There are many ways to advance your career as an entry-level registered nurse, but one of the more common ways is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This can help you secure higher-paying roles and a more respected educational portfolio. If you have spent some time in the nursing field and have an associate degree, you will likely qualify for an RN to BSN program — a fast-tracked bridge program that will allow you to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in only two years or less, saving you both time and money.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

While all RN to BSN programs are by definition faster versions of a traditional BSN program, some RN to BSN programs are still faster than others. Many RN to BSN programs last about two years, but in Maryland, you could conceivably graduate with a BSN in a year or even less. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs that Maryland has to offer:

School	Degree Name	Length
Montgomery College	Online ADN to BSN	1 year
Frostburg State University	RN to BSN	15 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, though you will likely be hard-pressed to find one available in Maryland. Six-month RN to BSN programs are hard to come by, and when they are available, they require a substantial amount of transferable credits along with several years of nursing experience.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

RN to BSN programs are especially known for their affordability. Because you’ll only be required to commit to 1-2 years of full-time study, you can expect to pay around half price for your tuition. Keep in mind that you will still be required to pay full-price in fees, room and board, and other hidden costs, but ultimately, you’ll be paying much less. Here are a few of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state:

School

Degree Name

Tuition Cost

University of Maryland Global

Online RN to BSN

$318 per credit (Resident)

$499 per credit (Non-resident)

Coppin State University

Online RN to BSN

$ 2,418 per semester (Resident)

$ 5,746 per semester (Non-resident)

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Entrance requirements for most accredited RN to BSN programs are straightforward. As long as you meet or exceed these requirements, you have a good shot of being accepted. Some programs are competitive, so be sure you review your school's requirements carefully to make sure you don't miss anything. Below are some common admissions requirements for schools in Maryland:

Must submit official transcripts from all schools attended
Copy of State of Maryland or compact state licensure
Completion of prerequisite courses
Must provide two academic letters of recommendation
Overall GPA of 3.0

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Most RN to BSN programs require students to complete lower-division, pre-professional coursework before starting their upper-division core nursing courses. Nursing courses offered as part of the RN to BSN program at Baltimore's University of Maryland School of Nursing include:

NURS 450: RN-to-BSN Transition: Implications for Practice, Policy, and the Profession
NURS 454: Pathophysiologic Implications to Patient Assessment
NURS 460: Health Informatics for the Registered Nurse
NURS 462: Nursing Leadership and Management for the Registered Nurse

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