Maryland has something for everyone. Soak up the rays at the beach in Ocean City or visit the harbor in Baltimore and enjoy world class museums and restaurants. And D.C. is just a hop skip and a jump away. Or you can cruise around the harbor on the the Spirit of Baltimore yacht.
If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!
In this article, we will cover:
- Licensing information
- Steps for renewing a Maryland nursing license
- Continuing education requirements
- Job & salary outlook for nurses in Maryland
- Top hospitals in Maryland
- Nursing organizations & associations in Maryland
- Basic steps for licensing and certification
- Contact information
Licensing information
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Maryland whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Maryland from another state. For more information visit the Maryland licensing page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $50 (APRN, $25 additional area of concentration)
Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fee: $100
- Temporary permit: $40
License renewal fee:
- Application fee: $110 (LPN); $136 (RN); $161 (APRN)
Maryland is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.
Steps for renewing a Maryland nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Maryland Board of Nursing verification portal page in order to confirm your license.
- Go to the Maryland Board of Nursing Online Renewal System to request a license renewal
Visit the Maryland Board of Nursing Renewal Information page for specifics. Maryland is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in Maryland unless you are declaring Maryland as your Primary State of Residency.
Continuing education requirements
RN: None (some employers may have requirements)
LPN: None (some employers may have requirements)
APRN: Maintain national certification (some employers may have requirements)
Job & salary outlook for nurses in Maryland
Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The annual mean wage is $81,590.
We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Maryland is the right state for you.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Maryland ]
Top hospitals in Maryland
If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Maryland will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:
- Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore, MD: The mission of this Magnet Recognition Program® hospital is to “improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care.” There are also fast facts that showcase the accomplishments of this organization. Some specialties include:
- Psychiatry (#1 in the nation)
- Ear, Nose & Throat (#3 in the nation)
- Neurology & Neurosurgery (#4 in the nation)
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#16 in the nation)
- University of Maryland Medical Center – Baltimore, MD: The values of this Magnet Recognition Program® hospital include “respect and integrity, teamwork and collaboration, excellence and innovation, diversity and inclusion.” Some specialties include:
- Ear, Nose & Throat
- Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#41 in the nation)
- Stroke
- Urology
- University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center – Towson, MD: Some values of this hospital include “reverence, stewardship, compassion, integrity, excellence.” Visit the Fast Facts page for more information. Some specialties include:
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Nephrology
*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.
Nursing organizations & associations in Maryland
Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Maryland:
Maryland Nurses Association: This MNA represents “the voice of nurses and advocates for excellence in nursing in order to provide the highest quality healthcare for all. Core values include: Courage, Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Inclusiveness.”
Association of Women’ Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses – Maryland: The mission of this association is to “empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education and advocacy.”
Philippine Nurses Association – Maryland: This is a “professional organization that will uphold the positive image and foster the welfare of Philippine descent nurses and its members while promoting professional excellence, innovative leadership and contribution to significant outcomes to Maryland’s healthcare and society.”
Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.
Basic steps for licensing and certification
Step 1: Education
Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Step 2: Licensing
When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.
The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:
1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity
Step 3: Experience
This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.
Step 4: Certification
The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.
[ Looking for more support? Get free, personalized career guidance from experienced RNs. ]
Contact information
Maryland Board of Nursing
Phone: (410) 585-1900 or (888) 202-9861
Fax: (410) 358-3530
Website: https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
4140 Patterson Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215-2254
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