Becoming a nurse practitioner requires advanced education, but not all nursing programs are the same. Today, there are more online programs to choose from than ever before meaning lots of options to consider. Whether you want to prioritize schools with strong financial aid and scholarship offerings or accelerated courses of study, this guide is a great place to start. Explore top online NP programs in PA, the features that make them stand out, and the many nurse practitioner jobs that await when you graduate. Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values. Jump To SectionOnline Nurse Practitioner Programs in PA: Top Degrees & Details
Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in PA
When it comes to nurse practitioner jobs, Pennsylvania has seen substantial growth, with an approximate 22% increase in the NP workforce since 2017. The recent pandemic contributed to nursing shortages nationwide, further increasing the demand for nurses of all skill levels — but especially those with advanced training and credentials.
Pennsylvania offers a wide array of cutting-edge nurse practitioner programs, and many of them are available online. While online options make classroom learning convenient, most online NP programs in PA have at least one in-person clinical component so you can gain hours of hands-on experience.
Becoming a nurse is not always straightforward and often includes various pivots and reroutes before reaching your destination. There are a few different programs to choose from when becoming an NP — take a look at each below.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs take two to three years to prepare students for advanced nursing roles in practice, research, education, and leadership. These programs also prepare nurses to become exemplary leaders in communication, collaboration, and scholarship. For nurse practitioners, these programs hone critical thinking skills, develop a higher level of patient care, and offer the skills to perform hands-on patient care tasks like diagnosing illnesses, ordering and evaluating procedures, and prescribing treatments or medication.
York College of Pennsylvania
- Duration: 24 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $30,590-$33,250
Post-Master’s Certificate
Nurse practitioner certificate programs are non-degree programs that enable nurses with master’s degrees to earn NP certifications. These programs require students to complete a mandatory number of clinical hours before receiving their certifications. Students can choose to complete clinical hours before enrolling, or they can complete them under the supervision of an instructor while in the program. Enrolling in these programs enables students to earn certifications and choose specializations that allow them to practice as nurse practitioners.
Immaculata University
- Duration: One year
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $710/credit
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A Doctor of Nursing Practice program results in a post-master’s degree, also known as a terminal degree. These degrees prepare students for roles in healthcare leadership and advanced clinical practice. DNPs are like a PhD in nursing, but a DNP allows graduates to apply their knowledge to practice in the field rather than to research. Nurses with a DNP can take higher-level positions in clinical education, leadership, and healthcare policy.
West Chester University
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $671/credit
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FAQs About Online NP Programs in PA
How long does an online NP program take in PA?
It depends on your current level of education and the program you choose. Generally, post-graduate certificate programs take one to two years, master’s programs take two to three years, and doctor of nursing practice programs take three to four years. However, if you’re currently an RN and have an ADN, you’ll need to allow additional time to earn a BSN or enroll in a bridge program that includes one.
What is the fastest way to become an NP?
The fastest way to becoming an NP in Pennsylvania is through an accelerated program like the 14-month Women’s Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner MSN at UPenn. While the program will help you graduate quickly, it’s an in-person, full-time program, which may not be ideal for every student. A typical timeline for online students who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing is to attend a two-to-three-year master of science in nursing program.
Are online NP programs in Pennsylvania accredited, and why does accreditation matter?
Yes. Many online nursing practitioner programs in Pennsylvania are accredited by the two main accrediting bodies for nurse practitioner programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). When choosing an NP program, selecting one accredited by the ACEN or CCNE ensures your degree meets nationwide standards for nursing education and practice. Choosing an unaccredited school can limit your professional prospects or prevent you from transferring your credits to another program.
Can I specialize in a particular NP track (e.g., FNP, AGNP, PMHNP) through an online program in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Specialization is a smart choice for your education and your future career. Specialized programs allow you to gain a focused education without having to attend a certificate program later. You’ll want to learn about your options and make sure you are applying for programs that align with your nursing and employment goals. For instance, if you prefer working with older adults, you should seek a gerontology specialization like Drexel University’s MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
How much do online nursing practitioner programs in Pennsylvania cost?
It will depend, but in general, expect public universities to offer more affordable NP degrees than private universities. The degree level you choose also has an impact on the cost. For instance, shorter programs, like a post-master’s program certificate, will cost less than getting a master’s or a DNP. If you want to consider per-credit costs, a typical rate is $600-700 per credit. Scholarships and financial aid can also help you offset the total cost of tuition.
Licensing and Certification for PA Nurse Practitioners
Each state has its own requirements for nurse practitioner licensing and certification. In PA, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing sets the criteria and process for NPs in the state. First, applicants must complete a Board-approved master’s or post master’s nurse practitioner program. Additionally, students should have received a minimum of 500 clinical hours in a chosen specialty or with designated populations. No additional experience requirement for licensure.
Next, you must take and pass the National Certification Examination and secure professional liability insurance. Additionally, all applicants must complete three hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting.
Once those requirements are fulfilled, you’re ready to apply for your initial license. The initial licensing fee is $100, with a biennial renewal fee of $81. Prescriptive authority licensure is an additional $41.
Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in PA
Beyond just choosing the right top nurse practitioner program in Pennsylvania for your needs, you also need to think about where in Pennsylvania you might like to work after graduation. While the median state-wide annual salary for PA nurse practitioners is $126,140, salaries really range depending on factors like geography, with low-end practitioner salaries under $100,000 per year and top-end practitioner salaries exceeding $160,000 per year. Note that, unlike some professions wherein urban-set roles promise to pay more, that’s not the case with nurse practitioner roles in Pennsylvania. While Philadelphia boasts high median salaries, Pittsburgh does not. The top three locations for highest median nurse practitioner salaries in the state are Philadelphia and the surrounding area, Reading, and Allentown and the surrounding area.
Wherever you choose to work, though, rest assured that there are plenty of job growth opportunities for the foreseeable future, with Pennsylvania growth rates for nurse practitioner job openings exceeding 40%, slightly below (though still impressive) the national average. You can explore salary expectations across Pennsylvania further, in the data below.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $99,530 | $126,140 | $162,820 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $102,700 | $128,900 | $161,020 |
| Altoona, PA | $93,870 | $113,450 | $153,410 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $99,010 | $117,360 | $127,000 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $102,130 | $119,200 | $162,000 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | $97,460 | $125,330 | $177,060 |
| Erie, PA | $97,240 | $113,640 | $141,960 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $104,070 | $130,810 | $163,600 |
| Johnstown, PA | $87,190 | $105,820 | $121,290 |
| Lancaster, PA | $100,640 | $122,550 | $152,060 |
| Lebanon, PA | $100,240 | $118,080 | $155,040 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $105,700 | $130,260 | $161,450 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $94,340 | $119,690 | $175,770 |
| Reading, PA | $97,990 | $130,490 | $166,960 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | $99,460 | $122,660 | $156,410 |
| State College, PA | $98,540 | $121,210 | $149,490 |
| Williamsport, PA | $95,940 | $119,390 | $156,320 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $99,960 | $127,400 | $162,820 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in PA
As you consider becoming a nurse practitioner in PA, you probably want to know which schools offer the best online NP programs. So, we’ve done the research and ranked them for you here. Our rankings take multiple factors into consideration, including the overall number of online programs available at a school, the percentage of students getting an online education, and the average tuition cost. For more details on our ranking process, check out our About the Rankings section.
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Carlow University:
- Carlow's MSN FNP program offers up to 85% loan repayment assistance.
- The program provides a streamlined pathway into Carlow's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
- Carlow's FNP graduates have achieved a 97% AANP and 100% ANCC certification exam pass rate.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$31,458
- Average Institutional Aid$19,017
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course86%
- % of Students Receiving an Award57%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
La Salle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected La Salle University:
- The program offers evidence-based practice, preparing students for diverse healthcare settings.
- La Salle University's online MSN FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Graduates are prepared to take the ANCC or AANP certification exams, enhancing career prospects.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$32,000
- Average Institutional Aid$17,692
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course20%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Duquesne University:
- The program offers concentrations in Forensic Nursing, Nursing Education, and Transcultural Nursing.
- Duquesne University's online FNP program provides faculty advisors for personalized support throughout the program.
- The program includes on-campus clinical trainings with a focus on hands-on experience and professional development.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$43,526
- Average Institutional Aid$22,333
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course39%
- % of Students Receiving an Award80%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Misericordia University:
- The program offers employer tuition reimbursement opportunities for nursing students.
- Misericordia University provides a flexible online learning environment with small class sizes and advanced simulations.
- Students benefit from specialized career tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP options.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$34,100
- Average Institutional Aid$23,621
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
- % of Students Receiving an Award67%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected DeSales University:
- Hands-on experience is enhanced through DeSales' Standardized Patient Program.
- Professional development opportunities include membership in Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society and access to advanced simulation labs.
- Specialized career tracks are available, such as gerontology and psychiatry, offering diverse clinical focus areas.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$39,500
- Average Institutional Aid$24,711
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course40%
- % of Students Receiving an Award68%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Cedar Crest College:
- Cedar Crest offers a tuition reduction for BSN programs, making them competitive in the Lehigh Valley.
- The program provides extensive clinical opportunities with 819 clinical hours across various patient care settings.
- Cedar Crest boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate, with many graduates securing jobs before graduation.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$41,991
- Average Institutional Aid$26,396
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course50%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
