Recognized as the 21st state in the union to permit full practice for nurse practitioners, Maryland offers excellent opportunities for advanced practice. The state’s Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority Act gives nurse practitioners the authority to prescribe certain drugs without an attestation agreement. NPs also have the freedom to establish their own clinics and provide high-quality care to residents, especially those in rural and underserved areas. A key benefit of the established Act is the ability to NPs to close the gap in primary care caused by a shortage of primary care physicians.
Nurse practitioners are essential care providers who improve access to affordable and quality healthcare. They diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, order tests, refer patients to specialists, and counsel patients on the prevention of diseases. In other words, they practice within the full extent of their training from the unique perspective of a nurse.
Like the demand for registered nurses, there’s no shortage of opportunities for APRNs. Primary care physicians are in short supply, especially in rural area. Aging seniors who are living with increasingly complex acute and chronic diseases and soaring health care costs are intensifying demands for primary care providers. The contributions from APRNs help the already-stretched primary care workforce to meet public demands for care. According to studies, the care they provide is as safe and effective as primary care physicians.
To practice as an APRN in Maryland, you must complete a graduate-level program. The Maryland Board of Nursing certifies practitioners who have completed a master’s of science in nursing or higher and obtained national certification in the role and population focus. The state recognizes four types of APRNs: nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives provide primary care services. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and clinical nurse specialists bring specialized knowledge to the practice setting.
APRNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, community health centers, and private practices. Their work is especially valued in rural and medically underserved areas where there’s an alarming shortage of primary care physicians.
Specialized Learning
Registered nurses can open the door to new opportunities and advance their careers by earning a master’s degree in nursing. The MSN program provides the resources nurses need to prepare for advanced practice and excel in a specialized area of care. Graduates can apply for national certification – if applicable – and recognize their true potential as nursing professionals.
The MSN curriculum builds on the undergraduate coursework and the nurse’s experience in the field. Registered nurses gain an expanded view of the profession and patient care. Students must choose a specialized area of practice that is in line with their career goals. Options include leadership, administration, nurse education, public health, geriatrics, primary care, and more. Through lectures, seminars, and practical experiences, students are prepared for excellence as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. Additionally, they are prepared to work in a specialized area or a population focus, lead professional organizations, and pursue graduate study.
Many MSN programs are offered in flexible online/hybrid format to accommodate the schedules of working registered nurses. Students cover the theoretical content entirely online, but will have to schedule hours to complete the clinical practice requirements in community health facilities. Based on the full-time attendance, a student may complete the program’s requirements in four to five semesters. It is important to enroll in a nationally accredited program. The program should also be approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing if you plan to apply for APRN certification to practice within the state.
Here are three options to pursue an MSN degree:
RN to MSN: The RN to MSN program eliminates some components of the BSN program to let students earn an MSN in less time than it would take to complete the BSN and MSN separately. The program is specifically designed for registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree in another discipline or those who do not have a baccalaureate degree but want to pursue specialty training at the master’s level. Students will complete approximately 72 credits to meet the requirements for the master’s degree.
Direct Entry MSN: The direct entry route is targeted to registered nurses who plan to upgrade their skills and training to assume an advanced practice role. There are several course offerings for all four specialty roles with additional options for population focus. The intended area of study will determine the student’s choice of university. Graduates are eligible to apply for national certification based on the program completed and the career goals.
Post-Master’s Certificate: The post-master’s certificate program is approximately 12 to 25 credits of study designed for masters-prepared RNs to acquire the knowledge and competencies to sit a national exam and/or prepare for an advanced practice role. Graduates are prepared to assume an executive role, educate other nurses, draft health policies, or serve in a specialized clinical role.
Requirements for admission:
Students applying to the MSN program must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university.
- Official transcripts of all college-level courses.
- A current license to practice as a registered nurse.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Professional references.
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- A personal statement outlining career goals.
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.
- A completed application and fee.
- Completion of prerequisite courses.
Applicants must submit the application and required documents before the application deadline. All prerequisite courses and clinical requirements must be completed in advance of the program start date.
Requirements For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Maryland
The Maryland Board of Nursing certifies individuals who are qualified for advanced practice in the state. There are four recognized certifications for APRNs: certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Applicants for certification must hold a current RN license issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing or another compact state. Applicants who hold a license from a non-compact state must apply for licensure by endorsement. Federal law requires applicants to provide a Social Security Number or Federal Tax ID number on the application.
Guidelines for NP Certification
For initial application for NP certification:
- Complete the NP certification application in its entirety. The document must be typed. Do not fax or email the form to the Board.
- Enclose the non-refundable fee of $50. Make check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Complete the Declaration of Residence Form that is included in the application package.
- Request an official transcript from the nurse practitioner program to be sent directly to the Maryland Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope. The nursing school must be an approved program. The transcript must indicate your completion of Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Physical Assessment along with other areas of study.
- Provide a copy of your current registered nurse license if you’re licensed in a Compact State.
- Apply for application by endorsement if you hold a license from another state and request verification of your initial licensure by exam from the licensing agency. Endorsement applicants must follow the Board’s instructions for fingerprinting through the Criminal Information Justice System (CJIS).
- New applicants for certification must have a Mentor for 18 months from the date of application for certification. The Mentor must be a nurse practitioner or physician who hold a license in good standing in the state of Maryland.
- Submit a copy of your national certification certificate or letter of eligibility if applying for Graduate NP status.
- Complete the Graduate Agreement as part of the Attestation document if applying for Graduate NP status.
Allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing the application after you submit all the required documents.
Board-approved certifying organizations for nurse practitioners include:
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
Guidelines for CNS Certification
For initial application for CNS certification:
- Complete the CNS certification application in its entirety. The document must be typed. Do not fax or email the form to the Board.
- Enclose the non-refundable fee of $50. Make check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Complete the Declaration of Residence Form that is included in the application package. Provide a copy of two of the following: a voter’s registration, federal income tax, current driver’s license including a home street address, W2 from any US government, bureau or agency, or a military form #2058 state of legal residence certificate.
- Request an official final transcript from the masters program to be sent directly to the Maryland Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope. The program must be an approved master’s or higher program in a CNS role population.
- Provide a copy of your current registered nurse license if you’re licensed in a Compact State.
- Apply for application by endorsement if you hold a license from another state and request verification of your initial licensure by exam from the licensing agency. Endorsement applicants must follow the Board’s instructions for fingerprinting through the Criminal Information Justice System (CJIS).
- Submit a copy of your national certification certificate.
Allow 4 weeks for processing the application after you submit all the required documents. Incomplete applications will need additional time for processing.
Board-approved certifying organizations for clinical nurse specialists include:
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation
- Oncology Nurses Certification Corporation
Guidelines for CNM Certification
For initial application for CNM certification:
- Complete the CNM certification application in its entirety. The document must be typed. Do not fax or email the form to the Board.
- Enclose the non-refundable fee of $50. Make check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Complete the Declaration of Residence Form that is included in the application package. Provide a copy of two of the following: a voter’s registration, federal income tax, current driver’s license including a home street address, W2 from any US government, bureau or agency, or a military form #2058 state of legal residence certificate.
- Request an official final transcript from the master’s program to be sent directly to the Maryland Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope. The program must be an approved master’s or higher program.
- Provide a copy of your current registered nurse license if you’re licensed in a Compact State. Maryland residents must also provide a copy of their RN license.
- Apply for application by endorsement if you hold a license from another state and request verification of your initial licensure by exam from the licensing agency. Endorsement applicants must follow the Board’s instructions for fingerprinting through the Criminal Information Justice System (CJIS).
- Submit a copy of your Nurse-Midwife certificate issued by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
- Provide a copy of your current CCA Cycle Card if applicable. This is necessary if you were issued a Nurse-Midwife certificate without an expiration date.
Allow 4 weeks for processing the application after you submit all the required documents. Incomplete applications will need additional time for processing.
Guidelines for CRNA Certification
For initial application for CRNA certification:
- Complete the NA certification application in its entirety. The document must be typed. Do not fax or email the form to the Board.
- Enclose the non-refundable fee of $50. Make check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Complete the Declaration of Residence Form that is included in the application package. Provide a copy of two of the following: a voter’s registration, federal income tax, current driver’s license including a home street address, W2 from any US government, bureau or agency, or a military form #2058 state of legal residence certificate.
- Request an official final transcript from the master’s program to be sent directly to the Maryland Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope. The program must be an approved master’s or higher program.
- Provide a copy of your current registered nurse license if you’re licensed in a Compact State.
- Apply for application by endorsement if you hold a license from another state and request verification of your initial licensure by exam from the licensing agency. Endorsement applicants must follow the Board’s instructions for fingerprinting through the Criminal Information Justice System (CJIS).
- Submit a copy of your current certification or recertification card issued by the Council on Certification/Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.
- Submit the collaboration agreement for each worksite or facility. It must include the collaborator’s Maryland medical license nurse, practice address and original signature of the nurse anesthetists and the collaborating anesthesiologist, physician or dentist.
Allow 4 weeks for processing the application after you submit all the required documents. Incomplete applications will need additional time for processing.
APRN Renewal Requirements Maryland
Certification as an APRN expires at the same time as the RN license. Renewal may be initiated online. APRNs who hold an RN license from a compact state may not renew their licenses online and should request a renewal application form from the Board of Nursing.
During a five-year period, all Maryland APRNs must complete 1000 hours of active practice or complete an approved refresher course. Documentation of active national certification, proof of 1000 hours of practice signed by an employer or transcripts of the refresher course, and the renewal fee of $74 must be mailed to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are no continuing education requirements for Maryland’s APRNs. However, there may be requirements that APRNs must satisfy to renew their national certification. Check with the certifying agency for specific details.
Contact the Board of Nursing
Maryland State Board of Nursing
Mailing Address
4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-2254
Phone: (888) 202-9861
Alt: (410) 585-1900
MSN Programs Maryland
Baltimore, MD MSN programs:
Notre Dame of Maryland University
4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210
410-435-0100
Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216-3698
410-951-3970
Johns Hopkins University
525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
410-955-7548
University of Maryland – School of Nursing
655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-3100
Bowie, MD MSN programs:
Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715-9465
301-860-4000
Salisbury, MD MSN programs:
Salisbury University
Devilbiss Hall 235, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6401
Stevenson, MD MSN programs:
Stevenson University
1525Green Spring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD 21153-0641
1-877-468-6852
Towson, MD MSN programs:
Towson University
8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252
410-704-2000