The Best Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Greg Pease / Stone / Getty ImagesHosting top-ranked medical schools, such as Johns Hopkins University, Maryland offers many of the best nurse practitioner (NP) programs. With NPs in the state receiving full-practice authority, Maryland is an attractive location to earn an advanced nursing degree.
Keep reading to learn more about becoming an NP in Maryland and explore some of the state’s best NP programs.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, 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.
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
The Maryland Board of Nursing requires RNs to complete a board-approved program at the master’s or doctoral level to work as an NP. These programs must have national accreditation by a nursing accrediting agency and only admit RNs with formal education.
The board also mandates that NP programs include advanced practice coursework, NP core coursework, and specialization coursework. Course requirements include physiology/pathophysiology, physical/health assessment, and pharmacology.
NP master’s programs in the state typically take 2-3 years to complete and require an average of 40 credits and 500 clinical hours. Doctorate programs take four years to complete and require approximately 40 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Maryland
Before applying to an NP program in Maryland, applicants must determine if they have the prerequisites needed to meet the school’s acceptance requirements. While specifics can vary by program, most look for applicants to fulfill certain general requirements.
Admission Materials
Transcripts from previous academic programs; a resume or CV; personal statement; letters of recommendationGPA Requirement
3.0 GPA or higherOther Requirement
Active and unencumbered RN license; a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or the willingness to enroll in an ADN-to-MSN (master of science in nursing) bridge program; previous clinical experience
Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important
During accreditation, a team of objective professionals rigorously evaluates a program for its quality. Factors include faculty qualifications, teaching methods, and available lab equipment. Accreditation determines if the program prepares its graduates to practice nursing safely.
- States require NPs to graduate from accredited programs.
- Boards do not allow graduates of unaccredited programs to apply for certification.
- Almost no accredited schools accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs.
- Most employers will not even consider hiring a graduate of an unaccredited program.
- Most federal financial aid requires students to attend accredited schools.
Learn More About the Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Maryland is an incredibly popular choice for those who want to advance their nursing career. Courses are of hands-on format and taught by experts in the field. Furthermore, the school is renowned for its researchers, who are always discovering new things. A number of different concentrations are available for those who want to become NP.
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: Varies, please inquire
- Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen pathway
- Online availability: Some with DNP
- Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen pathway
- Programs: DNP, MSN in various concentrations
- School Site: Tuition and Financial aid
- In-State$9,446
- Out-of-state$38,822
- In-State$15,140
- Out-of-state$32,979
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,244
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Coppin State University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Coppin State University is student-centered and has been known for its excellent and compassionate nurses since 1974. The school is known for its commitment to giving back to marginalized communities, academic distinction and ability to set new standards within the nursing profession. Indeed, 100% of their students find work in the field, often even before graduation.
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Tuition: $4,089 for two semesters for Maryland residents and $9,350 for non-Maryland residents
- Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen track
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen track
- Programs: DNP, FNP, Post Master’s certificate
- School Site: Tuition and Financial aid
- 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
At Johns Hopkins, students can take part in programs that are as diverse as the student population. They offer both classroom and online options to fit individual needs. They also have degrees for nurse practitioners in a range of different concentrations.
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $34,824 per year for master’s and $40,626 per year for DNP
- Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen track
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen track
- Programs: DNP, post master’s certificate, various master’s programs
- School Site: Tuition and Financial aid
- 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
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Salisbury University is doing all they can to meet the stringent demands placed on those who work in the field of healthcare. These efforts have led to the creation of their DNP with FNP specialization. The program fosters excellence across the board.
- Campus: Salisbury, MD
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents and $647 for non-residents
- Minimum time commitment: 68 credits
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, residency documentation, personal statement, writing sample, essay, resume, RN license
- Programs: DNP with FNP
- School Site: Tuition and Financial aid
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
To become an NP in Maryland, you first need to become a licensed RN by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN. You then enroll in a graduate NP program (master’s or higher), which focuses on a specific population. After completing the graduate program, you will take a national certification exam in your chosen specialty to become licensed to practice in the state.
