MSN Degrees Online in PA: Start Your Search for Top Schools
Whether you’re currently working in healthcare or hoping to transition into the medical field, the right MSN program can broaden your nursing opportunities and increase your salary. MSN programs in Pennsylvania offer plenty of options for earning your master’s in nursing. This guide covers the best accredited nursing programs in the state and can help you choose the best school for your needs. Whether you’re looking for an online program or an in-person experience, you’ve come to the right place, so read on to learn more.
Spotlight on Pennsylvania’s Online MSN Programs
Many MSN programs now offer fully online or hybrid courses, as well as full-time, part-time, and accelerated 1-year MSN paths. Online and hybrid programs are great for students planning to work while earning their degree because they allow for flexibility in where and when learning takes place. As a nice bonus, any clinicals required by the MSN program can often be completed at the student’s current place of employment, thus easing the burden of needing to find a place for hands-on work.
Traditional BSN to MSN programs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing, while direct-entry MSN programs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in other subjects. RN to MSN bridge programs assist registered nurses with an associate degree to bypass the BSN requirement, and dual master’s programs are for driven students looking to study multiple subject areas.
To help you choose the school that’s right for you, we’ve spotlighted three solid options in Pennsylvania. Use these as examples of what to look for in a quality program.
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program with concentrations in Nursing Education, Administration, and Informatics. Dual concentrations in Administration and Education and the MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are also available.
No matter the concentration, the 30-credit program is designed for working professionals, offering flexible online coursework and clinical practice components. Eight-week courses throughout the program help students stay on pace and allow for starting the program at a time that is most convenient, rather than sticking to the usual spring-fall schedule. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings and for national certification exams in their chosen specialty.
Duration: 2 years of part-time study
Mode: Online
Cost: $21,150
Admissions Requirements: Students must present a current unrestricted RN license, transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of career goals. All students must have an undergraduate 3.0 or greater and take a course in statistics.
Curriculum: Before breaking out into program concentrations, students will refresh on topics like nursing ethics, best clinical practices, industry innovations, and more.
Wilson College
Wilson College offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program with specializations in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership. The 36-credit asynchronous program is designed for working professionals, providing flexible online coursework and practical experiences. A 13-1 student-teacher ratio helps ensure every student gets the attention they need to be successful in the program.
This liberal arts program places great emphasis on ethical work upon graduation, which holds aspiring nurses in good stead as they move into leadership positions. Graduates will be prepared for advanced roles in healthcare, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and educational methodologies.
Duration: 2-3 years of part-time study
Mode: Online
Cost: $21,600
Admissions Requirements: Students must have a current unrestricted RN license, offer up official transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a resume.
Curriculum: Students can expect an emphasis on pharmacology, ethics, finances in healthcare, regulations and clinical best practices, research, and advanced leadership roles in nursing.
PennWest Global Online
PennWest University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner or Administration and Leadership. Students should expect 30 credit hours required for the administration and leadership program, while those pursuing FNP will take 49 credits.
This fully online program allows students to take courses at their own pace, thus allowing the flexibility required for working professionals. Though most courses are asynchronous, some professors host synchronous courses that require students to be on their computer at certain times.
The FNP concentration requires 500 clinical practice hours, which can almost always be completed at the nurse’s current place of employment. Success coaching during the program and career coaching afterward help ensure new MSN graduates are well-positioned to move into the leadership roles they desire.
Duration: 2-3 years of study for Administration and Leadership; 3-4 years of study for FNP
Mode: Online
Cost: $18,768 for Administration and Leadership; $30,654 for FNP
Admissions Requirements: Students must have an unrestricted registered nursing license, fill out the online application, and provide letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Curriculum: Students can expect courses on management, best clinical practices, healthcare policy, research, professional collaboration, and health promotion.
Your Questions, Answered: FAQ for Online MSN Programs in Pennsylvania
When you embark on a journey to enhance or change your career, questions will abound. You’ll wonder about the available jobs, the salary, and how much it will cost to get to your profession. Here are some of the most common questions asked by nursing students like you.
Do Employers in Pennsylvania Accept Graduates from Online MSN Programs?
Yes; online MSN programs are valued and respected by employers if the nursing program is properly accredited. Accreditation for online healthcare education ensures both you, the prospective student, and your future employer that you have been trained according to the necessary regulations you need to comply to in your career.
Before enrolling in a program, research where you will be living and where you plan to work after graduation. Some schools require students to live in an authorized state before enrolling in a program.
What Can an RN with an MSN Do in Pennsylvania?
Nurses with MSN degrees are prepared for a variety of careers. Some work in clinical settings as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives. Other times they work closely in surgical settings as nurse anesthetists. Students can pursue some niche specialties, such as an MSN in Forensic Nursing or an MSN in Nursing Informatics. MSN graduates who don’t want to work in patient-facing roles often serve in administrative or faculty positions, while some MSN graduates continue their studies and enroll in a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program, the highest level of graduate school for nurses.
In Pennsylvania, How Much Do MSN Programs Cost?
Costs will vary depending on the type of school (public vs. private), the type of program (direct entry vs. traditional MSN vs. accelerated), where you live, how long it takes you, and how much funding you’ve secured. Sometimes, private schools charge more tuition but can offer more school-based aid. And be on the lookout for extra charges; fully online programs can often save you money because you can forgo activity fees, room and board, and other on-campus charges. Take a look at our page of the most affordable MSN programs for prospective students like you.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an MSN in Pennsylvania?
In general, you can expect an MSN degree to take about two years to complete; however, this will vary depending on full-time vs. part-time status, as well as what type of program you choose. An accelerated MSN program can often be completed in about 16-20 months, while a dual major program will take much longer.
The nurse midwifery program at the University of Pennsylvania takes about two years (five semesters) to complete, while the family nurse practitioner program at Misericordia University takes three years (eight semesters) to finish. Two years is the average, but it depends on your situation.
Where Can I Find Financial Aid to Help Pay for My MSN Program in Pennsylvania?
Any student that attends an accredited school is eligible for federal and state aid, including loans, grants, and work-study positions. Grants are considered a gift, while loans need to be paid back. Depending on the school, students may also be eligible for school-based aid (grants, loans, and scholarships). There are also many scholarship opportunities from nonprofits and professional organizations. Pennsylvania residents should look into the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that administers nursing scholarships in the state.
There are also online MSN degree programs that offer financial aid. No matter where you decide to apply, our nursing scholarship guide can help you find the money for school. And for general information on paying for college, head over to our financial aid guide for online college students.
Best MSN Programs Online: Pennsylvania Edition
When you’re choosing the best school to obtain your master of nursing degree, it’s important to look at the points that matter the most to you, and that’s where our rankings come in. We’ve done the research for you, providing an inside look at accreditation, support services, career placement, reasonable tuition and fees, online availability, and more. Take an in-depth look at the methodology we used to create this list below.
Continue on to find out which MSN programs in Pennsylvania made the top of the list.
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Wilson College
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Private
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Public
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Public
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Private
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Private
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Private
DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Private
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Private
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Public
MSN Programs Types in Pennsylvania
There are many different types of MSN programs in Pennsylvania, all designed to lead to an enhanced career for registered nurses. The traditional MSN starts with the BSN in nursing. The direct-entry MSN offers an opportunity for those with a degree in something other than nursing to change their career path. Those who have an RN through an associate degree program can opt for the RN to MSN bridge. Here’s more on the variety of options available to you.
Traditional MSN
The most traditional path to an MSN is obtaining a BSN first. Some BSN graduates have work experience, while others go directly to graduate school. Assuming your BSN study meets all the prerequisites, a traditional MSN program will take about two years to complete.
Direct-Entry MSN
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject but are interested in a graduate nursing degree, a direct entry MSN may be a good option. You can bypass earning a BSN as you begin working on your MSN. This approach may require you to take some prerequisites, especially if your bachelor’s degree isn’t heavy on the sciences.
Accelerated MSN
Highly motivated students who are not planning to work full-time while in school may want to consider an accelerated program. Rather than taking classes in semesters, students may take intensive classes six to eight weeks at a time. Other programs may allow students to start their MSN degree while still in undergrad. Every school’s approach is different, so check the curriculum and calendar for specifics.
RN to MSN Bridge
Students currently working as nurses with an RN license can enroll in some MSN programs without a bachelor’s degree. These programs allow students to either bypass the BSN or earn it alongside an MSN. This type of path typically takes a bit longer than a traditional MSN program.
Dual Master’s
For highly motivated students, some schools offer the option to enroll in two graduate programs at once. An MSN/MBA degree is a popular combo, but other options include an MSN/MPH degree and an MSN/MA in bioethics degree.
What to Expect as a Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| 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.
