The Top RN-to-MSN Programs in Maryland
Are you an aspiring registered nurse (RN) looking to enhance your salary, gain increased professional autonomy, and contribute more significantly to patient care through the diagnosis and prescription of treatments? If so, the pathway to achieving these objectives lies in pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through an RN-to-MSN program. This comprehensive guide delves into the top RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland, elucidating how this advanced degree can propel your professional aspirations.
Attaining an MSN serves as a strategic career move for RNs aspiring to elevate their earning potential and expand their scope of professional independence. Discover the finest RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland and acquire insights on the application process. Our approach employs a data-driven methodology to systematically rank Maryland’s premier RN-to-MSN programs, streamlining the process of finding a program tailored to your needs.
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The metrics guiding our methodology encompass essential aspects that we deem vital to students, including academic excellence, affordability, reputation, and the diversity of program offerings. Explore the possibilities and embark on a journey that aligns with your career goals in nursing.
Best Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
Bowie State University
Location: Bowie, MD
At Bowie State University, graduates of the MSN program emerge as true experts in their field, equipped with advanced and specialized knowledge in caring for both entire populations and individual patients. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, positioning graduates for roles in research, health policy development, and management. Notably, graduates often engage with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive healthcare.
– Campus: Bowie, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: ACEN
– Tuition: $426.66 per credit hour for in-state students, $732.66 for out-of-state students
– Minimum time commitment: Less than five years
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, one year of experience, minimum GPA of 2.75, RN license, three letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, CPR certification
– Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Notre Dame University of Maryland
Location: Baltimore, MD
Notre Dame University of Maryland offers accelerated MSN degree programs with a focus on nursing administration and nursing education. These programs feature weekly meetings among students, combining distance learning and individual study approaches. The institution prepares nursing professionals for leadership roles, emphasizing the administration and educational aspects of the field.
– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: ACEN
– Tuition: $620 per credit
– Minimum time commitment: 38 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: Transcripts, RN license, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, minimum GPA of 3.0
– Programs: MSN Leadership in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Coppin State University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University’s MSN degree program seamlessly follows the BSN program, providing students with advanced practice skills to become direct care professionals with specific clinical specializations. The curriculum integrates advanced theory, research skills, and responsibilities for assessing, promoting, managing, and diagnosing health issues in urban communities. The focus is particularly on the health needs and trends seen in Baltimore City.
– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $292 per credit hour for residents, $536 for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 48 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, elementary statistics, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE, RN license, three professional recommendations, personal interview
– Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing prepares MSN program students to become managers, leaders, and advanced practice nurses in a patient-centric healthcare delivery setting. The program encourages the development of a broader perspective and innovative approaches to interdisciplinary healthcare issues.
– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $1,451 per credit
– Minimum time commitment: 36 to 37 credits
– Online availability: Yes (for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Systems Management)
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN, TOEFL if applicable
– Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management, Public Health Nursing, Dual Degree (MSN/MPH)
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Morgan State University
Location: Baltimore, MD
At Morgan State University, MSN students continue their studies from the bachelor’s degree, covering advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, healthcare contexts, pharmacology, health policy, law, epidemiology, leadership, management, information management, evidence-based practice, and nursing research. Graduates are prepared to work in community health settings, engaging with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $447 per credit for residents, $802 for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 45 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, two years of work experience, minimum GPA of 3.0, statistics course
– Programs: MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Salisbury University
Location: Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University sets high expectations for its MSN students, offering a highly scientific program that produces graduates with advanced knowledge and skills for leadership, management, or nursing education positions. The faculty, composed of full-time distinguished members, fosters strong relationships with students through interactive learning environments, including flexible formats like distance learning, face-to-face meetings, and evening classes. Each student develops an individual progression plan aligned with their goals and personal interests.
– Campus: Salisbury, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents, $647 per credit hour for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 2 years
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, transcripts, CPR certificate, resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, TOEFL if applicable
– Programs: MSN Nurse Educator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Stevenson University
Location: Stevenson, MD
Stevenson University offers online, accelerated MSN degree programs designed for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Recognizing the high demand for qualified nurses on state and national levels, the programs are delivered in blocks of eight weeks for student convenience. The curriculum encompasses analytical and theoretical knowledge essential for making meaningful contributions to the nursing profession. A practicum, led by experienced nurses in the specialty of interest, ensures hands-on experience.
– Campus: Stevenson, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $610 per credit hour
– Minimum time commitment: Varies by program (all courses delivered in blocks of eight weeks)
– Online availability: Yes
– Degree requirements: BSN, transcripts, writing samples, letters of recommendation, resume, GRE
– Programs: MSN Nurse Education, MSN Leadership & Management, MSN Population Based Care Coordination
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
RN-to-MSN Courses and Curriculum
RN-to-MSN programs offer nurses without a BSN the opportunity to complete both a BSN and an MSN degree within a single program. These accelerated programs cover material more rapidly than traditional BSN programs, acknowledging that RNs possess practical experience in many BSN topics.
The curriculum initiates with advanced BSN topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental nursing principles. Clinical experience is an integral component of the initial phase, ensuring practical application.
As the program progresses, the curriculum delves into advanced topics essential for an MSN, including health assessment, advanced physiology, pharmacology, quality improvement, policy and population health, nursing theory and practice, and nursing research.
1. Advanced Health Assessment:
This course equips students with the skills to diagnose health conditions, identify symptoms, order diagnostic tests, and perform differential diagnoses.
2. Community and Population Health:
Focusing on the theory of population health, this course explores strategies to promote health across entire communities. It includes elements of epidemiology and health education within a community context.
3. Nursing Leadership:
This topic reviews various leadership theories and their application in nursing settings. Case studies are a key component, illustrating effective and ineffective nursing leadership.
4. Health Informatics:
Health informatics involves understanding and applying information and data to support evidence-based care. Students learn to collect, analyze, and present data to drive quality improvement.
5. Advanced Pharmacology:
Covering the mechanisms of medications in the human body, this course addresses the ethical and legal aspects of prescribing medications. Students gain the knowledge needed to prescribe medications safely.
6. Population-Specific Topics:
MSN programs offer courses focused on specific populations, such as family, pediatric, nurse midwifery, or adult-gerontology. These courses tailor content to address the unique needs of each population.
By completing an RN-to-MSN program, nurses enhance their knowledge, skills, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of nursing.
Maryland Nursing Careers and Salaries
Upon obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, Maryland mandates the successful completion of certification examinations for various roles, including becoming a nurse practitioner in a chosen specialty, a clinical nurse specialist, or a nurse midwife.
It’s noteworthy that nurse educators are not obligated to obtain board certification for practice. However, aspiring nurse anesthetists must attain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to practice in all states.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) command a substantially higher salary than registered nurses (RNs), with an approximate annual difference of $30,000. Maryland, being a full practice authority state, grants APRNs the privilege to practice independently, affording them increased professional autonomy.
Considering Maryland’s higher overall cost of living compared to the national average, individuals comparing salary offers from different states should factor this into their considerations. This information underscores the importance of assessing not just the nominal salary but also the real-life financial implications of employment offers in different regions.
| Career | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $60 | $124,680 |
| Nurse Midwife | $60 | $122,450 |
| Registered Nurse | $43 | $89,010 |
Source: BLS, May 2023
The majority of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates typically pursue roles as nurse practitioners, with a predominant focus on becoming family nurse practitioners. Projections Central forecasts a substantial 36% growth in nurse practitioner employment in Maryland between 2020 and 2030, indicating a burgeoning demand for these healthcare professionals in the state.
In terms of compensation, nurse practitioners in Maryland earned a median annual salary surpassing $100,000, reflecting the rewarding nature of the profession and the recognition of their valuable contributions to healthcare. This robust demand and competitive salary underscore the attractiveness of the nurse practitioner role in Maryland, making it a promising career path for MSN graduates seeking fulfilling and well-compensated opportunities in the field of nursing.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $81,710 |
| 25% | $102,030 |
| 50% (Median) | $117,540 |
| 75% | $133,610 |
| 90% | $159,740 |
Source: BLS, May 2023
Applying to a Maryland RN-to-MSN Program
Applying to an RN-to-MSN program in Maryland necessitates possessing an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a registered nurse (RN) license, and, typically, some RN work experience. The specific prerequisites vary among programs, but the majority mandate a minimum of one year of experience.
Admission Materials
The application procedure typically entails submitting an ADN transcript, an RN license, at least two references, a current resume, an application accompanied by an essay or personal statement, and, in some cases, a background check. Although many institutions accept unofficial transcripts during the application process, official transcripts are required upon acceptance for enrollment.
GPA Requirement
Most MSN programs in Maryland stipulate a minimum GPA of 3.0, while some more discerning institutions prefer or insist upon a GPA of 3.2 or higher. If your GPA hovers around the borderline, engaging with the admissions staff is advisable, as other aspects of your background, such as professional accolades, ongoing professional development, or other indicators of your nursing potential, might serve as compensatory factors.
Other Requirements
The admissions committee seeks evidence demonstrating your potential as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Enhance your application and resume by incorporating tangible and quantifiable proof, such as committee roles, credentials, professional development initiatives, accolades received during your academic or RN tenure, or pertinent volunteer involvement.
The importance of RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation
Attaining your state nursing license mandates graduation from a program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This accreditation ensures that the master’s program aligns with industry standards in Maryland and other states.
Accreditation indicates a comprehensive evaluation by the accrediting body to confirm that the program and institution meet the necessary criteria for producing qualified nursing professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs
How long does it take to earn an RN-to-MSN in Maryland?
Most RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland typically span 2-3 years, contingent upon the need for prerequisite courses and whether enrollment occurs on a full- or part-time basis.
What can Maryland nurses do with an MSN?
Maryland nurses with an MSN commonly pursue roles as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Others may opt for specialties in nursing education or leadership, potentially leading to roles in teaching or heading nursing departments. Some proceed to attain a doctoral degree, the highest level in nursing.
Do RNs with an MSN earn more money in Maryland?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other APRNs in Maryland generally earn significantly higher salaries compared to RNs, approximately $35,000 more annually. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for RNs in Maryland is around $89,000, while nurse practitioners earn about $125,000.
Is earning an RN-to-MSN worth it in Maryland?
The value of participating in an RN-to-MSN program in Maryland depends on individual circumstances and aspirations. Potential benefits include increased earnings as an APRN and greater professional autonomy and influence.
How much does an RN-to-MSN cost in Maryland?
Tuition for RN-to-MSN programs in Maryland varies, with private institutions and out-of-state tuition generally being more expensive. Anticipate costs ranging from approximately $300-500 per credit for in-state public tuition, $500-800 per credit for out-of-state tuition, and $600-1,200 per credit for private school tuition. Financial aid can substantially offset costs, and eligibility for loan forgiveness may be possible by working in a medically underserved area post-graduation.
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