University of Maryland, Baltimore

Nursing Programs

University of Maryland School of Nursing

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) was established in 1889 and has been shaping the profession of nursing and the health care environment by developing leaders in education, research, and practice for 130 years. It has locations in both downtown Baltimore and Rockville, Maryland. Students have access to 28 clinical simulation laboratories and more than 300 clinical learning sites. In 2017, 94% of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader students completed their programs, and 23% of entry–into-practice graduates are employed at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the academic hospital directly across the street.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The traditional BSN option is for those who do not have a previous nursing degree. The BSN is a rigorous and nationally respected program that transforms students who are new to the field into top-tier nurses—professionals who can make an immediate and lasting impact in any health care setting. This program, which requires you to complete your first two years of undergraduate education at another accredited college or university, ensuring you fulfill the necessary prerequisites, will prepare you for a nursing career across a broad spectrum of acute, chronic, and community-based settings.   

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

The RN to BSN option is for licensed RNs who have either a diploma in nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who are pursuing expanded education and career opportunities. Designed specifically for working nurses, courses are offered online and in a blended format. Sharpen your critical thinking skills and strengthen your communication and leadership competencies while building relationships with other highly motivated students. Our Dual-Admission Partnership program with community colleges across Maryland allows students to begin BSN coursework while still completing their ADN and to transfer seamlessly into our RN to BSN program upon graduation from the ADN program.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

MSN Specialties

Community/Public Health Nursing - Make a difference for patients and communities by addressing the roots of our most significant health care issues; this specialty equips you with the advanced practice skills to develop, deliver, and evaluate public health efforts that are realistic and culturally sensitive.

Health Services Leadership and Management - Lead with confidence in today's complex health care environment; this nationally top ranked specialty offers leading-edge courses, personalized mentorship, and individual placements in a practicum that supports your career goals and takes you beyond your current place of employment to push you to refine advanced nursing leadership and nursing administration skills. Offered fully online.

Nursing Informatics - Be the connection between patient care and technology; this nationally No. 1-ranked specialty prepares you to improve patient care and outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of information technology. Offered fully online.

Registered Nurse-to-Master of Science in Nursing (RN-to-MSN)

An accelerated path to earning both your BSN and MSN degrees. Save time and money on your way to a master's degree; this program substitutes the master's core courses for BSN electives, allowing you to complete three master's-level courses as part of your BSN—at the undergraduate tuition rate. Choose one of three MSN specialties.

Entry-Into-Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader Option

Have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become a nurse? Our top-ranked entry-into-practice Clinical Nurse Leader option allows you to enter the nursing profession at the master's level. It is for those who are driven to change health care and improve patient outcomes. After graduating, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX examination for licensure as a registered nurse and the CNL Certification Examination offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Commission on Nurse Certification.

Dual-Degree Options

• MSN/MBA - allows you to blend your health care background with business skills and expertise.
• MSN/MPH - prepares you for a diverse range of careers in nursing and public health.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is the highest practice degree in nursing. It enables you to remain in direct patient care while providing you with the knowledge and training to be a leader in a fast-changing health care environment. With a DNP from UMSON, you'll be well equipped to translate advances in scientific research into improved outcomes for your patients. Post-bachelor's and post-master's tracks and post-doctoral specialization certificates available.

DNP Specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Our post-master's option for master's-level advanced practice registered nurses or those practicing in another area of nursing allow you to earn your DNP without taking coursework you've already completed.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

For 40 years, UMSON's PhD program has prepared scholars and researchers to tackle the greatest challenges facing health care. As a PhD student, you'll conduct important research that not only builds a foundation for your career, but also contributes to the advancement of nursing science. Students study under accomplished faculty members from UMSON's organized research centers while taking full advantage of our state-of-the-art health sciences campus. Post-bachelor's and post-master's paths available.

Certificates

Post-Bachelor's Certificates

• Care Coordination
• Environmental Health
• Global Health
• Nursing Informatics

Post-Master's Certificate

• Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions

Post-Doctoral Certificates

• DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner / Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• DNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Family

Accreditation

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The University of Maryland School of Nursing's Nurse Anesthesia specialty is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

The PhD program is reviewed separately through the UMB Graduate School.

The School's Continuing Education program, a major provider of continuing education for nurses, is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.