LPN Programs in Maryland [2023 Guide]
With 73 hospitals and countless other healthcare facilities throughout the state, LPNs in Maryland are in demand for a number of roles. Maryland LPN jobs are expected to grow nearly 12 percent by 2022, with an estimated 1,500 positions being added to the 13,000 already in existence. Salaries for LPNs in Maryland are slightly above the national average, making the state a promising destination to earn an education and start a nursing career.
Colleges from Baltimore to Cumberland feature accredited LPN programs that are training the state’s next wave of practical nurses. On this page, prospective students can find the top-rated LPN schools in Maryland and explore program details. Maryland LPN licensure requirements, salary information, and metro areas with the best job prospects are also covered at length.
Top Online Nursing Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Top 10 LPN Programs in Maryland
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,016
- Out-of-state$6,648
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,126
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Frederick Community College
- Frederick, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,552
- Out-of-state$8,880
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,129
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Hagerstown Community College
- Hagerstown, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,835
- Out-of-state$7,665
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Wor-Wic Community College
- Salisbury, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,784
- Out-of-state$7,248
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,890
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Allegany College of Maryland
- Cumberland, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$9,120
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,584
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Cecil College
- North East, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,960
- Out-of-state$8,490
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,377
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Harford Community College
- Bel Air, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,427
- Out-of-state$7,664
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,705
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Howard Community College
- Columbia, MD
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$6,318
- Out-of-state$7,668
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,110
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Baltimore City Community College
- Baltimore, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,640
- Out-of-state$6,720
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,909
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Prince George's Community College
- Largo, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,848
- Out-of-state$7,296
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
How to Become Licensed as a Maryland LPN
For those who seek a career in nursing, becoming an LPN is the quickest way to do so. Maryland requires one year of classes plus hands-on experience. Find out what other requirements must be met to become an LPN in Maryland.
Basic Eligibility
Before enrolling in a state-approved certificate program, prospective candidates should first ensure they meet these basic requirements for eligibility:
Are at least 17 years of age
Can show proof of American citizenship or alien registration
Have a recent passport-style photograph
Education and Training Requirements
To become a fully licensed LPN in Maryland, students must first attend a state-approved academic program and complete clinical hours during their educations. Once the one-year degree has been completed, students must fill out the Board of Nursing’s application for licensure by examination and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination at a nearby Pearson Vue testing center.
Applications for licensure can either be completed online or by mail, depending on the candidate’s preference.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
In addition to the mandates listed above, prospective LPNs must also complete a few other requirements in order to be fully licensed in Maryland. These include:
Competing CPR training and present CPR card with application
Successfully passing state and FBI fingerprinting ($34.50)
Showing proof of a clean criminal history records check
Renewal
Maryland-based LPNs must renew their licenses on a biennial rotation according to their birth date. Renewals may be completed online provided those seeking renewal have a valid email address. Depending on the date when a previous license renewal was issued, some LPNs may need to complete a criminal background check as this law is relatively new to the state. Nurses must also show proof of 1,000 hours of practice or complete a board-approved refresher course every five years.
Average Salary for Maryland-Based LPNs
With a statewide median wage of $50,030, Maryland-based LPNs earn significantly more than the national average. Earning potential can vary greatly depending on whether an LPN is new or a seasoned veteran.
Maryland LPN Employment Trends
With both metropolitan and rural areas spread throughout Maryland, prospective LPNs can choose to work anywhere. Maryland regions that saw the most growth in 2014 are listed below:
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Towson | 5,790 |
| Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick Metropolitan Division | 2,700 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg MD-WV | 730 |
| Salisbury | 300 |
| Upper Eastern Shore nonmetropolitan area | 290 |
| Cumberland MD-WV | 210 |
| St. Mary’s County Maryland nonmetropolitan area | 170 |
| Garrett County Maryland nonmetropolitan area | 70 |
