Become Nurse In Maryland + Requirements and Licensing
Maryland presents an excellent opportunity for those aspiring to work as nurses. Here’s an in-depth look at the steps to become a nurse in Maryland.
Entry-Level Nurses
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Stage 1 | Choose your educational program
Selecting the right educational path is crucial. Options include a one-year diploma program leading to licensure as a practical nurse (LPN), a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) for those aiming to become a registered nurse (RN). The RN license is particularly favored for its broader career prospects and potential for higher salaries.
Stage 2 | Complete prerequisite courses
Requirements for diploma programs generally involve a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Those opting for ADN or BSN must complete various undergraduate courses in relevant fields.
Stage 3 | Complete your educational program
The educational journey involves a focus on hands-on care and skills in the first year. The second year delves into more intricate details, including nurse management. The final two years concentrate on specialized courses such as maternal care and community health programming.
Stage 4 | Pass the NCLEX Exam
LPNs take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses, while RNs must successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam.
Advance Practice Nurses
Advancing in Practice: The Journey to Becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Embarking on the path to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) involves fulfilling a series of comprehensive requirements. This multi-stage process is designed to equip nurses with the necessary education, certification, and ongoing commitment to excellence.
Stage 1 | Earning a Graduate Degree
The initial step on the journey to becoming an APRN is earning a graduate degree from an educational program recognized by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Accreditation by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation is a prerequisite. The Board mandates that approved programs include advanced health assessment, advanced physiology/pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology in their curriculum.
Achieving APRN certification in Maryland automatically confers prescriptive authority. Opting to exercise this authority requires completing an NP Written Collaborative Agreement, outlining the specific drugs the APRN intends to prescribe.
- Advanced health assessment
- Advanced physiology/pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
As part of the educational journey, nurses can choose to specialize in various APRN fields, such as gerontological nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner, significantly enhancing their job prospects. Graduates can apply for graduate status immediately after completing the program, enabling them to commence work as APRNs while awaiting national certification. The application process involves completing the relevant form, such as the Nurse Psychotherapist Graduate Supervision Agreement or the Nurse Practitioner Graduate Supervision Agreement.
- Nurse Psychotherapist Graduate Supervision Agreement
- Nurse-Midwife Graduate Supervision Agreement
- Nurse Practitioner Graduate Supervision Agreement
- Nurse Anesthetist Graduate Supervision Agreement
Stage 2 | Earning National Certification
The second stage involves obtaining national certification in one of the four recognized categories: nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist/nurse psychotherapist.
The Maryland Board recognizes various national certification programs, each catering to specific APRN specializations:
– American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC):
Recognizes various specialties, including adult nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
– American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): Recognizes adult nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology primary care NP.
– American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): Recognizes acute care nurse practitioner.
– National Certification Corporation (NCC): Recognizes women’s health nurse practitioner and neonatal nurse practitioner.
– Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB): Recognizes pediatric nurse practitioner.
– American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB): Recognizes certified nurse midwife.
– National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA): Recognizes certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Stage 3 | Applying for Certification
To initiate the certification process, you are required to divulge your federal tax ID or social security number. Nurse practitioners (NPs) must fulfill the nurse practitioner certification application, while nurse midwives need to complete both the nurse midwife certification application form and a collaborative plan. Nurse anesthetists are mandated to submit the nurse anesthetist certification application along with a collaboration agreement. Similarly, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners must complete the nurse psychotherapist application form.
Each of these certification applications necessitates a substantial amount of supplemental documentation. Processing typically takes approximately four weeks, and you can check your status online. Notably, a paper copy of your license will not be issued. Furthermore, a comprehensive criminal history background check is an integral part of the certification process, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your eligibility for advanced practice as a nurse.
Stage 4 | Certificate Renewal
Annual renewal is a vital aspect of maintaining APRN certification. Renewal, due by the 20th day of the month of the nurse’s birthday, coincides with the expiration of the RN license. Online renewal is available.
To renew the license, demonstrating engagement in 1,000 hours of practice in the past five years is essential. For those unable to fulfill this requirement, completing a refresher course approved by the board is mandatory. While the board does not impose continuing education requirements, the relevant national certification agency may have specific obligations, including demonstrating an active license and meeting all necessary continuing education requirements. The commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development is a cornerstone of the APRN journey in Maryland.
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