Accelerated BSN Programs – Maryland Nursing Schools
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in nursing is one way you can use your education to improve your community and serve people of all ages and needs. One of the fastest ways to earn your degree is to enter an accelerated BSN program. If you already have a non nursing degree, you may be able to earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in only 12-18 months.
As part of your accelerated BSN program, you will have to attend classes year-round. You may be able to complete your classes online if your program allows it. However, you can also choose to do your coursework in-person during day or evening classes. There are several options for study, and we have listed them all here to make your search for schools easier.
As you investigate your options, keep in mind that the more you know about the different programs, the better prepared you will be to make a decision about which nursing is best for you. Simply request information from the schools that interest you, including those featured below, and review the information you need to choose a Fast Track BSN program that can meet your needs.
Accelerated BSN Curriculum in Maryland
A unique and innovative part of an accelerated BSN program in Maryland is that you are able to use credits from the degree you already have. As a returning student, you have valuable knowledge and experience that will translate into your nursing education. Throughout your courses, you will be able to apply what you already know to what you are learning.
Accelerated BSN programs start with nursing courses from the start, so you’ll need a strong background in various types of science. The first part of your accelerated BSN is learning, through books and online materials, the knowledge that you need as a nurse. You’ll learn practical techniques in various nursing fields, how to communicate with patients and peers, and how to be a leader in a nursing setting.
The second part of your accelerated BSN program will include clinical rotations. Usually, these are done at a local nursing home or hospital. If you are getting your degree online, your school will likely have a list of approved clinical sites for you to choose from. You will work with a registered nurse supervisor to practice your skills and learn how to improve them. The very last part of an accelerated BSN program involves preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Nursing Career Outlook in Maryland
Nurses in Maryland have many job options, and there are anticipated to be more over time. In fact, O*Net predicts that there will be 2,200 new job openings for nurses each year through 2020. That is a 27% growth between 2010 and 2020.
Maryland also offers one of the highest median salaries for registered nurses in the nation. The median salary for registered nurses in Maryland is $70,300 per year (O*net, 2012). Where you work determines your salary and your work schedule. Some of the most popular new jobs for nurses are in hospitals, healthcare clinics, and nursing homes. Major nursing employers in Maryland include Maxim Healthcare, BrightStar Care, Maryland Oncology Hematology, Allied Medical, and University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.
Nursing Licensing Considerations in Maryland
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam in Maryland. Passing this exam will make you eligible for a nursing license in the state of Maryland. Since Maryland is a compact state, your Maryland license allows you to work as a nurse in other compact states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Your nursing license will be sent to you by the Maryland Board of Nursing. After you earn your nursing license you might be interested in joining the Maryland Nurses Association. Resources include a career center, legislative updates, and special education groups.
