What is this NCLEX test I keep hearing about, and it is valid in Maryland?

The NCLEX (or National Council Licensure Examination) is the post-program-graduation test that is the nationwide industry standard for licensure. Some Maryland RN to BSN programs already require you be licensed, but for those who are unlicensed and jumping right to the RN to BSN bridge track, the NCLEX will be on the horizon after graduation. You will still have to study for it comprehensively, but the skills and knowledge that the NCLEX tests are major parts of your BSN-track curriculum.

What are the different types of delivery for an online RN to BSN program?

There are three different approaches to online course delivery. The first is synchronous delivery, which means that a student needs to take the computer-based courses at a specific time and day. Second, there is asynchronous delivery where the student still has regular deadlines for homework or projects, but there are no set times or days to take the course. The third option is known as hybrid delivery, and that means you’ll have a mix of online-only and in-person courses or lab work to complete your degree.

Can I take a RN to BSN course in Maryland and still work as an RN?

A ‘yes’ answer for this question depends on what type of program you are in. If you still want to work as an RN while you study, it’s best to sign up for an asynchronous course, where you can pick the days and times that you can take a class online. If that means it happens on off days or at nights or weekends, there is a high possibility that you can keep your current hours at a medical facility intact. With some planning, you can still work and study at the same time even if you have a hybrid or synchronous course.

Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland: Choosing a School

Q: Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN degree in Maryland?

There are many options for financial aid that are also encouraged by most universities in the state. You can apply for everything from scholarships specifically for nursing students to loans to research grants. The Maryland Board of Nursing has assembled a guide for Maryland-specific nursing scholarships from private organizations and the federal government. It’s also important to fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to see what general education grants, loans, and scholarships may be available for you from the federal government. Most universities have a financial aid office that can help answer any further questions.

Q: In Maryland, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN programs?

Accreditation and curriculum are the two biggest factors to judge the highest quality programs. More expensive courses don’t denote greater quality. When researching RN to BSN programs in the state, make sure the program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and is accredited by the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Beyond that, you also want to ensure the program offers a learning format that suits your lifestyle and has a rigorous curriculum, whether it be online, hybrid, or on-campus. It’s also important that the program has an 80% pass rate or higher for students taking the NCLEX over the past five years.

If you’re an RN in Maryland looking to advance your career into leadership and specialized practice roles, consider an online RN to BSN program. This guide breaks down some of the best RN to BSN online programs in Maryland today, and provides details on curriculum, cost, and career potential after graduation.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Mark Earnest, BA

HealthcarePre-NursingAdv Nursing

Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Updated: 01/08/2026

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Comparing Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses with an associate in nursing degree who want to expand their career opportunities through education and training in nursing leadership and specialized practice areas such as pediatrics and public health.

Many RN to BSN programs in Maryland are fully online, so you are able to get the most flexibility possible out of your course of study. Also, credits earned in your nursing associate degree program can likely be transferred into your RN to BSN program, so you’ll complete the BSN program requirements faster.

To give you an idea of how online RN to BSN programs work in terms of cost, duration, admissions requirements, etc., here are spotlights of three current Maryland-based online RN to BSN programs.

RN to BSN Program — Notre Dame of Maryland University

The online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame of Maryland is focused on transforming nursing careers with a curriculum rooted in caring science that features in-depth studies of individual care populations and types.

This CCNE-accredited program supports career advancement through coursework in nursing roles such as critical care, labor and delivery, and occupational health. Students additionally complete courses in non-nursing subjects like professional writing and spirituality’s link to nursing.

Students with an active RN license from Maryland or a compact state are awarded 30 upper-level nursing credits. Up to 68 college credits may be accepted in transfer. All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits through the program.

A number of financial aid opportunities are available to qualifying students.

Duration: 15 to 18 months

Mode: Online and asynchronous

Cost: $475/credit (tuition only, additional fees apply)

Admissions Requirements:

Graduation from a diploma or associate degree in nursing program with minimum 2.5 GPA
Completion of all prerequisite coursework requirements
Active RN license or verification of licensure through a compact state or NCLEX-RN eligible

Curriculum:

Writing for Professionals
Foundations of Caring Science: Nursing Situations, Scholarly Analysis, and Calls for Justice
Holistic Health Assessment & Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Information Systems for Caring Practice
Healthy Aging
Population Health through a Caring Lens
Nursing Research
Caring Nurse Leadership
Capstone Experience

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

RN to BS Program — Stevenson University

Personalized training from nurse professionals is a highlight of Stevenson University’s RN to BS program.

Classes are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous components, balancing convenience with the added boost of real-time training and instruction. You’ll take four foundational courses in the program and fill the rest of your coursework with electives that interest you.

A minimum of 30 credits must be completed through the program. Depending on the number of transfer credits accepted, students can complete all program requirements in as few as 15 months.

Stevenson offers tuition discounts of up to 20% through partnerships with various community colleges and healthcare facilities in their area. Student support services include career and financial aid counseling.

Duration: As few as 15 months.

Mode: Online with options for in-person training

Cost: $500/credit (tuition only, additional fees and costs apply)

Admissions Requirements:

RN license in good standing
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Transcripts
Personal statement
Completion of English composition course or equivalent

Curriculum:

Physical Assessment and Pathophysiology
Information Technology in Nursing
Nursing Leadership for RNs
Nursing Research in Professional Practices
Community Health

RN to B.S. in Nursing — Towson University

Having the flexibility to finish your BSN at your own pace and according to your own career trajectory is a major feature of Towson University’s RN to B.S. in Nursing degree completion program. The curriculum is centered toward teaching nurses improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills for evolving healthcare needs.

Full-time study is available, but the program recommends part-time, year-round enrollment to working nurses.

Approximately 90% of program content is delivered online in a self-paced, asynchronous format. Some electives are available only in person, and students must complete an in-person clinical practicum.

Payment options for the course (including a comprehensive award guide that shows potential eligibility for students) are available from Towson’s financial aid department.

Duration: 12 to 18 months

Mode: Hybrid. (90% online and asynchronous, but includes some in-person components)

Cost: Est. annual tuition and fees – $12,186 (Maryland residents); $31,332 (out-of-state residents)

Admissions Requirements:

Active and unencumbered RN license
Associate degree in nursing from a state-approved nursing program
Minimum 2.50 GPA

Students may be admitted to the program prior to completing their associated degree program and/or obtaining their RN license. Both requirements, however, must be met prior to starting program studies.

Curriculum:

Writing For Evidence-Based Practice
Health Assessment and Health Promotion
Diversity and Social Justice in Healthcare
Nursing Research for Evidence Based Practice
Nursing in Healthcare or Seminar in Nursing
Public Health Nursing
Leadership and Management
Degree Completion Practicum

RN to BSN Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

As you continue to explore your RN to BSN program options, questions of your own are likely to pop up. To help you out, below are the answers to five frequently-asked questions by prospective Maryland RN to BSN students.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN degree in Maryland?

It depends on you and the specific program you choose, but the chances are good that any of a number of financial aid resources will be available. These typically include:

Scholarships and grants (both school-sponsored and external)
Employer tuition reimbursement
School-sponsored tuition discounts
Tuition deferment and installment plans
Student loans

It’s important to fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to see what federal grants, loans, and scholarships may be available.

The best place to start your search for funding help is at the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering. You may also want to check out this Maryland Board of Nursing webpage for information and links to a range of nursing scholarship resources.

Must I possess a current and active RN license to be admitted into an online RN to BSN program in Maryland?

In most cases, yes. However, some RN to BSN programs will admit students who are “NCLEX-RN eligible,” meaning that they have completed (or are about to complete) a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing program making them eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, but have yet to do so.

In such cases, the student is required to take and pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain their RN license within a given period of time during the course of their RN to BSN program.

In Maryland, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?

Accreditation and curriculum content are the two biggest factors in determining program quality.

When researching online RN to BSN programs in Maryland, make sure that any program you consider is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by either the:

Beyond that, you want to ensure that a program offers the learning format that best suits your academic goals and study preferences.

What are the different content delivery methods for online RN to BSN programs?

RN to BSN programs in Maryland may be entirely in-person, fully-online, or hybrid-formatted (a combination of online and in-person components.) In terms of online content, there are two basic content delivery methods used:

Synchronous: Students are required to log on and attend class sessions via live stream at specifically-scheduled dates and times.
Asynchronous: Students can log on and complete coursework at any time.

Can I take an RN to BSN course in Maryland and continue to work as a registered nurse?

The answer is yes, but you will want to take a long and serious look at what pursuing your studies while maintaining your employment as an RN will mean to you.

If your plan is to continue working, especially full-time, then you will want to seriously consider limiting yourself to a part-time or self-paced RN to BSN program. And one that features asynchronous delivery would be a great choice.

If you intend to work part-time, then enrolling in a full-time program may be OK. The bottom line here is that, with proper planning, you can work and pursue your education successfully at same time.

Maryland’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook

A major benefit to earning your BSN degree is that doing so typically leads to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

In terms of salaries, according to recent (January 2026) figures from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for RNs in Maryland with a BSN degree is $83,400, substantially greater than that for RNs with just an ADN ($77,900).

These are, of course average salary figures. What you actually earn as an registered nurse with a BSN degree in the state will depend on a number of factors, such as:

Specific employer and job responsibilities
Geographic location
Level of your professional nursing experience

As for job outlook, it remains strong for RNs in Maryland both now and into the foreseeable future. This is due to the continuing high demand for RNs in the state driven by healthcare expansion and an aging population.

Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Maryland

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD

52% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

77% Students w/ Aid

The RN to BSN program at Coppin State University requires an active unencumbered RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submission of application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The curriculum builds on foundational nursing knowledge, emphasizes leadership, community health, and incorporates a senior practicum. Admission deadlines are December 1 (early) and March 1 (final).

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$9,911 Avg. Aid Amount
26% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Coppin State University

The RN to BSN program at Coppin State University does not require the ATI TEAS exam for admission, simplifying the application process for working RNs.
Students benefit from flexible one day per week coursework and clinical schedule, allowing them to maintain employment while advancing their education.
The program offers an early decision deadline (December 1st) providing prospective students with prompt admission decisions to plan their education and career steps.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$9,911 Avg. Aid Amount
26% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD

43% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

87% Students w/ Aid

Frostburg State University’s RN to BSN Bridge program offers a 32-credit curriculum designed for registered nurses to advance their education. It emphasizes leadership, nursing research, and evidence-based practice, with courses like Nursing Research and Leadership for Professional Nursing Role. The program integrates clinical judgment, ethical understanding, and communication skills to prepare graduates for diverse healthcare settings.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$5,866 Avg. Aid Amount
47% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Frostburg State University

The RN to BSN Bridge program offers flexible completion options, allowing students to finish in as little as 15 months or take up to 60 months to accommodate individual schedules.
Students complete a 135-hour practicum within their local communities, combining online study with practical experience close to home.
The program is taught by knowledgeable, supportive faculty who understand the demands of working adult learners and prepare students for leadership and advanced roles.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$5,866 Avg. Aid Amount
47% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

26% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

88% Students w/ Aid

Salisbury University’s RN to BSN program requires 120 credits total, allowing up to 61 transfer credits from an associate degree. Students complete at least 30 upper-division credits through Salisbury, with a minimum of 24 nursing credits at the university. Enrollment requires an active unencumbered Maryland or compact RN license to take all nursing theory and clinical courses, supporting career advancement in nursing.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$4,166 Avg. Aid Amount
70% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Salisbury University

Salisbury University’s RN to BSN program awards up to 61 transfer credits from an associate degree, significantly reducing time and cost to degree completion.
The program features small clinical groups with no more than eight students, ensuring personalized faculty interaction and hands-on mentoring.
Students benefit from extensive clinical affiliations with award-winning regional hospitals and diverse healthcare settings, enhancing practical experience and job readiness.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$4,166 Avg. Aid Amount
70% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD

46% Online Enrollment

$$$$ Tuition

100% Students w/ Aid

Stevenson University’s RN to BSN program requires registered nurses to complete 120 credits total, including 30 upper-division nursing credits taken at Stevenson. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, microbiology, psychology, sociology, and specialized nursing topics. Courses typically run in 8-week sessions, with some offered in a hybrid format. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, supporting flexible completion aligned with professional and personal goals.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$24,566 Avg. Aid Amount
59% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Stevenson University

Stevenson University’s RN to BSN program offers courses in 8-week sessions with multiple entry and exit points, enabling flexible pacing to fit professional and personal goals.
The program provides fully accredited, high-quality instruction with 1:1 faculty attention and academic advising, supporting individualized student success.
Qualified RNs receive 30 upper-division nursing credits upon enrollment, accelerating degree completion by recognizing prior nursing licensure and experience.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$24,566 Avg. Aid Amount
59% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD

22% Online Enrollment

$$$$ Tuition

100% Students w/ Aid

Notre Dame of Maryland University’s RN to BSN Bridge program accepts up to 68 transfer credits and grants 30 upper-level nursing credits for licensed RNs. Students complete 31 upper-level nursing credits and must earn the final 30 credits at Notre Dame. The curriculum emphasizes caring science, holistic health assessment, population health, and nursing leadership, incorporating experiential learning and community engagement. Completion leads to a bachelor’s degree designed for working registered nurses.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$31,976 Avg. Aid Amount
59% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Notre Dame of Maryland University

The RN to BSN Bridge program at Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a fully online option that provides maximum flexibility for working nurses to complete their degree without on-campus attendance.
The program grants up to 68 transferable college credits and automatically awards 30 upper-level nursing credits to licensed RNs, significantly accelerating degree completion.
NDMU's strong network of clinical practice partners enables students to gain diverse hands-on experiences across multiple nursing specialties, enhancing readiness for varied healthcare roles.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$31,976 Avg. Aid Amount
59% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Towson University

Towson, MD

36% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

51% Students w/ Aid

The Towson University RN to BSN program is a flexible, mostly online degree completion option designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree and a 2.5 GPA. It emphasizes advanced nursing skills, critical thinking, and specialization, requiring 120 credits total with up to 90 credits transferable. Coursework includes evidence-based practice, health assessment, nursing leadership, and a practicum, with part-time year-round enrollment recommended for working nurses.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$5,379 Avg. Aid Amount
72% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Towson University

The RN to BSN Bridge program offers tuition reduction specifically for non-resident nursing students, making it more affordable for out-of-state applicants.
Students in the program have access to multiple nursing-specific scholarships based on academic merit and financial need, enhancing financial support options.
The program provides flexible scheduling options aimed at accelerated degree completion, helping students advance their careers faster.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$5,379 Avg. Aid Amount
72% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD

54% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

26% Students w/ Aid

Bowie State University’s RN to BSN program, relaunching fully online in spring 2026, expands RNs’ knowledge and skills to provide professional nursing care, leadership, and adapt to healthcare changes. It requires 120 credits, emphasizing critical thinking, culturally congruent care, and preparation for graduate education. The program includes comprehensive nursing theory, clinical practice, and a nursing simulation lab for hands-on experience.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$7,317 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Bowie State University

Bowie State University's RN to BSN program offers personalized advising and flexible scheduling, making it easier for working adult learners to progress while employed full-time.
The program features a fully online curriculum relaunching in Spring 2026, allowing students to complete their degree remotely with updated, high-quality coursework focused on ethics, research, and community engagement.
Students can benefit from institutional scholarships and multiple financial aid options, reducing tuition costs and supporting degree completion.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$7,317 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD

7% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

16% Students w/ Aid

The University of Maryland Global Campus RN to BSN Bridge program is a CCNE-accredited, flexible curriculum designed for practicing RNs seeking career advancement. It emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and emerging healthcare trends like telehealth and population health management. The program includes an in-person community health practice to enhance real-world skills while accommodating working professionals, without requiring additional entrance exams.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$779 Avg. Aid Amount
19% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected University of Maryland Global Campus

The UMGC RN to BSN program offers scholarships and nearly all digital course materials at no cost, making it a cost-effective education option.
The program features highly experienced faculty who are scholar-practitioners, providing real-world insights throughout the curriculum.
UMGC provides comprehensive student support services including job placement assistance and academic advising to help students succeed professionally.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
$779 Avg. Aid Amount
19% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland: Choosing a School

Comparing Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

RN to BSN Program — Notre Dame of Maryland University

RN to BS Program — Stevenson University

RN to B.S. in Nursing — Towson University

RN to BSN Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Maryland’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook

Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Maryland

Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.

One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs

Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs

About Our Data

Mark Earnest, BA AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR