The Top RN-to-MSN Programs in Maryland
Are you a registered nurse (RN) seeking a higher salary, more professional autonomy, and a desire to help patients by diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatments? In that case, 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 degree 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.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD- 4 year
- Campus
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
- In-State$5,875
- Out-of-state$16,666
- In-State$10,598
- Out-of-state$15,611
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled6,308
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$38,295
- Out-of-state$38,295
- In-State$13,321
- Out-of-state$13,321
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled2,184
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Coppin State University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$4,741
- Out-of-state$11,266
- In-State$6,318
- Out-of-state$11,628
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled2,101
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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)
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled31,275
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Morgan State University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$5,477
- Out-of-state$15,949
- In-State$8,190
- Out-of-state$16,092
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled8,469
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$7,556
- Out-of-state$18,032
- In-State$7,842
- Out-of-state$12,690
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled7,123
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Stevenson University
- Stevenson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$35,504
- Out-of-state$35,504
- In-State$8,340
- Out-of-state$8,340
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,873
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
RN-to-MSN Courses and Curriculum
RN-to-MSN programs allow nurses without a BSN to complete both a BSN and an MSN degree in one program. Many of these bridge programs are fast-paced, covering the material more quickly than a traditional BSN program. As an RN, you’ve learned about many of the BSN topics on the job from a practical perspective, so you must have RN experience to apply.
The curriculum covers advanced BSN topics during the first portion of the program. As with a traditional undergraduate nursing program, you will also complete clinical experience.
Because an MSN prepares nurses to order tests, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments, the curriculum covers these topics in depth for the remainder of the program. The curriculum includes health assessment, advanced physiology, and pharmacology, plus advanced topics in quality improvement, policy and population health, advanced nursing theory and practice, and nursing research.
- Advanced health assessment: Students learn how to diagnose health conditions, identify symptoms, order diagnostic tests, and perform differential diagnoses.
- Community and population health: This course covers the theory of population health and how to promote health throughout an entire community. It includes epidemiology and health education in the community context.
- Nursing leadership: This topic reviews different theories of leadership and how they apply them in a nursing setting. Most classes on nursing leadership rely heavily on reviewing case studies of effective or ineffective nursing leadership.
- Health informatics: Health informatics includes understanding and applying information and data to support evidence-based care. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and present data to drive quality improvement.
- Advanced pharmacology: This course covers how medications work in the human body and the ethical and legal aspects of prescribing medications. Students learn how to safely prescribe medications.
- Population-specific topics: MSN programs offer courses on a specific population, such as family, pediatric, nurse midwifery, or adult-gerontology. Your program will include classes addressing your population’s needs.
Maryland Nursing Careers and Salaries
Once you have a master’s in nursing, Maryland requires passing the certification examination for most roles, such as becoming a nurse practitioner in your selected area of specialty, a clinical nurse specialist, or a nurse midwife.
Nurse educators are not required to have a board certification to practice. You must have a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) to become a nurse anesthetist in all states.
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn considerably more than RNs, approximately $30,000 more per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Maryland is a full practice authority state, so APRNs can practice independently and enjoy more professional autonomy. Maryland has an overall higher cost of living than the national average, so if you are comparing salary offers from different states, be sure to take that into consideration.
| Career | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $60 | $124,680 |
| Nurse Midwife | $60 | $122,450 |
| Registered Nurse | $43 | $89,010 |
Most MSN graduates become nurse practitioners, primarily family nurse practitioners. Between 2020 and 2030, Projections Central anticipates a 36% increase in nurse practitioner employment in Maryland. Nurse practitioners in Maryland earned a median annual salary of over $100,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $81,710 |
| 25% | $102,030 |
| 50% (Median) | $117,540 |
| 75% | $133,610 |
| 90% | $159,740 |
Applying to a Maryland RN-to-MSN Program
Applying to an RN-to-MSN program in Maryland requires an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an RN license, and at least some RN experience. The exact requirements vary by program, but most require at least one year.
Admission Materials
The admissions process typically requires an ADN transcript, an RN license, at least two references, a current resume, an application with an essay or personal statement, and possibly a background check. Many schools allow you to apply with an unofficial transcript, but if accepted, you must have an official transcript sent before you can attend.
GPA Requirement
Most MSN programs in Maryland require at least a 3.0 GPA, and some more selective schools require or strongly prefer a 3.2 GPA or higher. If your GPA is borderline, talk to the admissions staff, as you may have other factors in your background that could compensate, including professional recognition, professional development, or other factors that indicate your nursing potential.
Other Requirements
The admissions department looks for evidence that you can excel as an NP. Include as much concrete and measurable evidence as you can in your application and on your resume, such as committee roles, credentials, professional development, any recognition you received as a student or an RN, or relevant volunteer work.
Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
To get your state nursing license, you must graduate from a program that was accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . Either accreditation is valid for a master’s program and identifies nursing programs that meet industry standards in Maryland or other states.
Accreditation means that the accrediting organization has thoroughly reviewed the program and school to make sure that graduates are qualified to practice nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs
Most RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland take approximately 2-3 years to complete, depending on whether you need to take any prerequisite courses and if you attend as a full- or part-time student.
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