How to Get Your LPN License in Maryland (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Maryland Maryland offers LPNs access to one of the country's most prestigious healthcare markets. Baltimore's academic medical centers and research hospitals sit alongside a dense network of suburban SNFs across Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore counties — an SNF market consistently ranked among the highest-compensated in the mid-Atlantic region. Maryland's eNLC membership also enables cross-border practice into Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program Maryland practical nursing programs are offered at Baltimore City Community College, Chesapeake College, Carroll Community College, Wor-Wic Community College (Eastern Shore), and several private institutions. Programs run 12 to 18 months and must be approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing or hold ACEN accreditation. Curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, geriatrics, maternal-newborn nursing, mental health, and clinical rotations in Baltimore-area hospitals, suburban SNFs, and community health settings. ### Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam Pearson VUE testing centers in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Columbia, and Salisbury administer the NCLEX-PN. Key details: - **Format:** CAT — 85 to 150 questions - **Fee:** approximately $200 - **Time limit:** 6 hours - **Authorization to Test:** issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing after application review Quick Results from Pearson VUE are available within 48 hours. Maryland Board of Nursing posts license verification online within a few business days. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Maryland LPN License Submit your application to the **Maryland Board of Nursing** (mbon.maryland.gov). Requirements include: - Completed online application and fee (approximately $75–$100) - Official transcripts from a Maryland Board–approved nursing program - Criminal history background check (Maryland Criminal Justice Information System and FBI fingerprints through IdentoGO) - NCLEX-PN passing scores transmitted electronically from Pearson VUE Maryland's fees are slightly higher than surrounding states, reflecting the cost of administering licensure in a higher-cost-of-living state. Endorsement applicants from compact states can apply online with verification of current licensure. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. ### eNLC Compact Membership Maryland is a member of the **enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)**. Your Maryland LPN license grants multistate practice privileges across all 40+ compact member states. Maryland's location is strategically valuable: Virginia (compact), West Virginia (compact), Delaware (compact), and Pennsylvania (compact) all border Maryland or are nearby. The entire DC-metro corridor is compact-covered, making Maryland licenses particularly useful for nurses who travel across the region for per-diem or travel assignments. Primary Maryland residency is required for the multistate privilege. ### Continuing Education Requirements Maryland requires **30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years** for LPN renewal. There are no mandatory topic requirements, but courses should come from Maryland Board–approved providers. Online CE through ANA, NursingCE.com, and major provider systems satisfies this requirement. Renewal fees are approximately $75–$100. License renewal cycles are tied to your birthdate. ### Maryland LPN Salary Ranges Maryland LPNs typically earn between **$40,000 and $58,000 per year**, with suburban SNF and urban hospital positions in the upper range. Ranges by setting: - **Skilled nursing facilities (suburban MD):** $42,000–$58,000 - **Home health agencies:** $40,000–$54,000 - **Hospital inpatient:** $42,000–$58,000 - **Correctional facilities:** $44,000–$58,000 - **Physician offices/clinics:** $38,000–$50,000 Maryland's suburban SNF market — particularly in Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, and Baltimore counties — is among the strongest in the country for LPN wages. High demand from Maryland's large elderly population and proximity to the DC metro drives competitive compensation packages including sign-on bonuses, shift differentials, and tuition reimbursement. ### Top Employers for LPNs in Maryland - **Johns Hopkins Health System** — Baltimore flagship and Howard County General with inpatient and ambulatory LPN roles; one of the world's most recognized healthcare employers - **University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS)** — 13-hospital system serving all regions of Maryland with strong LPN hiring in medical-surgical, rehab, and outpatient settings - **MedStar Health** — 10-hospital DC-metro system including MedStar Union Memorial, Good Samaritan, and Harbor Hospital in Baltimore; extensive SNF and ambulatory LPN demand - **LifeBridge Health** — Baltimore system including Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, and Carroll Hospital with consistent LPN hiring - **Adventist HealthCare** — Montgomery County system with Washington Adventist Hospital and Shady Grove Medical Center - **Sunrise Senior Living / Brightspring Health / HCR ManorCare** — SNF and assisted living chains with dozens of Maryland facilities; among the state's largest LPN employers by total headcount - **Amedisys / Bayada Home Health** — home health agencies serving Baltimore metro and suburban Maryland counties Maryland's proximity to Washington, DC, also creates unique LPN opportunities at federal government healthcare facilities including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — both of which employ civilian LPNs in clinical support roles.