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Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, often labeled ABSN or second degree BSN programs, usually cater to students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field but want to become registered nurses.
In general, the required ABSN nursing curriculum takes one to two years to complete, not including any prerequisite science courses. Upon completion, a student will have a BSN in addition to their other bachelor's degree.
Accelerated degree programs called RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs are also available for nurses with RNs who want to earn either a BSN or an MSN.
"Online" nursing programs will actually be hybrid programs since all accreditors require nursing students to perform clinical work on–site in medical settings. However, most or all academic coursework will be through distance learning.
Top Online Accelerated Nursing Degree Programs in Maryland
Read on to learn more about how to choose the best online accelerated nursing degree program in the state of Maryland.
1. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland offers accredited online RN to BSN and online accelerated second degree BSN programs, each of which enables eligible students to earn a degree in 15 months.
Coupled with online coursework, students will also participate in simulations, internships, and clinical experiences. Tuition is $1,036 per credit.
2. Stevenson University
Stevenson University provides options for an online RN to BSN and an online RN to BSN degree program, both accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition is $495 per credit.
Stevenson also collaborates with the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) in an online Nursing Associate to Bachelor's (ATB) program.
Students at CCBC who are accepted into the program begin courses toward their BSN through Stevenson while completing their associate degree in nursing. Tuition is $396 per credit.
3. University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB)
University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) offers both RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs online. These provide accelerated options to earn nursing degrees.
The RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as two semesters. In addition to coursework, students complete a community/public health practicum during their final semester.
This degree comes with an optional three–course focus area in either Care Coordination with Health IT or Substance Use and Addictions.
Applicants must have completed 59 credits of prerequisite coursework from an accredited institution. They receive 30 credits for a valid registered nursing license.
Tuition is $4,690 per semester for Maryland residents and $19,244 per semester for non–residents.
The online accelerated RN to MSN program enables working nurses to earn both a BSN and an MSN degree. You can complete this program in as few as two years.
There are two options to choose from:
- a Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM) Master's Specialty (38 credits)
- a Nursing Informatics Master's Specialty (40 credits and 135 practicum hours)
Tuition for the master's programs is $856 per credit hour in–state and $1519 per credit hour out–of–state.
4. The University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus, ranked by Military Times as the No. 1 "Best for Vets" in Primarily Online Education for 2022, offers an online RN to BSN degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition in–state is $312 per credit, while out–of–state students pay $499 per credit. Military students, including spouses and dependent children, pay just $250 per credit.
Additional Online Nursing Degree Programs Available
If you'd like to find an out–of–state online accelerated nursing degree program, check out the options below.
5. Auburn University
Auburn University's School of Nursing offers a three–semester online RN to BSN degree program for licensed RNs holding associate degrees in nursing. At $433 per credit hour, the total program cost is $13,423. Auburn's BSN graduates have a remarkable 99.51% pass rate on the state's NCLEX licensing exam.
6. University of Kentucky
Kentucky's flagship university provides a distinctive online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). Graduates of this nursing school have a 98% pass rate on the NCFLEX exam.
The ideal student for University of Kentucky's ABSN degree is one who either holds an active LPN license from an accredited school or holds a bachelor's degree in another field.
A third and unusual category the program caters to is MedVets for those who served as medics or corpsmen in the U.S. military as Army Medical Specialists (68W), Navy Corpsmen, or Air Force Medical Specialists.
Tuition is $594.50 per credit hour plus a $614 per semester Nursing Fee.
7. University of Providence
This university in Great Falls, Montana, offers two online nursing degree programs:
The online RN to BSN Program consists of 3 semesters completed in 12 months. $522 per credit hour tuition. However, nursing students may be eligible for a Providence Health Scholarship for this program, which pays $7,500 toward the total cost.
The online MSN Nurse Educator program has two concentrations:
- MSN Nurse Educator
- MSN Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Tuition is $693 per credit hour. Employees of the Providence healthcare system will receive a tuition discount.
8. University of the Cumberlands
The BS in Health Science nursing degree at the University of the Cumberlands is an online RN to BSN bridge program with tuition at only $220 per credit hour that you could complete in just one year.
The university also offers a fully online MSN Family Practitioner (MSN–FNP), which builds on a BSN level of education. Online MSN courses cost $355 per credit.
FAQs about Online Accelerated Nursing Degree Programs
Read on to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about online fast track nursing degree programs in Maryland.
How Long is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Most accelerated nursing programs are from one to two years in length, depending upon the prerequisites you carry over from your previous education.
Can I Get my Nursing Degree Completely Online in Maryland?
All of the academic institutions listed above allow you to complete all coursework and assignments online. However, you will still need to perform your clinical experiences in person at an approved clinical location in your community or at your school.
How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost in Maryland?
Tuition rates for a BSN degree can range from $250 to $1036 per credit hour. MSN tuition ranges from $495 to $1519 per credit hour. Many scholarships are available.
How Can I Become a Licensed RN in Maryland?
The Maryland Board of Nursing determines the licensing requirements you'll need to complete after graduating, which include taking the NCLEX exam.
Find the Right Online Accelerated Nursing Degree Program in Maryland
Please reach out to us at Best Accredited Colleges to find out all the information you need from our extensive databases on colleges and universities in general and nursing programs in particular.
