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
- In-State$9,446
- Out-of-state$38,822
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled7,244
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Coppin State University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,741
- Out-of-state$11,266
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled2,101
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- In-State$7,556
- Out-of-state$18,032
- 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.
