Maryland Nurse Practitioner Programs
In the field of nursing, there are many specialties and advanced career options, particularly for those who are willing to get a Master’s degree in nursing. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and you’re looking for your next opportunity in the nursing field, you may wish to become a nurse practitioner in Maryland.
Changes in health care at the state and federal levels may spell a bright future for nurse practitioners in Maryland. The Daily Record notes that Maryland is toughening its standards for nursing homes, leading to a growing need for highly-educated nursing professionals.
The practice environment for NPs may be changing in Maryland. The Baltimore Sun reports that there is a big push in Maryland to permit nurse practitioners to practice independently. As you complete your education, you may be able to benefit from these efforts, and even influence them.
The doctor shortage in Maryland is a major reason that some groups want to expand the NP scope of practice. As a nurse practitioner, you might use your skills to care for underserved populations and regions in Maryland. Rural Maryland has been hit hardest by the doctor shortage, and can benefit by more NPs in the area.
Maryland is home to some of the most respected medical institutions in the entire country, making it a popular choice for many health care professionals. Johns Hopkins Hospital, located in Baltimore, is one of the most trusted and well-known facilities in the country.
Are you ready to take the first step in your new career? Learn more about nurse practitioner degrees now by contacting the MD Nurse Practitioner schools you see on our site.
Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum in Maryland
Nurse practitioner programs in Maryland are designed to last about two to three years if you attend school full-time. However, since this program is intended for working nurses, you may be able to attend your program part-time if you want to keep a full-time job. Over the course of your education, you may complete 30 to 40 credits. Though your curriculum may start with more theory-based education, you can plan on quickly moving onto clinical experience. In fact, you may spend over 600 hours in a clinical setting before you complete your nurse practitioner program.
The curriculum for your course of study should delve into many different aspects of advanced nursing, while helping you develop confidence in your career and your knowledge. Core courses may take roughly one year. Courses in this category include Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Clinical Pharmacology. Courses that may delve more into specific areas of nursing care include Diagnosis and Management, Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice, and Population Health & Promotion.
After you have been accepted to an MSN or DNP program in Maryland, you can begin the process of applying for grants and scholarships. The Maryland Higher Education Commission funds quite a few scholarship programs and loan repayment programs. Similarly, the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program supports students that are willing to work in a medically underserved area. The Maryland Nurses Association is another local source for financial aid.
Working as a Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
All licensing of nurse practitioners in Maryland goes through the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing has a rigorous licensing procedure that examines your practical nursing skills and your theoretical knowledge. You may receive your advanced practice license after providing your transcript and filling out an APRN application.
Nurse practitioners in Maryland can earn a very competitive range of salaries. Per O*Net, the average salary for a Maryland nurse practitioner is $92,600 per year. The job outlook is also fairly solid. O*Net expects job openings to increase by 7 percent from 2012 through 2022.
If you’re ready to change your health care community by contributing as a nurse practitioner, now is the time to start. Contact nurse practitioner schools in Maryland today.