[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an excellent selection of nursing programs and one of the top NCLEX-RN pass rates in the country, there are many reasons to pursue a nursing education in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide covers the top nursing programs, how to get a Pennsylvania nursing license, and typical nursing salaries. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
The University of Pennsylvania hosts many top nursing programs in Pennsylvania. Penn offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees, as well as a dual-degree option and several post-master's certificates. A minimum of 12 courses are required for most MSN tracks at Penn, and a maximum of five years is allowed for successful completion.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing (MSN), including eight specialty nurse practitioner programs, nurse-midwifery, health leadership, and nursing and healthcare Administration.
Campus: Philadelphia, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
Tuition: $52,508 per year
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited college or university with a course in statistics; minimum 3.0 GPA; no GRE required; previous work as an RN specific to each clinical area of master's-level study
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.8%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $109,193 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
85%
Online Enrollment
$37,678
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
95%
Retention Rate
$37,678
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
26,552
Institution Type
Private
#2
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Messiah University, a private Christian school, offers an online RN-to-BSN program geared towards working registered nurses with an associate degree looking to earn a bachelor's degree. Clinical requirements can be achieved through clinical experiences at the student's place of employment.
The RN-to-BSN course load includes: nine credits of prerequisites, 30 core credits, 53 transfer credits, and 28 adult general education credits.
Program(s): RN-to-BSN
Campus: Mechanicsburg, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $51,050 per year
Admission Requirements: Official transcripts; associate degree in nursing from accredited nursing program with minimum 2.5 GPA; active, unencumbered RN license
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,631 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
44%
Online Enrollment
$12,780
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
86%
Retention Rate
$12,780
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
3,370
Institution Type
Private
#3
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
York College of Pennsylvania, located only two hours from Washington, D.C. and two hours from Philadelphia, dates back to the 19th century. York boasts NCAA Division III sports teams, more than 100 student clubs, 11 Greek life organizations, and both a BSN and an MSN track for nursing students.
As many as 51 credits may be granted for previous nursing knowledge and experience. Up to 75 credits can be transferred from a student's ADN program. Credits may also be earned through successful passage of CLEP exams.
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: York, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $19,415 per year
Admission Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.0; 2.8 GPA for science courses; 2.0 GPA for nursing prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,954 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
26%
Online Enrollment
$12,870
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
77%
Retention Rate
$12,870
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
4,039
Institution Type
Private
#4
Geneva College
Beaver Falls, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Geneva College is a private, Christian college offering a dual-degree nursing program in Pennsylvania, wherein students graduate with an associate of nursing from the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and a bachelor of science in nursing from Geneva.
Program(s): RN-to-BSN
Campus: Beaver Falls, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
Tuition: $41,840 per year
Admission Requirements: High school transcripts and standardized testing (SAT, ACT)
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82%
18%
Online Enrollment
$12,114
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
78%
Retention Rate
$12,114
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
1,349
Institution Type
Private
#5
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with part- and full-time tracks for clinical nurse specialist, health systems, executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, nurse-midwife, and nurse practitioner, as well as MSN, RN-to-BSN, BSN, and second-degree BSN.
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: DNP- $33,558 per year for in-state residents; $38,618 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: DNP- official GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, personal essay, current CV or resume, complete graduate and undergraduate transcripts
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,790 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
23%
Online Enrollment
$23,530
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
93%
Retention Rate
$39,898
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
#6
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Chatham University offers a Pathways to Nursing program in collaboration with UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, including BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, DNP, and BSN-to-DNP programs. Originally founded in 1869 as a women's college, Chatham began accepting male undergraduate students in 2015.
Chatham's MSN program is designed for working nurses and takes place fully online. The curriculum includes eleven 15-week courses.
Program(s): BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, DNP, BSN-to-DNP
Campus: Pittsburgh, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $27,126 per year
Admission Requirements: 3.0 undergraduate GPA, official transcripts, current resume or CV, current RN license, admissions essay
On-Campus Requirements: None
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,471 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Founded in 1888 as Saint Thomas College and situated in the Pocono mountains, the school became a university in 1938. Of the current faculty, 88% hold terminal degrees. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Program(s): BSN, MSN, DNP
Campus: Scranton, PA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $48,062 per year for undergraduate students
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.5%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,769 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
94%
Online Enrollment
$11,580
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
89%
Retention Rate
$11,580
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
4,957
Institution Type
Private
#8
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver
Monaca, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Penn Beaver's RN-to-BSN degree program is offered in partnership with Penn State Shenango.
Learners benefit from flexible scheduling; part- or full-time options; hybrid, in-person, and web-based instruction; evening courses for those who work during the day; opportunities for independent study; in-person instruction on either the Shenango or Beaver campuses based on student preference.
Applicants may present a portfolio of accomplishments in order to receive up to 33 credits for professional experience. Employees of certain health systems receive tuition discounts.
MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are also available.
Program(s): RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, APRN certificate
Campus: Monaca, PA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $25,974 per year for in-state residents; $34,836 per year for non-residents
On-Campus Requirements: Optional
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,419 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
N/A
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
N/A
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
0
Institution Type
Public
#9
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
Abington, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington offers a hybrid program with both in-person and virtual learning. Seven-week courses are accelerated, with evening classes offered for those who work during the day.
Program(s): RN-to-BSN
Campus: Abington, PA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $592 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: 2.0 GPA; diploma or associate degree in nursing.
On-Campus Requirements: Hybrid
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,419 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
N/A
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
N/A
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
0
Institution Type
Public
#10
Somerset County Technology Center
Somerset, PA
N/A
Campus
Accredited
Somerset County Technology Center offers a one-year practical nursing program that trains practical nurses to care for individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Licensed practical nurses can choose to work while pursuing further education in nursing at the college or university level.
Program(s): Practical nursing program
Campus: Somerset, PA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Middle States Association - Commission on Secondary Schools
Admission Requirements: 18 years of age; graduate of accredited high school or GED program; successful passage of Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); submission of complete application and references.
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
N/A
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
91%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
66
Institution Type
Public
[hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing the best nursing program for your needs, important factors to consider include tuition and other costs, the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate (an excellent measure of how well the school prepares students), program logistics, clinical placement options, graduation rate, and acceptance rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The programs listed in this guide include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]only accredited programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Pennsylvania boast the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_NCLEXExamStats.pdf” target=”_blank”]eighth highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate[/hen-ui-link], with a 91.7% pass rate compared to the national rate of 86.6%. This measure indicates that programs in Pennsylvania successfully prepare students for entry-level nursing careers. Current nurses may benefit from Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/15998.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] status, which allows them to work in other NLC states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to practice in a rural setting, a historic city like Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, one of the most successful reinvented cities in the country, attending nursing school in Pennsylvania can help you reach your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2020, registered nurses (RNs) in Pennsylvania can expect to earn a median annual salary of $72,970, slightly under the national median of $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For nurse practitioners (NPs), the median annual salary is $104,020, compared to $111,680 nationally.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest cities and is home to some of its most famous historic sites. While also one of the country’s largest cities at over 1.5 million, it’s still known as a city of neighborhoods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want a more agricultural setting, Chambersburg-Waynesboro has a population of approximately 150,000. The other cities on this list are also mid-sized, but within reach of either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, for when you want big-city attractions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-table-caption]
[hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$79,030[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chambersburg-Waynesboro[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$78,430[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Harrisburg-Carlisle[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$76,240[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]York-Hanover[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,820[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lebanon[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] BLS, 2020 [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state has [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]its own requirements[/hen-ui-link] for obtaining a nursing license, but they all include earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a successful background check. If you attend a nursing program in Pennsylvania, you apply for a license by examination. If you graduate from a school in another state, you must apply for a license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]become an RN[/hen-ui-link], you must first graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program. An ADN takes two years and a BSN takes four years to complete, but the BSN is a more valuable and versatile degree. Many employers require or prefer the BSN for higher-level jobs, and it also positions you to enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After you graduate, submit your application to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] and register for the NCLEX-RN. If you attended nursing school in Pennsylvania, your application should include the state criminal history record check (CHRC). If not, you need to submit this separately. You must also have at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Pages/Act-31.aspx” target=”_blank”]from an approved provider[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRNs[/hen-ui-link] include nurse NPs, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) degree. You also need a passing score on the applicable board certification examinations and to apply for a license from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Applicants must complete a successful CHRC.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Certified-Registered-Nurse-Practitioner-Licensure-Requirements-Snapshot.aspx” target=”_blank”]requirements also include[/hen-ui-link] at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Pages/Act-31.aspx” target=”_blank”]from an approved provider[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top LPN Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”/state/pennsylvania/lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”/state/pennsylvania/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Pennsylvania Online Nurse Practitioner Programs” href=”/state/pennsylvania/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania nursing license?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN program typically takes two years and a BSN typically takes four years to complete. Applying for a new license in Pennsylvania can take up to 12 weeks, but the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Nursing-Guide.aspx” target=”_blank”]Pennsylvania Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] offers information on how to streamline the process and get your license as quickly as possible.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the salary range for RNs in Pennsylvania?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the median 2020 RN salary is $72,970. The lowest 10% earns an average of $53,910, and the top 10% earns $99,870. Experience, education, workplace setting, responsibilities, certifications, and geography all affect salary.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Pennsylvania a nurse licensure compact state?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/15998.htm” target=”_blank”]Pennsylvania joined[/hen-ui-link] the NLC in July 2021. A Pennsylvania nursing license is now a valid multistate license for any of the 37 participating states, and nurses from participating states can use their license in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What financial aid programs are available to Pennsylvania nurses?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have a variety of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options[/hen-ui-link] to attend nursing school in Pennsylvania, including scholarships, grants, and loans. If you commit to work in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Health-Planning/Pages/Underserved-Areas.aspx” target=”_blank”]designated underserved area in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-link] after graduation, you may be eligible for scholarships or loan forgiveness. If you are already a working nurse in Pennsylvania, you are also eligible for certain financial assistance programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]
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