Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland

Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Maryland?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) sometimes get confused with an RN, which is a registered nurse. Nurse practitioners have the same education and training as a registered nurse, along with two to four years of further education.

Nurse practitioners typically complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and at least a master's degree in nursing (MSN). Continued education degrees are also available, such as doctor in nursing practice (DNP) degrees and post-graduate certificates (which are geared toward NPs who wish to enter new specialties).

NPs can prescribe necessary medications and treat conditions that registered nurses may lack training for. Some states and cities may require physician supervision, but many areas allow nurse practitioners to practice without oversight. NPs are valuable healthcare team members, as they often bridge the gap in healthcare systems that have physician shortages. Many patients form lasting relationships with NPs, and see them for most of their healthcare needs. NPs may focus on specialty healthcare fields such as pediatric, psychiatric, and family health. They can expect an increase in wages to reflect their advanced training and education.

Online nurse practitioner programs give Maryland RNs unprecedented access to graduate-level nursing degrees. Students can complete their NP coursework in a flexible manner, and can even continue working as RNs if they wish. These programs also eliminate the need for a stressful and lengthy commute – students can work from home and fit in coursework whenever it’s convenient.

List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Maryland

Maryland has a robust community and attracts high-level healthcare practitioners. The state is home to a number of online NP programs with a variety of specialization options.

Students can opt for either a fully online NP program, or a hybrid program consisting of a mixture of online and campus-based courses. Clinical experiences, however, will need to be completed in person, at one of Maryland’s renowned hospitals or healthcare facilities. Students can typically arrange for hands-on clinicals to take place in their local area.

Nurse practitioners can expect to receive the same salary as those who went to a traditional university program. The wages will reflect their higher level of learning.