2024 - Best LPN Programs in Maryland
Looking for a rewarding healthcare career in the state of Maryland? Due to the increased demand for nurses, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a great way to break into this growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports favorable employment outlook for LPNs through the year 2029, expecting nearly 9% growth. To become an LPN in the state, the first step is to enroll in a school with an accredited LPN program. LPNs in Maryland earn approximately $28.93 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $60,180. This is roughly $4,320 per year more than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Maryland? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Maryland are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 12 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Maryland click here.
Details on Maryland LPN Schools & Classes
LPN programs can be found at schools all around Maryland, from community colleges to vocational schools and beyond. Depending on whether a student opts for full-time or part-time attendance, the LPN program can be completed in roughly 1-2 years from start to finish, much quicker than a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The curriculum for LPN programs in Maryland typically consists of core nursing courses, electives, and labs. Common course titles include:
- Foundations of Practical Nursing Concepts
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Mental Health Practical Nursing Concepts
- Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Concepts
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
Accreditation
Choosing the right LPN program can seem stressful, but a great way to narrow things down is to search for schools with accreditations. Accredited schools and programs tend to be of better quality and are held to high academic standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, for example, is a national accrediting body committed to nursing education. Other regional accreditations may also be available. You may also want to find a program approved and endorsed by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Admission Requirements
All prospective LPNs must ensure that they meet the admissions requirements for their school and program of choice. While these requirements may vary depending on school, they commonly include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher
- Overall GPA of at least 2.0
- Competency in math, reading, English
- Submission of TEAS test scores
Tuition and Costs
While LPN school expenses can and do fluctuate depending on many factors, students will generally be expected to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and course materials such as textbooks and supplies. For example, tuition for the LPN program at the Community College of Baltimore County is approximately $2,500, with another $400 or so in registration fees and under $900 for textbooks. For students with tight budgets, most schools offer financial aid packages and/or scholarships, and other student loan options may also be available.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Maryland LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Maryland LPN Licensing Requirements
Maryland requires completion of a state-approved nursing program and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN to apply for state licensure. Graduates of out-of-state nursing programs can still become licensed in Maryland even if their nursing programs are not considered equivalent by completing a clinical rotation with a preceptor. To apply for licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the Board, along with a declaration of primary state of residence and a criminal background check. LPN requirements can be physically demanding, requiring sufficient strength to perform daily activities as well as endurance—long periods of standing, squatting, and walking.
NCLEX Exam Information
The NCLEX-PN test is the exam that all LPNs must pass in order to gain licensure once they graduate from a program. This test covers many nursing topics and consists of around 100 or so questions. For more information on the NCLEX-PN, check out our comprehensive overview here. Students may also wish to take the NCLEX-PN practice test, designed to help prepare new grads for the real exam.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
As a member of the original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses licensed in other compact states can work in multiple compact states without additional licensure. As of January 2018, an enhanced version of the original NLC went into effect, which added extra protections to the original mandate. LPNs outside of the compact area can apply for a Maryland license by endorsement by providing proof of current license and Verification of Licensure form, submitting a passport-style photo, and completing a criminal background check. Maryland allows foreign-educated LPN equivalents to apply for a license by submitting approval from CGFNS International, Inc. (CGFNS) after they have evaluated the official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review and proving their English proficiency. Find out more information on Maryland licensure by endorsement.
2024 MD NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 12
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 208
- 2022 Average Statewide Maryland NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 88.8%
Top Ranked Maryland LPN Programs
Cecil College
Cecil College is a comprehensive learner-centered institution located in North East, Maryland, with additional locations in Elkton, Port Deposit, Rising Sun, Perryville, and Abingdon. The school's 35-credit LPN certificate program focuses on safe, competent nursing care and is an excellent option for students looking for an affordable pathway to entry-level nursing.
College of Southern Maryland
The Practical Nursing certificate program at College of Southern Maryland prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The practical nurse (PN) is prepared to assist with the nursing process to provide nursing care that promotes the achievement of optimal health outcomes. Students learn the principles and practices of nursing through independent and web-enhanced study, lectures, demonstrations, skills practice, and simulation.
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College's Nursing Department has an outstanding reputation and the express goal to prepare excellent practical nurses. Students enrolled in the 41-credit Practical Nursing certificate program practice simulated nursing skills in a college lab with state-of-the-art equipment.
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown Community College's PN program curriculum includes a balance of general nursing studies and nursing skills with clinical and laboratory practices. After successful completion of the 16-month practical nursing program, students are trained to work in a variety of settings including home health agencies, doctor's offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Allegany College of Maryland
Allegany College of Maryland, a public institution located in Cumberland, offers an exceptional Practical Nursing Program. As a community-focused college, it provides a supportive environment for students to thrive. With a perfect blend of small class sizes and comprehensive facilities, ACM is a top choice for those pursuing a nursing career in Maryland.
Continued List of All Programs in Maryland
| Ranked | Program | Score |
|---|---|---|
| #6 |
Wor-Wic Community College
32000 Campus Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804
(410) 334-2800 | 95.81 |
| #7 |
Carroll Community College
1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 840-8443 | 94.75 |
| #8 |
Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 518-1000 | 92.26 |
| #9 |
Community College of Baltimore County
7200 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222
(443) 840-2222 | 90.56 |
| #10 |
Baltimore City Community College
2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
(888) 203-1261 | 75.28 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program |
|---|
|
Frederick Community College
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
(301) 846-2400 |
|
Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Rd, Kettering, MD 20774
(301) 322-0900 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional MD Nursing Resources
- Maryland Board of Nursing 4140 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Phone: (410) 585-1900
- Maryland Nurses Association 6 Park Center Court, Suite 212 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Phone: (443) 334-5110
LPN Salary in Maryland
The table below lists career information collected by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Maryland. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, Columbia, Towson | 3,790 | $28.83 | $59,960 |
| Salisbury | 670 | $27.25 | $56,690 |
| Hagerstown, Martinsburg | 600 | $27.27 | $56,730 |
| Cumberland | 240 | $24.79 | $51,570 |
| California, Lexington Park | 90 | $28.63 | $59,550 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)