The Best Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs

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Updated August 30, 2023

Aspiring nurse practitioners in Maryland can use this page to review nurse practitioner programs in the state, including education requirements and salary information.
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Hosting top-ranked medical schools, such as Johns Hopkins University, Maryland offers many of the best nurse practitioner (NP) programs. With NPs in the state receiving full-practice authority, Maryland is an attractive location to earn an advanced nursing degree.

Keep reading to learn more about becoming an NP in Maryland and explore some of the state's best NP programs.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

At a Glance: The Top 5 Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland

  1. University of Maryland
  2. Coppin State University
  3. Johns Hopkins University
  4. Salisbury University
  5. Uniformed Services University

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How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?

The Maryland Board of Nursing requires RNs to complete a board-approved program at the master's or doctoral level to work as an NP. These programs must have national accreditation by a nursing accrediting agency and only admit RNs with formal education.

The board also mandates that NP programs include advanced practice coursework, NP core coursework, and specialization coursework. Course requirements include physiology/pathophysiology, physical/health assessment, and pharmacology.

NP master's programs in the state typically take 2-3 years to complete and require an average of 40 credits and 500 clinical hours. Doctorate programs take four years to complete and require approximately 40 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.

Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Maryland

Before applying to an NP program in Maryland, applicants must determine if they have the prerequisites needed to meet the school's acceptance requirements. While specifics can vary by program, most look for applicants to fulfill certain general requirements.

  • Admission Materials

    Transcripts from previous academic programs; a resume or CV; personal statement; letters of recommendation
  • GPA Requirement

    3.0 GPA or higher
  • Other Requirement

    Active and unencumbered RN license; a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or the willingness to enroll in an ADN-to-MSN (master of science in nursing) bridge program; previous clinical experience

Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important

During accreditation, a team of objective professionals rigorously evaluates a program for its quality. Factors include faculty qualifications, teaching methods, and available lab equipment. Accreditation determines if the program prepares its graduates to practice nursing safely.

Learn More About the Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
  1. University of Maryland
    Location

    Baltimore, MD

    The University of Maryland is an incredibly popular choice for those who want to advance their nursing career. Courses are of hands-on format and taught by experts in the field. Furthermore, the school is renowned for its researchers, who are always discovering new things. A number of different concentrations are available for those who want to become NP.

    •    Campus: Baltimore, MD
    •   Type: Public
    •   Accreditation: CCNE
    •   Tuition: Varies, please inquire
    •   Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen pathway
    •   Online availability: Some with DNP
    •   Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen pathway
    •   Programs: DNP, MSN in various concentrations
    •   School Site: Tuition and Financial aid

  2. Coppin State University
    Location

    Baltimore, MD

    Coppin State University is student-centered and has been known for its excellent and compassionate nurses since 1974. The school is known for its commitment to giving back to marginalized communities, academic distinction and ability to set new standards within the nursing profession. Indeed, 100% of their students find work in the field, often even before graduation.

    •   Campus: Baltimore, MD
    •   Type: Public
    •   Accreditation: ACEN
    •   Tuition: $4,089 for two semesters for Maryland residents and $9,350 for non-Maryland residents
    •   Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen track
    •   Online availability: No
    •   Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen track
    •   Programs: DNP, FNP, Post Master’s certificate
    •   School Site: Tuition and Financial aid

  3. Johns Hopkins University
    Location

    Baltimore, MD

    At Johns Hopkins, students can take part in programs that are as diverse as the student population. They offer both classroom and online options to fit individual needs. They also have degrees for nurse practitioners in a range of different concentrations.

    •   Campus: Baltimore, MD
    •   Type: Private
    •   Accreditation: CCNE
    •   Tuition: $34,824 per year for master’s and $40,626 per year for DNP
    •   Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen track
    •   Online availability: Some
    •   Degree requirements: Varies depending on chosen track
    •   Programs: DNP, post master’s certificate, various master’s programs
    •   School Site: Tuition and Financial aid

  4. Salisbury University
    Location

    Salisbury, MD

    Salisbury University is doing all they can to meet the stringent demands placed on those who work in the field of healthcare. These efforts have led to the creation of their DNP with FNP specialization. The program fosters excellence across the board.

    •   Campus: Salisbury, MD
    •   Type: Public
    •   Accreditation: CCNE
    •   Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents and $647 for non-residents
    •   Minimum time commitment: 68 credits
    •   Online availability: No
    •   Degree requirements: Transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, residency documentation, personal statement, writing sample, essay, resume, RN license
    •   Programs: DNP with FNP
    •   School Site: Tuition and Financial aid

  5. Uniformed Services University
    Location

    Bethesda, MD

    The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ nursing school was founded by Members of Congress in 1993. It is designed specifically for active military personnel and focuses on military medicine. The curriculum blends research, science and training in the field. Although the focus is on military medicine, graduates are ready to take on nursing challenges in all different environments.

    •   Campus: Bethesda, MD
    •   Type: Federal
    •   Accreditation: CCNE
    •   Tuition: Tuition free through sponsorship
    •   Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen pathway
    •   Online availability: No
    •   Degree requirements: Commissioned officer or service sponsored civilian, BSN, GPA of 3.0, GRE, 3 letter of reference, writing sample, transcripts, RN license, BLS, resume, possible interview
    •   Programs: DNP, Psychiatric NP, Family NP
    •   School Site: Tuition and Financial aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs

How do I become a nurse practitioner in Maryland?

To become an NP in Maryland, you first need to become a licensed RN by earning a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN. You then enroll in a graduate NP program (master's or higher), which focuses on a specific population. After completing the graduate program, you will take a national certification exam in your chosen specialty to become licensed to practice in the state.

How long does it take to be a nurse practitioner in Maryland?

Becoming an NP in Maryland will require at least two years of study for RNs with their BSN. If you have no prior nursing education experience, it can take 6-8 years to become an NP by completing your BSN and then your MSN.

Is Maryland a full practice state for NPs?

Maryland has been a full-practice state for NPs since 2015. The classification allows them to evaluate; diagnose; order and interpret tests; initiate and manage treatment plans; and prescribe medication without physician supervision.

What is the salary for NPs in Maryland?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average salary for NPs in Maryland is $115,700 per year, slightly below the national average of $118,040.


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