Licensed Practical Nurse in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.
Jobs (MD)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Maryland
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Maryland, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. A criminal history records check, including fingerprinting, is a mandatory part of the application process. Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice there. For license renewal every two years, LPNs must fulfill one of three requirements: 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in the past five years, completion of a Board-approved nursing education program in the past five years, or 30 continuing education units within the two years prior to renewal. A one-time implicit bias training course is also required for renewal.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maryland. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Maryland requirements
| Licensing body | Maryland Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $187 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal history records check is required, including fingerprinting. For renewal, LPNs must meet one of the following: 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the past 5 years, completion of a Board-approved nursing education program within the past 5 years, or 30 continuing education units (CEUs) within the 2 years immediately preceding renewal. A one-time implicit bias training course is also required for renewal, effective April 1, 2022. Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. |
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMaryland license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk