Nurse Practitioner Education in Maryland

 Legislative statute mandates that students graduate from a Maryland State Board of Nursing approved NP programs.  Entry into practice is with a Master's Degree or Post-Master's Certificate as a nurse practitioner.  Several university programs within Maryland are establishing Doctorate of Nursing Practice programs which the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing have suggested be the entry level practice for nurse practitioners by 2015.

Educational Programs with nurse practitioner programs are designed to prepare students to become accredited through national professional examinations as nurse practitioners in one of the specialty areas of practice--pediatrics, adult, geriatric, family, women's health, psychiatry-mental health, and acute care.  This national certification is required in order to obtain licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in Maryland. 

Every nurse practitioner needs to be aware of the changes made in 2008 in response to the evolving role of licensure, accreditation, certification and education agencies as it affects our practice.  Numerous factors influence our preparation to practice in Maryland, and the Consensus Model makes an attempt to standardize that approach on a national level.  Fortunately, Maryland is compliant with the recommendations in document.  For a brief synopsis CLICK HERE.  For more information like this, be sure to purchase a Maryland Guidebook by CLICKING HERE. The Guidebook  is 75 pages of pertinent information on health care statute and NP regulations, certification, educational programs, reimbursement and insurance issues, legislative issues, billing and coding guidelines, and other resources.  

NPAM has developed special materials to help students to navigate the bridge between student and new graduate roles--a sometimes cumbersome path.  This includes the information on the process for getting the Letter of Agreement and a Student Survival Guide. These are only available to members of NPAM.  NPAM also has a special board member who works to help students make the transition from school to practice.

In this section of the website you will find information on:

·         Local NP Programs

·        Finding NP Programs in the U.S.

·         Continuing Education and

·         News or articles about NP Education