Many CNAs begin their careers with the goal of climbing the healthcare career ladder and finding greater options for potential earnings and more responsibility. Fortunately, there are a variety of options in the Baltimore area for GNAs and CNAs to earn their Associates Degree in nursing or their Bachelor of Science and progress to working as a Registered Nurse. We’ll provide you with the details on the top programs in the area to help you decide if one is right for you.
RN Programs in Baltimore for CNAs/GNAs
BCCC
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) offers a structured path for those aspiring to become registered nurses. Spanning four semesters, this 70-credit program provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing students to work effectively in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care facilities. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
For students who are already Licensed Practical Nurses, BCCC offers an Advanced Placement Option that allows them to complete the program in just three semesters, providing a faster route to becoming a registered nurse. Both tracks are designed to accommodate students at different stages of their nursing careers, offering flexibility and support through small class sizes and access to academic resources.
The curriculum is comprehensive, beginning with foundational courses such as English Writing, Psychology, and Introduction to Nursing Practice in the first semester. As students progress, they delve into more specialized areas like Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal and Child Health, and Mental Health Nursing. The program also integrates general education requirements, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
One of the strengths of BCCC’s program is its focus on preparing students for further education. While the program equips graduates to enter the workforce immediately, many choose to continue their studies, pursuing advanced nursing degrees such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree. This flexibility is a significant advantage for students who are looking to expand their career opportunities in the long term.
Admission to the program is competitive and requires meeting specific criteria, including successful completion of prerequisite courses, a satisfactory GPA, and passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Prospective students should be mindful of these requirements and plan accordingly to strengthen their application.
Overall, the Associate Degree Nursing program at BCCC provides a solid foundation for a career in nursing, with clear pathways for both immediate employment and further academic advancement. It is an excellent option for students in Baltimore seeking a comprehensive, accredited nursing education that offers both quality instruction and the potential for career growth.
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a highly focused Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, designed specifically for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are eager to transition into nursing. This program, located in the Baltimore area, enables students to earn their BSN in just 15 months, making it an ideal option for those who want to enter the nursing profession quickly.
The ABSN program at Notre Dame combines a rigorous curriculum with practical, hands-on experience. Students can choose between online or on-campus coursework, allowing flexibility in how they complete their studies. Both options provide the same comprehensive nursing education, with online students completing their theory coursework via an interactive learning management system, while on-campus students benefit from face-to-face instruction in small class settings.
Clinical placements are a key component of the ABSN program, offering students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Notre Dame has established strong partnerships with leading healthcare facilities in the Baltimore area, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and MedStar facilities. These placements not only provide invaluable experience but also serve as networking opportunities that can lead to future employment.
The ABSN curriculum is intensive, covering 56 credit hours over four full-time semesters. The coursework includes a wide range of nursing specialties, from psychiatric and mental health nursing to community health and maternal-newborn nursing. The program culminates in a clinical practicum, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce as competent, practice-ready nurses.
In summary, Notre Dame of Maryland University’s ABSN program offers a fast-paced, comprehensive pathway for career changers looking to enter the nursing profession. With its strong academic foundation, flexible learning options, and extensive clinical experiences, the program is well-suited for dedicated individuals ready to embark on a new career in nursing.
University of Maryland School of Nursing
The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that is widely recognized for its rigorous and comprehensive approach to nursing education. Ranked among the top 10 BSN programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, this program is designed to transform students into highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses who are ready to make a significant impact in various healthcare settings.
The program requires students to complete at least 59 prerequisite credits before beginning their nursing studies. These prerequisites can be completed at any accredited college or university, allowing for flexibility in meeting the entry requirements. The BSN program itself is offered at both the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus and the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland, providing options for students based on their location.
One of the key strengths of the UMSON BSN program is its faculty, which includes leaders in the nursing field, cutting-edge researchers, and experienced clinicians. This diverse group of educators is committed to helping students develop the competencies necessary for a successful nursing career. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide range of healthcare environments, with a strong emphasis on clinical decision-making, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
The program’s curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, focusing on competency-based education (CBE). This approach ensures that students not only acquire the necessary knowledge but also develop the skills and attitudes needed to provide high-quality, equitable care to diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes cultural competence, social determinants of health, and the importance of addressing healthcare disparities, preparing graduates to deliver patient-centered care in a variety of settings.
In addition to the robust academic curriculum, students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences in some of the region’s top healthcare facilities. These clinical placements provide real-world experience and the opportunity to apply classroom learning in practical settings. Students are encouraged to treat these placements as extended job interviews, as they often lead to future employment opportunities.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, positioning them for roles in various healthcare environments. The program also lays a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced nursing degrees in the future.
Overall, the University of Maryland’s BSN program offers a top-tier nursing education that combines rigorous academics, practical clinical experience, and a focus on preparing students for the challenges of modern healthcare. It’s an excellent choice for those committed to becoming well-rounded, competent, and compassionate nurses.
Community College of Baltimore County
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) offers a comprehensive Associate Degree Nursing program that stands out as a leading option in the Baltimore metropolitan area. This program is designed to prepare students to enter the healthcare workforce as registered nurses, with a strong emphasis on providing education in a learning-centered environment that reflects the diversity of the community.
One of the program’s key strengths is its flexibility, offering multiple pathways to accommodate different student needs. The traditional day program is available at both the Catonsville and Essex campuses, while the evening/weekend program is specifically offered at the Essex campus. Additionally, CCBC provides an online/blended option at the Catonsville campus, allowing students to complete didactic coursework online while attending weekly in-person seminars, labs, and clinical experiences.
For those who already hold a nursing license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), CCBC offers an LPN to RN Bridge program. This pathway allows LPNs to transition into the RN program, starting in the third semester, and is available at the Dundalk campus. There’s also a dual enrollment opportunity through the Associate to Bachelor’s (ATB) Nursing Degree option, where students can simultaneously work towards their BSN at partner universities like Towson University and Stevenson University while completing their associate degree at CCBC.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring that the curriculum meets national standards for nursing education. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, and the program boasts a strong record of graduate satisfaction and employment rates.
In terms of admissions, CCBC’s nursing programs are competitive, with specific deadlines depending on the chosen pathway. Students are encouraged to carefully plan their application process, as CCBC allows only one nursing program application per semester. Additionally, accepted students are required to pay a non-refundable fee to secure their spot in the program.
Overall, CCBC’s Nursing program offers a variety of options for students at different stages of their nursing careers, with pathways that support both immediate entry into the workforce and continued academic advancement. The program’s flexibility, strong accreditation, and focus on lifelong learning make it a solid choice for aspiring nurses in the Baltimore area.