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Online ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania: Top Degrees & Key Insights

Ready to transition into nursing with an accelerated BSN in Pennsylvania? If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an online or hybrid ABSN program can help you fast-track your career. This EduMed guide covers admission requirements, costs, program length, curriculum, career opportunities, and more. Keep reading to explore top programs and take the next step toward becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania.

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Author: Jason Collins
Editor: Kari Scare

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If you’re not already a licensed practical nurse or a certified nursing assistant, one of the fastest ways to become a registered nurse is through an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). Accelerated BSN programs in PA typically take one to two years to complete, whereas a traditional BSN program takes upwards of four years. The shortened time is because these programs allow you to transfer credits from your first bachelor’s degree, which means you don’t have to retake general education or prerequisite courses.

While faster than traditional programs, accelerated programs often allow students to sit for the nursing licensure exam like graduates of a standard four-year degree. They are also usually offered online or in hybrid formats for increased flexibility. Three of the best accelerated BSN programs in PA are spotlighted below to help you know what to look for in an online or hybrid ABSN degree. Just note that all ABSN programs discussed require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement.

Holy Family University

One of the top accelerated BSN programs in PA comes from Holy Family University. This online Accelerated BSN is designed to be cost-effective compared to other local programs.

Students only take nursing coursework and not general education classes. The program requires only one week of in-person residency at Holy Family’s Philadelphia campus. All other coursework can be completed online.

While clinical hours must be completed in person, the school’s clinical department helps students who don’t live in Philadelphia find a clinical site in their communities. The school also provides National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) prep resources and boasts an 89.87% NCLEX pass rate.

Duration: 14 months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $50,563

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA (2.75 GPA in math and science prerequisite courses)
  • Personal statement
  • 1 letter of recommendation from a supervisor or academic professor
  • Students must reside in Pennsylvania (excluding the following counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, & Philadelphia) to apply

Curriculum:

  • Nursing and Older Adult Health Promotion
  • Foundations of Nursing Practice
  • Nursing Care of Children
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Transition to Professional Role

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Misericordia University

Misericordia University easily has one of the best accelerated BSN programs in PA. The online ABSN program covers the necessary nursing skills and nursing clinicals. While all class lectures are online, the program is considered hybrid because of its in-person labs at the university’s Coraopolis campus and clinical rotations with local healthcare partners.

Graduates should be prepared to sit for the NCLEX through NCLEX exam resources outside of coursework. Applicants should live near Pittsburgh, where most clinicals take place. The school offers financial support to help students pay for their degrees, and each student is automatically considered for scholarships of up to $10,000.

Duration: 16 months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $62,964

Admissions Requirements:

  • Prospective students must have at least 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution
  • Have a GPA of 2.8 or higher
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher

Curriculum:

  • Fundamentals of Food and Nutrition
  • Foundations of Nursing
  • Physical Assessment
  • Functional Health Patterns Psychiatric Nursing
  • Principles of Pharmacology
  • Functional Health Patterns Adults
  • Functional Health Patterns in Populations
  • Nursing Research for Evidence Based Practice
  • Functional Health Patterns Pediatrics
  • Functional Health Patterns Childbearing

Wilkes University

As the first university in Pennsylvania to offer an Online ABSN, Wilkes University is well-adapted to online learning and offers one of the most rigorous accelerated BSN programs in the state. The CCNE also accredits this program.

In addition to virtual coursework, students complete nursing clinical hours in person and a one-time, on-campus residency. The school uses a competency-based assessment to better prepare them for the NCLEX than a traditional grading style does. This leads to above-national-average NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Students can also connect with some of the best healthcare organizations in the area, thanks to Wilkes University’s large network. You should also note that there are two intake periods each year.

Duration: This BSN program takes 15 months to complete.

Mode: Hybrid (on-line and in-person)

Cost: $63,000

Admissions Requirements: Successful applicants must have GPAs of 3.0 or higher and two letters of recommendation. This program also requires two prerequisite courses: microbiology and human anatomy.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Statement of professional goals
  • Two letters of recommendation

Curriculum:

  • Pharmacotherapeutics
  • Nursing Practice
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Nursing Research
  • Physical Assessment

Addressing Frequent Questions About Online Accelerated BSN Programs

It can feel daunting to begin your experience studying for an online accelerated BSN program in Pennsylvania. You will likely have several questions about the course and what happens afterward. We’ve answered these pressing questions below so you can enter the degree question-free.

What is the clinical component of an ABSN program like?

The clinical component of an ABSN program involves hands-on training in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities under the eye of experienced nurses and instructors.

During the clinical component – which requires around 600 to 1000 hours –you will learn to assess vital signs, administer medication, and develop care plans. This part of your studies is when you apply your theoretical knowledge to hands-on, real-world patient scenarios.

You should also note that your clinical rotations will be varied. You will rotate through geriatrics, pediatrics, and emergency care, among other specializations, to ensure a well-rounded experience and a better idea of what avenue to explore once you are qualified.

Can I work while completing an ABSN program?

Since online ABSN programs in Pennsylvania are hybrid programs involving online and in-person practicum with a fast-tracked curriculum, full-time working isn’t recommended. You will likely be required to study 40 or more hours weekly with coursework, labs, and clinical rotations.

However, some students might find they can manage part-time positions, especially if the job offers flexible working hours. To determine if you can work and study in an online ABSN program, have a look at your schedule, your coursework details, and your personal workload capacity before enrolling in an ABSN program.

How competitive are ABSN programs in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s online ABSN programs are competitive, with limited study offers extended each year. This is why you’ll find that prerequisite coursework, GPA scoring, letters of recommendation, and healthcare experience significantly impact your admission chances.

You’ll likely find that most schools look for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and prospective students who have demonstrated a commitment to nursing or have a strong background in science. In addition, some online ABSN programs in Pennsylvania require admission interviews before acceptance to assess a candidate’s readiness and motivation.

If you want to strengthen your application, we recommend gaining healthcare experience through certifications like EMT or CNA training or volunteering.

What support services are available for ABSN students?

Several support services are available for ABSN students in Pennsylvania, including tutoring, mentorship programs, NCLEX prep courses, career advising, and mental health counseling.

You might also be pleased to learn that many universities offer networking opportunities with healthcare professionals and alumni to help you get a placement after finishing your exams. In addition, specific ABSN programs in this state provide support through dedicated faculty advisors who can guide you through your clinical training and coursework.

Using these support services can improve your academic performance and ease your stress surrounding transitioning into professional nursing. So be sure to speak with the institution beforehand so that you’re aware of the help available.

What happens after completing an ABSN program?

After completing an ABSN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam (as you might know) to get your nursing license. Fortunately, since the online ABSN program in Pennsylvania offers NCLEX prep courses during your studies, you should have no issues passing the exam when the time comes.

After you get your license, you can pursue entry-level RN positions at clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities like nursing homes, and specialty areas such as critical care and emergency. You can also continue your education by taking an MSN or DNP program. These advanced programs could help you become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator.

Why Make the Career Change to Nursing in Pennsylvania

Many people are transitioning to a career in healthcare because the field offers job stability, a chance to make a meaningful impact, and career growth opportunities. For example, Pennsylvania has a high demand for nursing jobs because of a statewide shortage. With the state’s aging population, the demand for registered nurses will continue to rise.

Then, when it comes to salaries, Pennsylvania’s nursing salaries are competitive. The average RN salary in this state is $87,530 per year, which can increase based on the field of nursing you choose to practice. In addition, the skills you learn in the nursing field are transferable into roles involving communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

Moreover, you can explore career roles in administration, telehealth, public health, education, long-term care, hospice care, and hospital care after completing an online ABSN program. This gives you several opportunities to find a niche that works best for your skillset, strengths, and likes when it comes to providing healthcare.

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Jason Collins AUTHOR

Jason Collins is a seasoned writer and editor with a decade of experience crafting insightful, research-driven content across various industries, including health, education, and finance. With a background in English from Loyola Marymount University, he specializes in translating complex topics into accessible, engaging narratives. His work in health and wellness writing explores the intersection of research, lifestyle, and education, helping readers make informed decisions about their well-being. Jason’s expertise in SEO and digital content strategy ensures that vital health information reaches the right audience effectively.

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Kari Scare EDITOR

Kari has 15 years of copy editing and writing experience on topics that include allied health, nursing, healthcare, business, education, and engineering. She has also edited eight fiction manuscripts of over 80,000 words, with four published. Kari taught writing and communication as an adjunct professor at the community college level for five years and currently does workforce training in topics like technical and professional writing for computer support technicians and communication skills for manufacturing administrators. Additional writing and editing experience include her work in nonprofits, business services, and manufacturing. Kari’s education strengthens her 30 years of experience in writing, editing, and teaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University in 1993 and a master’s degree in technical and professional writing from Bowling Green State University in 2020.

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