Best Nursing Schools in Maryland

Chesapeake College in Maryland offers an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, preparing students for licensure and entry-level nursing positions. The program blends general education with nursing theory, emphasizing practical application in clinical settings. Admission requires high school graduation, readiness for college-level math and English, and completion of prerequisite courses with a 'C' or better. The curriculum spans over 69 credits, covering fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, psychology, and more. Graduates are equipped for the NCLEX-RN exam and further education. Chesapeake College prioritizes residents of specific counties for admission.

• 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 (RN) program blends general education, nursing theory, and hands-on clinical experience. You can choose between a three-year traditional pathway or a more intensive two-year option, with weekend/evening classes for flexibility. The curriculum covers acute care, patient assessment, and holistic nursing, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Transition tracks are available for LPNs, paramedics, and military medics. Graduates enter a growing field with a median salary of $77,000, working in hospitals, clinics, and community health. HCC also offers dual enrollment with four-year universities to earn a BSN efficiently. Small cohorts and experienced faculty provide personalized support throughout the program.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• $77,000 median earnings
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Three-year or two-year options

Anne Arundel Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing is a 70-credit, campus-based program designed to launch graduates into careers as registered nurses. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, it consistently ranks No. 1 in Maryland for associate-level nursing education. Students build clinical skills through hands-on simulation labs and real hospital placements, gaining experience in acute medical-surgical, obstetrical, and pediatric settings across the Baltimore-Washington area. The curriculum covers patient assessment, pharmacology, health promotion, and collaborative care. Full-time students can finish in three years. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and AACC boasts above-average pass rates at both state and national levels. Starting salaries for local graduates average over $47,000 annually, with roles in hospitals, home health, rehab, and community health. The program can be completed for $12,000 or less in-county.

• ACEN accredited
• No entrance exam required
• $12,000 total program tuition
• 3-Year program
• 70 total credit hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• No. 1 Maryland Associate's Nursing Program 2024
• ACEN-accredited, Maryland Board of Nursing approved

Allegany College of Maryland's Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. This ladder-style program lets you earn credentials step by step — CNA after first semester, LPN after first year, and RN after the full two-year program. The curriculum covers basic nursing practices, patient care, mental health, and geriatric nursing. You'll gain hands-on experience through 1,400 clinical hours at off-campus sites and the Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, and are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Maryland and Pennsylvania Boards of Nursing. Day and evening classes offer flexibility.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Maryland Board of Nursing, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 100% job placement rate
• 1400 clinical hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Ladder-style curriculum with multiple entry points
• Eligible for CNA after first semester

Allegany College of Maryland’s LPN to RN Online program is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing. Offered entirely online, this flexible pathway allows you to advance your career without relocating. The curriculum builds on your LPN foundation, covering advanced nursing concepts, patient care, and critical thinking. You’ll complete seven prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology, before diving into nursing coursework. The program requires 2,000 hours of LPN work experience and a competitive entrance exam. Clinical experiences are arranged with local preceptors in your authorized state, one of seventeen where the program is approved. A dedicated online advisor guides you through admission and progression. With three application cycles per year, you can start when it fits your schedule. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. This program combines the convenience of online learning with the rigor needed for nursing excellence.

• Entrance exam required
• 3 start dates per year
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Authorized in seventeen states
• Virtual LPN RN Information Sessions
• Dedicated LPN-RN online advisor
• Clinical preceptor information provided
• Drug screening required prior to clinical

Allegany College of Maryland's Weekend Hybrid Nursing program offers a flexible path to an Associate of Science in Nursing degree for students new to nursing. This unique format blends asynchronous online coursework with in-person sessions held every Saturday, including clinical and campus lab time. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with faculty office hours and a mandatory orientation each semester. The curriculum covers essential nursing knowledge and general education courses, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Applicants must complete prerequisite courses, take the TEAS test, and meet competitive scoring criteria. With a focus on work-life balance, this program is ideal for those needing a weekend schedule while pursuing their nursing education.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS, HESI
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Blends in-person and online instruction
• Classes held every Saturday
• 12 hours of class/clinical per week
• Mandatory orientation first Saturday
• Asynchronous online coursework

Towson University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a competitive, screened major that blends rigorous science coursework with core curriculum courses to build strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Students complete prerequisite courses in their first two years, then apply to the nursing major for junior-year entry. The program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue careers in direct patient care or healthcare administration. Towson's nursing program consistently achieves first-time NCLEX pass rates above the state average, reflecting its strong clinical preparation. With clinical placements at partner sites and dedicated student resources, this BSN offers a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding nursing career.

• 120 total credit hours
• 91% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Highly competitive, screened major
• Pre-licensure option for new students
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure
• Apply during sophomore year
• Builds communication and leadership skills
• Prepares for healthcare leadership roles

Salisbury University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a competitive, cohort-based program designed for students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. The curriculum builds on a foundation of eight prerequisite science courses, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, preparing students for the rigor of upper-division nursing coursework. Students gain clinical experience through partnerships with regional healthcare facilities, with required background checks and drug testing. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and professional development, culminating in eligibility for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Graduates are prepared for roles as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. With a faculty advisor assigned in the sophomore year and a structured cohort model, students benefit from personalized guidance and a supportive learning environment. Acceptance is on a space-available basis, with first consideration given to applicants who meet the January 15 priority deadline.

• Apply by 2026-04-27
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Two-step admissions process
• NursingCAS application required
• First consideration deadline January 15

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Hood College prepares students for modern healthcare with a curriculum built on leadership, research, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking. Students gain skills in nursing theory, communication, and clinical judgment through coursework and hands-on learning. State-of-the-art simulation labs offer controlled practice, while clinical fieldwork with partners like Frederick Health Hospital provides real-world experience in diverse settings. The program emphasizes culturally humble care, health promotion, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure and careers in hospitals, community health, and beyond. The BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. A supportive learning environment and a dedicated Nursing Club enhance the student experience.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Clinical fieldwork with local partners
• Focus on leadership and research
• Approved by Maryland Board of Nursing
• Nursing Club for community health
• Competitive application process

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a traditional four-year program designed for students entering nursing for the first time. The curriculum blends general education with nursing core courses like Holistic Health Assessment, Pathopharmacology, and Professional Nursing Care across specialties. Students develop a strong foundation in caring science, learning to balance self-care with patient advocacy. Clinical experiences start in junior year at prestigious Baltimore hospitals including Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center. State-of-the-art simulation labs allow safe practice of critical skills. Students also complete a Transformational Practice Project and may join a mission trip to Haiti. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings. With small classes and faculty mentoring, this program offers personalized support for future nurses.

• 4-Year program
• Complete in four-year
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Small class sizes and faculty mentoring
• Clinicals at Johns Hopkins Hospital
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Study abroad mission trip to Haiti
• Research opportunities in clinical practice
• Caring science foundation
• Transformational Practice Project

Harford Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing program equips students with the skills to become registered nurses. The curriculum covers fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, maternal-newborn, and pediatric nursing, building a strong foundation for patient care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, ensuring quality education. With part-time options and articulation agreements with BSN programs, it offers flexibility for career advancement. Students benefit from clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, with employment opportunities available in the Baltimore area and beyond. The program requires selective admission, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and TEAS exam score.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 4-Semester program
• Complete in a minimum of four semesters
• 70 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 2.5 GPA minimum

The Associate of Science in Nursing at College of Southern Maryland prepares students for registered nursing careers through a comprehensive curriculum blending classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical experiences. Over four semesters, you'll learn nursing principles, patient care techniques, and critical thinking skills. Clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care, and community agencies provide real-world practice. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and enjoy strong job placement rates. The program offers flexible scheduling, including part-time options, and admits students in fall and spring. With over 30 years of experience, CSM's nursing program is accredited by ACEN and features state-of-the-art facilities at the Hughesville campus. Upon completion, many students pursue BSN degrees through transfer partnerships.

• ACEN accredited
• $4,900 total program tuition
• $140 per credit
• 4-Semester program
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN