Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Maryland (ASN & ADN Online)

If you live in Maryland and are planning to begin a nursing career, you may be wondering about the programs available to you. Specifically, you'd like to know more about 2-year nursing degrees online online and in-person in your state.

Keep reading as we explore some of Maryland's top 2-year nursing programs. We'll also talk about the different types of programs available and answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

There are various pathways to a nursing career, as many different programs help learners meet educational requirements for nurses. Below, we'll focus on Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs � both of which can be completed in two years.

Associate of Science in Nursing

An ASN degree is a specific type of nursing program that typically includes a blend of coursework, hands-on skills labs, and real-world clinical experiences. Coursework commonly includes a well-rounded blend of general education and nursing courses.

Students in these types of programs are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and get their nursing license. Many also go on to four-year colleges and universities to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Associate Degree in Nursing

''Associate degree in nursing'' is a generic term commonly applied to all different kinds of associate-level nursing programs. ADN programs commonly lead to Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees but may also lead to ASN, Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Nursing (AN) degrees.

ADN degrees commonly comprise coursework, skills labs, and clinical experiences, but exact requirements can vary depending on the type of program. For example, AAS degrees may not have as many general education requirements as ASN degrees.

All ADN degrees prepare students for licensure, but some may not provide the proper credits for students planning to transfer to a bachelor's degree program. These students would be required to take extra prerequisite courses before enrolling in a BSN program.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Maryland?

There are no entirely online ADN programs; skills labs and clinical rotations must both be completed in-person. That said, many programs provide online or hybrid coursework to give students some added flexibility.

There are a few partially online ASN programs in Maryland. We'll discuss these and other programs in the following sections.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Maryland

If you're ready to get started in the healthcare profession of your choice, consider the nursing programs below. We'll look at some top two-year programs available in Maryland, including the best online nursing programs.

1. Allegany College of Maryland

Allegany College of Maryland is a public school in Cumberland, MD. It offers nursing degree programs for students with a variety of program options, including an online LPN-to-RN degree for licensed practical nurses and a part-time, hybrid program for those with no previous healthcare experience.

Students in these programs have the flexibility to choose the specific program and schedule that works best for them, as well as to complete some of the coursework online. Programs cover a variety of topics ranging from basic nursing practice to caring for those with mental health conditions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,498 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College is located in Arnold, MD. Learners at this public school can pursue three types of nursing degrees, including an advanced-standing program for LPNs, paramedics, and veterans.

This program can be completed in two years and offers some online coursework. Students can also pursue traditional ASN degrees leading to licensure and transfer to bachelor's programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,354 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown Community College is a public school serving the Hagerstown community. It offers nursing programs for traditional students as well as those who have had experience in healthcare settings.

Learners can choose between two-year and three-year program options depending on what works best for their schedules. Those with experience as paramedics, LPNs, and military medics can enroll in bridge programs to complete their education and sit for the licensure exam sooner.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,390 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Howard Community College

Howard Community College is a public school headquartered in Columbia, MD. Students can choose high-ranking ADN programs with several tracks available.

The traditional program is completed in two years, though students can also opt to enroll in an accelerated format that allows them to graduate in 14 months. Those with experience as paramedics and military medics can also graduate in an accelerated timeframe to begin working in nursing care sooner.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,224 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Cecil College

Cecil College is a public community college located in North East Maryland. Its ASN program prepares students for further studies or to pursue licensure and begin working right after graduation.

The nursing program offers both traditional and accelerated formats; the traditional program takes two years to complete, while the accelerated program can be finished in just 12 months. Students learn exceptional patient care skills and are well prepared to pursue their future career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,090 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore City Community College is the only state-sponsored school in Maryland. Learners at this public college can complete its traditional ASN program within two years.

An advanced-standing option is available for LPNs, enabling them to graduate within three semesters. Students are prepared to work as entry-level nurses while earning eligibility to pursue advanced degrees and career paths in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,394 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a public, multi-campus school in Montgomery County. It offers numerous nursing programs for students with different backgrounds and goals.

The traditional ADN program is completed within two years. Those planning to enroll in an RN-to-BSN program can benefit from the school's numerous transfer agreements, and RN bridge programs are available for paramedics, military medics, and LPNs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,398 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Harford Community College

Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD. It is a public school offering nursing degrees for LPNs and traditional nursing students.

The ADN program is a great way to start a nursing career and pursue advanced study opportunities. The program provides dual enrollment opportunities and/or has transfer agreements at schools such as Towson University, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), and Stevenson University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,432 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College is a public school enrolling around 5,300 students. This school is located in Frederick, MD, and offers ADN programs with flexible options.

Students can choose between a day program and a more flexible evening and weekend program. Students can also pursue combined RN-to-BSN degree options at UMSON, Frostburg State University, and Towson University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,594 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. College of Southern Maryland

College of Southern Maryland has multiple campuses serving Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties. Students can earn an ASN degree through the school's Hughesville campus, completing coursework both online and on campus.

The program features both traditional and advanced-standing options. Those with healthcare experience can enter the advanced-standing program and complete it on either a full-time or part-time basis; learners in the traditional program can graduate within two years of full-time study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,350 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose top schools when creating our college rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the nursing programs featured in this article:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited, and the nursing programs are approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• Program length: Each ADN or ASN program featured can be completed within two years or less.
• Program reputation: All of the colleges are known for providing high-quality education programs for their nursing students.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Maryland

If you still have questions about pursuing enrollment in a two-year nursing program, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Maryland?

To become a nurse in two years, you'll need to enroll in a state-approved ADN or ASN program and study full-time. Once you graduate, you'll apply to the Maryland Board of Nursing and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Board will review your application materials and test scores and conduct a background check. If everything is in order, you will receive your RN license.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Maryland?

The fastest degree program for prospective RNs with no college or healthcare experience is typically the ADN or ASN; students can complete these programs in about two to three years. Accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) are available for learners who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field; these can be completed in about 15 to 24 months in Maryland.

Students who already have some experience as LPNs can enroll in LPN-to-RN bridge programs, potentially earning their RN license within one year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Maryland?

Students may think that the nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates would also have the easiest nursing programs, but that isn't necessarily the case. There is no one school in the state that can be said to have the ''easiest'' nursing program. All accredited, reputable programs have the same basic academic standards and require the same challenging nursing courses.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

The cost of a two-year nursing degree can vary depending on the school you attend and your residency status. Among the community colleges featured above, average tuition costs feature in-state tuition averages ranging from around $6,400 to $10,400 per year; in-district students are often charged much lower rates, while out-of-state learners may be subject to much higher costs.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Nursing programs often require students to complete prerequisite courses before or during the admissions process. These courses may include biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and statistics.

Discover Nursing Programs

If you're ready to start your nursing education, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to find out more about their admission requirements and to choose the right program for you.