Best LPN Programs in Maryland 2026
Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Maryland with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities across Maryland.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Maryland
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MD - Public 2-Year - allegany.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Allegany College of Maryland's Practical Nursing Certificate is an intensive one-year, 45-credit program spanning four consecutive semesters. Coursework covers nursing theory, anatomy and physiology, mental health concepts, maternal-child nursing, and nursing in society, with hands-on clinical rotations in area hospitals and facilities. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, BLS/CPR, and an entrance exam under a points-based system. The Maryland Board of Nursing-approved program holds a Health Manpower Shortage designation and offers a CMA-PN pathway for certified medical assistants. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN and careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health. Financial aid is available, with fall starts.
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 1-Year program
- Complete in completed within four consecutive college semesters
- 45 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll Community College’s 60-credit Practical Nursing Certificate blends pre-clinical coursework in biology, psychology, and math with clinical training in health assessment, medication administration, and nursing concepts. Students complete prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, then move through clinical courses in fall, spring, and summer. Admission is selective—applicants must also be accepted into the RN A.S. program, easing the transition to further nursing education. Science prerequisites are valid for only five years, and a 2.5 GPA with a C or better in all courses is required. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN and LPN roles in hospitals and clinics.
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Must earn C or better in all courses
- Science courses valid only 5 years
- Admission requires RN program acceptance
- Selective admission process
- Program director Dr. Nancy Perry
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, MD - Public 2-Year - csmd.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of Southern Maryland’s Practical Nursing Certificate has prepared LPNs for over four decades at its Hughesville Campus Center for Health Sciences. This ACEN-accredited, Maryland Board of Nursing-approved program combines web-enhanced instruction, lectures, simulations, and clinical rotations in long-term care and community settings. Over three clinical semesters—available full-time or part-time for working adults—students gain essential nursing skills. The program boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate among recent cohorts and a 50% job placement rate. Admissions are competitive, but flexible scheduling and scholarships make it accessible. Graduates leave ready to pursue licensure and careers in multiple healthcare environments.
- ACEN, Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 50% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
- Offered at Regional Hughesville Campus
- Competitive admissions program
Prince George's Community College
Largo, MD - Public 2-Year - pgcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing (LPN) Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Prince George's Community College delivers a 47-credit, campus-based Practical Nursing certificate that blends general education—such as Anatomy & Physiology I and II, General Psychology, and Interpersonal Communication—with core nursing courses like Foundations of Nursing Practice, Reproductive Health Nursing, and Physiological Integrity. Students learn to collect health data, collaborate with healthcare teams, provide patient teaching, and deliver culturally sensitive care across the lifespan. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and offers a seamless articulation pathway into the associate degree RN program. Faculty advisors in the Center for Health Studies provide structured guidance for critical courses, ensuring readiness for careers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
- 47 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Articulates with RN program
- Collaborate with healthcare team
- Provide patient teaching
- Culturally sensitive interventions
- Critical courses highlighted
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown, MD - Public 2-Year - hagerstowncc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hagerstown Community College (HCC) offers a Practical Nursing certificate designed to launch careers as licensed practical nurses within 16 months. Combining classroom theory with supervised clinical experiences, the curriculum prepares graduates for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health agencies. Students develop essential nursing skills through hands-on laboratory practice and real-world training. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure. The program boasts a favorable job outlook, with a projected 6% growth in practical nursing roles and over 657,000 positions across the U.S. HCC's instructors bring extensive clinical experience, equipping students with practical knowledge and confidence for diverse healthcare environments.
- 16-Month program
- $48,000 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- 6% employment growth expected
- 657,200 practical nursing jobs in U.S.
- Faculty with industry experience
Maryland LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Maryland, applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Most programs require a minimum GPA and satisfactory scores on entrance exams such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Additional prerequisites often include completion of CPR certification, a background check, drug screening, and up-to-date immunization records. Some schools may also require prerequisite coursework in biology or mathematics. Due to competitive admissions, prior healthcare experience or completing a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program may strengthen one’s application.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
Maryland LPN programs are designed to provide foundational knowledge in nursing practice along with hands-on clinical experience. Curriculum typically includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric care. Clinical training takes place in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Accreditation ensures that programs meet the educational standards required for licensure. In Maryland, LPN programs must be approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Accreditation from national bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is also beneficial for license portability and financial aid eligibility. Graduating from an accredited and board-approved program is required to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and become licensed in Maryland.
LPN Schools and Classes
Maryland offers LPN training through community colleges and vocational technical schools located across the state. These institutions provide both daytime and evening/weekend options to accommodate diverse student schedules. LPN programs in Maryland combine classroom instruction with clinical practicums, focusing on both general nursing skills and specialized care areas.
Core classes often include human anatomy, physiology, nursing principles, pharmacology, and microbiology. Specialized courses may cover maternal-child nursing, mental health nursing, and care for aging populations. Clinical rotations are a key part of the program, offering students experience in diverse medical settings under supervision.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses in Maryland have strong employment opportunities across hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare services, physicians’ offices, and rehabilitation centers. According to the Maryland Department of Labor, the demand for LPNs continues to grow, driven by an aging population and healthcare expansion. Work/life balance is achievable due to flexible scheduling, with many roles offering part-time or shift work opportunities.
LPNs in Maryland can also pursue additional certifications or continue their education to become Registered Nurses (RNs), further increasing their career options and salary potential.
LPN Program Length
Full-time LPN programs in Maryland generally take between 12 and 15 months to complete. Part-time programs, which are ideal for working adults or those with family obligations, can extend to 18 to 24 months. Evening and weekend programs offer additional flexibility, though they typically match the timeframes of part-time tracks due to limited instructional hours per week.
The total program length depends on the institution and course availability, especially for clinical rotations which are essential for program completion and licensure readiness.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Maryland
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland |
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| Hagerstown Community College |
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| Harford Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Maryland varies by institution but generally ranges from $4,000 to $14,000. Public community colleges typically offer the most affordable options, especially for in-state students. Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, licensure exam fees, and background checks, which can total between $1,000 and $3,000.
Housing costs depend on location; students in urban centers like Baltimore may pay significantly more for accommodation compared to those attending rural institutions.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Maryland
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland |
|
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| Fortis College-Landover |
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| Anne Arundel Community College |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
In Maryland, LPN programs cannot be completed fully online due to the requirement for hands-on clinical experience and state board standards. While some coursework may be delivered through online platforms, such as medical terminology or nursing theory, clinicals and lab-based classes must be completed in person. This ensures students develop the direct patient care skills required for safe and competent nursing practice. Only programs approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing meet these standards and prepare students for licensure.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Maine
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Maryland, graduates of an approved practical nursing program must pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The exam is a standardized test used nationwide to assess whether a candidate is prepared for entry-level practical nursing practice. Candidates must apply for licensure with the Maryland Board of Nursing and register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. Maryland does not require a temporary permit to test, and applicants can check the status of their license through the Maryland Board of Nursing’s online verification system.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who hold active licenses in other states. Endorsement applicants must submit verification of current licensure, proof of practical nursing education, and pass a criminal background check. Maryland is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); however, the NLC applies to Registered Nurses (RNs) only, not LPNs. LPNs seeking to practice in Maryland with an out-of-state license must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Licensure Requirements
The Maryland Board of Nursing regulates the practice of LPNs in the state. New applicants must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program and submit a completed application, official transcripts, and a criminal background check. All applicants must also complete a jurisprudence exam that covers laws and regulations specific to Maryland nursing practice. Foreign-educated nurses are required to have their credentials evaluated and demonstrate English language proficiency.
License Renewal
Maryland LPN licenses must be renewed every two years. While there are no specific continuing education requirements for LPNs to maintain active licensure in Maryland, licensees are expected to maintain competence through professional activities relevant to safe and effective practical nursing practice. LPNs must also attest to their practice within the nursing scope during the renewal process. Renewals can be completed through the Maryland Board of Nursing’s online renewal system, and it is recommended that nurses submit renewal applications at least 30 days before license expiration to ensure timely processing.
Maryland LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
Licensed Practical Nurses in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $70,700, which is significantly higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is primarily driven by the state's high cost of living, particularly within the densely populated Baltimore-Washington metropolitan corridor. Additionally, strong demand from a robust long-term care sector, serving Maryland's aging population, contributes to the more competitive compensation. The concentration of major hospital systems and healthcare facilities in the region also elevates wage standards for LPNs compared to the national figure.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Maryland LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
12 to 15 months, full-time.
Credential Awarded:
Certificate or Diploma in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrated, hands-on clinical skills and foundational nursing theory for entry-level patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Average In-State Tuition in Maryland:
$7,000 - $15,000 (total program cost, excluding books, fees, and supplies).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct route to enter the nursing workforce as an LPN.
School Types:
Community colleges and career/technical schools.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
Approximately 2 years (for the full associate degree). Students are typically eligible to test for the LPN license after completing the first year.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Students can often exit the program after completing the practical nursing coursework (approx. one year) and be eligible for the NCLEX-PN.
Program Focus:
Combines practical nursing skills with general education courses (e.g., English, psychology, sociology), providing a broader academic foundation.
Average In-State Tuition in Maryland:
$12,000 - $20,000 (total for the full two-year degree, excluding books and fees).
Best For:
Students who are certain they want to become an RN and prefer an integrated program that builds directly toward an associate degree.
School Types:
Community colleges.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Speed to Employment: It is the fastest path to becoming a licensed nurse and earning an income, typically in just over a year.
- Lower Overall Cost: With fewer required credit hours, the total tuition and associated costs are significantly lower than for a full degree program.
- Focused Curriculum: The program concentrates entirely on the essential nursing skills and knowledge required for the LPN role, avoiding general education requirements.
- Flexibility for the Future: You can start working as an LPN and then choose from many LPN-to-RN bridge programs later, often with your employer's tuition assistance.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Seamless RN Pathway: Provides a direct, structured path to an Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) within a single program, simplifying the transition.
- Broader Educational Foundation: General education courses enhance critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in nursing.
- Enhanced Credit Transferability: The associate degree credits, including general education courses, are more easily transferred to a four-year university for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in the future.
- Potential for Higher Starting Responsibility: While the LPN scope of practice is the same, some employers may view the broader education of a degree-holder favorably for roles with more complexity.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Maryland
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $62,000 - $74,700 | 10-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-750 hours | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| MA | $38,500 - $49,000 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-240 hours | $4,000 - $17,000 |
| CNA | $37,400 - $43,800 | 4-12 weeks | NNAAP (for GNA certification) | Minimum 40 hours | $800 - $2,000 |
| DA | $43,900 - $58,400 | 9-12 months | DANB exams (RHS, CDA) | 150-300 hours | $4,000 - $18,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $37,300 - $46,600 | 6-12 months | PTCB (CPhT) Exam | 100-300 hours | $3,000 - $12,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,500 - $48,800 | 2-6 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 40-120 hours (or 100+ successful draws) | $700 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $63,600 - $81,100 | 2 years (Associate's Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 640 hours | $10,000 - $25,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Maryland
Arnold, MD
Anne Arundel Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- $6,500 total program tuition
- 1-Year program
- 41 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- State-of-the-art equipment
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore City Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Complete in one-year program
- 45 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Approved by Maryland Board of Nursing
- 13 prerequisite credits required
- Biology placement exam required
Community College of Baltimore County
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 12-Month program
- 46 total credit hours
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts summer/fall/spring
- Cohort-based structure
Bel Air, MD
Harford Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 12-Month program
- 41 total credit hours
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- $54,620 median earnings
- Median hourly wage $26.26 per hour, annual median pay $54,620
Cumberland, MD
Allegany College of Maryland
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 1-Year program
- Complete in completed within four consecutive college semesters
- 45 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Hagerstown, MD
Hagerstown Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 16-Month program
- $48,000 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- 6% employment growth expected
- 657,200 practical nursing jobs in U.S.
- Faculty with industry experience
La Plata, MD
College of Southern Maryland
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 50% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
Landover, MD
Fortis College-Landover
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on clinical training
- Career services for graduates
- Connections to local employers
- Streamlined path to earn diploma
- Convenient class schedules
- Career-focused classes
Largo, MD
Prince George's Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing (LPN) Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 47 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Articulates with RN program
- Collaborate with healthcare team
- Provide patient teaching
- Culturally sensitive interventions
- Critical courses highlighted
North East, MD
Cecil College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Clinical experiences in three states
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- Seat fee refund if enrolled in fall
Salisbury, MD
Wor-Wic Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate Program in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation accredited
- 41 total credit hours
- 11 total courses
- Starts fall/spring
- Cohort-based structure
- Prepares for LPN licensure
- Pre-nursing courses included
- Courses can be taken before acceptance
Westminster, MD
Carroll Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Maryland Board of Nursing accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Must earn C or better in all courses
- Science courses valid only 5 years
- Admission requires RN program acceptance
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