Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in PA
RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania offer a convenient path to developing exceptional nursing skills to advance your career. These programs build on your existing associate RN degree and offer flexible schedules to suit your lifestyle. Continue on to find information on the top RN to BSN programs, as well as admissions criteria, curriculum information, answers to prospective students’ most pressing questions, and information on salary and job market trends for RNs with BSNs.
Comparing Pennsylvania’s Online RN to BSN Programs
Although your nursing skills as an RN are in high demand, employers are increasingly looking to hire nurses who have earned a BSN. A bachelor’s in nursing can provide you with opportunities for promotion and new job prospects while equipping you with new skills you’ll use to take the best possible care of your patients—all on a schedule that works for you.
Online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are affordable and designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexible scheduling and format options. Asynchronous classes allow for self-scheduled study, while regular check-ins and due dates provide accountability to stay on track. We’ve highlighted some outstanding online RN to BSN programs in PA below.
RN to BSN Online Nursing Program — Drexel University
With Drexel University’s RN to BSN Online Nursing Program, RNs can get their bachelor’s degree in nursing in as little as 12 months. There’s also flexibility for students who prefer a more relaxed learning pace, thanks to Drexel’s three-year tuition lock. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and provides students with hands-on, in-depth clinical skills to enhance their current credentials. All learning takes place online; students gain practical experience through simulation labs, problem-based web learning, direct patient interaction, and community outreach. Special tuition rates are offered for ANA members, health system partner employees, and community college students.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $459/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate Degree in Nursing with a GPA of 2.0 or above
- Current, unrestricted United States RN licensure
- 60 semester hours of college-level prerequisites
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Statistics of the Health Sciences
- Health Care Ethics
- Pharmacology or Advanced Physiology or Pathophysiology
- Appreciative Inquiry into Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery
- Inclusive and Equitable Health Assessment
- Leading and Managing Complex Systems of Health
- Safety Science and Quality Improvement
- Educating Patients, Professionals, and the Public to Improve Health Outcomes
- Responding to the Challenges of Global and Population-based Health Needs
- Transitions of Care
- Healthy Aging
RN-BSN Program — West Chester University
The RN-BSN program at West Chester University was designed with working nurses in mind. Whether you’re a new RN or an experienced nurse seeking a bachelor’s degree, there’s room in this program for you. There’s no need to pass the NCLEX before being accepted to the program; however, you’ll need your active license ready to go before beginning the second semester of nursing courses. The curriculum is customized for each student, depending on their individual level of previously completed college coursework. All classes are available asynchronously online on a full- or part-time basis, so students can balance the demands of work, home, and school.
Duration: Two to three semesters
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $3,864-$7,716/semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum higher education cumulative GPA of 2.75
- obtain an active RN license by the beginning of the second semester
Curriculum:
- Professional Nursing Communication Strategies
- Applied Nursing Research
- Ethics and Health Policy in Nursing
- Population and Environmental Health Nursing
- Population and Environmental Health Nursing Practicum
- Physical and Health Assessments of Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan
- Health Information, Technology, and Quality Improvement
- Nursing Leadership & Management in Today’s Healthcare Environment
- Nursing Leadership Practicum
RN to BSN Program — York College of Pennsylvania
York College of Pennsylvania provides a convenient and flexible path to a bachelor’s degree in their RN to BSN program. This program is ideal for RN graduates of accredited nursing programs. If you’ve already earned an associate degree, you’ll get credit toward your bachelor’s thanks to a 100% general education block transfer. If you’re an RN with a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can skip the general education classes and complete only the required nursing and support courses to get your BSN. With 100% online courses and six different start dates throughout the year, students have the freedom to pursue a BSN at their own pace.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $347/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program
- Valid, unencumbered RN License in the United States
Curriculum:
- Health Assessment for Registered Nurses
- Transitional Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Healthcare Professionals
- Research Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Comparative Health Care
- Stress Management for Healthcare Providers
- Leadership Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Community Health Concepts and Issues for Registered Nurses
- Social Aspects of Aging
- Bioethics
Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions
Signing up for higher education can be an overwhelming task, especially when you’re already busy working as an RN. You’re probably wondering about admissions, paying for your degree, and everything that comes after graduation. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions of RN to BSN nursing students in Pennsylvania.
How will an RN to BSN program in Pennsylvania prepare me for more opportunities?
These days, many healthcare employers prefer hiring nurses with a BSN, so you’ll become a standout candidate. No matter where you work, getting your degree will grow your patient care abilities and leadership skills, making you even better at your job and qualifying you for specialized and advanced nursing positions. RN to BSN programs also provide an opportunity to pursue your specific interests, offering you growth in ways that can lead to a more fulfilling career. For example, if integrating technology in healthcare sparks your curiosity, the online RN to BSN program at Millersville University may be right for you.
In Pennsylvania, how long does completing an RN to BSN program take?
The length of your RN to BSN program depends on what works best for you and which school you choose to attend. Some programs, such as the one offered by Waynesburg University, can be completed in as little as 12 months. For full-time students, 18-24 months is a more typical timeline, like the program offered at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. You’ll also have the option to work part-time toward your degree. In that case, plan on about three years from your first class until graduation.
In Pennsylvania, how much do RN to BSN programs cost?
In general, expect a cost of $10,000-20,000 (before any financial aid) to get your BSN. The price of online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania can vary widely depending on the school and program length. One significant factor when it comes to cost is how many credits you can transfer from your associate degree. Most programs will allow credit transfers, and many offer credits for having an active nursing license, which can shave time and cost off getting your education. If you attend an online RN to BSN program, you’ll save considerably on costs like commuting and dining.
In Pennsylvania, what are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs?
The exact requirements will vary by school, but most programs have some basic criteria in common. RN to BSN programs are for practicing nurses or students with associate degrees in nursing who want to continue their education. In either case, most programs require that you have an active nursing license. There are also academic requirements in RN to BSN programs; the minimum GPA can range from 2.0 at schools like Millersville University to 2.5 at Immaculata University. Some schools only accept students who have already completed additional prerequisite general education courses in subjects like math or science.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Pennsylvania?
Nursing is a highly regulated profession, so it’s important to select a quality program that has proper accreditation, high NCLEX-RN pass rates, and more. To start, ensure your program is approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. This approval ensures your program is accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and that you’ll be ready to apply for your nursing license after graduation. Next, look up NCLEX-RN exam pass rates for your prospective schools. High pass rates demonstrate that graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their licenses. Ultimately, the highest quality program will be the one that works best for you, so consider your schedule, learning style, and goals.
Ranking Pennsylvania’s Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs
With abundant options for RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania, how do you choose the right one for you? We’ve done the research and put together the following ranking to help you decide. We’ve weighed multiple criteria to come up with our final listings, from online course availability, tuition costs, average aid awarded, and more. If you’d like to know more about how we come up with our list, you can read all about our ranking criteria.
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Public
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Public
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Public
Wilson College
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Private
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Private
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Public
Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Private
Pennsylvania Pay and Opportunities: RN vs. BSN
You know by now that completing an RN to BSN program is an excellent way to advance your career, but does a higher degree pay off? We’ve crunched the numbers for you, and the outlook is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average RN pay in the state is $76,940 per year. However, the top 10% of RNs make considerably more, with salaries averaging $98,680 annually. The nurses who occupy those top-earning jobs are highly experienced and qualified professionals, often taking on leadership positions or working in specialized roles. Getting your BSN will provide you with the skills you need to prepare and qualify for those higher-paying jobs in the field.
Like many parts of the country, Pennsylvania suffers from a nursing shortage, so your skills are in high demand and are likely to stay that way. Currently, there are 149,270 RNs practicing in Pennsylvania, and the state projects that number to grow by 8.9% over the next 10 years, which adds up to 160,380 nursing positions in Pennsylvania by 2030. This growth rate exceeds job market growth projections nationwide, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts to be around 6% during the same period.
