Maryland Nursing License Requirements
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- The Maryland Board of Nursing ensures quality care and regulates licensure and renewals.
- Aspiring nurses complete an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX to get their license.
- It typically takes 10 days to issue a nursing license unless a background check is required.
Are you a nursing graduate or a nurse in Maryland? The Maryland State Board of Nursing governs nursing licenses in the state. The board lists specific educational guidelines and Maryland's registered nurse (RN) license requirements to attain and maintain your state nursing license.
Let's dive into the specific Maryland RN license requirements and how nurses can meet them to apply for their nursing license successfully.
Maryland State Board of Nursing
The Maryland Board of Nursing ensures quality nursing care by monitoring and regulating state licensure, certification, and nursing education. The board operates under the Maryland Nurse Practice Act, which regulates registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
The board is responsible for new license applications and renewals and has enforced actions against fraudulent schemes involving the nursing profession.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Maryland Nursing Education Requirements
Maryland RN license requirements include minimal education conditions, which are set by the state. The Maryland Board of Nursing accepts two programs for nursing candidates to attain their RN licensure.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN program typically requires two years to complete when attending full time. Students learn the clinical skills needed to practice, and graduates can receive their Maryland state RN license after passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
These programs are flexible and allow students to attend part time while continuing to work. Although most institutions seek BSN-prepared nurses to meet higher standards of care, an ADN program allows you to begin working more quickly as a nurse while continuing your education to complete a BSN program.
Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN program typically requires four years of full-time education. Some programs offer part-time options to allow students to work while attending school. Accelerated programs are also available for students with an ADN or a bachelor's degree in another field.
BSN programs offer education in leadership and research alongside clinical coursework and education in math and sciences. Graduates can take the NCLEX examination and apply for nursing licensure in Maryland.
Applying for a Nursing License in Maryland
Maryland offers two pathways for RNs to achieve their licensure. The typical pathway for a new graduate is licensure by examination, while nurses licensed in other states can pursue licensure by endorsement.
RN Licensure by Examination
New graduates are required to get their nursing license by examination, which is a straightforward process. They must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and submit the required documentation to the Maryland Board of Nursing. The licensing process includes:
- Apply to take the NCLEX through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Submit an official sealed transcript if you attended an out-of-state nursing program.
- Complete the criminal history record check from the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Declare your primary state of residence.
- Submit a degree or diploma from an approved nursing program.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement is reserved for nurses with an active license in a non-compact state and have never held a Maryland license. Nurses who have ever held a license in Maryland must request a renewal packet instead. The steps to complete nursing licensure by endorsement include:
- Verify your nursing education program is on a list of approved schools and programs by the Maryland Board of Nursing
- Submit a complete official transcript from your nursing school, emailed directly to the Maryland Board of Nursing Endorsement Unit.
- Complete an official background check and fingerprint. Nurses living in Maryland can download the Live Scan background fingerprint form and submit the application within 48 hours of completing the background and fingerprinting. Nurses outside of Maryland must request an out-of-state fingerprinting card from the Criminal Justice Information System.
- Verify your nursing license through Nursys.com from the original state of licensure. If your state does not participate in the program, you need to contact your state's board of nursing and request that verification be sent to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Submit an endorsement application, which requires a digital passport-style photo, a 12-digit tracking number from the fingerprint card or Live Scan receipt, a copy of an active license from another state, and payment of $100 for a permanent license or $40 for a temporary 90-day license.
How to Maintain Your Nursing License in Maryland
RNs must renew their license in Maryland every two years. The Maryland Board of Nursing maintains an online portal where you can complete renewal. However, anyone with a license that has not been renewed for more than one year must work with the Maryland Board of Nursing Renewals Department to proceed.
Nurses renewing their license must pay a $136 renewal fee and submit 30 continuing education credit hours. Nurses with a conviction or disciplinary action against their license must contact the Maryland Board of Nursing to receive the appropriate forms and information.
Applications can take up to 10 days to be processed unless a background check is being completed with the renewal, which requires additional time. Nurses who want to change their name must use an official name change form. Name changes can no longer be done on a renewal application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maryland
How long does it take to get a Maryland RN license?
It typically takes 10 days or less to receive your RN license after all the documentation has been submitted. However, this can take longer if a background check is required with a license endorsement.
What do you need to become an RN in Maryland?
Nurses must have completed an ADN or BSN program, passed the NCLEX-RN examination, and submitted information for a background check. Out-of-state candidates must also submit an official sealed transcript. Licensure by endorsement also requires verification of an out-of-state license, background check, and an official transcript emailed to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
How much does an RN earn in Maryland?
Registered nurses in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $87,990, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How often do you renew a Maryland nursing license?
Nurses in Maryland must renew their licenses every two years and submit 30 continuing education credit hours.
