Maryland's licensed practical nurses earn a statewide median of $74,660, well above the national figure, and employers from long-term care facilities in Western Maryland to outpatient clinics in Prince George's County continue posting openings faster than programs can fill seats. That gap between supply and demand makes choosing the right certificate program a high-stakes decision, not just for licensure but for how much debt you carry into a role where starting salaries vary by more than $15,000 depending on metro area.
Most full-time tracks run about 12 months and are housed in community colleges, which keeps tuition relatively low. Still, net costs, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and clinical placement quality differ sharply from one campus to the next.
Top LPN Programs in Maryland for 2027
Maryland's practical nursing programs are concentrated in its community colleges, and the strongest value sits in the certificate tracks that keep tuition and borrowing low while still preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. The schools below are ordered with affordability and time to completion in mind, and each entry notes format and career ladders so you can filter quickly.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt after completion
- Net price after financial aid
- Reported post-completion earnings
- Institutional graduation rates
- Time to program completion
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
Wor-Wic Community College
Wor-Wic runs the Eastern Shore's most established practical nursing pathway, a cohort certificate with fall and spring start dates that has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. The program covers 41 credits across 11 courses, and pre-nursing coursework can be completed before a student is formally accepted. Admission is selective, requiring the TEAS, a 2.5 GPA, and a prospective student meeting, and licensed Maryland LPNs can later step into the college's LPN-to-ADN transition track.
- 41 total credit hours across 11 courses
- Cohort structure with fall and spring start dates
- Pre-nursing courses can be completed before acceptance
- Current CPR certification required
- Grade of C or better required in every course
- Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
- Clinical objectives must be met to progress
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Carroll Community College
Carroll's practical nursing certificate is structured differently from most in Maryland: it lives inside the associate degree RN program rather than standing alone, so students complete the first year of nursing coursework plus a summer practical nursing concepts course before becoming eligible for NCLEX-PN. The 60-credit pathway is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite science courses taken within the last five years, and acceptance into the RN program. It fits students who want an LPN credential but are already pointed toward an RN license.
- 60 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum for admission
- Science prerequisites valid for only five years
- Requires admission to the associate degree RN program
- Summer practical nursing concepts course leads to NCLEX-PN eligibility
- Must earn a C or better in all nursing courses
- Selective admission process
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
College of Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland's practical nursing certificate has been training LPNs for more than 40 years and is delivered at the Center for Health Sciences on the Regional Hughesville Campus, where recent cohorts posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate. The three-semester program offers full-time and part-time options with web-enhanced instruction, simulation practice, and clinical rotations in long-term care and community settings, and it holds both ACEN accreditation and Maryland Board of Nursing approval. Graduates can carry the certificate into an associate degree at any public community college in Maryland under the state's nursing articulation agreement.
- Three-semester program with a fall start
- Full-time and part-time options for working adults
- Recent cohorts posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate
- Web-enhanced coursework, simulation, and clinical rotations
- Clinical experience in long-term care and community settings
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
- Scholarships available
- Taught at the Regional Hughesville Campus
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Harford Community College
Harford's 12-month, 41-credit practical nursing certificate is a selective-admission route for students who want to finish quickly and start working, with a spring start and a TEAS benchmark of 58.7. Clinical work spans medical-surgical, mental health, and maternal-pediatric nursing, and the college cites median earnings of $54,620 for LPNs, among the strongest figures attached to a Maryland certificate. Graduates can articulate into Harford's associate degree RN program or transfer to other Maryland nursing schools.
- 12-month, 41-credit certificate
- Starts spring
- TEAS score of 58.7 and a 2.5 GPA required
- Prerequisites include BIO203, ENG101, and PSY101
- Clinical rotations in medical-surgical, mental health, and maternal-pediatric nursing
- Articulation into the RN program or other Maryland nursing schools
- CPR/BLS certification and background checks required
- Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown's practical nursing certificate takes about 16 months and pairs general nursing coursework with lab and clinical practice in long-term care, home health, physician offices, and hospitals. The program is ACEN accredited and Maryland Board of Nursing approved, and it carries a Health Manpower Shortage designation that lets Maryland residents pay in-county tuition rates no matter where they live in the state. The college reports median earnings of $48,000 for its graduates and points to projected 6% employment growth for practical nurses nationally.
- 16-month program
- $48,000 median earnings reported for graduates
- Prepares students for NCLEX-PN
- Work settings include hospitals, clinics, and long-term care
- Faculty bring real-world clinical experience
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
- Hybrid delivery with online coursework plus in-person labs and clinicals
- Health Manpower Shortage designation supports in-county tuition for Maryland residents
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Prince George's Community College
Prince George's Community College offers a 47-credit LPN certificate that blends anatomy, physiology, and psychology with core nursing courses at the Center for Health Studies in Largo. Maryland residents receive priority in admission decisions and pay a lower per-credit rate than out-of-state applicants. The certificate articulates into the RN program, and graduates who hold an active Maryland LPN license, finish the RN prerequisites, and log six months of practice can enter the second year of the RN sequence directly.
- 47 total credit hours
- Prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I and II and General Psychology
- Core courses cover foundations of nursing practice and physiological integrity
- Articulates into the associate degree RN program
- Qualified LPNs with six months of practice enter the second year of the RN program directly
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Priority admission for Maryland residents
- Culturally sensitive care and patient teaching emphasized
Nursing (LPN) Certificate — On-Campus
Cecil College
Cecil's one-year practical nursing certificate runs fall through summer and places students in clinical sites across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, though the college notes the credential meets licensure requirements in Maryland and Delaware and not Pennsylvania. Admission uses the Kaplan Admissions Test rather than the TEAS, along with a 2.5 GPA and recent science prerequisites. Out-of-state nursing students can apply for a tuition reduction that brings them to the Maryland in-county rate.
- One-year fall, spring, and summer sequence ending in late July
- Kaplan Admissions Test required instead of the TEAS
- 2.5 GPA minimum plus recent science prerequisites
- Clinical placements across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania
- Meets licensure requirements for Maryland and Delaware
- Tuition reduction program for non-resident nursing students
- Articulation agreements for continued education
- Curriculum built on the Neuman Systems Model
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel's practical nursing certificate is built for working adults, with evening and weekend classes and clinical experience in hospitals, extended care facilities, home health, and outpatient psychiatry. The 41-credit program can be finished in roughly one academic year, and the college notes total program tuition under $6,500 with financial aid and scholarships available. Recent Maryland Board of Nursing data show a 96.3% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for program candidates.
- 41 total credit hours completed in about one academic year
- Evening and weekend schedule built for working adults
- Total program tuition under $6,500, per the college
- Clinical experience across medical-surgical, obstetric, and pediatric units
- State-of-the-art simulation equipment
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Advanced placement options for LPNs, paramedics, and veterans continuing to RN
- Higher than average NCLEX-PN pass rate
Practical Nursing Certificate — Hybrid
Community College of Baltimore County
CCBC's 12-month, 46-credit practical nursing certificate is offered at the Dundalk campus with three cohort options each year: fall day, summer day, and spring evening/weekend. Admission runs through the School of Health Professions and is competitive, requiring prerequisite coursework, a 2.0 GPA, a satisfactory TEAS score, and technical standards. Baltimore County residents also have a CNA-to-LPN route through the Public Health Pathways Program, which covers CNA tuition and feeds graduates into the practical nursing program.
- 12-month, 46-credit certificate at the Dundalk campus
- Three starts per year: fall day, summer day, and spring evening/weekend
- 2.0 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Option to continue into the RN program after licensure
- LPN-to-RN transition course offers advanced standing
- CNA scholarships with a guaranteed pathway into the practical nursing program
- Criminal background check and drug screening required
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Allegany College of Maryland
Allegany's one-year practical nursing certificate in Cumberland covers nursing theory, anatomy and physiology, mental health concepts, and maternal-child nursing, with clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The program carries Maryland's Health Manpower Shortage designation and uses a points-based competitive admission system built on grades and entrance exam scores. Certified medical assistants can enter through a dedicated CMA-to-PN pathway, and licensed LPNs can continue toward an RN credential.
- Completed within four consecutive college semesters
- 45 total credit hours
- One start date per year, in fall
- HESI A2 entrance assessment required
- 2.5 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
- CMA-to-PN pathway for certified medical assistants
- Health Manpower Shortage Program designation
- Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Baltimore City Community College
Baltimore City Community College's practical nursing certificate is a 45-credit, one-year program preparing students for the NCLEX-PN with coursework in adult health nursing, maternal-child nursing, medication calculation, and nursing practice. Admission requires roughly 13 credits of prerequisites including anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, plus a biology placement exam and computer literacy. The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and places graduates in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities around the city.
- 45 credit hours across three semesters
- 13 prerequisite credits required
- Biology placement exam and computer literacy prerequisite
- Coursework in adult health nursing, maternal-child nursing, and medication calculation
- Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Clinical settings include hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Fortis College-Landover
Fortis College's Landover campus offers a diploma pathway in practical nursing with a streamlined structure, convenient class schedules, and career services that connect graduates to local employers. Instruction pairs career-focused classroom work with hands-on clinical training in patient care, health advocacy, and nursing fundamentals. As a private-sector option, it is worth comparing total cost against Maryland's community college certificates before enrolling.
- Diploma pathway in practical nursing
- Hands-on clinical training with career-focused coursework
- Career services and connections to local employers for graduates
- Financial aid available
- Convenient class schedules for working students
Practical Nursing Diploma — On-Campus
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Maryland
The table below ranks five Maryland LPN programs by estimated net price after financial aid, from lowest to highest. Net price figures reflect an institution-wide average reported to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, 2024) and represent what aided students typically pay out of pocket. Your actual cost will depend on your individual financial aid package, residency status, and course load. Notably, all five schools serve a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients (roughly 75% to 81% of students), which signals strong financial aid availability for students with demonstrated need. Compare the published in-state tuition column against the net price column to see how much aid can reduce your bottom line.
| School | City | Published In-State Tuition | Average Net Price After Aid | Pell Grant Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College | Westminster | $4,308 | $2,725 | 77% |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | $4,320 | $6,835 | 75% |
| Prince George's Community College | Largo | $4,034 | $8,672 | 81% |
| Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland | $4,938 | $8,819 | 75% |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | $4,200 | $9,204 | 78% |
Fastest LPN Programs in Maryland
Twelve months is the standard timeline for full-time practical nursing programs across Maryland, but a handful of scheduling strategies, like those in the Fastest LPN/LVN Programs of 2026, can shave weeks off the calendar or, at minimum, get you into clinicals sooner.
What Makes a Program Faster
Several structural features separate a quick-start track from a standard one:
- Year-round enrollment: Community College of Baltimore County (Dundalk campus) offers three start dates per year, with summer, fall, and spring cohorts. That means you can begin training in June instead of waiting until September, cutting idle time between application and classroom.
- Full-time day schedules: Programs like Harford Community College (41 credits) and BCCC (45 credits) pack coursework into consecutive semesters so students finish within one calendar year.
- Block scheduling: Concentrating lectures, labs, and clinicals into intensive blocks rather than spreading them across a traditional semester keeps the total timeline tight.
- Credit for prior learning: Students with an active CNA certification or completed prerequisite courses in anatomy, English, or psychology can enter with a lighter load, freeing time during the program itself.
At least one Maryland program has been documented at 11 months, though the specific school is not publicly identified in current state records.
The Reality Behind "6-Month LPN Programs"
If you have searched for a six-month LPN program in Maryland, here is the honest answer: fully accredited standalone programs that short are extremely rare statewide. Most results advertising a six-month timeline refer to CNA-to-LPN bridge tracks or advanced-standing options that award credit for prior clinical experience. A bridge path can legitimately compress seat time, but only because you are entering with documented skills, not because the curriculum has been cut.
Trade-Offs Worth Weighing
Accelerated tracks demand heavier weekly course loads, often 30 or more hours between class and clinical rotations. Evening and weekend flexibility shrinks, and part-time pacing is generally not an option. Before committing, confirm you can sustain that intensity while meeting the program's attendance and GPA requirements through to NCLEX-PN eligibility.
Explore other Maryland related topics
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What to Look for When Picking a Maryland LPN Program
No two Maryland practical nursing programs are structured the same way, and the differences show up long before graduation day. Choosing well means looking past the brochure and checking a handful of specifics that actually affect whether you finish on time and pass boards, such as LPN/LVN Program Admissions.
Accreditation Still Comes First
Every program on Maryland's approved list has state approval, but not every one carries programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Institutional accreditation just means the college itself is a legitimate school eligible for federal financial aid. ACEN accreditation is specific to the nursing program and signals that the curriculum meets the standards employers and the Maryland Board of Nursing expect. It also matters if you plan to bridge into an RN or BSN program later, since some bridge programs, like those in Best Maryland LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026, prefer or require ACEN-accredited LPN training.
Format and Schedule
Maryland has 12 board-approved LPN programs, and none are fully online; hands-on clinical work simply can't be replicated remotely. What varies is the classroom side. Several programs, including Anne Arundel Community College and Baltimore City Community College, run hybrid formats where lecture content is partly online but labs and clinicals stay in person. Anne Arundel and Allegany College of Maryland both offer evening or weekend tracks aimed at working adults, with Allegany's weekend hybrid model requiring roughly 12 in-person hours a week.
Clinical Site Quality
Ask where clinical rotations happen and how many hours are required. Programs partnered with hospitals typically expose students to more acute-care skills, while long-term care placements build different but equally valuable competencies. Proximity matters too: a site two hours from campus adds real logistical strain during an already demanding schedule.
Finally, keep NCLEX-PN pass rates in mind as a quality check. We break down how Maryland's programs stack up in the next section.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates at Maryland Nursing Programs
A program's NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate is one of the clearest indicators of instructional quality. The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) publishes these rates by fiscal year. For FY 2023 (July 2022 through June 2023), the statewide aggregate for all Maryland practical nursing programs was 89.57%, while FY 2024 climbed to 96.15%. Generally, a strong program meets or exceeds both the MBON benchmark and the national average, which has hovered near 85% to 87% in recent years. Programs that consistently hit 90% or above signal solid exam preparation and clinical training.
Maryland LPN Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Maryland practical nursing programs share a core set of admission requirements, though specifics vary by school. Here is what you should expect to prepare before applying.
- High School Diploma or GEDEvery accredited LPN program in Maryland requires proof of a high school diploma or GED. Most schools also set a minimum cumulative GPA, typically in the 2.0–2.5 range, though competitive programs may expect higher marks in science and math courses.
- TEAS Entrance ExamThe ATI TEAS is the standard admissions test for Maryland practical nursing programs. Minimum score thresholds vary by institution, so check each school's published cutoff. Some programs weight the TEAS heavily in their selection process, making test prep a worthwhile investment.
- Prerequisite Courses, or Built Into the CurriculumSome Maryland LPN programs require applicants to complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, basic math, or English composition before starting. Others fold those foundations directly into the program curriculum, which is why you may see certain schools marketed as having no prerequisites. This does not mean fewer academic demands, it means the content is covered during the program rather than before it. Confirm which model a school uses so you can plan your timeline accurately.
- Background Check and Drug ScreeningCriminal background checks and drug screenings are universal requirements across Maryland LPN programs. These are tied to clinical placement agreements with healthcare facilities and are typically completed before the first day of clinicals. Certain offenses may disqualify you from clinical rotations and, ultimately, licensure.
- CPR/BLS Certification and Immunization RecordsCurrent CPR or Basic Life Support certification from an approved provider (usually the American Heart Association) is required before you enter clinical rotations. You will also need up-to-date immunization records, often including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, flu, and a current TB screening.
- CNA-to-LPN Bridge PathwaysAs of 2026, Maryland does not have a widely available, structured CNA-to-LPN bridge track with standardized advanced-standing admission for certified nursing assistants. One notable employer-sponsored pilot is the UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center LPN Pathway, offered in partnership with Anne Arundel Community College. That program is open to current Patient Care Assistants, Patient Care Techs, and Mental Health Associates who have worked at UM BWMC for at least six months and have already completed all AACC LPN prerequisites. The pathway runs roughly 12 months. While CNA experience may strengthen any application, prospective students should not assume a formal CNA-to-LPN bridge exists at schools such as Harford Community College, Prince George's Community College, or Wor-Wic Community College without confirming directly with those programs.
- Apply Early and Confirm RequirementsAdmission criteria can shift from one enrollment cycle to the next. Contact each program's admissions office well ahead of application deadlines to confirm current GPA thresholds, TEAS score requirements, prerequisite course lists, and clinical clearance paperwork. Preparing documentation early gives you the best chance at a seat in a competitive cohort.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Maryland
Maryland's licensed practical nurses earn notably more than the national median, which sits near $59,730 according to the latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a statewide median of $74,660, Maryland LPNs enjoy a pay premium of roughly $15,000 over the national figure. The state employs approximately 9,560 LPNs, and demand remains steady across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.
| Wage Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $65,300 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $74,660 |
| Mean (Average) | $74,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,670 |
LPN vs. CNA, Medical Assistant, and EMT in Maryland
If you are weighing healthcare career options, understanding how each role compares on training time, pay, and growth potential can help you invest wisely. The table below stacks LPN against three other popular entry points. All four roles serve essential functions, but LPN stands out as the strongest launchpad for a nursing career because it feeds directly into LPN to RN bridge programs, letting you climb the clinical ladder without starting over.
| LPN | CNA | Medical Assistant | EMT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Training Time | 12 to 18 months (certificate or diploma) | 4 to 12 weeks | 9 to 12 months (certificate or associate degree) | 3 to 6 months (EMT Basic); up to 2 years for Paramedic |
| Credential Required | NCLEX-PN license | State certification exam | CMA or RMA certification (voluntary but preferred) | NREMT certification and state license |
| Maryland Median Salary | $74,660 per year | Data reported by BLS but not yet confirmed at the state level for the latest release | Data reported by BLS but not yet confirmed at the state level for the latest release | Data reported by BLS but not yet confirmed at the state level for the latest release |
| Scope of Practice | Administer medications, perform wound care, insert catheters, monitor patients, and work under RN or physician supervision | Assist with activities of daily living, take vital signs, and report observations to nursing staff | Room patients, draw blood, perform EKGs, and handle administrative tasks in outpatient settings | Provide emergency prehospital care including CPR, splinting, and patient transport |
| Advancement Opportunities | Direct bridge to RN (ASN or BSN) programs, IV certification, specialty certifications in long term care or wound care | Bridge to LPN or direct entry RN programs; limited upward mobility without further schooling | Advancement usually requires a separate degree (nursing, health administration, or allied health) | Can advance to Paramedic or pivot to nursing, PA, or fire science programs |
LPN Program Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay
The sticker price of an LPN program can look intimidating, but breaking it into components shows where your money actually goes. Using Baltimore City Community College as a representative Maryland example, here is how total program costs add up for a Maryland resident. Keep in mind that most students pay significantly less than the listed total after federal and state financial aid, grants, and scholarships are applied.
