Choose the Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in MD

Comparing Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

RN to BSN degrees are designed for working nurses who want to expand their career opportunities while also learning more about healthcare, including what’s needed for specialty areas such as pediatrics and public health. If you’ve earned an associate degree in nursing, you can take these “bridge” courses to earn a more lucrative degree.

Many RN to BSN programs in Maryland are fully online, so you are able to get most the flexibility possible out of your coursework. Classes that you took and passed while getting that associate degree are also factored in to the credits that you need to get a BSN, so you’ll complete the BSN program faster than others who started without that earlier degree.

See three reputable Maryland RN to BSN programs below, including details on costs, duration, some of the curriculum being offered, and what admissions will look like.

RN to BSN Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

As you continue your research for an RN to BSN program, you will likely have some questions you need answered, including several that may have to do with licensing or other facts unique to Maryland. Here’s a look at some of the frequently asked questions that BSN students commonly ask.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maryland’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook

Now that we’ve covered both what an RN to BSN program might look like and some of the best programs in Maryland, you might wonder how much you can expect to earn after you receive your BSN, especially as it compares to RN roles. The good news is that both RN and BSN nurses can expect to make more money than the national average, though you can expect a higher salary once you earn a BSN.

Part of the reason for these promising salaries is the high demand for nurses. Like some other states, there is a nursing shortage in Maryland. The national Health and Human Services Administrations notes that Maryland has a 20% shortage per capita, which translates to 14,700 full-time RNs not on the job. That means wages will be higher and more jobs will be created to meet the healthcare demands of the community, especially for people who are in more vulnerable populations such as the elderly or children.

According to the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Maryland usually make around $92,090 per year, though this can vary depending on location. RNs in urban settings, like Baltimore, make more money than those in rural settings. However, a BSN generally provides annual salary increases that range between $10,000 and $12,000, depending on the health specialty or management role you land.

Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Maryland