Like many states in the country, Maryland is facing a nursing shortage, with some estimates predicting the state will be short 13,800 RNs by 2035.
There are many complex reasons for nursing shortages around the country, but one reason is a lack of qualified nursing instructors to educate the next generation of professionals. The governor of Maryland recently announced more than $2.8 million in grants to help address this shortage.
DNPs are qualified to teach in both academic and clinical settings and can use their expertise to help address the ongoing nursing shortage in Maryland and across the country. While many schools offer DNP programs for nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists, there are other options for pursuing this terminal degree.
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DNP Programs in Maryland
Maryland offers a few generalist and leadership DNP programs at universities across the state, which we explore below. Note that, per the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, every DNP program requires 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours, though this total includes all post-BSN hours. The clinical hours listed in the summaries below include the number of credits each DNP program has built into the curriculum to help satisfy the 1,000-hour requirement.
Maryland BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP program at Salisbury University is an in-person program at the school’s Salisbury campus. It also offered an online MSN to DNP track, which we also cover below.
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, Maryland
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $436 per credit + fees for residents; $790 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Salisbury University offers a DNP in leadership with entry points for both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. The BSN to DNP Leadership track is 69 credits and provides 1,000 clinical hours, which includes 400 in the DNP portion of the program. There’s also a 50-credit online MSN to DNP Leadership track that prepares students to sit for the certification as a Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP).
Maryland MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP option at the University of Maryland is a blended program with face-to-face and online courses, making it flexible while still getting in-person experiences.
University of Maryland
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Blended
Modality: Blended
Credit Hours: 37-47
Tuition: $873 per credit + fees for residents; $1,549 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
This MSN to DNP program at the University of Maryland is for nurses who already have an MSN in an area other than education or clinical nurse leader or those with a BSN and a MBA, MPH, or MPA. Depending on previous education, the program is between 37 and 47 credits and can be completed in three or four years. Courses are offered in a blended model of face-to-face and online courses with synchronous web conferencing five times per semester.
Online DNP Programs in Maryland
Some DNP students prefer programs that are entirely online, particularly if they plan to work while pursuing their degree. Maryland has one generalist MSN to DNP option.
Maryland Online MSN to DNP Programs
Coppin State University offers an online practice-focused DNP option for nurses who have already completed their master’s studies.
Coppin State University
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40 to 55
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $766 per credit + fees for residents; $1,177 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP at Coppin State University is a practice-focused program for nurses who have already completed their masters degrees. Students can transfer up to 700 hours of clinical work from their MSN courses. Those with 700 credits to transfer in can generally complete the program in two years full-time, but part-time options are also available. Some classes are offered in an executive format, meeting on Fridays and Saturdays.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Maryland
The lengths of these programs vary depending on entry points and other factors. If you’re looking for the shortest programs to complete your degree as soon as possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP Leadership at Salisbury University is the only BSN to DNP leadership program in the state. It is estimated to take about three years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP at Coppin State University is the shortest, taking about two years for full-time students.
Best DNP Programs in Maryland
It’s difficult to say which is the best DNP program in Maryland as there aren’t that many to choose from, and they’re all different. If you’re looking to specialize, the BSN to DNP Leadership track at Salisbury University is a good option. If online study is essential, consider the MSN to DNP at Coppin State University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Maryland
When looking only at the cost per credit, the most affordable option in Maryland is Salisbury University at $436 per credit + fees for residents.