Are you interested in becoming a in Maryland and wondering which programs are the best? In this article, we'll highlight the top NP programs in the state to help you take the next step in your nursing career. Whether you're looking to attend online or in-person, full time or part time — we've got you covered. Read on to find the right program for you.
The Best Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list has not been updated for 2026.
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
The Maryland Board of Nursing requires registered nurses (RNs) to complete a board-approved program at the master's or doctoral level to work as an NP. These programs must be nationally accredited. Only RNs with formal education are admitted.
The board requires NP programs to include advanced practice coursework, NP core coursework, and specialization coursework. Specific course requirements include physiology/pathophysiology, physical/health assessment, and pharmacology.
NP master's programs in Maryland typically take 2-3 years to complete, with about credits and 500 clinical hours. Doctorate programs take around four years to complete, requiring about 40 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Maryland
Before applying to an NP program in Maryland, ensure you have the prerequisites needed to meet the school's acceptance requirements. While specifics can vary by program (i.e. graduate vs. postgraduate), these are the general requirements.
- Admission Materials: Transcripts from previous academic programs; a resume or CV; personal statement; letters of recommendation; copy of valid and unencumbered RN license
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher
- Other Requirement: A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN); 1-2 years of nursing experience; personal interview
Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?
During accreditation, a team of objective professionals rigorously evaluates a program for its quality. They assess factors like faculty qualifications, teaching methods, and lab resources to ensure graduates are prepared to practice nursing competently and safely.
- States require NPs to graduate from accredited programs.
- Boards do not allow graduates of unaccredited programs to apply for certification.
- Accredited schools are unlikely to accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs.
- Graduates from unaccredited programs may struggle to find employment
- Federal financial aid usually requires students to attend accredited schools.
All of the programs featured in our top ranking are fully accredited, ensuring they meet the national and professional standards for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland
