2026 Best LPN Programs in Maryland – Accredited Online LPN Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

Best LPN Programs in Maryland Table of Contents

1. Steps to Become an LPN in Maryland
2. Cost of LPN Programs in Maryland
3. How Long LPN Training Takes in Maryland
4. Can You Use an Online LPN Program for Maryland Licensure?
5. Online, Hybrid, and Campus LPN Options for Maryland Residents in 2026
6. Is Maryland a Strong State for LPN Careers?
7. Career Options With an LPN Certificate in Maryland
8. Next Steps After Becoming an LPN
9. LPN Program Admission Requirements
10. Additional Certifications for LPNs
11. Benefits of Completing an LPN Program in Maryland
12. Career Advancement Paths for Maryland LPN Graduates
13. Maryland Nursing License Requirements
14. Continuing Education and License Renewal
15. Networking and Career Success for LPNs
16. Pathway From LPN to Nurse Midwife
17. Financial Aid and Funding Options
18. Nutrition Career Options for LPNs
19. Moving From LPN Toward Nurse Practitioner Roles
20. Common Challenges for LPNs in Maryland

How to Become an LPN in Maryland

Maryland’s LPN pathway is regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). To qualify, you generally need to complete an approved practical nursing program, pass the national licensing exam, and maintain an active Maryland nursing license. This route is designed to confirm that new LPNs can provide safe, supervised nursing care in real healthcare settings.

• Finish the required practical nursing education: Applicants usually need a high school diploma or GED before entering an LPN program. Maryland practical nursing programs are primarily campus-based because students must complete skills labs, clinical rotations, and other supervised hands-on training.
• Pass the licensing exam: After graduation, candidates take the NCLEX-PN. The exam evaluates whether a graduate has the nursing judgment, patient-care knowledge, and safety awareness expected of an entry-level practical nurse.
• Apply for Maryland licensure: Passing the NCLEX-PN is not the final step by itself. You must also complete the Maryland Board of Nursing’s licensing process and keep your license active according to state rules.

What is the typical cost of online LPN programs in Maryland?

Because Maryland does not currently offer fully online LPN programs through Maryland-based institutions, students should compare costs for approved campus-based, hybrid, and eligible out-of-state programs. Among the best LPN programs in Maryland, the average in-county cost per credit is $144.44. Out-of-county in-state average cost per credit is $236.50, and out-of-state cost per credit is $324.89. Overall, per credit cost ranges from $109.33 to $422. Total tuition for in-county residents is $4,984.67. The figure is $9,270 for in-state but out-of-county students. The average out-of-state total tuition is $14,057.33. Total tuition costs can range from $4,920 to $17,302.

Tuition is only part of the full cost. Before enrolling, ask each school about fees, uniforms, books, background checks, drug screening, immunizations, testing fees, transportation to clinical sites, and NCLEX-PN preparation costs. Financial aid for LPN programs in Maryland may be available, but eligibility and award amounts vary by school and student status.

Cost questions to ask before choosing an LPN program

• Does the advertised tuition include mandatory program fees?
• Are clinical placement costs, uniforms, testing, and supplies billed separately?
• Does the school charge different rates for in-county, out-of-county, and out-of-state students?
• Can you use federal financial aid, state aid, scholarships, payment plans, or employer tuition support?
• Will transfer credits or prior healthcare coursework reduce your total cost?

How long does it take to become an LPN in Maryland?

Most Maryland LPN students should expect the full training process to take about one year to one year and six months, or 12 to 18 months. Full-time students may finish more quickly, while part-time students, working adults, and students completing prerequisites may need longer. The timeline includes classroom learning, nursing labs, clinical practice, simulation activities, and preparation for the NCLEX-PN.

Can you become an LPN in Maryland with an online degree?

You may be able to complete some LPN coursework online, but practical nursing cannot be completed entirely online for Maryland licensure because students must complete in-person labs and clinical training. Maryland-based LPN programs are taught on campus, though some schools may offer selected theory courses online or in a hybrid format. Always confirm the exact format with the school before applying.

If you are considering an out-of-state or online-heavy program, verify that the program is recognized for Maryland licensure. The Maryland Board of Nursing provides an approved out-of-state program program list. If a program does not appear there, the school dean or director may need to complete an assessment tool so the Board can evaluate whether the education is substantially equivalent.

Online vs. campus LPN programs: which format should you choose?

Online LPN Programs in Maryland for 2026

There are no fully online LPN programs based in Maryland, but Maryland residents can compare nearby hybrid options, approved out-of-state programs, and strong campus-based Maryland programs. The safest approach is to choose a program that clearly meets Maryland Board of Nursing expectations and provides accessible clinical training. The programs below include online, hybrid, and traditional options available to Maryland residents, with input from Research.com expert reviewers.

1. Northampton Community College Hybrid LPN Program

Northampton Community College, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers an LPN certificate with some online flexibility for general education coursework. Students complete practical nursing preparation in areas such as pharmacology, maternal-child nursing, and mental health nursing, while also meeting in-person requirements. The LPN program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

1. Program length: 1 year
2. Credits required for completion: 44
3. Cost per credit: $1,875 (in-county); $2,895 (Monroe County, PA); $3,750 (other PA county); $5,625 (out-of-state/country)
4. Accreditation and approval:  Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)

2. ECPI University Hybrid LPN Program (mostly online)

ECPI University in Charleston, SC, offers a practical nursing pathway that combines classroom learning, lab instruction, simulation, and clinical preparation. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based, client-centered care across the lifespan and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN after earning the diploma. The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) approves the online LPN program.

1. Program length: ~1 year
2. Credits required for completion: ~45
3. Tuition cost: $9,720 per semester
4. Accreditation and approval: Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)

3. Wor-Wic Community College Traditional LPN Program

Wor-Wic Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate for students preparing to become licensed practical nurses. Coursework includes Nursing Fundamentals, Introduction to Nursing Pharmacology, Adult and Mental Health Nursing, and Maternal-Child Nursing. It is one of the most popular LPN programs in Maryland by student population. The institution had the highest NCLEX-PN pass rate in Maryland at 100%, with 25 out of 25 first-time takers passing.

1. Program length: 12-18 months
2. Credits required for completion: 41
3. Cost per credit: $129 (in-county); $258 (out-of-county); $323 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

4. Anne Arundel Community College Traditional LPN Program

Anne Arundel Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate designed to prepare graduates for patient-care responsibilities in hospitals and similar healthcare settings within the legal scope of practical nursing. The school has long been a familiar option for Maryland LPN students. It also had a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate, with 23 out of 23 first-time takers passing the exam.

1. Program length: 12-18 months
2. Credits required for completion: 41
3. Cost per credit: $124 (in-county); $241 (out-of-county); $422 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

5. Hagerstown Community College Traditional LPN Program

Hagerstown Community College offers a Maryland practical nursing program with a 16-month curriculum. The program reports a 92.59% NCLEX-PN pass rate, with 25 out of 27 first-time takers passing. Graduates are prepared for work in healthcare settings such as home health, long-term care, and other practical nursing environments.

1. Program length: 16 months
2. Credits required for completion: 42
3. Cost per credit: $123 (in-county); $192 (out-of-county); $236 (neighboring states); $252 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Is Maryland good for LPNs?

Maryland can be a strong state for LPNs who want stable healthcare employment and possible advancement into RN or advanced nursing roles. The projected job growth rate is at 10.3% through 2032, and estimated annual job openings are 800 during the same period. Since this represents nearly 10% of the whole workforce, students should view Maryland as a state with continuing practical nursing demand while still comparing local employers, commute times, shift expectations, and workplace settings.

Job Salary Expectations for LPNs in Maryland

The annual average salary for LPNs in Maryland is $70,700. This is $8,360 higher than the national median annual salary for LPNs. Other nursing roles in the state also report competitive pay, including nurse anesthetists ($163,470), nurse midwives ($132,200), nurse practitioners ($127,100), and registered nurses ($96,650). Actual earnings can vary by employer, county, shift schedule, experience, union coverage, specialty setting, and overtime availability.

What can I do with an LPN certification in Maryland?

An LPN certificate allows you to pursue licensure and work as a practical nurse in Maryland. LPNs commonly provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, or other authorized healthcare professionals. Depending on the employer and setting, duties may include monitoring patients, administering approved medications, supporting activities of daily living, documenting care, communicating patient changes, and assisting with treatment plans.

The certificate can also serve as the first step toward higher nursing credentials. If you are comparing future options, it helps to understand what are the different types of nursing degrees and levels after an LPN. Common next steps include LPN-to-RN, LPN-to-BSN, and later graduate nursing pathways.

Students who decide to continue as a nursing major may use prior nursing coursework and clinical experience to strengthen their academic foundation. Later, nurses may consider administrative, education, leadership, or advanced clinical tracks. Some working nurses choose flexible graduate options, including MSN degree online programs, when they are ready for a broader scope of responsibility.

How to Transition from MA to LPN in Maryland

Medical assistants who want a larger clinical scope may consider moving into practical nursing. The transition can make sense for MAs who already enjoy direct patient care but want formal nursing licensure, more defined nursing responsibilities, and a clearer route toward RN or BSN education.

Bridge options such as an MA to LPN Bridge Program Online are designed for students who already have healthcare experience. These programs may recognize prior coursework or workplace knowledge, although credit policies differ by school. Students should ask whether prior medical assisting coursework can reduce prerequisites, shorten the program, or improve admission competitiveness.

In Maryland, students should be especially careful with online bridge programs. Even when theory courses are online, LPN preparation still requires in-person clinical learning at approved healthcare facilities. Before enrolling, confirm that the program can support Maryland licensure and that clinical placements are realistic for your location.

The MA-to-LPN route is most useful for medical assistants who want to remain in hands-on care while gaining a credential that can support later RN, BSN, or specialty certification goals.

What are the next steps after becoming an LPN in Maryland?

After earning Maryland LPN licensure, your next move depends on your career goal. Some LPNs focus on gaining experience in long-term care, clinics, rehabilitation, home health, or hospital-related settings. Others begin planning for RN licensure, BSN completion, specialty certification, or advanced practice education. If your long-term goal is advanced clinical practice, reviewing the best nurse practitioner programs in Maryland can help you understand how much additional education is typically required beyond the LPN level.

What are the admission requirements for LPN programs in Maryland?

Admission requirements vary by school, but most LPN programs expect applicants to show academic readiness, meet health and safety standards, and complete required documentation before clinical placement. Common requirements include a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts, prerequisite coursework, CPR certification, immunization records, TB testing, background checks, and sometimes entrance testing or healthcare experience documentation.

Applicants with prior healthcare training should ask whether the school grants credit for previous coursework or experience. Students coming from medical assisting can compare the best medical assistant programs in Maryland to understand how earlier training may align with future nursing prerequisites.

Questions to ask admissions offices

• Is the program approved for Maryland LPN licensure?
• What prerequisites must be completed before the nursing sequence begins?
• How competitive is admission, and what factors are weighted most heavily?
• Where are clinical rotations located, and can students choose preferred sites?
• What is the program’s recent NCLEX-PN pass rate?
• Are evening, weekend, part-time, or hybrid options available?

Which additional nursing certifications can elevate my LPN career?

Additional credentials can help LPNs develop focused clinical skills without immediately pursuing another degree. Certifications in areas such as gerontology, wound care, and IV therapy may be valuable depending on your employer, patient population, and state practice rules. Before paying for a credential, confirm that employers in your target setting recognize it and that it aligns with Maryland’s LPN scope of practice. For a broader overview of available options, review these nursing certifications.

What are the key benefits of an LPN program in Maryland?

An LPN program in Maryland can be a good fit for students who want a relatively fast, structured entry into nursing. The strongest benefits are practical: local clinical training, a defined licensure pathway, and the ability to begin gaining healthcare experience before deciding whether to pursue more advanced degrees.

• Steady practical nursing demand: Maryland’s healthcare sector continues to need practical nurses in multiple care settings. One cited projection shows 6.3% job growth for LPNs through 2032, while another section reports 10.3% through 2032, so students should verify the most current labor-market data when making enrollment decisions.
• Accredited school options: Maryland includes several accredited LPN programs, including options such as Wor-Wic Community College, Anne Arundel Community College, and Hagerstown Community College, which are associated with strong NCLEX-PN results in the data listed above.
• Competitive earning potential: The average salary for LPNs in Maryland is around $60,180, and another salary figure cited in this guide is $70,700. Because wage data can vary by source and reporting period, use salary figures as planning estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes.
• Bridge potential: LPN training can support later movement into RN, BSN, MSN, or specialty nursing routes.
• Hands-on preparation: Maryland’s campus-based model gives students direct practice in labs and clinical settings, which is essential for patient-care readiness.
• Some flexible coursework: Although fully online Maryland LPN programs are not available, some programs may allow selected non-clinical coursework in online or hybrid formats.

If your main concern is admission difficulty, compare prerequisites, waiting lists, entrance exams, and clinical placement policies. The easiest LPN program to get into will depend on your location, academic background, application timing, and willingness to commute.

What are the career growth opportunities for LPN graduates in Maryland?

LPN graduates in Maryland can use practical nursing as either a long-term role or a launch point. Many LPNs build careers in long-term care, physician offices, rehabilitation centers, home health, and other direct-care environments. Others use the experience to pursue RN licensure, bachelor’s-level nursing education, or eventually graduate nursing roles.

One of the most common advancement routes is moving from LPN to RN through a bridge program. RN licensure generally expands clinical responsibilities and may open doors to a wider range of healthcare settings. For state-specific planning, see this guide on how to become a registered nurse in Maryland.

LPNs can also pursue targeted certifications in areas such as gerontology, IV therapy, or wound care. These credentials can be especially useful when they match employer needs. Longer-term, LPN-to-BSN and LPN-to-MSN pathways can support movement into leadership, education, administration, or advanced practice, depending on the nurse’s goals and eligibility.

What are the Maryland Nursing License Requirements?

Maryland LPN candidates must complete an approved nursing education pathway, meet academic and clinical training standards, satisfy health and background requirements, pass the NCLEX-PN, and complete the Maryland Board of Nursing licensure process. Because rules and documentation requirements can change, students should review the current Maryland nursing license requirements before applying to a program or taking an out-of-state route.

Online vs. On-Campus LPN program: Which one suits you best?

The right format depends on your schedule, location, learning style, and licensure risk tolerance. On-campus Maryland programs offer the clearest access to in-person labs and local clinical training. Hybrid programs may reduce some scheduling pressure by placing selected theory courses online. Fully online-only practical nursing programs are generally not appropriate if they do not provide approved clinical experiences that satisfy Maryland licensure expectations.

Cost also matters. If you are comparing program formats, review how much does nursing school cost in the United States and then ask each school for a full program cost sheet. Online coursework may reduce commuting or housing expenses, but nursing students still need to budget for clinical travel, supplies, testing, and licensing-related costs.

What Are the Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements for LPNs in Maryland?

Maryland LPNs must keep their license active by following state renewal rules. Requirements may include continuing education, renewal applications, fees, and documentation through the Maryland Board of Nursing. Because renewal standards are regulatory requirements, do not rely only on school advisors or employer policies; verify deadlines and approved activities directly with the Board. If you plan to use continuing education as part of a larger advancement strategy, this guide on how to become a nurse practitioner in Maryland can help you understand longer-term educational planning.

How Can Professional Networking Impact LPN Career Success in Maryland?

Networking can help Maryland LPNs learn about job openings, clinical specialties, bridge programs, mentorship, and employer expectations. Useful networking channels include clinical instructors, preceptors, alumni groups, professional nursing associations, local healthcare hiring events, and continuing education workshops. Students comparing future degree options may also benefit from exploring communities connected with the best nursing schools in Maryland.

What Steps Can LPNs Take to Pursue a Nurse Midwife Role in Maryland?

Nurse midwifery is an advanced nursing role, so LPNs cannot move into it through a short certificate alone. The pathway generally requires progressing beyond practical nursing into registered nursing, completing advanced education, and meeting certification and state practice requirements. LPNs interested in maternal health should first gain relevant clinical exposure, meet RN or BSN prerequisites, and review the nurse midwife education requirements in Maryland before choosing a bridge program.

What Financial Support Options Are Available for LPN Programs in Maryland?

LPN students in Maryland can explore federal aid, state grants, school-based scholarships, workforce funding, employer tuition assistance, payment plans, and work-study options when available. The best funding strategy is to compare total program cost, not just tuition. Ask whether aid applies to summer terms, prerequisites, repeated courses, supplies, and exam fees. Students planning to continue beyond practical nursing can also compare flexible options through the best online nursing programs in Maryland.

Can LPN Credentials Open the Door to Nutrition Careers in Maryland?

LPN experience can support a move into nutrition-adjacent work, especially in patient education, wellness, chronic disease support, long-term care, and preventive health settings. However, becoming a nutrition professional may require additional coursework, credentials, or licensure depending on the role. If you want to combine nursing experience with nutrition-focused work, review how to become a nutritionist in Maryland before investing in a certificate or degree.

How Can LPNs Transition Directly to Nurse Practitioner Roles?

LPNs should understand that nurse practitioner roles require advanced nursing education and licensure beyond practical nursing. Some accelerated pathways may help experienced nurses progress more efficiently, but students still need to satisfy RN-level, graduate-level, clinical, certification, and state requirements. If this is your long-term goal, compare bridge routes carefully and review a nurse practitioner accelerated program only after confirming that it aligns with your current credential level and Maryland licensure expectations.

What Are the Common Challenges for LPNs in Maryland?

The LPN path in Maryland is accessible compared with longer nursing degrees, but it still requires planning. Students must manage admissions requirements, clinical scheduling, tuition and fees, licensing steps, and the reality that practical nursing cannot be learned entirely online. Working adults may find it difficult to balance employment, study time, labs, and clinical rotations. For a step-by-step licensing overview, see this guide on how to become a certified LPN in Maryland.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing an LPN program

Key Insights

• Maryland’s LPN route is structured and licensure-focused: Students must complete an approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and obtain licensure through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Fully online Maryland LPN programs are not available: Some theory courses may be online, but labs and clinical training are required. Out-of-state online-heavy programs should be checked against Maryland Board of Nursing approval rules.
• Program cost varies by residency status: Average cost per credit is listed as $114.44 for in-county students, $236.50 for out-of-county in-state students, and $324.89 for out-of-state students. Total tuition costs range from $4,920 to $17,302.
• Most students need 12 to 18 months: Timeline depends on full-time or part-time enrollment, prerequisites, clinical scheduling, and exam readiness.
• Maryland offers positive employment indicators: The guide cites projected LPN growth of 10.3% through 2032 and estimated annual job openings of 800, while another cited figure shows 6.3% growth through 2032. Verify current projections before making a final decision.
• LPN can be a career or a launch point: Graduates can work in practical nursing roles or continue toward RN, BSN, MSN, specialty certification, or advanced practice pathways.
• The best program is not always the cheapest or most flexible: Prioritize approval status, clinical access, NCLEX-PN preparation, total cost, schedule fit, and transfer potential.

References:

1. AACN. (2025). 2024-2025 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs. AACN.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (n.d.). Active PN Licenses. Retrieved from NCSBN
3. Projections Central. (n.d). Long-term occupational projections. Retrieved from PMP.
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Retrieved from BLS
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Area: Maryland. Retrieved from BLS.
6. Zippia (2025, January 8). Licensed practical nurse education requirements. Retrieved from Zippia.