Nursing Programs in Baltimore, MD

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Baltimore

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for student success, and rankings provide valuable insights to guide this decision. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Baltimore" rankings to help prospective nurses identify top programs. Our rankings are based solely on NCLEX pass rates, ensuring an objective evaluation of school performance. For more details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in Baltimore have shown improvement from 2022 to 2024.

2024: 93.39% average pass rate with 1,301 students
2023: 83.60% average pass rate with 1,226 students
2022: 80.22% average pass rate with 1,284 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Both ADN and BSN programs demonstrate strong performance in Baltimore nursing schools.

ADN programs: 95.92% average pass rate with 539 students
BSN programs: 90.99% average pass rate with 666 students
MSN programs: 95.84% average pass rate with 96 students

Top Performing Schools

These Baltimore nursing schools have maintained the highest average NCLEX pass rates.

Carroll Community College: 92.21% average pass rate with 154 students
Anne Arundel Community College: 92.14% average pass rate with 471 students
Towson University: 90.95% average pass rate with 497 students

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size correlates with NCLEX performance in Baltimore nursing education.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 83.56% average pass rate with 73 students
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 94.84% average pass rate with 155 students
Large programs (>100 students/year): 93.85% average pass rate with 1,073 students

Biggest Improvements

Several Baltimore nursing schools have shown significant NCLEX pass rate increases.

Stevenson University: 22.75% improvement (69.31% to 92.06%)
Washington Adventist University: 18.88% improvement (60.61% to 79.49%)
Harford Community College: 18.22% improvement (76.92% to 95.14%)

Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, MD - Public 2-Year - aacc.edu

Associate - Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Anne Arundel Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation for RN licensure through a 70-credit curriculum completed in three years full-time. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training in modern simulation labs, with ACEN accreditation and Maryland Board of Nursing approval. Notably, the 2024 NCLEX pass rate reached 98.81% among 168 graduates, demonstrating exceptional exam preparation. As an associate-level program, it doesn't require ACT/SAT entrance exams. The college maintains military-friendly policies and offers affordable in-county tuition rates, making nursing education accessible while achieving top rankings in Maryland for nursing excellence.

70-credit program
Full-time completion in 3 years
Hands-on clinical experience
State-of-the-art labs
ACEN accredited
Maryland Board of Nursing approved
Eligible for NCLEX-RN
Affordable in-county rates
Outstanding graduate pass rates

Carroll Community College

Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu

Associate - Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carroll Community College's Associate Degree in Registered Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through 70 credits of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in regional hospitals. This campus-based program features small clinical groups and expert instructors, with an advanced track available for LPNs, paramedics, and military medics. The program is seeking NLN CNEA accreditation. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance: 93.85% in 2024, 92.86% in 2023, and 89.36% in 2022. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

70 total credits.
Campus-based program.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Hands-on simulation labs.
Clinical rotations available.
Advanced track for LPNs.
Small clinical group sizes.
Expert instructors.
Seeks NLN CNEA accreditation.
Practical nursing certificate option.

Associate - Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. (LPN to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed specifically for current LPNs, Carroll Community College's LPN to RN concentration within its Associate Degree in Registered Nursing program offers a streamlined pathway to RN licensure. The 70-credit program combines classroom learning with hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. With competitive admission focusing on LPNs, NRPs, and Military Medics, the program features small clinical groups and state-of-the-art facilities. NCLEX pass rates demonstrate program effectiveness: 93.85% in 2024, 92.86% in 2023, and 89.36% in 2022. No ACT or SAT exams are required for this associate-level program.

70 total credits.
LPN to RN concentration.
Hands-on simulation labs.
Small clinical group sizes.
NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
Expert instructors.
State-of-the-art facilities.
Competitive admission.
Pathway to BSN.
Practical Nursing Certificate option.

Associate - Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. (Paramedic to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carroll Community College's Paramedic to RN concentration provides paramedics with a specialized pathway to transition into nursing through its Associate Degree in Registered Nursing program. The 70-credit curriculum includes classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations, all designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With competitive admission for the paramedic track, the program offers small clinical groups and expert instruction in state-of-the-art facilities. The college's NCLEX performance shows consistent success: 93.85% pass rate in 2024, 92.86% in 2023, and 89.36% in 2022. This associate-level program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

70 total credits
Campus-based program
Paramedic to RN concentration
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Small clinical groups
Expert instructors
State-of-the-art labs
Competitive admission
Hands-on training
Clinical rotations included

Associate - Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. (Military Medic to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tailored for military medics transitioning to civilian nursing careers, Carroll Community College's Military Medic to RN concentration within its Associate Degree in Registered Nursing program offers targeted preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. The 70-credit campus-based program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical rotations and state-of-the-art simulation labs. With competitive admission requiring specific military credentials, students benefit from small clinical groups and faculty with real-world experience. NCLEX pass rates reflect program quality: 93.85% in 2024, 92.86% in 2023, and 89.36% in 2022. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

70 total credits.
Campus-based program.
Military Medic to RN concentration.
Hands-on clinical rotations.
State-of-the-art simulation labs.
Small clinical group sizes.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Competitive admission process.
Expert faculty with real-world experience.
Designed for military medics.

Show 3 More Programs ˅

Towson University

Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University's campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires competitive admission screening and 120 units for graduation. This program emphasizes practical experience alongside developing communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. As a bachelor's-level program, entrance exams like the ACT or SAT may be required for admission. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program demonstrating strong outcomes: the 2024 BSN pass rate was 95.92% among 147 students, showing consistent improvement from 87.06% in 2022. The curriculum is designed for students without prior nursing degrees, providing a direct pathway to becoming a registered nurse.

Campus-based program
Minimum 120 units required
Competitive admission process
Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
High NCLEX-RN pass rates
Focus on communication skills
Leadership development included
Practical experience emphasized
For non-nursing degree holders
Prepares for registered nurse roles

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu

Bachelor's - Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's campus-based Entry-Level BSN program provides a comprehensive foundation for non-nurses, emphasizing intellectual excellence and social responsibility through small classes and faculty mentoring. Students gain hands-on clinical experience at top medical centers while completing general education and liberal arts requirements. The program requires meeting prerequisites including specific math and biology courses but does not mandate an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, improving from 79.52% in 2022 to 94.81% in 2024 among 135 graduates, demonstrating effective preparation for nursing licensure. Study abroad opportunities further enhance global health perspectives.

Campus-based program
Small class sizes
Faculty mentoring
Hands-on clinical experiences
Study abroad opportunities
Emphasis on community engagement
Social responsibility focus
Comprehensive nursing foundation
General education included
Liberal arts courses

Harford Community College

Bel Air, MD - Public 2-Year - harford.edu

Associate - Nursing (AS)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Harford Community College offers a campus-based Associate of Science in Nursing (AS) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.50, prerequisite courses with a C or better, and a TEAS entrance exam score of at least 58.7. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology, focusing on safe nursing practices and professional development. NCLEX pass rates have shown significant improvement, reaching 95.14% in 2024 from 144 students, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing graduates for licensure.

Campus-based program
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Minimum GPA 2.50 required
TEAS score 58.7 needed
Includes anatomy, physiology
Microbiology and psychology courses
Competitive admission
Focus on safe nursing practices
Hands-on learning emphasis
Professional development focus

*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2024 data files.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Baltimore, MD

For students just starting their careers in nursing, there are a number of entry-level nursing programs to consider. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is an ideal option for students who wish to begin working as soon as possible due to the fast completion time. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs provide a more in-depth introduction to nursing than their ADN counterparts and take around four years to complete.

ADN Programs

ADN programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and nursing fundamentals and generally can be completed in around two years. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing program at Baltimore City Community College is a two-year program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as registered nurses (RNs).

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs also prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and become RNs, but they provide additional coursework in topics such as leadership, communication, public health, mental health nursing, and nursing research that is not usually covered in an associate’s program. One example of a traditional BSN is the program offered at Coppin State University, which includes studies in nursing as well as humanities, behavioral and natural sciences.

Learn more about Maryland Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Baltimore, MD

Designed for registered nurses who want to earn a higher wage or increase their job opportunities, RN to BSN or RN to Master of Science (MSN) “bridge” programs provide a pathway to higher degrees for experienced nurses. Bridge programs allow nurses with a diploma or ADN to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in less time than traditional programs because they count previous coursework toward the new degree.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are ideal for nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree. Often these programs come with the flexibility of online or hybrid courses, such as the RN to BSN program at the University of Maryland, which is offered on a full-time or part-time basis with online and hybrid class options for maximum convenience for working students.

Learn more about Maryland RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Some schools also offer RN to MSN programs, which allow nurses to earn their master’s degree in a shorter timeframe than taking a traditional BSN program followed by a traditional MSN program. The RN to MSN program at the University of Maryland combines a BSN program with an MSN program with a specialization of the student’s choice of community/public health nursing, health services leadership and management and nursing informatics.

Learn more about Maryland RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We provide a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help nurses advance their careers. This table shows schools by city and state, with program highlights and links to each school's program page. You can easily compare options and find details that fit your goals. Explore the information below to take the next step in your nursing education.

Jump to City:

Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- For licensed RN professionals
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Flexible professional pathway

Notre Dame of Maryland University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Flexible online and campus options
- Accelerated 2.5-year completion
- 30 transferable nursing credits
- Clinical experiences at top hospitals
- Supportive cohort learning model
- Emphasis on caring science
- Social justice focused curriculum

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University

RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Accelerated Program
- Complete in 15 Months
- $495 Per Credit Hour
- No Application Fees
- Clinical Hours On-Job
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Current RN License Needed
- CCNE Accredited Program