Best Online Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania (PA)
Launch or advance your nursing career by attending one of the top nursing schools in Pennsylvania. We’ll help you find the degree program that’s just right for you.
If you live in Pennsylvania and have the talent and desire to care for others, it’s hard to think of a better career choice than nursing. What’s more, highly-skilled and educated nurses are in high demand, a demand that is expected to grow much faster than the average of all other occupations combined. With so many different nursing opportunities, how do you choose the right one for you?
This guide has all the information you need to select the nursing school and program in Pennsylvania that best suits your professional goals and academic needs, no matter where you’re currently at in your nursing education and career. You’ll find a list of top-ranked programs (including convenient online programs built for working nurses) while also learning about the types of nursing degrees offered, critical qualities to consider in a program, where to obtain financial aid, and much more. Get started on your search for your Pennsylvania nursing school by seeing who made our list of the best for the 2024-2025 school year.
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Public
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Public
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Private
La Salle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Private
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Private
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Wilson College
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Public
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Public
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Public
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Public
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Private
Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Private
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Public
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Private
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Private
Gannon University
Erie, Pennsylvania
Private
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania
Private
Mount Aloysius College
Cresson, Pennsylvania
Private
York College of Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
Private
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Find Pennsylvania Nursing Schools in a City Near You
Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
There are many characteristics that quality nursing schools in Pennsylvania have in common. Here are the most important qualities to look for when choosing your Pennsylvania nursing program:
- Nationally Accredited and State Approved
Accreditation indicates certain critical standards of quality, and all the best nursing programs in Pennsylvania PA have it. Accreditation for nursing programs in the U.S. comes via the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You can search for current nursing program accreditation status using these ACEN and CCNE search engines. Quality nursing degree and certificate programs in Pennsylvania are also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Board of Nursing (BON). - Track Record of High NCLEX Exam Pass Rates
Licensure for LPNs and RNs in Pennsylvania requires passing the NCLEX examination, so one of the most important factors of any nursing program is a high NCLEX exam pass rate. School websites often indicate a program’s pass rate, and BON provides a current list of exam pass rates for nursing programs in Pennsylvania. - Instructor Access and Quality Student Support Services
Determining instructor access and the availability of quality student support services (e.g., academic and career counseling, help in finding financial aid, job search assistance, etc.) takes some work. Search online search for student comments about nursing programs, and speak with as many program students as possible. Word-of-mouth is a great source of advice.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Pennsylvania
If you’re new to the nursing field, sorting through the numerous college nursing programs can be confusing. To help you, here are brief descriptions of the nine different types of nursing degrees and certificates available from nursing schools in Pennsylvania.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
ADN/ASN Programs
Associate degrees in nursing (ADNs and ASNs) prepare students with little or no previous college-level study or nursing experience for the NCLEX RN exam to become RNs. ADN programs usually take two years and are common at community colleges and vocational schools but are also sometimes available through nursing schools at four-year colleges and universities. ADN and ASN curriculums combine general education and foundational nursing courses with hands-on clinical experiences at nearby healthcare facilities.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed for students with little or no previous college-level study or nursing experience who want to be RNs. Given the more extensive education and training than with an ADN, BSN degree holders tend to be more attractive to employers. Traditional BSN programs are typically offered by four-year colleges and universities and require four years of full-time study.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are for students with no prior nursing experience but who possess a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Accelerated BSN programs provide the necessary coursework and clinical practice hours needed to take the NCLEX-RN exam. BSN programs are mostly available from the same four-year schools offering traditional BSN programs. Completion times are typically 15 to 24 months.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Pennsylvania for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are open to currently LPNs interested in advancing their careers by taking the NCLEX RN exam and becoming RNs. Both LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs include didactic coursework and the clinical hours required for RN licensure. LPN to RN programs are often offered by community colleges and vocational schools but sometimes by four-year institutions. LPN to RN programs typically require three semesters or more of full-time study. LPN to BSN programs are normally available at four-year schools and require three to four years of full-time study.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs provide licensed RNs without a bachelor’s degree with a convenient and affordable path to earning a BSN. RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are often available in fully online formats from most four-year schools offering undergraduate nursing programs. Admission requirements include a current RN license and an ADN. A BSN degree in an RN to BSN program requires about 120 credit hours, and completion times vary.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees provide the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice and leadership positions in nursing. MSN programs typically offer multiple specialization options as well as optional specialized curriculums for becoming nurse practitioners (NPs). MSN programs are exclusively through 4-year nursing programs and may be fully or partially online. Students usually complete in-person clinical experiences at their current places of employment.
RN to MSN programs offer current RNs a direct path to an MSN. In some cases, students receive a BSN as part of their programs. Full-time students can finish within 3 years, but most programs are for working RNs and feature part-time formats taking 3 ½ to 4 years.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
MSN Programs
Standard MSN programs also offer advanced leadership and practice outcomes as well as eligibility for NP certification. Given the additional coursework completed by students in their BSN programs, however, standard MSN programs require fewer credit hours than RN to MSN programs with completion of two years for full-time students and three years for part-time.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is for students seeking to become leaders in top nursing administration and advanced nursing practice positions. The Nursing PhD prepares nursing scientists to conduct research and develop new scientific knowledge to advance professional nursing practice. DNP and PhD nursing programs come in a variety of formats and with different specializations. Completion lengths are three to seven years or longer depending on degree type, specialization, and study pace.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificate programs provide a nursing graduate degree with opportunities to specialize in a particular area of nursing practice. Examples include nursing administration, nursing education, nurse anesthetist, public health nursing, and several nurse practitioner fields.
Examples of Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Online Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Distance education has become surprisingly commonplace in Pennsylvania nursing programs. In fact, many schools now feature degree programs like RN to BSN programs from LaSalle University and York College and certificate programs like the Nursing and Administration Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania that are entirely online. Many pre-RN licensure programs also now offer some or all of their didactic courses in asynchronous online formats. If you’re a nursing student in Pennsylvania, some part of your academic work probably will be online.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Can I earn my nursing degree in Pennsylvania completely online?
A few schools offer RN to BSN programs that can be completed 100% online, but they’re in the minority. All pre-licensure programs include substantial clinical practice hour requirements, which are necessary to take the NCLEX RN exam for state licensure, that must be in-person.
Will my online Pennsylvania nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Yes, as long as your program is accredited and state-approved. Most nursing employers are aware that distance learning components of nursing programs offered by reputable Pennsylvania colleges and universities are of equal quality to on-campus counterparts.
Are online nursing programs in Pennsylvania more affordable than campus programs?
Most programs charge the same tuition for both online and on-campus programs. In fact, some charge an additional per-class or per-credit “online access fee” for online courses. You’ll probably pay less for your nursing program by taking online courses once you factor in money saved in travel to and from campus.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Pennsylvania
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in Pennsylvania are eligible for numerous forms of financial aid. The most common is the student loan, which is available from various public and privates sources but mostly through the federal government. Repayment opportunities are available through the federal government and Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Health.
Probably the most popular college funding types are scholarships and grants available from a variety of sources, most commonly professional nursing groups, associations, and private sponsors. Nursing schools themselves, like Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania, also offer scholarship and grant opportunities.
For more great information on funding your nursing education, visit EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Pennsylvania: Licensing Information and Requirements
Pennsylvania’s RN degree programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain state licensure. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps you’ll need to earn that licensure before starting your nursing program. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website.
Complete your nursing program.
Complete an accredited and state-approved pre-RN licensure program. Doing so helps you meet the education and clinical practice hours need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which is required for RN licensure in Pennsylvania.
Submit your application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Apply at the end of the final semester of your nursing program. An official transcript identifying RN education, degree or diploma type, and date of program completion needs to be sent by your program directly to the BON. You’ll also need to pay the $95 application fee. Visit this Board’s website for detailed information on requirements for RN licensure in Pennsylvania
Register for the NCLEX RN exam.
Register and pay to take the exam with Pearson VUE, the service conducting the exam for Pennsylvania. Several weeks after registration, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Complete all additional state RN license requirements.
These include a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and completion of three continuing education (CE) hours of approved training by the Department of Human Services on child abuse recognition and reporting. These requirements, found on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) website, may be completed before taking the NCLEX-RN exam.
Schedule and take the NCLEX RN exam.
Once you receive your ATT, schedule and take the NCLEX-RN exam at any one of the dozens of Pearson VUE’s testing locations within or outside of Pennsylvania. Visit this NCLEX website for detailed information on preparing for, taking, and passing the exam.
Receive your Pennsylvania RN license.
Once you’ve taken the NCLEX RN exam, your results are forwarded to the BON. You can expect to receive your official Pennsylvania RN license within a few weeks.
Source: University of Pennsylvania
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, nurses earn an average of $82,780. The highest salary for RNs is $109,740, while the lowest is $64,820. This is encouraging news for those entering the field, as there is good salary potential after completing your studies. However, keep in mind that pay varies depending on the area of the state you are in. In Altoona, for example, RNs earn between $63,240 and $98,840, with an average salary of $77,390. In Erie, the average income is $78,740, with a range of $60,600 to $98,760. Additionally, there is a good chance of securing a job after graduation. This is because there will be a 4.70% increase in jobs, or 8,890 new positions annually, in Pennsylvania. Nationwide, 8,890 new jobs will be created, representing a 4.70% increase. For more information on nursing salaries, take a look at the data we compiled below.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $67,270 | $82,160 | $102,440 |
| Altoona, PA | $63,240 | $77,390 | $98,840 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $62,060 | $81,160 | $103,820 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $64,220 | $81,530 | $104,770 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | $61,920 | $80,120 | $100,670 |
| Erie, PA | $60,600 | $78,740 | $98,760 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $64,800 | $78,050 | $96,160 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $66,740 | $82,190 | $101,930 |
| Johnstown, PA | $60,580 | $76,920 | $85,280 |
| Lancaster, PA | $63,750 | $80,470 | $100,230 |
| Lebanon, PA | $65,020 | $86,740 | $109,320 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $72,890 | $96,710 | $119,440 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $64,790 | $79,630 | $103,380 |
| Reading, PA | $65,850 | $91,410 | $120,430 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | $59,380 | $78,420 | $100,400 |
| State College, PA | $52,960 | $81,890 | $99,530 |
| Williamsport, PA | $64,210 | $82,690 | $102,470 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $65,080 | $82,040 | $104,900 |
Source: Registered Nurses, 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 | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Pennsylvania Nursing Resources
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) – Pennsylvania
The AANP’s Pennsylvania state page offers information, news, and other resources for NPs and NP students. Membership includes access to free continuing education courses, career and practice support resources, and more. Student memberships are also available.
Pennsylvania Association of Practical Nursing Administrators (PA-PNA)
The PA-PNA is a professional association of practical nurse administrators that purposes to advance the practical nursing profession through awareness of issues affecting PNs and PN education in Pennsylvania. Its scholarship program has opportunities for students attending member schools.
Pennsylvania Department of State – Board of Nursing
The BON oversees the education, licensing, and practice activities of nurses in Pennsylvania. It provides important information and current news on nursing education programs, the state nurse licensing process, state nursing laws and regulations, and more.
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)
Affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA), the PSNA offers benefits that include unlimited continuing education program access, access to the ANA’s Career Center and webinars, discounts on nursing-related products and services, and more.
Scholarships and Online Resources for RN Students
This EduMed website offers descriptions and links for nursing scholarships and grants. There’s also information and advice for winning those scholarships plus links to other online academic and professional support services for RN students.
