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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Maryland involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest and most popular options.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for an ADN in Maryland, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best ADN Programs in Maryland
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. Chesapeake College
Chesapeake College, located in Wye Mills, offers an ADN program with an estimated annual tuition of $4,373. With a commendable NCLEX pass rate of 91% and ACEN accreditation, the college ensures students receive a quality nursing education at an affordable cost.
2. Frederick Community College
Frederick Community College in Frederick provides an ADN program with an estimated annual tuition of $4,222. The program maintains a solid NCLEX pass rate of 90% and holds ACEN accreditation, making it an excellent choice for aspiring nurses seeking an affordable and reputable nursing education.
3. Cecil College
At Cecil College in North East, students can pursue an ADN program with an estimated annual tuition of $9,226. The program boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 97% and is ACEN accredited, providing students with a high-quality nursing education to succeed in their careers.
4. Harford Community College
Harford Community College in Bel Air offers an ADN program with an estimated annual tuition of $6,819. While maintaining ACEN accreditation, the program's NCLEX pass rate is 88%, making it a cost-effective option for nursing education with good exam success rates.
5. College of Southern Maryland
College of Southern Maryland, situated in La Plata, presents an ADN program with an estimated annual tuition of $7,724. The program holds ACEN accreditation and demonstrates an 86% NCLEX pass rate, offering students an affordable pathway to a successful nursing career.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
ACEN Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98.76 | Chesapeake College | ADN | Wye Mills | $4,373 | 91% | Yes |
| 96.85 | Frederick Community College | ADN | Frederick | $4,222 | 90% | Yes |
| 90.03 | Cecil College | ADN | North East | $9,226 | 97% | No |
| 85.50 | Harford Community College | ADN | Bel Air | $6,819 | 88% | Yes |
| 78.54 | College of Southern Maryland | ADN | La Plata | $7,724 | 86% | Yes |
What Is an ADN?
An ADN is an entry-level degree that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become RNs. Upon completion of an ADN program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
ADN Coursework
The robust curriculum, including a blend of classwork and hands-on coursework, means students will be well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin in a clinical nurse role upon graduation. Since ADN students work towards an associate of applied science, coursework in general education and nursing is required. Standard classes include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Nursing care of adults
- Community Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Microbiology
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
Can ADNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, ADN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patient care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many ADN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.
Where Do ADN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with an ADN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
ADN Prerequisites and Requirements
Acceptance to an ADN program comes with several prerequisites and requirements, including:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
ADN Salary Expectations in Maryland
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Maryland in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.30
- Annual Mean Wage: $87,990
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Maryland is 1% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Maryland RN wage data from over 49,790 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Maryland?
Maryland is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Maryland?
Many schools in Maryland offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and achieve Magnet status prestige.
