Nursing Programs in Baltimore, MD
Embarking on a new career in the nursing field is an exciting prospect, but with a wealth of schools and programs to choose from, selecting the right program can be an overwhelming process. The Baltimore area is home to many of RegisteredNursing.org's top-ranked nursing programs in Maryland, with accredited programs designed for students just beginning their training and for experienced nurses who would like to earn a higher degree or learn a new specialty. We have outlined all your options for schools in and around Baltimore to make the selection process simpler and easier.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
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.
Baltimore RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Baltimore | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 1,581 | 2,770 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 1,278 | 2,274 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 80.8% | 82.1% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Baltimore
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Baltimore based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Maryland out of 25 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Anne Arundel Community College - #3
- Community College of Baltimore County - #6
- Towson University - #8
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Anne Arundel Community College
| 101 College Pkwy Arnold, MD 21012 (410) 777-2222 |
Baltimore City Community College
| 2901 Liberty Heights Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 (410) 462-8300 |
Bowie State University
| 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715 (301) 860-4000 |
Carroll Community College
| 1601 Washington Rd Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 840-8443 |
Community College of Baltimore County
| 800 S Rolling Rd Catonsville, MD 21228 (443) 840-2222 |
Coppin State University
| 2500 W North Ave Baltimore, MD 21216 (410) 951-3000 |
Harford Community College
| 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 (443) 412-2000 |
Howard Community College
| 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044 (443) 518-1000 |
Johns Hopkins University
| 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218 (410) 955-4766 |
Morgan State University
| 1700 E Cold Spring Ln Baltimore, MD 21251 (443) 885-3333 |
Notre Dame of Maryland University
| 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 (410) 435-0100 |
Stevenson University
| 1525 Greenspring Valley Rd Stevenson, MD 21153 (877) 468-6852 |
Towson University
| 8000 York Rd Towson, MD 21252 (410) 704-2000 |
University of Maryland
| 655 West Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-3100 |
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.
Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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
Towson, MD
Towson University
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Flexible online/hybrid format
- Designed for working RNs
- Minimum 2.50 GPA required
- 120 total degree units
- Maryland/Compact RN license needed
- Part-time enrollment recommended
- Final term in-person practicum
- Personalized academic advising
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Baltimore, MD
Advanced practice nursing programs are designed for nurses who want to take on a leadership role in their organizations, or become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse administrators. These positions are personally rewarding, with higher salaries and promising growth opportunities. In the Baltimore area, nurses can choose from MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and even doctoral nursing programs.
MSN Programs
MSN programs train nurses to become nurse practitioners and other leadership positions, often allowing students to concentrate their studies in a particular specialty. The MSN program at Bowie State University allows students to choose from a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse Educator track for their studies.
Learn more about Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Some schools offer post-master’s certificate programs that allow nurses who hold their master’s degree to learn a new specialty without repeating their previous coursework. As an example, the University of Maryland offers a post-master’s certificate program in nursing informatics that is comprised of 6 courses to be taken over 4 or 5 semesters of study.
Learn more about Maryland Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
DNP and Ph.D. programs are the highest level study available to nurses. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs focus on clinical practice, while nursing Ph.D. programs prepare students for careers in research or academia. The University of Maryland offers a variety of pathways to a DNP for nurses who have a BSN or master’s degree in nursing or a related field, as well as a Ph.D. program that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis with online classwork available.
Learn more about Maryland DNP Programs.
Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University
- Graduate Certificate - APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Post-Master's Certificate Program
- Focuses on Urban Healthcare Populations
- Requires 3.0 Master's GPA
- Two-Year Study Plan
- Advanced Nursing Practice Preparation
- Multiple Semester Entry Options
- Practicum-Based Learning
- Comprehensive Health Assessment Skills
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
Johns Hopkins University
- Master's - Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Forensic Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- Online part-time master's program
- Specialized forensic nursing focus
- Prepares nurses for complex care
- Addresses multiple at-risk populations
- Evidence-based clinical expertise
- Flexible semester admissions
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Midwifery - Campus Based - Website
- 51 credit program.
- Campus-based learning.
- Focus on Nurse Midwifery.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Mentorship by expert faculty.
- Combines MSN and Midwifery Certificate.
- Diverse healthcare settings.
- Strong academic background required.
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit graduate forensic nursing certificate
- Online and on-site coursework
- No GRE required
- DNP degree pathway possible
- Tuition: $2,500 per course
- Fall or spring semester start
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Healthcare Organizational Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- Part-time online certificate
- 16 total credits
- 504 clinical hours
- Diverse clinical placement settings
- Prepares for DNP Executive Track
- Leadership and management focus
- Health policy analysis skills
- No advanced practice license required
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 17-credit post-master's certificate
- 500 total clinical hours
- Covers lifespan mental health care
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Focuses on integrated care approach
- Evidence-based curriculum design
- Practice across multiple healthcare settings
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing program
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 840 clinical hours
- 74.5 total program credits
- Prepares for pediatric certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral level advanced practice
- Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
Morgan State University
- Master's - Master of Science (Nursing)
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 43-credit graduate nursing degree
- Nurse Educator and Leadership focus
- Morgan-Flex course offering
- CCNE accredited program
- Two years RN experience required
- 3.0 GPA undergraduate requirement
- Advanced health assessment courses
- In-person and virtual options
Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 47 total credit hours
- 27-month program duration
- Hybrid learning format
- Care for adolescent-older adult population
- Small class sizes
- Cohort learning model
- Interactive coursework
- Extensive clinical practice
- Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 47 total credit program
- Part-time, 27-month format
- 750 total practicum hours
- In-person evening classes
- BSN required, 3.0 GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
- CCNE accredited program
- ANEW Grant tuition support
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Leadership in Nursing Education - Campus Based - Website
- MSN with Nursing Education concentration
- Under two years to complete
- Part-time study options
- Cohort learning model
- Small class sizes
- Sequentially scheduled classes
- CCNE Accredited program
- Focuses on leadership skills
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Leadership in Nursing Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated part-time format
- Leadership in Nursing Administration concentration
- CCNE accredited program
- Cohort learning model
- Small class sizes
- Hybrid program delivery
- 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Designed for working nurses
- Master's - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)
Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate
- Requires existing MSN/DNP/PhD
- Caring science educational approach
- Practicum in multiple settings
- GPA requirement: 3.0+
- Practicum locations: Colleges/Universities
- Clinical development opportunities
- Mentored educational experiences
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Administrator (Post-MSN Certificate)
Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit post-MSN certificate
- Focuses on nursing administration leadership
- Requires active nursing license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Mentored practicum experience
- Explores healthcare delivery systems
- Policy and finance coursework included
- Main campus program location
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate program
- Requires MSN, DNP, or PhD
- Caring science educational approach
- Practicum in various educational settings
- Focuses on nursing education skills
- GPA requirement of 3.0
- Requires active RN license
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Nurse Administrator Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit program
- For MSN, DNP, PhD holders
- Focus on leadership, management
- Includes healthcare economics
- Mentored practicum experience
- BSN degree required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Current RN license needed
University of Baltimore
- Master's - MS in Nursing / MBA Dual Degree
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 66-credit dual degree program
- Two-year full-time study
- Flexible online/hybrid learning
- AACSB International accredited
- Nursing and business expertise combined
- Competitive per-credit tuition rates
- Advanced professional development
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Master's - MSN/MBA
Concentration: Nursing Leadership and Management - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 66-72 total credit hours
- Part-time completion option
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership and Management concentration
- Dual degree from two universities
- Career-focused curriculum
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Up to 7-year completion timeline
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 36 credit hours online
- Completing in 2 years possible
- 500 practicum hours
- Competitive in-state tuition
- Nurse Informatics Certification prep
- CCNE Accredited program
- Multiple enrollment options
- Faculty with industry experience
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 36 credit hours online
- As little as 2 years
- 500 practicum hours
- Competitive in-state tuition
- Practicum sites nationwide
- Free certification prep
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced technology focus
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Bowie, MD
Bowie State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 49 credit hour program
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Requires 3+ years nursing experience
- National certification preparation
- ACEN accredited program
- Fall/Summer deadline: July 1
- Spring deadline: December 1
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Owings Mills, MD
Stevenson University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Population-Based Care Coordination - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online nursing program
- 36 total credit hours
- Six 8-week course sessions
- Focuses on population health management
- Prepares nurses for care coordination roles
- Master's - Master's in Nursing
Concentration: Forensic Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 36-Credit Hour Concentration
- 8-Week Course Sessions
- Multiple Annual Start Dates
- Advanced Healthcare Advocacy Skills
- Specialized Forensic Nursing Focus
- Graduate Nursing Capstone Course
- Expert Witness Preparation
- Graduate Certificate - Population-Based Care Coordination
Online Learning - Website
- 15-credit online graduate certificate
- For BSN-prepared RNs
- Entirely online coursework
- Credits applicable to MSN
- Per credit cost $635
- 3.0 GPA required
- RN license in good standing
- Five specialized nursing courses
- Graduate Certificate - Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online 15-credit program
- For BSN-prepared RNs
- Credits transferable to MSN
- Per credit tuition $635
- 4 core nursing courses
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- CCNE accredited program
- Professional recommendation needed