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Top Maryland RN to BSN Programs

Traditionally, most nurses began their careers in the healthcare field by gaining their associate's degree in nursing (ADN). These days, however, having seen their responsibilities expand significantly due to an aging population paired with considerable reforms to the healthcare system, more and more nurses are expected to hold bachelor's degrees. With this in mind, large numbers of ADN-educated RNs are headed back to school so that they can stay competitive in the field, increase their earning potential, and enhance their career prospects. Colleges and universities have also responded to the trend by making it easier than ever for RNs to earn their BSN degrees. Today, RNs can complete RN to BSN bridge programs entirely online, in just one to two years, while they maintain full-time employment. With so many programs out there, however, finding the top ones can be a tedious task. To assist you in your endeavor, we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Maryland.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Maryland

Choosing an RN to BSN program to enroll in is a serious decision that should be taken with care. While you look through Maryland's top programs, please consider the following:

  • Class sizes
  • Program's acceptance rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Flexibility of the program
  • Total cost of attendance
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
  • Program's accreditation
  • Program's retention rate
  • Time the program has been continually operating for
  • Internship opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Instructor experience
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

ADN-educated nurses are required to have passed the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming a licensed RN. For this reason, they're not required to take the exam after completing an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

1. Coppin State University

Originally established in the year 1900 as a historically black university, Coppin State University is a public university that's situated in the city of Baltimore. CSU offers a 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that students can typically complete in two semesters of full-time study. During their studies, student will encounter courses like Ethics in Nursing, Nursing and the Law, and Nursing Informatics, just to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Sinai Hospital
  • MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
  • Saint Agnes Hospital

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay approximately $12,150 in tuition plus additional fees to attend CSU's RN to BSN program; out-of-state students can expect to pay about $18,450 plus additional fees.

2. Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University, established in 1898, is a public university located in the city of Frostburg that offers students 32 credit hour RN to BSN bridge program. FSU's program is delivered mainly online but also requires students to complete 135 practicum hours at a local healthcare facility. While the program can be completed in just 15 months, students have a maximum of 60 months to finish it. Program coursework includes topics like Health Assessment, Population Focused Nursing, and Nursing informatics, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Western Maryland Regional Medical Center
  • Somerset Hospital
  • Meyersdale Medical Center
  • The John Hopkins Hospital

Tuition:

To learn about current tuition fees for Frostburg State University's program, contact them at (301) 687-4000.

3. Notre Dame of Maryland University

First established in 1873, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private Catholic university situated in the city of Baltimore. NDMU offers a 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that students can choose to complete online or in-person at the university's main campus. Generally, students with ADN degrees complete the entire program in about two and a half calendar years. In addition to their didactic coursework, students will have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in world-renowned healthcare settings like John Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • The John Hopkins Hospital
  • MedStar Harbor Hospital
  • Saint Agnes Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in NDMU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $12,000 in tuition plus additional fees.

4. Salisbury University

Salisbury University is a public university located in the city of Salisbury that was first established in 1925. SU's 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program can typically be completed in just two years of part-time study. During the program, students will encounter courses like Research Methods, Health Assessment, and Nursing Leadership, just to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Peninsula Regional Medical Center
  • Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Salisbury
  • Delmarva Heart

Tuition:

To find out more about Salisbury University's tuition and fees, contact them at (410) 543-6000.

5. Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private university with two locations in Baltimore County, one in Owing Mills and the other in Stevenson. Stevenson University's online RN to BSN program, which caters to working nurses, offers personalized attention to its students and gives them the opportunity to have on-site instruction if they so wish. Some courses that students will take during the program include Information Technology in Nursing and Healthcare, Nursing Research, and Health in the Community. SU also boasts an accomplished faculty with ample experience in the nursing field.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Northwest Hospital
  • University of Maryland Rehabilitation Institute

Tuition:

To learn more about RN to BSN program tuition at Stevenson University, contact them at (410) 486-700.

6. University of Maryland

Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland is a public research university situated in the city of College Park. UM offers students a fully online, 31 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that students can choose to complete in either a full-time or part-time format. If taken full-time, students can complete the program in as little as two semesters. Unlike other programs in the state, UM gives RN to BSN students a chance to explore health information technology alongside their normal studies through it's one of a kind Care Coordination with Health IT focus area.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Med-Ped Healthcare LLC
  • University of Maryland Medical Center
  • Doctors Community Hospital

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay about $12,214 in tuition plus fees to attend UM's RN to BSN program; out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $41,075 plus fees.