Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Maryland

Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024

11 Min Read

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Unfortunately for many working nurses, going back to school simply isn’t an option. If you’re working 40 hours a week or more on a modest salary, you’re likely to think that you don’t have the time or money to become a nurse practitioner. Don’t give up just yet — there are actually plenty of opportunities to find low-cost and quick nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, especially if you’ve already got a nursing degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even an ADN or ASN.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

To become a nurse practitioner in Maryland, you’ll need either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In most cases, the fastest option is the former. MSNs usually take between 3 and 6 years to complete depending on if you have a nursing degree already, such as a BSN or even an associate degree. That being said, you may find some Maryland-based MSNs that can be completed even faster. For example, Salisbury University offers an MSN program that can be completed in as little as 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Generally speaking, Maryland is a fairly affordable place to live and go to school. Still, some nurse practitioner programs are cheaper than others. If you’re looking to save the most money, an MSN program is (again) most ideal. Remember, you may be able to unlock more savings if you’ve established residency in Maryland, and if your prospective school has minimal fees. One great example of an affordable MSN program located in Maryland is Bowie State University which costs between $5,000 – $15,000 per year.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

As mentioned, nurse practitioners often undergo specialized training which allows them to narrow their focus of practice in an area that they’re passionate about. This specialized training usually begins during graduate school and is followed by the certification process (see more below). One great example of a specialized nurse practitioner program located in Maryland is the Community/Public Health Nursing specialization offered by the University of Maryland.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

For most people an MSN is the fastest and cheapest nurse practitioner educational program, however depending on your specific background, this may not be the case. Below are some alternative nurse practitioner educational routes that you may be eligible to apply to.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As we’ve gone over, if you’ve already got a BSN, traditional MSN programs are usually the fastest and most affordable options. These programs take about two years to complete and are the minimum educational requirement to become a nurse practitioner. Here are a few examples of traditional MSN programs in Maryland:

Towson University – Towson, MD
Salisbury University – Salisbury, MD

RN to NP Programs

Nurses who already have spent some time as an RN, have their nursing license, and have graduated from either an ADN or ASN program may be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner through an RN to NP program (also called an ADN/ASN to MSN program). This will allow you to complete your MSN program in a much shorter amount of time. Here are a few offered in Maryland:

University of Maryland – Baltimore, MD
Stevenson University – Owings Mills, MD

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

For some nurses, the speed at which they graduate isn’t necessarily a priority. If you’re willing to invest 4-6 years in your degree, a DNP degree is a great option for pursuing higher-paying and advanced nursing positions. Here are a few DNP programs located in Maryland:

University of Maryland – Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University – Baltimore, MD

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-master's nursing certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

University of Maryland – Baltimore, MD

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

While it may take you the better half of a decade to get your MSN degree with no bachelor’s degree at all, even if you have a bachelor’s degree with a non-nursing major, it will still allow you to graduate on a faster timeline. Accelerated MSN, direct-entry, and master’s entry MSN (MENP/MEPN) are all terms that generally refer to these types of programs. Here are a few located in Maryland:

University of Maryland – Baltimore, MD

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General Admissions Requirements

When you’re ready to start applying to nurse practitioner degree programs, the first step is making sure that you have the following admissions requirements:

BSN from an accredited school
Transcripts from all colleges attended
Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
Active, unencumbered RN license
Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
Resume or CV

Maryland NP License and Certification Requirements

If you’ve finished your NP education, the next step is to get licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner. To do this you must complete an official application process, which involves submitting various supporting documents, including proof of RN licensure and academic credentials. The application form must be submitted along with a fee, which is typically around $200. Detailed information regarding the application and its requirements is available through Maryland's Board of Nursing website.

Nurse practitioners in Maryland are also required to become certified in their area of specialty, which is often obtained through national certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Most certification programs require that candidates have completed a graduate-level NP program in their chosen field of specialization and that they hold an active RN license. Certification typically involves passing a rigorous examination to demonstrate expertise in that specialty.

Since 2024, Maryland nurse practitioners have full practice authority. This means they are empowered to perform all aspects of patient care independently, including diagnosing and treating conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care, without the need for physician supervision. Maryland's progressive stance on NP practice allows for greater flexibility in providing healthcare services across diverse settings. NPs can access additional resources and support through the Maryland Nurses Association (MNA), which provides ongoing professional development and advocacy for nurse practitioners in the state.