Learn how to market yourself to potential employers with these tips on CV and resume writing and applying for educator positions.

Tips on Building a CV or Resume and Applying to Educator Positions

The application process for nursing programs can seem daunting. Read on for help in applying to undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Tips on Applying to Nursing Programs

An Associate Degree in Nursing is earned at a community college and generally takes between two-academic years plus a summer to three academic years.

Students complete course work and supervised clinical experiences in a variety of settings preparing to care for individuals in acute, extended care and rehabilitation facilities. After successful program completion, students are eligible to take the licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, which, when passed, qualifies you to work as a registered nurse (RN). While starting your education at a community college is an attractive and economical option, most employers are requiring completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing by 2020. Look for a program that is accredited by an external organization such as the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) as a mark of quality.

Allegany College

Associate degree

Allegany College of Maryland

Anne Arundel Community College

Baltimore City Community College

Carroll Community College

Baccalaureate degree: ATB Dual Enrollment

Cecil College

College of Southern Maryland

Chesapeake College

Community College of Baltimore County

Frederick Community College

Hagerstown Community College

Harford Community College

Montgomery College

Prince George's Community College

Prince George’s Community College

Wor-Wic Community College

Associate Degree

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is typically earned at a 4-year college or university but may also include two-year transitional or accelerated programs available at some institutions (see second or transfer degree program options highlighted below). With a Bachelor’s degree, you will have the qualification needed to pursue graduate studies.

Students complete extensive coursework in lab sciences and liberal arts to provide a broad foundation for nursing practice. BS degree curricula focus on application of theoretical knowledge in caring for individuals experiencing complex medical and psychosocial conditions in acute and community settings. Many BS prepared nurses move rapidly into management and leadership positions. Upon degree completion you will be eligible to take the licensing examination, NCLEX-RN, when passed, qualifies you to work as a registered nurse (RN). Look for a program that is accredited by an external organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as a mark of quality.

Bowie State University 

Baccalaureate degree

Master's degree

Bowie State University

Coppin State University

Hood College

Morgan State University

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Salisbury University

Stevenson University

Towson University

University of Maryland School of Nursing

Washington Adventist University

Baccalaureate Degree

Associate to Bachelor’s (ATB) is a two-year transitional program available at several community colleges in partnerships with four-year schools. This dual-enrollment option allows students to continue their education and obtain both the Associate and Bachelor degrees in as little as four years.

Read more about the Baccalaureate degree above.

Caroll Community College

Community College of Balitmore County

Howard Community College

Associate to Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

These accelerated track programs are specifically designed for registered nurses who have already passed the NCLEX and would like to advance their education. Earning your bachelor’s degree may open doors whether it qualifies you for a new position or for pursuing a graduate degree.

Frostburg State University

University of Maryland Baltimore

University of Maryland Global Campus

Baccalaureate degree (RN to BSN online only)

RN to Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

These accelerated track programs are specifically designed for registered nurses who have already passed the NCLEX and would like to advance their education. Earning your Master’s degree will allow you to advance your career in nursing and to specialize in a specific area.

RN to Master’s Degree

Do you already have a degree in another field, but want to become a registered nurse? These accelerated programs are designed just for you!

Johns Hopkins University

Master's Entry Programs

Master of Science Degree in Nursing allows you to advance your nursing role and specialize in a particular area. An MS degree lays the groundwork for you to work independently and collaboratively with other health care disciplines, communities and stakeholders.

Coursework and practicum experiences equip you with advanced clinical and leadership skills in your specialty. Programs are typically completed within a two-three-year time frame using a variety of individualized on-site and on-line (

 experiences Since the role of the nurse is always changing, specialties adjust to environmental and population needs.Specialties may include, but are not limited to: Nurse Educator, Health Care Leader, Nursing Informatics, and Clinical Nurse Leader. Look for a program that is accredited by an external organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as a mark of quality.

Master's Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares you to promote the delivery of safe, high quality care for patients with complex health care needs. You will be able to develop and implement new policies designed to improve the health care outcomes of individuals, groups and communities.

The DNP is the entry-level degree for and nurse anesthetists and is expected to soon be the entry-level degree for nurse practitioners. Many DNP programs offer an option for nurse executives/leaders where the focus is on quality improvement. DNP graduates are also able to move into educator roles by serving as faculty for institutions of higher education. Depending on the point of entry, course work will include 500-1000 clinical practice hours spanning four years. You will complete a culminating, comprehensive DNP practice change project. Nurse practitioner specialties include, but are not limited to: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Look for a program that is accredited by an external organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as a mark of quality.

DNP Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing prepares you to conduct nursing research in hospitals, universities, and health care organizations.

The course work and concluding dissertation research also prepare you to influence health care by formulating health care-policy and teaching in a university setting. The PhD core curriculum includes courses in nursing research, methods and theories. Depending on the point of entry, course work can range from four to eight semesters with the timing of the defense of your dissertation dependent on the individual. Typical programs combine an individualized plan of study with mentored research experiences.

PhD in Nursing

There are a wide array of non-nursing doctoral programs (PhD, EdD, and DM) available in Maryland. These programs provide curricula in fields related to education, leadership, management, instructional technology, and measurement, statistics, and evaluation.

A PhD program focuses on furthering knowledge and conducting research that culminates in a final project called a dissertation. An EdD also provides advanced coursework however the final scholarly project focuses on practical solutions to various challenges of modern education. The DM degree involves advanced study and research in the applied science and practice of professional management.

*N.B. There may be re-requisites outside the field of Nursing for acceptance to these doctoral programs.

University of Maryland Baltimore County

University of Maryland College Park

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Doctoral Degrees in Other Fields

A certificate program in nursing education is a four-course grouping (typically 12 credits) of graduate level classes that focus on knowledge and skills required for healthcare provider education roles.

Nurse Educator Jobs in Maryland

Education, certification, mentorship,and funding opportunities

Resources For Every Pathway

Help kicking off your journey

Pointers for advancing your education

Strategies to secure that new position