How to Become an RN in Maryland – A Simple Guide

Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse in Maryland?

That’s great!

Maryland is home to many prestigious hospitals. It also has a lot of opportunities for registered nurses, and a higher salary rate for RNs compared to other states.

Getting a license in this state will definitely be a strategic career move for you!

So, if you’re convinced that this is the right career path for you, read on!

Follow our very simple guide on how to become an RN in Maryland, and become a registered nurse in the next few years.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Maryland in 2 Steps

Just two steps? Yes, just two steps.

The best part about applying to become a registered nurse in Maryland is that the process is very straightforward. Once you are eligible for each step, all you need to do is finish the application and wait for your license.

Here’s what you need to do.

Graduate from a Nursing Education Program
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs

Let’s discuss how you’ll be eligible to proceed so that you’re one step closer to becoming an RN.

How to Become an RN in Maryland Step #1: Graduate from a Nursing Education Program

This is a must for any aspiring RN who doesn’t hold a nursing license yet. If you do, scroll down to the section for license by endorsement.

If you don’t have a license yet, you need to enroll in a state-approved Nursing Education Program. You can check the approved programs here.

If you’re planning to take a nursing education program outside the state, you can do so for as long as the program is approved by Maryland.

There are two paths you can take for the Nursing Education Program. One is the associate degree (ADN), and the other is the bachelor of science degree (BSN).

ADN vs BSN: Which One is Better?

The ADN, or Associate’s Degree in Nursing, is a two-year program that teaches you basic medical procedures, patient monitoring, and record-keeping. Because it only takes two years to finish this program, those who want to work right away will find this a great option.

However, since the ADN has fewer units, career options after you graduate may be limited. A lot of hospitals in the state prefer to hire those who graduate with a BSN degree.

This is where BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree holders shine. Since the BSN is a four-year program that teaches you public health, evidence-based studies, and other medical procedures, RNs who graduate from this program have more career opportunities.

If you’re not in a hurry to start your career, we recommend getting a BSN degree to not be limited to any career opportunity. You can also take further studies to specialize in a certain medical field.

How to Become an RN in Maryland Step #2: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs

Once you graduate from your Nursing Education Program of choice, you can now apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

The NCLEX-RN is required for all registered nurses-to-be, especially if they have not obtained any license from other states.

To apply for the NCLEX, here are the steps you need to take:

Apply for authorization to take the test through Maryland Online Application System.
Create an account and fill in the required information.
Upload needed documents, including your diploma from an approved Nursing Education Program.
Pass the Criminal History Record Check.
Apply for your NCLEX through PearsonVue.
Pay the exam fee of $200.

Once you pay the exam fees and pass the Criminal History Record Check, you will be given an Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT will be the document you need to present to take the NCLEX.

Once you pass the exam… Congratulations! You are now eligible to become an RN in Maryland!

But what if you are already an RN in another state? Do you need to take the NCLEX-RN again?

No, you don’t! You can instead apply for a license by endorsement.

License by Endorsement

Already got a license from another state? You can skip taking another NCLEX and go through the license by endorsement process.

To apply for a license in Maryland, you need to do the following:

Take the criminal background check by printing this form and personally handing it into one of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Operated Fingerprinting Services offices.
Request a verification form from NURSYS if the state where your active license is part of this list.
Go to the State of Maryland Online Application System and create a new account if you don’t have one yet.
Upload supporting documents needed alongside your verification and active license.
Pay the application fee of $100.

If you want to have a temporary permit, you will need to pay $40. The temporary permit is given to RNs waiting for their license in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Registered Nurse in Maryland

How long does it take to become a nurse in Maryland?

It takes two years to finish an associate degree, while for a bachelor’s degree, it’s four years. You also need to wait for 2-4 weeks after taking the NCLEX to get your scores as a final step for licensure.

How much does it cost to be a registered nurse in Maryland?

Excluding the tuition fees of your nursing education program, the registration to become an RN in Maryland is $300. $200 is the cost of the NCLEX, and $100 is the cost of the application fee.

If you’re applying for a license by endorsement, you need to pay $100 for the application fee.

For temporary permits, it’s an additional $40.

How many times can you take NCLEX in Maryland?

You can take the NCLEX no more than eight times a year with a 45-day waiting period between each attempt.

How long does it take to get NCLEX results in Maryland?

It takes 2-4 weeks from the exam date.

Helpful Resources for Maryland RNs

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Maryland

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Maryland BON:

Allegany College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502, United States
Phone: +1 301-784-5000

Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012, United States
Phone: +1 410-777-2222

Baltimore City Community College
2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States
Phone: +1 410-462-8300

Carroll Community College
1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, United States
Phone: +1 888-221-9748

Cecil Community College
1 Seahawk Dr, North East, MD 21901, United States
Phone: +1 410-287-1000

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646, United States
Phone: +1 301-934-2251

Chesapeake College
1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679, United States
Phone: +1 410-822-5400

Community College of Baltimore County
7201 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21237, United States
Phone: +1 443-840-2222

Frederick Community College
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21701, United States
Phone: +1 301-846-2400

Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742, United States
Phone: +1 240-500-2000

Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, United States
Phone: +1 443-412-2000

Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
Phone: +1 443-518-1000

Montgomery College
Falcon Hall, Takoma Park, MD 20912, United States
Phone: +1 240-567-1501

Prince George’s Community College
301 Largo Rd, Largo, MD 20774, United States
Phone: +1 301-546-7422

Wor-Wic Community College
32000 Campus Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, United States
Phone: +1 410-334-2800

Visit the Maryland BON website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Maryland

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Maryland BON:

Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD 20715, United States
Phone: +1 301-860-4000

Coppin State University
2500 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216, United States
Phone: +1 410-951-3000

Hood College
401 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701, United States
Phone: +1 301-696-3131

Morgan State University
1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251,
United States
Phone: +1 443-885-3333

Notre Dame of
Maryland University
4701 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
Phone: +1 410-435-0100

Salisbury University
1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801, United States
Phone: +1 410-543-6000

Stevenson University
10945 Boulevard Cir, Owings Mills, MD 21117,
United States
+1 410-486-7000

Towson University
8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252, United States
Phone: +1 410-704-2000

University of
Maryland – Baltimore
620 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201,
United States
Phone: +1 410-706-3100

Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912,
United States
Phone: +1 800-835-4212

Visit the Maryland BON website for updates.

In Summary

Maryland is the place to be if you want to have a buzzing career as a registered nurse – there are a lot of prestigious hospitals and high salaries.

Depending on your priorities, you may take an ADN or BSN for your nursing education program. And once you graduate from this, all you need to do is register for an exam and pass it.

But if you already have an RN license from a different state, there is no need to retake the NCLEX. Just get a license by endorsement.

It’s as simple as that, and there are no complicated procedures.

We hope this helped you understand the process of becoming a registered nurse in Maryland. Good luck!

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