Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certification – Maryland
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Maryland, candidates must:
- Complete a Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)–approved practical nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
- Submit to a criminal background check
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and most practical nursing programs are designed to be completed in approximately one year. Licensure is available to individuals who reside in Maryland or in a non-compact state.
Steps to Become an LPN in Maryland
- Education
Graduate from an approved LPN program that integrates classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience. - Application
Submit an application for licensure to the Maryland Board of Nursing, including all required fees and documentation. - Examination
Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. - Background Check
Complete the required state and federal criminal background check. - CPR Certification
Maintain an active CPR certification, typically Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
Key Requirements & Prerequisites
Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED
- Many programs require prerequisite coursework, such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- College-level Mathematics
- Psychology
Entrance Exams
Admission to many LPN programs requires a qualifying score on an entrance exam, such as the ATI TEAS or similar standardized test.
Clinical Requirements & Active License
Clinical Requirements
To participate in clinical rotations, students must typically:
- Pass a drug screening
- Complete a criminal background check
- Meet any additional health and immunization requirements set by clinical sites
Active License
- Once licensed, LPNs must keep their license active through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- This includes meeting all renewal, practice, and continuing competency requirements.
Licensure Renewal
Maryland LPNs must demonstrate ongoing competency to renew their license. This can be done in one of the following ways:
- Continuing Education Option
- Complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
- Practice Hours Option
- 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the five years immediately preceding the renewal application.
LPNs may choose either option, as long as all documentation meets current Maryland Board of Nursing standards.
Important Considerations
Compact Status
- Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
- If your primary state of residence is another compact state, you must apply for and maintain your LPN license through that home state, rather than through Maryland.
LPN II Requirements
Some employers and positions require an LPN II designation or comparable advanced role.
These positions may require:
- At least one year of LPN experience, and
- Additional training, competencies, or certifications as specified by the employer.
How AITU Supports Your LPN Pathway
At American International Technical University (AITU), our programs are structured to support students who are preparing for LPN certification and entry-level nursing roles.
Targeted Coursework
Core courses in nursing and health sciences are designed to build:
- Strong foundational knowledge in patient care
- Clinical reasoning and critical-thinking skills
- Understanding of professional and ethical standards in nursing
Certification Preparation
Course content introduces students to:
- The structure and expectations of the NCLEX-PN
- Key concepts tested on LPN licensure exams
- Requirements of the Maryland Board of Nursing, including education, background checks, and renewal expectations
Integrated Learning Experience
As students complete AITU’s core courses, they naturally gain:
- Knowledge aligned with LPN certification requirements
- Exposure to real-world scenarios that reinforce safe and effective nursing practice
- A foundation for continuing education and long-term professional growth
AITU’s curriculum is designed to help students become well-prepared candidates for LPN licensure and to support a smooth transition into practical nursing roles in a variety of healthcare settings.