5 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Maryland (2024)

TCA Editorial Staff

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Are you looking for top accelerated nursing programs in Maryland?

We’ve done the legwork for you by highlighting only the best ones accredited in the state. You can either go for an accelerated BSN or a direct-entry MSN program.

The duration for accelerated nursing programs in Maryland ranges from 12 to 24 months. And with the biting nurse shortage in the state, now is the best time to join Maryland’s noble nursing profession.

Table of Contents

Here’s a list of the best accelerated BSN programs in Maryland.

Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?

Best 2 Accelerated BSN Programs in Maryland

1. Notre Dame of Maryland University- Accelerated BSN

The Notre Dame ABSN is a full-time program that will earn you a BSN degree in just 15 months. It is a full-time program with 56 credit hours spanning 4 semesters.

Duration: 15 months

Format: Online or In-person

Location: Baltimore, MD & Elkridge, MD

The program offers 3 start dates — January, May, and September — giving you the flexibility to start when it’s best convenient for you.

Flexible Learning Options

This NDMU ABSN program is available in two formats to suit different learning preferences: online and on-campus. Regardless of the format you choose, both options deliver the same comprehensive curriculum.

On-campus students attend coursework and simulation labs at the main campus in Baltimore. Meanwhile, those enrolled in the online version have their simulation labs at the off-campus site in Elkridge.

Clinical Experience

With the NDMU ABSN program, you will have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at some of Baltimore’s top healthcare facilities, including Mercy Medical Center, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Sinai, St. Agnes Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System.

About Notre Dame of Maryland University

Notre Dame of Maryland University was founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1895 and carries a rich legacy in education. Originally a women’s college, NDMU is a Catholic university that has seen over 26,000 students graduate from its programs.

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2. Salisbury University- Second Degree BSN

Salisbury University’s Second Degree BSN is a full-time program that offers two track options, each designed to cater to your unique circumstances.

You can choose between the ‘fast track’ option, which allows you to complete your BSN in 12 months, or opt for the 16-month Second-Degree BSN option that doesn’t include summer coursework.

Both tracks ensure you get the same comprehensive nursing education, just on your schedule.

Duration: 12 or 16 months

Format: In-person

Location: Salisbury, MD

Clinical Experiences

You’ll attend clinicals at esteemed hospitals like Tidal Health Hospitals and Atlantic General Hospital.

About Salisbury School of Nursing

SU’s nursing grads have had a 94% pass rate on their NCLEX-RN over the last five years, which is really high in Maryland. This attests to the quality of the school’s education.

Besides, Salisbury University enables a culture of giving back. As a student, you can participate in numerous community service projects.

Their Student Nurses Association has a stellar reputation for community service, with an impressive streak of more than 20 years at the annual National Students’ Nurses Association (NSNA) Convention.

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Best 3 Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Maryland

1. Johns Hopkins University- MSN Entry into Nursing

This accelerated MSN program spreads across 5 semesters and comprises 72 credits.

Duration: Approx 20 months

Format: In-person

Location: Baltimore, MD

Clinical Experiences

The program includes clinical placements at prestigious healthcare facilities. You’ll get opportunities to practice and hone your skills at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins at Bayview, Mercy Medical Center, and more.

About Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

Johns Hopkins Nursing School was established as Johns Hopkins Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1889. Since then, it has grown to be top-ranked amongst graduate nursing schools in Maryland, nationally, and globally.

The MSN Entry into Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University is not confined to imparting technical knowledge.

Its curriculum emphasizes leadership, global impact, quality, and safety- to shape you into a leader and a change-maker in the global health landscape.

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2. University of Maryland- MSN Entry-into-Nursing

Does UMD have an accelerated nursing program?

Yes, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) MSN Entry-into-Nursing is a two-year, accelerated full-time program. You’ll earn 65 credit hours and 900 clinical hours.

Duration: 24 months

Format: In-person

Location: Baltimore, MD

This program will have the first-ever cohort of students in the Spring of 2024. Thereafter, it will be open for admissions in Spring and Fall.

Exploring Multiple Pathways in Nursing

After completion, you can use the UMSON MSN Entry-into-Nursing degree credits towards earning a doctorate, acquiring a certificate, or even specializing in a specific field of nursing.

About UMSON

UMSON, founded in 1889, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation. It’s consistently ranked amongst the top 10 nursing schools nationwide- a testament to its dedication to excellence in education.

The school emphasizes the application of evidence-based strategies in nursing, ensuring you are well-prepared to offer the highest quality care to your patients.

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3. Townson University- Entry-Level Master of Science (ELMS) program

Towson University’s Entry-Level Master of Science (ELMS) program is designed to fast-track your nursing career, covering 73 units in 5 terms- That’s a full transition to a nursing career in less than two years.

Duration: Under 20 months

Format: In-person

Location: Townson, MD

Clinical Experience

As part of the program, you’ll undertake at least 6 different clinical rotations at a variety of healthcare facilities and community health organizations spread across the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland.

About Townson’s Department of Nursing

Towson’s Department of Nursing prides itself on providing superior graduate and undergraduate education in a student-centered, caring environment.

With an 88% NCLEX pass rate, their aim is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the diverse health needs of all populations.

Also, Towson University is one of the biggest contributors of bedside nurses in Maryland.

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Admission Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Maryland

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is generally required. This degree may be in any field.
Prerequisite Courses: These can include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Nutrition, Chemistry, and Psychology.
Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum GPA- usually 3.0 or higher.
Entrance Exam: Some programs may require an entrance exam, such as the HESI Admission Assessment Exam or the TEAS.
Letters of Recommendation: Most schools will require letters of recommendation, often from academic advisors, previous instructors, or employers.
Nursing Personal Statement: A personal essay or statement may be required, in which you discuss your goals and reasons for wanting to enter the nursing field.
Interview: Some schools may require an interview as part of the admissions process.
Clinical Experience: While not always required, having healthcare or clinical experience can strengthen your application.
Background Check: You will likely need to pass a background check due to the nature of the work involved in nursing.
Health Requirements: There may be health requirements to meet, such as updated vaccinations and proof of health insurance.

Remember to check with the program for specifics.

Wrapping Up

A 2022 study by the State of Maryland’s Health Care Workforce reported that one in every four nursing positions was vacant and that Maryland had a shortage of 5000 full-time RNs.

The report estimated that if necessary interventions to lure new nurses were not implemented, then the shortages would be twice or thrice greater than 2022 levels by 2035.

And with RNs in Maryland continuing to make a decent living with average wages of approximately $87,990, this demand for nurses still presents a fantastic opportunity for you to consider switching to nursing.

Fortunately, accelerated nursing programs in Maryland can train you to join the fulfilling nursing profession in record time- as long as you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree!

Disclaimer:

Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.

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