The Best Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
Credit: Greg Pease / Stone / Getty ImagesAre you interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Maryland and wondering which programs are the best? In this article, we’ll highlight the top NP programs in the state to help you take the next step in your nursing career. Whether you’re looking to attend online or in-person, full time or part time — we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the right program for you.
The Best Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
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
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2023.
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
The Maryland Board of Nursing requires registered nurses (RNs) to complete a board-approved program at the master’s or doctoral level to work as an NP. These programs must be nationally accredited. Only RNs with formal education are admitted.
The board requires NP programs to include advanced practice coursework, NP core coursework, and specialization coursework. Specific course requirements include physiology/pathophysiology, physical/health assessment, and pharmacology.
NP master’s programs in Maryland typically take 2-3 years to complete, with about credits and 500 clinical hours. Doctorate programs take around four years to complete, requiring about 40 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Maryland
Before applying to an NP program in Maryland, ensure you have the prerequisites needed to meet the school’s acceptance requirements. While specifics can vary by program (i.e. graduate vs. postgraduate), these are the general requirements.
- Admission Materials: Transcripts from previous academic programs; a resume or CV; personal statement; letters of recommendation; copy of valid and unencumbered RN license
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher
- Other Requirement: A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN); 1-2 years of nursing experience; personal interview
Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?
During accreditation, a team of objective professionals rigorously evaluates a program for its quality. They assess factors like faculty qualifications, teaching methods, and lab resources to ensure graduates are prepared to practice nursing competently and safely.
- States require NPs to graduate from accredited programs.
- Boards do not allow graduates of unaccredited programs to apply for certification.
- Accredited schools are unlikely to accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs.
- Graduates from unaccredited programs may struggle to find employment
- Federal financial aid usually requires students to attend accredited schools.
All of the programs featured in our top ranking are fully accredited, ensuring they meet the national and professional standards for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland
Becoming an NP in Maryland will require at least two years of study for RNs with their BSN. If you have no prior nursing education experience, it can take 6-8 years to become an NP by completing your BSN and then your MSN or DNP.
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