# 2026 Maryland Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs **Author:** NP Degrees Editorial Team **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Updated:** June 11, 2026 --- Maryland packs an impressive number of NP education opportunities into a relatively small state. Students can choose from programs housed within major academic medical centers, nationally recognized research universities, private institutions, and healthcare-focused nursing schools throughout the Baltimore–Washington corridor and beyond. This guide explores Maryland NP programs, specialty options, and key considerations to help prospective students identify a pathway that aligns with their professional goals. ## **Featured NP Programs in Maryland** The following featured programs highlight different approaches to advanced practice nursing education. Comparing these schools can help prospective students better understand differences in specialty availability, clinical training opportunities, delivery formats, and long-term academic pathways. The directory section that follows provides a broader view of the NP program options in Maryland.
| **Johns Hopkins University** | |
| Nursing School | [Johns Hopkins School of Nursing] (https://nursing.jhu.edu/) |
| Selected Programs | Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
| Rankings & Recognition | The School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 nationally for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and No. 2 nationally for its Master’s in Nursing program. It is also ranked No. 3 among nursing schools worldwide in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. |
| Clinical & Learning Resources | Students have access to the Center for Simulation & Immersive Learning and a variety of research centers and initiatives focused on areas such as cardiovascular health, aging, child and youth health, infectious diseases, health equity, and policy. |
| Faculty & Learning Approach | The school emphasizes evidence-based practice, research integration, leadership development, and student support. Advanced practice nursing students work closely with faculty and engage in clinical decision-making informed by current research and evidence-based care principles. |
| Research & Innovation | As part of a leading research university, the School of Nursing supports education, research, policy development, and clinical innovation through numerous specialized centers and interdisciplinary initiatives. |
| Overview | Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers advanced practice nurse practitioner education across adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health specialties. Students benefit from nationally recognized faculty, extensive research opportunities, simulation-based learning, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation. The school integrates clinical education with research and policy initiatives designed to improve health outcomes across diverse populations. |
| About the School | Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1876 as the nation’s first research university, it is internationally recognized for excellence in healthcare, scientific research, and professional education. |
| **University of Maryland, Baltimore** | |
| Nursing School | [University of Maryland School of Nursing] (https://www.nursing.umaryland.edu/) |
| Selected Programs | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Family (DNP) |
| Clinical Learning Resources | Students have access to 33 clinical simulation laboratories designed to replicate real-world healthcare settings, including operating rooms, maternity care environments, home care settings, and health assessment labs. |
| Program Pathways | NP specialties are available through post-bachelor’s DNP pathways, post-master’s options, and doctoral certificate pathways, providing multiple entry points for advanced practice nurses. |
| Learning Locations | Programs are offered at the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, with select programs also available at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. |
| Academic Environment | The school shares a health sciences campus with schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, social work, and graduate studies, and is located near the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, and the University of Maryland BioPark. |
| Overview | The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers a broad range of DNP nurse practitioner specialties spanning primary care, acute care, neonatal, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health practice. Students benefit from advanced simulation facilities, multiple degree-entry pathways, and an interprofessional academic environment located within a major academic health sciences center. |
| About the School | Founded in 1889, the University of Maryland School of Nursing is a public nursing school located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. The school is part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs focused on nursing practice, leadership, research, and healthcare innovation. |
| **Uniformed Services University** | |
| Nursing School | [Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing] (https://nursing.usuhs.edu/) |
| Selected Programs | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) |
| Program Focus | The DNP program combines DNP Essentials, specialty practice requirements, and operational healthcare curriculum to prepare advanced practice registered nurses for both operational and peacetime healthcare needs within the uniformed services. |
| Curriculum Structure | The DNP curriculum is organized around four primary domains: DNP core coursework, advanced science core, specialty practice curriculum, and operational curriculum. |
| Federal & Military Healthcare Preparation | Programs are designed to prepare advanced practice nurses, clinicians, scientists, and scholars to serve in military and federal healthcare systems, with an emphasis on health readiness, leadership, and patient-centered care in complex environments. |
| Recognition | The DNP program is ranked No. 15 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Approximately 91% of graduate nursing enrollment is in DNP programs. |
| Overview | The Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing offers advanced practice DNP specialties in adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and women’s health nurse practitioner practice. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical preparation with operational healthcare training, preparing graduates to deliver care and lead within military and federal healthcare systems. Research, leadership development, and readiness for service in diverse care environments are central components of the educational experience. |
| About the School | The Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing is part of Uniformed Services University, a federal health sciences university located in Bethesda, Maryland. Established in 1993, the school focuses on preparing advanced practice nurses, researchers, and scholars to serve in military and federal healthcare settings. |
| **Salisbury University** | |
| Nursing School | [School of Nursing] (https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/health-and-human-services/nursing/) |
| Selected Programs | Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study, Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P., Post-Master’s to D.N.P. |
| Clinical & Simulation Resources | Students have access to the Richard A. Henson Medical Simulation Center and clinical affiliations with hospitals, clinics, health departments, and mental health facilities. Clinical groups for direct care experiences are typically limited to eight students, allowing for close faculty supervision. |
| Accreditation & Approval | The baccalaureate, master's, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). APRN specialties and programs are approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. |
| Faculty & Learning Environment | Faculty members teach in both classroom and clinical settings, helping students connect theory with practice. All nursing students are assigned a nursing faculty advisor for academic guidance. |
| Focus Areas | The Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study is designed to prepare primary care providers to help address healthcare needs throughout the region and state. |
| Overview | Salisbury University offers advanced nursing education through its Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways and Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study. Students benefit from simulation-based learning, small clinical groups, extensive clinical partnerships, and faculty who integrate classroom instruction with direct clinical supervision. The school emphasizes preparation for advanced nursing practice and leadership through accredited graduate and doctoral nursing education. |
| About the School | Salisbury University is a public university located in Salisbury, Maryland. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Services and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate nursing programs serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore and surrounding regions. |
| **Institution** | **Pathway Options** | **Selected Specializations** | **NP Certificates** |
| **Bowie State University** Bowie, MD | Master’s | Family Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| **Coppin State University** Baltimore, MD | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| **Johns Hopkins University** Baltimore, MD | Entry-Level Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| **Salisbury University** Salisbury, MD | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| **Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences** Bethesda, MD | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerWomen's Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| **University of Maryland** Baltimore, MD | Entry-Level Master’s, RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerNeonatal Nurse PractitionerPediatric Acute Care Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Family | Y |