Best Nursing Schools in Maryland

Chesapeake College's Associate of Science in Nursing provides a comprehensive two-year program preparing students for professional nursing careers. With an exceptional NCLEX pass rate reaching 100% in recent years and consistently above 95%, the program offers robust clinical training across 69 credits. Students undergo rigorous preparation through a balanced curriculum integrating nursing theory, practical skills, and general education. The program requires high school graduation, college-level math and English readiness, and prerequisite course completion. Notably, the TEAS entrance exam is mandatory for admission. Clinical experiences are strategically embedded to ensure graduates are well-equipped for entry-level nursing positions and potential advanced educational pathways. Priority is given to local county residents during the competitive selection process.

• Associate of Science Degree.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• 69 credit curriculum.
• Clinical settings application.
• C or better required.
• High school graduation needed.
• College-level math readiness.
• College-level English readiness.
• Prerequisite courses completion.
• Residents priority admission.

Hagerstown Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing provides a robust pathway for aspiring registered nurses, featuring exceptional NCLEX pass rates consistently above 90% (98.59% in 2024). The program offers flexible learning options including three-year and two-year accelerated tracks with daytime, weekend, and evening classes. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical experiences emphasizing holistic patient care. Unique transition pathways exist for LPNs, paramedics, and military medics seeking RN certification. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses and TEAS test scores. The curriculum integrates general education, nursing theory, and hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates for diverse entry-level nursing roles across healthcare settings. The TEAS entrance exam ensures students possess foundational healthcare knowledge before program entry.

• Three-year program option.
• Two-year accelerated path.
• Weekend/Evening classes available.
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN.
• Holistic care focus.
• LPN to RN transition.
• Paramedic to RN transition.
• Military medic transition.
• 2.5 GPA prerequisite.
• TEAS test required.

Anne Arundel Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing presents a comprehensive pathway to becoming a registered nurse, demonstrating exceptional educational value. With a remarkable NCLEX pass rate climbing to 98.81% in 2024, this program stands out for its rigorous curriculum and practical training. Students benefit from a 70-credit program completed in three years, featuring hands-on clinical experiences in cutting-edge simulation labs. The program's ACEN accreditation and Maryland Board of Nursing approval ensure high-quality education. Full-time students receive extensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, with affordable in-county tuition rates making nursing education accessible. Graduates are well-positioned for immediate entry into the nursing profession, supported by extensive clinical training and a strong academic foundation.

• 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

Allegany College of Maryland's Associate of Science in Nursing provides comprehensive training with an exceptional track record. The program boasts a remarkable NCLEX pass rate, climbing from 83.93% in 2022 to an impressive 97.11% in 2024, demonstrating consistent student success. With ACEN accreditation and approval from Maryland and Pennsylvania State Boards of Nursing, students receive high-quality education preparing them for professional nursing roles. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and taught by expert healthcare providers. Students learn both scientific nursing principles and compassionate patient care, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the challenges of modern healthcare.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by Maryland and Pennsylvania Boards.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• State-of-the-art equipment.
• Expert healthcare providers.
• Diverse clinical settings.
• Comprehensive nursing education.
• Focus on science and compassion.
• Meets state licensure requirements.

Allegany College of Maryland's online LPN to RN program offers licensed practical nurses a strategic pathway to career advancement. Designed for working professionals, the program requires a minimum 2.50 GPA and one year of LPN work experience. Applicants must complete prerequisite courses in English, psychology, and sciences. The curriculum bridges theoretical knowledge with practical skills, focusing on seamless transition from LPN to RN roles. Financial aid options make this program accessible, providing an affordable route to expanded nursing opportunities. The flexible online format allows students to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced nursing education.

• Online program format
• Requires 2.50 GPA
• 1 year LPN experience needed
• Includes general education courses
• Focus on LPN to RN transition
• Financial aid available
• Affordable tuition
• Requires prerequisite courses
• Designed for working professionals
• Enhances nursing career opportunities

The Weekend Hybrid Nursing program at Allegany College of Maryland offers a unique, flexible approach to nursing education. Students participate in weekly virtual office hours and in-person classes every Saturday, creating an adaptable learning environment. Admission requires a 'C' or better in Biology 207 and a competitive HESI A2 exam score. The program is particularly suitable for students without prior nursing experience, combining online and in-person instruction. Mandatory first Saturday orientation ensures students understand program expectations. With a comprehensive curriculum including general education courses, this hybrid format provides an innovative pathway to an Associate of Science in Nursing.

• Hybrid program format
• Weekly virtual office hours
• In-person classes every Saturday
• Requires Bio 207 with 'C' or better
• HESI A2 exam required
• General education courses needed
• Competitive admission process
• Flexible for working students
• Combines online and in-person learning
• Mandatory orientation first Saturday

Carroll Community College provides a robust Associate Degree in Registered Nursing program preparing students for the evolving healthcare landscape. With a strong 93.85% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, students benefit from comprehensive training combining classroom instruction, advanced simulation labs, and clinical rotations across regional hospitals. The 70-credit program offers flexibility for various nursing professionals, including dedicated tracks for LPNs, paramedics, and military medics. Students gain practical skills through small clinical groups and expert faculty, with the program actively pursuing NLN CNEA accreditation. Graduates are well-positioned to enter the nursing profession with comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge.

• 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.

Carroll Community College's LPN to RN concentration offers a strategic pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking career advancement. Leveraging a proven 93.85% NCLEX pass rate, this 70-credit Associate Degree program provides specialized curriculum designed specifically for LPNs transitioning to registered nursing. Students experience intensive classroom learning, cutting-edge simulation laboratories, and comprehensive clinical rotations. The competitive admission process ensures high-quality candidates are selected, with clear pathways to Bachelor of Science in Nursing through partner institutions. Advanced tracking and expert instructors help LPNs seamlessly bridge their professional development with state-of-the-art nursing education.

• 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.

Carroll Community College's Paramedic to RN concentration delivers a targeted 70-credit Associate Degree program for emergency medical professionals seeking nursing career transformation. With an impressive 93.85% NCLEX pass rate, the curriculum strategically builds upon paramedic foundational knowledge. Students engage in sophisticated simulation labs, comprehensive clinical rotations, and specialized coursework bridging pre-hospital and nursing care. The competitive admission process focuses on leveraging paramedics' existing medical expertise. Expert faculty guide students through a structured transition, providing advanced training that prepares them for diverse healthcare environments and expanded professional opportunities.

• 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

Carroll Community College's Military Medic to RN concentration offers a specialized 70-credit Associate Degree program honoring military medical professionals' unique experiences. Maintaining a strong 93.85% NCLEX pass rate, the curriculum transforms military medical training into comprehensive nursing credentials. Students benefit from targeted coursework, advanced simulation laboratories, and clinical rotations designed to translate military medical skills into civilian nursing practice. The competitive admission process recognizes military medics' extensive medical background, providing a structured pathway to registered nursing. Expert faculty support students' professional transition, ensuring military-trained medical personnel can successfully enter civilian healthcare sectors.

• 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.

Towson University's BSN program offers an exceptional pathway to nursing, with consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates climbing to 95.92% in 2024. The campus-based curriculum demands rigorous academic preparation and emphasizes practical skills development. Students must complete at least 120 units, with a strong focus on communication, critical thinking, and leadership techniques essential for modern healthcare professionals. The program requires entrance exam screening and provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. With a competitive admission process, Towson attracts dedicated students seeking a robust nursing education. Military-friendly and designed for those without prior nursing credentials, the program prepares graduates for diverse registered nurse roles across various healthcare settings.

• 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

Salisbury University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) offers an exceptional pathway into the nursing profession. With a robust three-year NCLEX pass rate averaging around 89.7%, the program demonstrates consistent student success. Applicants must meet rigorous academic standards, including a minimum 3.0 GPA and comprehensive prerequisite coursework in sciences like chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. The campus-based program strategically limits its annual cohort to approximately 72 students, ensuring personalized attention and competitive clinical training. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly detailed, students can expect a comprehensive two-step admission process that evaluates both academic preparedness and potential for nursing excellence. The program's military-friendly status and emphasis on clinical placement readiness make it an attractive option for aspiring nurses seeking a structured, comprehensive educational experience.

• Two-step admission process.
• Cohort of 72 students annually.
• Strong science foundation required.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended.
• Campus-based program.
• Competitive admission.
• Focus on nursing principles.
• Physical and psychological standards.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Emphasis on clinical placements.

Hood College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers an exceptional pathway into professional nursing, with a stellar NCLEX pass rate climbing from 73.68% in 2022 to an impressive 95.45% in 2024. Located in Frederick, Maryland, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practices, and culturally sensitive care. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical fieldwork with local healthcare partners and state-of-the-art simulation labs. The competitive two-step admissions process ensures a high-quality student cohort. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated, the program prepares students for critical thinking, communication, and patient-centered nursing practice. Small cohort sizes, ranging from 10-22 students annually, suggest personalized educational experiences.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Focus on leadership and research.
• Clinical fieldwork with local partners.
• Competitive admissions process.
• Emphasizes critical thinking.
• Prepares for patient-centered care.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Hands-on practice in controlled environment.
• Integrates liberal arts and nursing science.
• Two-step application process.

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Entry-Level BSN program delivers an exceptional nursing education focusing on comprehensive patient care and professional development. With a consistently improving NCLEX pass rate rising from 79.52% in 2022 to an impressive 94.81% in 2024, the program demonstrates strong academic preparation. Students receive rigorous training through small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and clinical experiences at premier medical centers. The curriculum integrates general education, liberal arts, and specialized nursing courses, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Prospective students must meet specific admission prerequisites, including math and biology coursework. The program's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility distinguishes it, offering unique opportunities like study abroad experiences to broaden students' global health perspectives. SAT/ACT entrance exams are typically required for admission.

• 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's Associate of Science in Nursing program delivers a comprehensive two-year pathway to registered nursing licensure with outstanding recent NCLEX pass rates ranging from 76.92% to 95.14%. Located in Bel Air, the program uniquely emphasizes hands-on clinical training and professional development, integrating critical coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology. Prospective students must meet competitive admission standards, including a minimum 2.50 GPA and a TEAS entrance exam score of at least 58.7. The curriculum strategically prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through collaborative learning experiences and a strong focus on safe, compassionate nursing practices. Clinical rotations and practical skills training are central to the program's educational approach.

• 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