According to the Maryland Hospital Association, by 2020 there will be a 40 percent increase in Maryland's demand for RNs but only a six percent growth in the supply. Over half of Maryland's 50,000 working RNs practice in hospitals, about 13 percent in community/school health, and about 10 percent in ambulatory care. Their annual mean wage of over $76,000 is one of the highest in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A work group has been formed by the Maryland Hospital Association and nursing leaders in the state with a goal of doubling the number of graduates from both ADN and BSN programs. There are several LPN to RN programs to be found, and the Maryland Board of Nursing stipulates that LPNs who are accepted into these programs can be awarded up to one year of nursing courses. Most of the state's programs are LPN to ADN. LPN to BSN programs are scarce; those who want this degree can get an ADN first and then transfer into one of Maryland's several basic BSN programs or an RN to BSN accelerated program.
Tuition can be expensive. The Maryland Board of Nursing is an excellent resource for financial aid information, and the Maryland Association of Nursing Students offers scholarships to members. You may also qualify for tuition reimbursement through your employer. For more information about being an RN, check out the Maryland Nurses Association.
Some LPN to RN programs to consider:
Community College of Baltimore County (Essex, MD). About 30 students are accepted each year into this bridge LPN to ADN program. After completing admission requirements and testing, students enter the program in the second year.
Howard Community College (Columbia, MD). Founded in 1970, HCC is a comparatively new college in Maryland. LPN to ADN candidates have the option of attending either a day or evening/weekend program.
Montgomery College (Takoma Park, MD). Montgomery College's students come from over 160 countries. LPNs who are accepted into advanced standing programs are awarded up to eight transfer credits.
