Best Maryland LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Maryland provides LPN to RN bridge programs focused on preparing nurses for expanded roles in patient care. Courses cover advanced theory, health assessment, and nursing ethics. Clinical placements in healthcare settings ensure graduates are ready for the licensure process and RN responsibilities.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Maryland
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MD - Public 2-Year - allegany.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Allegany College of Maryland's LPN to RN Online program provides a flexible pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles. Tailored for working professionals, it features comprehensive online coursework and requires one year of work experience, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and completion of prerequisites like science courses. Admission is competitive and mandates the HESI entrance exam, with authorization spanning 17 states for broad accessibility.
- Online flexible nursing program
- Authorized in 17 states
- Requires 1 year work experience
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
- HESI entrance exam required
- Multiple prerequisite science courses
- Transition for licensed practical nurses
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD - Public 4-Year - frostburg.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Frostburg State University offers an online LPN to BSN program designed for licensed practical nurses seeking career advancement. This part-time, flexible option enables working professionals to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while balancing job duties. Students receive 15 transfer credits and complete 50 specialized nursing credits, including 480 hours of clinical experiences. The program is CCNE-accredited and prepares graduates for the RN licensure exam, opening doors to leadership roles in healthcare. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, though specifics should be verified with the university.
- Fully online, part-time program
- 15 transfer credits awarded
- CCNE accredited program
- 480 hours clinical experience
- 50 specialized nursing credits
Baltimore City Community College
Baltimore, MD - Public 2-Year - bccc.edu
Associate - LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baltimore City Community College's LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Option is tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to an Associate Degree in Nursing. This campus-based program emphasizes clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership development through a curriculum that integrates theory with hands-on practice. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, enhancing career prospects in nursing. Admission requires an active LPN license and prerequisite courses, ensuring a solid foundation. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and teamwork, adapting to evolving healthcare needs without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires active LPN license.
- Focuses on clinical skills.
- Enhances critical thinking.
- Leadership in nursing.
- Blends theory and practice.
- Hands-on learning opportunities.
- Seamless transition for LPNs.
- Prepares for advanced positions.
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll Community College offers an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing, a two-year, 70-credit program blending rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training in regional hospitals. It features state-of-the-art simulation labs and an LPN/Paramedic advanced track for seamless progression. With expert instructors and competitive admission, graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and can transfer to bachelor's programs via the ATB pathway. No entrance exam is required, as this is an associate-level program.
- 70 total credit program
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical rotations in regional hospitals
- Expert instructors with real-world experience
- Competitive admission requirements
- LPN/Paramedic advanced track available
- Industry expert advisory board
- Strong job market outlook
Wor-Wic Community College
Salisbury, MD - Public 2-Year - worwic.edu
Associate - Nursing, LPN to ADN Pathway, A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wor-Wic Community College's LPN to ADN Pathway, A.S. program is tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking RN licensure. Accredited by the NLN CNEA, it grants 16 credits for prior nursing education and requires an active LPN license from a Maryland Board of Nursing approved program. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, culturally appropriate care, and teamwork, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, and advanced nursing to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. All courses must be completed with a 'C' or better, and the program length varies by cohort. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
- Accredited by NLN CNEA.
- 16 credits for prior education.
- Requires active LPN license.
- Focus on NCLEX-RN preparation.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
- Culturally appropriate care focus.
- Collaboration in healthcare teams.
- Anatomy and physiology courses.
- Advanced nursing pharmacology.
Maryland LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
In Maryland, LPN to RN bridge admission requirements are set by each college or university, but they align with state expectations for clinical safety and RN licensure. Prospective students should expect the following:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license issued by Maryland or another Nurse Licensure Compact state, with eligibility to practice in Maryland.
- Official transcripts showing graduation from an approved practical nursing program.
- Prerequisite coursework completed with minimum grades and a set GPA. Common prerequisites include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, English Composition, College-level Math or Statistics, Psychology and Lifespan Development, and Nutrition. Many schools require that science courses be taken within a recent time frame.
- Standardized admission testing such as TEAS or HESI, per school policy.
- Clinical eligibility clearance, including immunizations, current BLS for Healthcare Providers, drug screening, and a criminal background check. A separate state and federal background check is also required later for RN licensure in Maryland.
- Proof of recent LPN work experience may be recommended or required by some programs for advanced standing or transition credit.
Maryland requires RN graduates to come from state-approved programs and to pass the NCLEX-RN before licensure. Applicants can review statewide approval and licensure information through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Maryland build on your practical nursing foundation and typically include:
- Transition coursework that validates LPN competencies and grants advanced standing toward RN coursework.
- Adult medical-surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions, pharmacology and safe medication administration, comprehensive health assessment, and pathophysiology.
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and community/public health nursing.
- Leadership, teamwork, and quality and safety, including delegation and clinical decision-making within the RN scope of practice.
- Supervised clinical rotations in Maryland hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory clinics, and community settings, plus high-fidelity simulation.
Accreditation and state approval matter in Maryland. To be eligible for RN licensure by examination, you must graduate from a program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Many schools also maintain national nursing accreditation by ACEN or CCNE and institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which can support credit transfer, employer recognition, and access to federal financial aid.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Maryland, LPN to RN pathways are offered at public community colleges, state universities, and select private institutions. Options include LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN bridges. Programs commonly offer:
- Foundational and advanced nursing coursework that expands assessment, clinical judgment, and care planning beyond the LPN scope.
- Specialized content such as critical care concepts, gerontology, population health, informatics, and nursing research at the upper-division level.
- Skills labs and simulation to practice complex procedures and interdisciplinary communication before patient care.
- Clinical rotations supervised by Maryland-licensed faculty in diverse settings to meet required competencies.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Maryland work in hospitals, outpatient specialty clinics, long-term care and rehabilitation, home health, behavioral health, schools, and public health. Schedules vary by setting, with day, evening, night, weekend, and 12-hour shifts common in acute care; ambulatory settings may offer more regular weekday hours. Employers across the Baltimore-Washington corridor and in regional health systems routinely seek RNs, and demand is sustained by population health needs, retirements, and expanding outpatient services.
Compared with LPN practice, RNs in Maryland have a broader scope that emphasizes comprehensive assessment, care planning, patient education, and leadership in interprofessional teams. This expanded role typically corresponds to higher earning potential, wider employment options, and clearer pathways to advanced practice or leadership with additional education.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge programs: After prerequisites, LPN to ADN tracks commonly take about 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework. LPN to BSN bridges usually require about 2 to 3 years of upper-division study.
- Part-time options: Designed for working LPNs, part-time plans lengthen time to completion. Expect roughly 18 to 30 months for LPN to ADN and 3 to 4 years for LPN to BSN, depending on credit load each term.
- Evening/weekend formats: Some Maryland schools offer evening lectures and weekend clinicals. Timelines are similar to part-time pathways and depend on how often courses and clinicals are scheduled.
Total time depends on completion of prerequisites, the number of transition credits awarded for LPN experience, and clinical course availability.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Maryland
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland |
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| Frostburg State University |
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| Carroll Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Costs vary by institution and residency:
- Public community colleges: In-county tuition is typically the most affordable. For the nursing portion of an LPN to ADN bridge, total in-county tuition and mandatory fees often fall roughly in the range of about 8,000 to 15,000, with higher costs for out-of-county or out-of-state students.
- Public universities and private institutions: LPN to BSN bridges generally cost more. Upper-division nursing tuition and fees for in-state students commonly range from about 20,000 to 45,000, depending on the number of transfer credits and program-specific fees.
Additional expenses to budget for include textbooks and electronic resources, skills lab supplies, uniforms and clinical shoes, immunizations and health screenings, background checks and drug testing, liability insurance if required, NCLEX-RN preparation and exam fees, and Board licensure fees. Housing costs in Maryland vary by region; renters in the Baltimore-Washington corridor should plan for higher monthly rents, plus utilities, transportation, and parking. Many LPN to RN students commute to keep costs down and to maintain in-county tuition eligibility at community colleges.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Maryland
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Community College |
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| Baltimore City Community College |
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| Hagerstown Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Maryland schools commonly offer hybrid LPN to RN bridges, combining online or web-enhanced didactic courses with in-person labs and clinical rotations. Fully online coursework may be available for general education and some nursing theory, but clinical learning must occur in approved healthcare settings with faculty oversight. High-fidelity simulation can supplement clinical experiences but does not replace direct patient care.
Out-of-state online programs that place students in Maryland clinical sites must comply with Maryland requirements and obtain Board authorization to operate clinical experiences in the state. Whether you choose an in-state or online-hybrid option, confirm that the nursing program is approved in Maryland so that you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Maryland
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
LPNs who complete an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN program must pass the NCLEX-RN to receive Maryland RN licensure. Graduates apply to the Maryland Board of Nursing for licensure by examination and register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. After the Board determines eligibility, candidates receive an Authorization to Test and may schedule the exam. Official details about the exam, test format, scoring, and retesting policies are available on the NCLEX website.
- Apply for RN licensure by examination with the Maryland Board of Nursing and complete the required Criminal History Records Check with fingerprinting.
- Have your nursing program submit an official transcript showing degree conferral to the Board.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN and await your Authorization to Test before scheduling.
- Upon passing, the Board issues your RN license; you can monitor license status in the Board’s online verification system.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Maryland grants RN licensure by endorsement to nurses who hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants typically submit verification of original licensure (through Nursys when available), evidence of approved nursing education, a Criminal History Records Check, and required fees. Endorsement allows experienced RNs, including LPN-to-RN graduates from out of state, to transfer licensure to Maryland once all requirements are met.
Maryland is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs whose primary state of residence is another Compact state and who hold an unencumbered multistate RN license may practice in Maryland under multistate privilege without obtaining a separate Maryland license. Nurses who declare Maryland as their primary state of residence and meet the Compact’s uniform licensure requirements are eligible for a Maryland multistate RN license. Outside the Compact, there are no separate reciprocity agreements; nurses must obtain Maryland licensure by endorsement before practicing.
Licensure Requirements
The Maryland Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure and practice in the state. To become licensed as an RN by examination after completing an LPN to RN program, applicants generally must:
- Graduate from an approved RN education program (ADN or BSN), with official transcript sent directly to the Board.
- Submit an online application for RN licensure by examination and pay the required fee.
- Complete a state and FBI Criminal History Records Check with fingerprinting through Maryland CJIS.
- Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or federal taxpayer identification number, as required by Maryland law.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Foreign-educated applicants may need additional credential and language evaluations as directed by the Board.
License Renewal
Maryland RN licenses are renewed biennially. Renewal is completed online before the expiration date shown in your Board profile; the system opens the renewal window in advance of expiration to allow time for processing. Fees and renewal questions regarding practice, discipline, and legal status are part of the online process.
To maintain or renew active RN status, Maryland recognizes multiple pathways. Prior to renewal, RNs must typically complete one of the following:
- At least 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the previous 5 years, or
- 30 hours of continuing education within the 2 years immediately preceding renewal, or
- A Board-approved nursing refresher course or other Board-recognized reentry option.
Keep documentation of practice hours and continuing education for Board audit. If your license lapses, reinstatement may require additional continuing education or a refresher course and completion of a new Criminal History Records Check.
Average LPN State Salary in Maryland
$70,700
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills for entry-level RN positions, focusing on direct patient care in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Maryland:
Generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for the entire program, though this can vary.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 2 to 4 years.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Offers a broader education in nursing, including topics like research, leadership, and community health, preparing graduates for a wider range of roles and further education.
Average In-State Tuition in Maryland:
In-state tuition can range from approximately $7,800 to over $20,000 annually. For example, annual full-time, in-state tuition at institutions like Coppin State University is around $7,800, while the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus is approximately $10,425 per year.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership positions, specialized roles, or future graduate studies, and those who want to enhance their long-term career opportunities.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: These programs are significantly shorter, allowing for a quicker transition to a registered nursing position.
- Lower Cost: The overall tuition and fees at community colleges are substantially less than at four-year universities, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Immediate Workforce Entry: Graduates can quickly enter the workforce as RNs and gain valuable experience while deciding on further education.
- Foundation for Future Learning: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, often with employer tuition assistance.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and is preferred by many healthcare employers.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Preparation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
- Broader Skill Set: The curriculum provides a more in-depth understanding of nursing theory, research, and public health, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Maryland
Arnold, MD
Anne Arundel Community College
- Associate - LPN, Paramedic, Veterans to RN Advanced Placement
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Advanced placement for LPNs, Paramedics, Veterans.
- Requires specific academic prerequisites.
- Licensure verification needed.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
- Financial aid options available.
- Focus on academic excellence.
- Prepares for successful nursing career.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore City Community College
- Associate - LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Option
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires active LPN license.
- Focuses on clinical skills.
- Enhances critical thinking.
- Leadership in nursing.
- Blends theory and practice.
- Hands-on learning opportunities.
Community College of Baltimore County
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Course
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- In-person campus learning
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Multiple semester sequence
- Requires Practical Nursing Certificate
- Covers general education requirements
- Clinical and professional practice focus
Bel Air, MD
Harford Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Course
Campus Based - Website
- Minimum 16 credits required.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Combines theory and clinical practice.
- High-fidelity simulation training.
- Flexible learning options.
- Associate-to-bachelor's degree partnerships.
- TEAS exam required for admission.
- Accredited by ACEN and MSCHE.
Cumberland, MD
Allegany College of Maryland
- Associate - LPN to RN Online
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible nursing program
- Authorized in 17 states
- Requires 1 year work experience
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
- HESI entrance exam required
- Multiple prerequisite science courses
- Transition for licensed practical nurses
Frederick, MD
Frederick Community College
- Associate - Transition-to-RN
Campus Based - Website
- Selective admissions program
- Designed for military/medical professionals
- Associate of Science degree
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Clinical skills focused
- Semester-by-semester progression
- Multiple prerequisite courses
- Pathway for career advancement
Frostburg, MD
Frostburg State University
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online, part-time program
- 15 transfer credits awarded
- CCNE accredited program
- 480 hours clinical experience
- 50 specialized nursing credits
Hagerstown, MD
Hagerstown Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN pathway
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Accredited nursing program
- Clinical experience included
- High graduate employment rate
- Approved by Maryland State Board
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Requires active LPN license
Rockville, MD
Montgomery College
- Associate - Transition to Nursing Course
Campus Based - Website
- 10-week intensive summer course.
- Designed for LPNs, medics, paramedics.
- Blends lectures, discussions, clinicals.
- Requires TEAS exam for admission.
- Prepares for NCLEX exam.
- Prerequisite courses in biology, English.
- Letter of recommendation required.
- Leads to RN license eligibility.
Salisbury, MD
Wor-Wic Community College
- Associate - Nursing, LPN to ADN Pathway, A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by NLN CNEA.
- 16 credits for prior education.
- Requires active LPN license.
- Focus on NCLEX-RN preparation.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
- Culturally appropriate care focus.
- Collaboration in healthcare teams.
Westminster, MD
Carroll Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree in Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 70 total credit program
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical rotations in regional hospitals
- Expert instructors with real-world experience
- Competitive admission requirements
- LPN/Paramedic advanced track available
- Industry expert advisory board
- Strong job market outlook