Notice to Graduates of the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute Practical Nursing Program:
The minimum qualifications for licensure as a licensed practical nurse (PN) in Maryland are set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Annotated Code of Maryland, Health Occupations Article (“Health Occ.”), specifically Health Occ. § 8-302 (c), and in the Code of Maryland Regulations (“COMAR”), specifically COMAR 10.27.01.05 B. One such minimum qualification is that an applicant must have completed satisfactorily and met all requirements for a diploma from either (1) an RN or PN program approved by the Board or (2) an RN or PN program in another state, territory, or country determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the RN or PN education programs approved in Maryland at the time of the applicant’s graduation. See Health Occ. § 8-302 (b) & (c); COMAR 10.27.01.05 A & B.
Please be advised that on November 18, 2020, the Maryland Board of Nursing reviewed documentation regarding the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute a PN education program (permanently closed), and determined that the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute Practical Nursing Program is NOT substantially equivalent to the PN education programs approved in Maryland. As a result, graduates of the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute’s PN education program DOES NOT meet minimum qualifications for full PN licensure in Maryland.
You are encouraged to consider the Board’s finding that the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute Practical Nursing Program is not substantially equivalent before applying for either temporary or full PN licensure in Maryland. Please be advised that if you choose to submit an application for temporary or full PN licensure and pay the associated application fee, despite this notice, all fees collected by the Board are non-refundable.
Please further be advised that the Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute Practical Nursing Program is closed and that no subsequent consideration will be provided.
Date Posted: 2/5/2021
