Maryland community colleges offer more than a dozen Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs that can put you on the path to licensure as a registered nurse in two to three years. These 2-year nursing programs cost a fraction of a four-year university degree and lead to the same entry-level RN license—making them one of the most popular routes into the nursing profession in the state.
This guide covers every accredited ADN program in Maryland, typical admission requirements, costs, NCLEX pass rates, and what to expect from the application process.
What is a 2-year nursing degree in Maryland?
A 2-year nursing program in Maryland leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), also called an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) or AAS (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing). The credential is the same regardless of the title—graduates sit the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and, on passing, practice as registered nurses.
Maryland’s Maryland Board of Nursing describes most associate degree programs as three-year programs when prerequisites are counted. The nursing coursework itself typically spans four semesters (about two years), but most programs require you to complete prerequisite science and general education courses before you can enroll in nursing classes. Students who arrive with prerequisites already completed—for example, those who took anatomy, physiology, and microbiology in high school or during a prior college program—may finish in as little as two years of full-time study.
ADN programs in Maryland: full list
Maryland has 15 NCLEX-approved ADN programs at community colleges. The table below shows every program, its location, and available NCLEX pass rate data.
| College | City | NCLEX-RN pass rate (avg.) | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold | 94.9% | ACEN |
| Cecil College | North East | 93.0% | ACEN |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | 93.0% | ACEN |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Catonsville | 89.5% | ACEN |
| Frederick Community College | Frederick | 89.1% | ACEN |
| Harford Community College | Bel Air | 88.6% | ACEN |
| Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland | 88.4% | ACEN |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | 88.0% | ACEN |
| Carroll Community College | Westminster | 86.5% | ACEN |
| Chesapeake College | Wye Mills | 86.1% | ACEN |
| Montgomery College | Takoma Park | 85.8% | ACEN |
| Howard Community College | Columbia | 85.1% | ACEN |
| Wor-Wic Community College | Salisbury | 81.4% | ACEN |
| Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore | 77.6% | ACEN |
| Prince George’s Community College | Largo | 70.7% | ACEN |
Pass rate data sourced from Maryland Board of Nursing historical reports. Statewide Maryland NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate: approximately 93.8% (2024).
All programs in the table carry approval from the Maryland Board of Nursing. Always confirm current approval status at the Maryland Board of Nursing website before applying, as approvals can be suspended if a program’s pass rates fall below the Board’s minimum threshold.
Featured programs
Allegany College of Maryland
The nursing program at Allegany College is a two-year ladder-style program of increasing knowledge, responsibility, and certification. At the end of year one, students may sit the NCLEX-PN examination for licensure as a practical nurse, then complete year two to earn the associate degree and sit the NCLEX-RN. Students log approximately 1,400 clinical hours over four semesters under faculty supervision. Both day and evening courses are available on the Cumberland campus.
12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502 — 301-784-5000
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) ranks among the top ADN programs in the northeast region. The 70-credit ASN program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical placements covering medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, critical care, emergency, operating room, extended care, rehabilitation, community health, and psychiatric settings. NCLEX pass rates consistently exceed state and national averages. With full-time enrollment, most students complete the program in three years including prerequisites.
101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 — 410-777-2222
Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College’s ADN program admits students after completing prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.50. An NLN NEX admission exam is required with a minimum score of 138. The program has produced competitive NCLEX pass rates and offers clear articulation pathways into BSN programs through partnerships with Towson University, Stevenson University Online, and the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157 — 410-386-8000
College of Southern Maryland
College of Southern Maryland offers a four-semester ADN program admitting students in both fall and spring. Recent NCLEX pass rates have been strong—95% in January 2024 and 98% in May 2023. Estimated total program cost runs approximately $10,000 for in-county students, including tuition, lab fees, textbooks, uniforms, and exam fees.
8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646 — 301-934-2251
Frederick Community College
Frederick Community College’s ADN program emphasizes holistic nursing care, critical thinking, and professionalism across 70 credits of general education and nursing coursework. Pre-admission courses—including chemistry, anatomy, and physiology—must be completed before applying.
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 — 301-846-2400
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown Community College (HCC) was Maryland’s first community college. The nursing division offers two ADN tracks: a traditional three-year program and an accelerated two-year program. The two-year track requires 16 credits per semester and suits students who have already completed general education requirements. HCC’s NCLEX-RN pass rates rank among the highest in the state. Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.
11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742 — 240-500-2000
Howard Community College
Howard Community College offers two options: a 14-month accelerated ADN and a traditional two-year ADN. The accelerated program is competitive, admits a smaller cohort, runs days-only, and begins only in summer. The traditional program offers day and evening/weekend options in fall and day-only options in spring, with clinical placements running throughout. NCLEX pass rates exceed state and national averages.
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 — 443-518-1000
Montgomery College
Montgomery College’s ADN program runs two academic years across 70 credits at its Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. All classes and clinical work take place during the day—no evening or summer sessions. Expected workload is three to four days per week of lectures, labs, and clinical placements plus independent study. The program is ACEN-accredited and Maryland Board of Nursing approved.
7600 Takoma Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 — 240-567-5000
Admission requirements for Maryland ADN programs
Specific requirements vary by college, but the following are standard across most Maryland ADN programs:
Academic prerequisites (complete before applying)
Most programs require the following courses to be completed with a grade of C or better:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- English Composition I
- College-level Mathematics (statistics or algebra)
- Psychology (Introduction to Psychology and/or Developmental Psychology)
- Nutrition (some programs)
- Chemistry (some programs, particularly Frederick and Chesapeake)
These courses are typically completed at the same community college offering the ADN program, and most count toward the total program credits. Plan on one to two semesters of prerequisite coursework if you have no prior college science credits.
GPA requirements
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.0 required at most programs for application
- Competitive programs (Anne Arundel, Carroll, HCC accelerated) typically require 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses
- A higher GPA increases competitiveness significantly, since many programs use ranked admissions
Entrance exams
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills): Required at most Maryland community colleges; minimum passing scores typically range from 58.7% to 65% depending on the institution
- NLN NEX (NLN Nursing Entrance Exam): Used at Carroll Community College (minimum score 138)
- HESI: Used at some programs as an alternative to TEAS
Additional requirements
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Health clearance including immunization records and physical exam
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Some programs require CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification or clinical experience
Competitive admissions and waitlists
Selection for ADN programs in Maryland is competitive. Many programs use a points-based ranking system combining GPA, TEAS scores, and prerequisite completion. Waitlists exist at several high-demand programs. Accelerated programs admit a smaller percentage of applicants than traditional tracks.
Program costs
Maryland community college ADN programs are among the most affordable nursing pathways available. Tuition for in-county students typically ranges from $140 to $200 per credit hour.
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Tuition (70 credits, in-county) | $9,800 – $14,000 |
| Lab and technology fees | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Textbooks and resources | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Uniforms and equipment | $300 – $600 |
| CPR certification | $50 – $80 |
| NCLEX-RN exam fee | $200 |
| Maryland nursing license application | $100 |
| Estimated total | $13,000 – $19,000 |
Out-of-county and out-of-state tuition rates are higher—typically 1.5x to 2x in-county rates. Financial aid, workforce scholarships, and Maryland’s Nurse Support Program II grants may reduce out-of-pocket costs further. Check each college’s financial aid office and the Maryland Nurse Support Program for current funding opportunities.
How long does a 2-year nursing program take in Maryland?
The nursing coursework in an ADN program spans four semesters—roughly two academic years of full-time study. However, the total time from enrollment to licensure depends on how many prerequisite courses you still need:
| Starting point | Estimated time to NCLEX |
|---|---|
| All prerequisites complete | 2 years |
| 1-2 prerequisite courses outstanding | 2.5 years |
| No science background (prerequisites from scratch) | 3 – 3.5 years |
| LPN-to-ADN bridge (licensed LPN entering) | 12 – 18 months |
The Maryland Board of Nursing describes most ADN programs as three-year programs and notes that average completion runs five to six semesters for students who take some prerequisites concurrently. Planning ahead—ideally completing anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before applying—is the most effective way to reduce total program length.
Accreditation and licensing
Program accreditation
Every ADN program in Maryland should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation by either ACEN or the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) is the standard national credential for nursing programs. Attending an unaccredited program may affect your ability to pursue advanced degrees or certain employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Maryland Board of Nursing approval
In addition to national accreditation, each program must hold current approval from the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). The Board can suspend or remove approval from programs whose first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates fall below the minimum threshold. Always verify current approval status at mbon.maryland.gov before applying.
Nurse Licensure Compact
Maryland is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means nurses licensed in Maryland can obtain a multi-state license and practice in any other compact state without applying for an additional license. Only Maryland residents (or residents of non-compact states) may obtain their initial license through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
After passing the NCLEX-RN
ADN graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN are licensed as registered nurses and may practice at the same entry level as BSN graduates. Many Maryland employers offer tuition assistance for ADNs pursuing a BSN. The University of Maryland School of Nursing, Towson University, Stevenson University Online, and Frostburg State University all offer ADN-to-BSN pathways with direct articulation agreements for Maryland community college graduates.
Salary and career outlook in Maryland
Maryland registered nurses earn competitive wages. The median annual RN salary in Maryland is approximately $82,000, with new graduate RNs typically starting in the $68,000–$85,000 range depending on employer, shift differential, and specialty area. Specialty roles such as ICU, emergency, and operating room can exceed $100,000 annually.
Maryland’s nursing shortage is well documented — hospitals and long-term care facilities have been running short-staffed across the state. This means ADN graduates with current Maryland RN licenses are walking into strong hiring demand, competitive wages, sign-on bonuses, and employer-funded education benefits. BLS projects 6% growth nationally for registered nurse employment through 2033; Maryland’s demand runs higher.
The ADN-to-BSN salary gap is modest at entry level, but widens over a career. BSN-prepared nurses qualify for charge nurse, educator, and management roles earlier, and some employers post salary grades tied to education level. Completing a BSN bridge program while working closes this gap within two to four years of graduation for most nurses.
ADN-to-BSN bridge programs in Maryland
Every major Maryland ADN program has articulation agreements with regional BSN programs. Working RNs can complete a BSN online or part-time:
- University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON): Articulation agreements with all 15 Maryland ADN programs. Online RN-to-BSN designed for working nurses. UMSON also offers a dual-admission track with Montgomery College — students can be admitted to both the ADN and RN-to-BSN programs simultaneously.
- Towson University: Hybrid RN-to-BSN with mostly online coursework and a final clinical practicum. Requires 2.5 GPA and a valid RN license.
- Stevenson University Online (SUO): Fully online, with direct articulation for Maryland community college ADN graduates.
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Fully online, no chemistry prerequisite, designed for working adults.
- Frostburg State and Bowie State: Additional state university options with RN-to-BSN pathways serving Maryland graduates.
Many Maryland employers provide tuition reimbursement of $2,500–$5,000 or more per year for RNs pursuing a BSN — confirm your employer’s benefit before selecting a program.
Benefits of earning an associate degree in nursing
An ADN is the fastest traditional route to RN licensure in Maryland:
- Lower cost: Community college tuition is significantly less than a four-year university BSN program
- Faster entry to the workforce: Begin earning an RN salary two to three years sooner than BSN graduates
- Bridge pathways: Most Maryland ADNs have direct articulation agreements for seamless BSN completion online or part-time while working
- Practical faculty: Community college nursing programs recruit instructors with extensive clinical backgrounds, resulting in grounded, hands-on training
- Local clinical placements: Programs place students at nearby hospitals and health systems, which often leads to local job offers after graduation
Frequently asked questions
Can I become an RN in Maryland in 2 years?
Yes, if you already have your prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and general education requirements) completed before you begin the nursing program. The nursing coursework itself is four semesters—two years. Students starting with no science background typically need three to three and a half years total.
What is the fastest nursing program in Maryland?
Howard Community College’s 14-month accelerated ADN is the shortest path to RN licensure in the state for qualified applicants. It is a competitive, daytime-only program that begins in summer and requires continuous full-time study. Admission requirements are stricter than the traditional two-year program.
How much does a 2-year nursing program in Maryland cost?
For in-county students, total costs—including tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, and exam fees—typically run $13,000 to $19,000 for the full ADN program. Out-of-county tuition can double this figure. Financial aid and Maryland’s Nurse Support Program II grants are available to qualifying students.
What prerequisites are required for Maryland ADN programs?
Most programs require Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), English Composition, college-level Math, and Psychology. Some programs also require Chemistry. All prerequisite courses must typically be completed with a grade of C or better before you can begin nursing coursework.
Are there online ADN programs in Maryland?
No ADN program in Maryland is fully online. Clinical rotations and skills labs must be completed in person. Many programs offer hybrid coursework—with some lecture content delivered online—but you will need to attend campus for labs and clinical placements.
What TEAS score do I need for nursing school in Maryland?
Minimum TEAS scores vary by program but typically range from 58.7% to 65%. Competitive programs effectively require higher scores for admission because applicants are ranked. Aim for 70% or above to be a strong candidate at most Maryland community colleges.
What can I do after completing an ADN in Maryland?
Graduates sit the NCLEX-RN examination. On passing, they are licensed as registered nurses and eligible for employment across hospitals, long-term care, community health, and other settings. Many Maryland employers offer RN-to-BSN tuition reimbursement. ADN graduates who want to advance can complete a BSN through online bridge programs while working full-time.
Admission requirements and program details change regularly. Always verify current information directly with the college’s nursing department and the Maryland Board of Nursing before applying.