Maryland can be an ideal location for individuals who wish to pursue nursing education for becoming an RN because there are a number of benefits available to a registered nurse in the state. Maryland has 5th highest density of population in the country, and there are above 50 hospitals and health clinics. Few of these hospitals are also among the best health care facilities in the country. According to the United State Census, Median Household Income 3-Year Average 2010-2012, Maryland has the highest Median Household Income nationwide. The Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2013 report informs that 46,070 registered nurses are employed in the state, and they are receiving Median Hourly Age - $34.04, Mean Hourly wage - $34.18, and Mean Annual wage - $71,100. The wages paid to registered nurses are also fourth highest in the country. These are few crucial factors that have played a critical role for increased demand of nurses in the state. Same issues have also made Maryland a hot destination for nurses who are seeking better salaries and employment opportunities.
Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) requires nurses to complete the board-approved RN programs, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and earn a License for working in an entry-level position in the state. RN programs are offered in approved Registered Nurse Schools in Maryland and include community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.
According to the MBON, the applicants can pursue the multiple paths to be eligible to take the national licensing exam for RN. These tracks include Associate Degree, Baccalaureate Degree, and Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. These programs have different curriculum, credits and completion period.
Associate Degree
There are 15 Associate Degree nursing programs in the state, out of which, 14 programs are offered in community colleges. The curriculum includes 65-70 credits, divided between nursing major, and humanities and science. The course curriculum includes Anatomy & Physiology, Human Growth & development, English, Microbiology, Mathematics, Sociology, Psychology, and Nursing. The applicants must meet both the program and school requirements to be eligible to pursue these programs. The completion duration for the program is three years.
Baccalaureate Degree
Maryland offers 8 Baccalaureate Degree programs in four-year colleges and universities in the state. The completion of these programs awards either a BS degree with a major in nursing or a BSN degree. The course curriculum consists of Liberal Arts, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, electives, and nursing. The program is four years in length. The first two years includes courses on social and physical sciences and humanities, while the courses for the last two years comprises of theoretical nursing instructions and clinical hands-on practice in a variety of health care facilities. The course curriculum also includes research techniques and professional issues. The students must complete program and school requirements for the admission. The graduates from the programs can also enrol for various specialization courses.
Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program
These programs are campus-based or online and offered by senior colleges and universities. The programs have two year's duration and feature RN to BSN articulation model and LPN to RN articulation model. The graduates are offered similar qualifications as Baccalaureate Degree graduates and allowed to pursue specialized educations.
Financial Aids
The students can apply for a number of state, federal, and private funded financial aid programs consisting of scholarships grants, merit-based financial aid, student loans, parent loans, loans against service commitment, and other awards.
If you want to step up your nursing career, Maryland can be an ideal place for your nursing education because few RN schools in the state are considered best in the country. In addition, the state is also one of the highest RN salary paying state nationwide.
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