Nursing in Baltimore has several advantages. Nursing is an in-demand career, and nurses in Baltimore make at least the national average salary, if not higher. Education and career opportunities abound by being close to world-class academic medical centers like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland.
When embarking on your new nursing career, consider making a fresh start in a new city. Many nurses discover that choosing the right location to start their career has many advantages.
By moving to Baltimore, Maryland, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in just 15 months with the Hybrid Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Plus, in a city like Baltimore, there’s much more to enjoy besides the top-tier nursing education waiting for you.
Why Become a Nurse?
You likely already have a passion for taking care of others and know that nursing is a rewarding, fulfilling career. According to Gallup, nursing has remained the most trusted profession in the U.S. for decades. By becoming a nurse in Baltimore, you’ll find endless opportunities to give back to your community while making a good wage, exploring our city’s historic sites, and enjoying the development of your nursing career.
Let's look at six of the great reasons why becoming a nurse in Baltimore is the right move for you.
1. Educational and Advancement Opportunities
The hands-on clinical portion of nursing school is exciting, but it can be challenging. Luckily, Baltimore is an international hub of excellence in science and health care. It is home to several top hospitals and academic medical centers, like the nation’s No. 3 best hospital, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the MedStar Health system. These facilities give Baltimore nursing students several options for high-quality clinical placements and potential job opportunities after graduation.
Learn more about what nursing school clinical rotations are like.
2. Nurses Are in High Demand
The demand for nurses across the U.S. is growing, which means job opportunities will be plentiful after completing our accelerated nursing program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for nurses will increase by 6% during the next decade.
The August 2022 report by the Maryland Hospital Association found that 25% of full-time nursing positions were open, suggesting that this state will outpace the nationwide need. Considering the connections you can make through clinical rotations at high-ranking Baltimore hospitals, and the fact that a quarter of nursing jobs in Maryland are vacant, the chances of landing a job in Baltimore soon after graduating from NDMU are excellent.
3. Nurses Make a Good Salary
In May 2021, the annual mean wage for registered nurses in the U.S. was $82,750, according to the BLS. Meanwhile, the annual mean wage for nurses in Maryland was $83,080, among the highest in the country. Becoming a nurse in Baltimore means earning a good salary as well as having endless opportunities to advance your career and experience more.
Discover how earning a BSN can help you get ahead in your nursing career.
4. Lower Cost of Living
Baltimore is a major metropolitan area, but the cost of living is lower than other large cities on the East Coast. Rent in Baltimore is nearly 8% lower than nearby Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 36% lower than Washington, D.C., making Baltimore a more affordable place to move to start your nursing career.
5. Higher Quality of Life
There’s a reason why they call Baltimore “Charm City.” Baltimore offers a diverse and vibrant cultural scene, with many different restaurants, types of entertainment, and attractions. The city is also near the Chesapeake Bay and other natural areas, which provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This creates an excellent work-life balance for nurses in Baltimore.
6. Baltimore Supports Nurses
Baltimore has an active chapter of the American Nurses Association, which is committed to supporting and advancing the rights of nurses and their patients throughout Maryland.
Other Fun Things to Do in “Charm City”
- Museums: Baltimore has numerous art and science museums, including the Maryland Zoo, the National Aquarium, and the Maryland Science Center.
- Food: Baltimore is most famous for the Maryland blue crab, but vegans need not fret. Baltimore offers international cuisine for everyone and several local markets for cooking fresh meals at home.
- History: Since its establishment in 1729, Baltimore has become home to several monuments of U.S. history. Among them are strategic battlefields, the Washington Monument, and Fort Henry, which inspired the writing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812.
- Shopping: Being a vibrant historic center and a hub for smaller surrounding communities, Baltimore always has plenty of visitors. With that comes a variety of shopping opportunities. Pick up some handmade soaps and jams at local markets, or grab your favorite brands at one of the five shopping malls near the center of Baltimore.
Learn more about the city and current events at the Visit Baltimore website.
The Next Step to Becoming a Nurse in Baltimore
Choosing the right nursing school is one of the most important decisions you will make on your path to becoming a registered nurse. The city’s world-class health care community, job opportunities, lower cost of living, and higher quality of life make pursuing nursing in Baltimore an easy choice.
Follow these five steps to become a nurse fast through the accelerated nursing program.
At NDMU, you can earn your BSN degree in as few as 15 months. Contact us today to learn more.