University of Maryland Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Maryland offers several pathways to a fulfilling career in nursing, primarily through the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). This article provides a detailed overview of the nursing programs available, admission requirements, curriculum highlights, and other essential information for prospective students.

Pathways to a Nursing Career at the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland System provides multiple avenues for aspiring nurses. The NursingCAS Comparison Chart effectively summarizes the diverse options available to students seeking a nursing education. To determine the most suitable path, consulting with a Nursing Advisor, such as Aaliyah, is highly recommended. For a comprehensive list of nursing programs across the United States, refer to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Guaranteed Pathway Program from UMCP to UMSON

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) has a Guaranteed Pathway Program in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore (UMSON). This program allows students to complete two years of prerequisite courses at UMCP before applying to UMSON for the final two years of professional nursing coursework. This professional coursework includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical education. Upon successful completion of the four-year program, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from UMSON. It's crucial to note that UMCP doesn't guarantee admission to nursing school for students outside this specific Guaranteed Admission Pathway.

Pre-Nursing at UMCP

UMCP does not offer a nursing or pre-nursing major outside of the guaranteed pathway. Students interested in the Guaranteed Pathway Program can choose any major while completing their prerequisite courses. Pre-Nursing is not a degree-granting program at the University of Maryland, College Park. Admission to professional schools remains competitive, and acceptance is not guaranteed outside the guaranteed nursing pathway. Admission requirements vary by institution and are subject to change, so it's essential to contact programs directly for the most up-to-date information.

UMSON's Entry-into-Nursing BSN Program

UMSON's entry-into-nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a rigorous and nationally respected program that transforms students who are new to the field into top-tier nurses - professionals who can make an immediate and lasting impact in any health care setting.

Curriculum and Learning Experiences

During your coursework, you will:

Build your nursing competencies in state-of-the-art facilities
Develop relationships with bright, driven students like you
Take part in engaging clinical experiences that challenge you to succeed in real-life situations and teach you clinical decision making - simulation is integrated into all clinical courses.

BSN Program Outcomes

Upon completing the BSN, you will:

Be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, qualifying you for positions in a variety of health care settings
Be prepared to succeed in a wide range of health care environments
Have the qualifications you need to pursue graduate studies.

Quick Facts about the BSN Program

Length: As little as 2 years
Format: In person; Full-time
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The program emphasizes competency-based education (CBE), a student-centered approach focusing on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes. CBE prepares students to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations by encouraging cultural competence, understanding of social determinants of health, and the importance of addressing health care disparities.

Dual Admission Program

UMSON also offers a Dual Admission program in partnership with community colleges like the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). This allows students to begin their nursing education at a community college and then transfer to UMSON to complete their BSN. For students participating in the Dual Admission program, financial aid is processed through the community college while they are taking classes there. Only courses taken at the community college are eligible for financial aid through that institution. Similarly, Veterans' Benefits are processed by the community college's Veterans staff during the period of enrollment there.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Before beginning the admissions process, prospective students can submit unofficial transcripts for review, and an admissions counselor will provide guidance on admission requirements. Accepted students must provide proof of enrollment in any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation, including official or unofficial transcripts or a letter from the registrar, must be received by June 1 for Fall admissions and Sept. 1 for Spring admissions. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the cancellation of admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded to the student portal. All prerequisite courses must be completed before enrollment at UMSON.

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Application Deadlines

Fall Admission:
- Priority Deadline: Feb. 1
- Final Deadline: Sept. 1
Spring Admission:
- Priority Deadline: Sept. 1
- Final Deadline: Feb. 1

Applications received after the priority deadlines are reviewed on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by the priority deadlines are eligible for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and the Conway Scholarship (additional application required).

Required Application Materials

Completed application form (available online)
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
A TEAS score of proficient or higher, overall and in each sub-category, which is a minimum of 58.7%. Official AP, CLEP and IB scores must be submitted if being used for prerequisite credit.
One recommendation from a professor who can attest to the applicant's academic performance

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Essay (no more than 350 words) responding to one of the provided prompts:
- Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership within a professional organization, community service activity, educational, or healthcare setting.
- Tell a story about work, school, or community-based experience that influenced the way you view health and/or healthcare. Describe the experience and how you used one or more of the following attributes/skills to manage the experience: leadership, organization, community engagement, determination, multilingual ability, adaptability, innovation, passion, and/or empathy.
- In a thoughtful and concise essay (no more than 350 words), please respond to each of the following questions. Be honest and reflective in sharing the factors that contributed to your current academic standing, the steps you've taken to improve, and how you plan to achieve success in the nursing program.
Completed Prerequisite Course List form

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited schools. Official AP, CLEP and IB scores must be submitted if being used for prerequisite credit. Required tests scores, credits, and transfer equivalency are determined by UMSON. Official transcripts are required if requesting to use towards UMSON prerequisites.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Your nursing education is an important investment. The FAFSA submission period runs from Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 1. Only applicants who apply by the priority deadlines are eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and the Conway Scholarship (additional application required).

UMSON's Commitment to Excellence

The University of Maryland School of Nursing develops pre-eminent leaders in nursing education, research, and practice. As a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, UMSON engages diverse groups of professionals, organizations, and communities in addressing local, national, and global health priorities. Faculty, staff, and students create a rich and vibrant working and learning environment where knowledge is created and shared. A passion for discovery permeates the educational process and advances the use of evidence as the basis for nursing practice.

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