JoinMdHealth.org 
Whether you're led by your heart, head, or hands—there's a career for everyone in the hospital care system. And in a few short questions, we'll help you learn what yours can be.
Q1
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What’s motivating you to explore this career path?
What's the most exciting thing about working in a hospital?
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
Salary & Benefits
$60,000-81,000
Education requirement
A Bachelor's Degree, Certificate, or Associate Degree
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
Salary & Benefits
$60,000-76,000
Education requirement
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Certificate
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.
Salary & Benefits
$38,000
Education requirement
Certificate, High School Diploma or GED, or Some College
Prepare, sterilize, install, and clean laboratory or healthcare equipment.
Salary & Benefits
$30,000-39,600
Education requirement
High School Diploma or GED, Certificate, or Bachelor's Degree
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
Salary & Benefits
$60,000-81,000 + full benefits
Education Requirement
A Bachelor's Degree, Certificate, or Associate Degree
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
Salary & Benefits
$60,000-76,000 + full benefits
Education requirement
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Certificate
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist
Salary & Benefits
$38,000 + full benefits
Education Requirement
Certificate, High School Diploma or GED, or Some College
Prepare, sterilize, install, and clean laboratory or healthcare equipment.
Salary & Benefits
$30,000-39,600 + full benefits
Education Requirement
High School Diploma or GED, Certificate, or Bachelor's Degree
Hospital careers are for the both-brained. The science-minded, the creative caregivers — and every combination in between. Here are some of the current career opportunities that match your education experience.
Four-Year Degrees
Bachelor of Science (BSN) Registered Nurse
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Respiratory Therapist
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
Two-Year Degrees
Associate Degree (ADN) Registered Nurse
Administer care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
Surgical Technician
Assist with operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.
No Degree Required
Licensed Practical Nurse
Care for ill, injured, and convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions.
Sterile Processing Technician*
Degree not always required, Certification required
Prepare, sterilize, install, and clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
Certified Nursing Assistant Community Health Worker Dialysis Technician Geriatric Nursing Assistant Medical Assistant Pharmacy Technician Radiology Technician Nutrition Security Services Environmental Services Human Resources
Especially after a hardship, just being able to help others. Just being proud of the care that we give them, helping them to preserve self-dignity, all those things help me come back the next day.
Breana Carraway, RN
University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center
No matter your interests or education level, there is a career in health care waiting for you. Here we answer common questions about education pathways to help you succeed in finding a career in a hospital.
What is JoinMdHealth?
JoinMdHealth is an initiative launched by the Maryland Hospital Association and its members — all of the state’s hospitals and health systems — to promote exciting careers in health care.
There are an abundance of opportunities in Maryland to enter the health care workforce, incite change, innovate and advance your career — all while giving back to the local community.
The goal of JoinMdHealth is to highlight these opportunities for Marylanders of all backgrounds to find a career in health care that fulfills them and matches their personal and professional goals.
Whether you lead with your head, heart, or hand, there’s a spot for you in a Maryland hospital.
Where can I study to become a nurse?
Maryland is home to over 55 accredited universities and colleges offering excellent education programs. View nursing programs near you on our education page.
How much is nursing school in Maryland? How can I afford college for a health care career?
Nursing schools, programs, and career requirements vary. Many hospitals will pay for you to advance your career after you join.
Whether it’s a certificate program, two-year, or four-year degree, nursing school costs vary depending on the school and program.
Visit our education page to find out about tuition, scholarships, and financial aid.
View programs and degreesWhat are the education requirements to work as a nurse or in a hospital in Maryland?
The requirements for nursing school vary, but there are opportunities to work or volunteer in a hospital to see if nursing is the career for you.
You can start today as a certified nursing assistant, patient care tech, or radiology tech. These are just a few entry-level positions that can launch your career.
Most hospitals provide pathways to support employees looking to pursue a career in nursing or other health care fields. Some programs pay you to go to school so you can earn while you learn.
Check out these programs to see which one may be a good fit for your lifestyle and career goals.
View Programs and DegreesHow many years is nursing school? Is nursing school two or four years?
Nursing is a flexible field. The amount of school required depends on the type of nursing license you want. For example, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can become licensed after just one year of school and passage of a national test, known as the National Council of Licensure Examination - Practical Nurses.
It’s possible to become a Registered Nurse (RN) after just two years of school if you attend an associate degree nursing program at a community college. While earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, can take four years.
There are also accelerated programs if you want to switch careers or just graduated from college. These programs take into account your recent education and help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or Master of Science in Nursing degree.
View programs and degreesWhat education requirements are needed to pursue other health care jobs?
Hospitals are like miniature communities — there is a place for everyone!
With a focus on supporting the community's health, hospitals offer jobs both inside and outside their four walls.
From community health workers and information technology specialists to kitchen chefs and security guards, hospitals need people with diverse interests and skillsets.
See examples and open jobs on our careers page.
Take our quiz to find out which career is the best fit for you!
Take the quiz!How can I afford college to pursue a career in health care?
Maryland has many scholarship programs, apprenticeships, and loan repayment options to support you.
Don't let paying for your education be a barrier. Many hospitals in Maryland offer financial aid to their employees to support further education.
How can I find out more information about Maryland health and hospital education opportunities?
JoinMdHealth has compiled resources to help you find a school and career in hospital care. Sign up for our e-newsletter for career insights and job opportunities by completing this form or emailing us.
Don't let paying for your education be a barrier. Many hospitals in Maryland offer financial aid to their employees to support further education.
You can also follow @JoinMdHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to hear directly from Maryland hospital employees.
Follow @JoinMdHealth to learn more!