sure to alert your references ahead of time and let them know if there is anything you would like them to emphasize.
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Admission Materials
Completed application with a personal statement or essay, transcripts, and at least two references -
GPA Requirement
Most programs recommend at least a 3.0 GPA. However, experience, professional recognition, continuing education, and other factors may outweigh a borderline GPA, so talk to an admissions staff member if your GPA does not reflect your strengths. -
Other Requirement
Most programs require or strongly prefer at least one year of experience as an RN.
Why Is Maryland RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is an extensive review process by an independent, external group of experts. These accreditation boards determine whether a program's graduates are competent to practice nursing safely. In addition, almost all board certifications require a degree from an accredited program. Accreditation is the single most important measurement of a program's quality and its value to its graduates.
Some unaccredited programs claim that you can transfer credits to an accredited program, but almost no accredited programs accept unaccredited transfers. Because accreditation is so essential, this guide and this website only list accredited Maryland RN-to-MSN programs.
Learn More About the Best Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
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Bowie State UniversityLocation
Bowie, MD
At Bowie State University MSN graduates are true experts in their field and will have advanced and specialized knowledge in terms of how to care for entire populations and individual patients. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, and graduates often end up working in research, health policy development and management. Additionally, they work particularly with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.
• Campus: Bowie, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $426.66 per credit hour for in state students, $732.66 for out of state students
• Minimum time commitment: Less than five years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, one year experience, GPA of 2.75 minimum, RN license, three letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, CPR certification
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Notre Dame University of MarylandLocation
Baltimore, MD
At Notre Dame University of Maryland, students can take part in accelerated MSN degree programs. Their focus is on nursing administration and nursing education. These programs involve weekly meetings with other students, and the rest is done through distance learning and individual study.
• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $620 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 38 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, RN license, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, GPA of 3.0 minimum
• Programs: MSN Leadership in Nursing Administration and in Nursing Education
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Coppin State UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
At Coppin State University, the MSN degree program follows seamlessly from the BSN program. Students are given the advanced practice skills they require in order to become direct care professionals, with a specific clinical specializations. The curriculum includes advanced theory and students will learn how to perform research and take responsibility for the assessment, promotion, management and diagnosis of health issues affecting the populations they serve. The focus is specifically on the health needs and trends seen in the urban communities of Baltimore City.
• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $292 per credit hour for residents and $536 for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 48 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, elementary statistics, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, RN license, three professional recommendations, personal interview
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing prepares its MSN program students to become managers, leaders and advanced practice nurses in a health care delivery setting that places the patient centrally. The program allows for a broader perspective to be developed and students will need to take innovate approaches to interdisciplinary health care issues.
• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,451 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 36 to 37 credits
• Online availability: Yes for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Systems Management
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management, Public Health Nursing, Dual Degree (MSN/MPH)
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Morgan State UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
At Morgan State University, MSN students are expected to continue the studies they started when working towards their bachelor’s degree. This includes things such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, contexts of health care, advanced pharmacology, health care policy and law, epidemiology, leadership and management, health care information management, evidence-based practice and nursing research. Graduates will also work in community health settings, allowing them to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $447 per credit for residents and $802 for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 45 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, two years work experience, GPA of 3.0 minimum, statistics course
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Salisbury UniversityLocation
Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University expects a lot from their MSN students. The program is highly scientific and creates graduates with advanced knowledge and skills, ready to take on positions of leadership and management or go on to become nurse educators. The full-time faculty members are highly distinguished and all of them lead by example. The course itself is delivered in flexible formats, including distance learning, face-to-face meetings and evening classes. The relationships between students and faculty members are really strong, also thanks to the interactive learning environment that is provided. Every student will develop an individual progression plan that looks at their learning experiences that fit in with their own goals and personal interests.
• Campus: Salisbury, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents and $647 per credit hour for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 2 years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, transcripts, CPR certificate, resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Stevenson UniversityLocation
Stevenson, MD
Stevenson University offers online, accelerated MSN degree programs. These have been designed specifically for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The university recognizes that there is a high demand for properly qualified nurses on state and national levels. The programs are delivered in blocks of eight weeks for the convenience of the students. The curriculum includes analytical and theoretical knowledge that is required to make a true contribution to the profession of nursing. Students have to take part in a practicum that is delivered by nurses who are already experienced in the specialty that students are interested in.
• Campus: Stevenson, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $610 per credit hour
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on program. All courses are delivered in blocks of eight weeks.
• Online availability: Yes
• Degree requirements: BSN, transcripts, writing samples, letters of recommendation, resume, GRE
• Programs: MSN Nurse Education, MSN Leadership & Management, MSN Population Based Care Coordination
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs
How long will it take to go from RN to MSN in Maryland?
Most RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland take approximately 2-3 years to complete, depending on the pace, whether you need to take any prerequisite courses, and whether you attend as a full- or part-time student.
What can Maryland nurses do with an MSN?
Most nurses who earn an MSN become APRNs, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Others earn their MSN in nursing education or nursing leadership to teach or lead nursing departments. Some go on to earn a doctorate, the highest nursing degree.
Is earning an RN-to-MSN worth it in Maryland?
Whether a program is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Some possible outcomes for attending an RN-to-MSN program in Maryland might include earning a higher salary as an APRN or having more professional autonomy and impact.
Do RNs with an MSN make more money in Maryland?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average RN salary in Maryland is $82,660. The average nurse practitioner salary is $115,700, and the average nurse midwife salary is $113,860. While this data does not include all MSN graduates, it still shows much higher earnings for those with an MSN degree.
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