There are various duties that could be assigned to a registered nurse, or RN, depending on where they choose to work. However, the role of a nurse usually includes providing direct patient care and filling some administrative tasks. In order to access more complex and lucrative parts of nursing, like leading public health education campaigns and assisting physicians in the ER or OR, nurses often must upgrade their qualifications to include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Many colleges and universities in Pennsylvania have RN to BSN programs.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

As many hospitals and medical clinics push to hire BSN-educated RNs, registered nurses who hold an ADN or diploma often consider returning to school to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing. RN to BSN completion programs were created to meet this demand, offering a convenient and quick pathway to a baccalaureate degree for active RNs. For those wanting even more flexibility, online RN to BSN programs are available. To help students choose the right program, we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state of Pennsylvania below. Peruse our listings and find a great program today!

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA

Waynesburg University, located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, offers a top-tier online RN-to-BSN program. Tailored for working nurses, the program combines flexibility with academic rigor, preparing students for leadership roles in nursing. With experienced faculty and a supportive online platform, Waynesburg University provides a quality learning experience.

Quick Facts:
  • BSN in as little as 12 months - 16 months
  • 100% online option
  • 33-39 credit hours
2.

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA

Immaculata University, nestled in the picturesque town of Immaculata, Pennsylvania, hosts a renowned online RN-to-BSN program. Tailored for busy nurses, the program champions career progression and leadership acumen. With seasoned faculty and an interactive virtual platform, Immaculata equips nurses for success in today's dynamic healthcare arena.

Quick Facts:
  • Face-to-face or online instruction
  • Accelerated seven to eight week courses
  • Completion in two years or less
3.

York College of Pennsylvania

York, PA

Nurses working in the field can benefit from York College of Pennsylvania's RN to BSN online program. By amplifying the level of care they provide to their patients and by advancing their own career aspirations, working RNs can go farther in less time in this leadership and community health-focused program.

Quick Facts:
  • One year degree completion
  • Less than $10,000 in total tuition costs
  • A small liberal arts college
4.

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, PA

Earn more as a nurse by completing the online RN to BSN degree at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. Built for working RNs, the flexible program covers fundamentals such as Comprehensive Health Assessment and refreshed courses such as Diversity and Cultural Care in Nursing.

Quick Facts:
  • Customized schedules allow maximum flexibility
  • Most courses are offered online
  • One-day classes at the Lancaster, PA campus may be required
5.

Moravian University

Bethlehem, PA

Created for RNs with multiple obligations, the online RN to BSN at Moravian University produces graduates who can perform at the highest levels. From performing holistic health assessments to caring for challenging populations, graduates become more confident and capable RNs.

Quick Facts:
  • No-cost online application
  • Rolling admissions for flexibility
  • An inclusive college founded in 1742

Admissions Requirements for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

While institutions do vary, there are a number of similarities between schools in the state when it comes to admission requirements for RN to BSN programs. With a list of clearly articulated admission criteria, each university can practice due diligence to ensure that they admit only the best candidates to earn their BSN. Below, we’ve listed some of the more common admissions requirements:

  • GPA 2.5 or greater cumulative average for all prerequisite courses
  • Submission of the completed application form
  • Official transcripts from the ADN program and secondary school (if less than 5 years ago) should be sent directly to the office of the registrar
  • Provide proof of a successful background screen and ‘negative’ drug screening
  • Proof of RN license for the state, without encumbrances
  • Submit a professional resume

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

At West Chester University in West Chester, RNs who are pursuing their BSN degree can expect to take upper-level courses like the following in order to expand their base of theoretical knowledge:

  • HEA 206 Human Development
  • PSY 210 Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
  • NSG 310 Human Response to Disease
  • NTD 303 Introductory Principles of Human Nutrition

Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

There are over 25 programs that offer online RN to BSN programming throughout Pennsylvania – a state that is clearly ready for sweeping changes to the healthcare profession.

Most programs require 120 credits to graduate with a BSN degree; nurses who wish to transfer their ADN credentials may be awarded transfer credits on a ‘block’ of ADN credits or on a course-by-course basis. Usually, at least 30 credits must be earned at the institution where the degree will be granted.”

Admissions and Program Length

Millersville University offers nurses access to the online RN to BSN curriculum and learn at their own pace. Program length varies as each student’s transfer credit portfolio is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally, students are awarded about 30 credits through transfer, leaving about 90 upper-level nursing and general arts credits to be obtained through Millersville’s online platform.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), La Roche University in Pittsburgh offers tuition at about $15,600 per semester for in-state students who do not require housing or food on campus. This does not include other mandatory expenses such as books and student support fees.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Nurses can attain their BSN more easily than ever before and still, the demand for BSN educated nurses keeps growing. With this type of demand versus our current supply, it makes sense that hospitals, doctors, and clinics reward those who decide to further their education by boosting their pay. ADN-prepared nurses are great bedside caregivers, but with the addition of a bachelor’s degree, nurses might find themselves more often eligible for roles like emergency room RN, family nurse, or a home care nurse, among many other roles.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Pennsylvania

It's tough to know exactly how much a licensed RN makes depending on whether they have an ADN or a BSN, but given the current labor data available, registered nurses in Pennsylvania make from $48,000 to $83,000 annually. The lowest salary bracket applies to entry-level and those with ADN qualifications. The average for nurses in this region is about $66,000 per year. We can assume that BSN-prepared nurses will gain closer to $66,000 and above. That’s a big difference in annual income for finishing your degree!

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

If you are looking for career advancement in nursing, you might want to consider a BSN degree. Pennsylvania has over 30 institutions that offer RN to BSN programs that can boost your skills, employability, salary, and career advancement opportunities. Nurses that want to take their career to the next level are making the financial investment in their future by obtaining a BSN degree or greater. Although the financial investment may seem a bit overwhelming there are programs that help with finances and the payoff, in the end, can be significant. Salaries for BSN nurses in Pennsylvania are around $90,000 per year.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Bethlehem, PA

Nursing and Public Health Department
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660

Bloomsburg, PA

Department of Nursing
400 E. Second St.
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 389-4609

California, PA

Department of Nursing
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
(724) 938-4129

Chester, PA

School of Nursing
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 499-4214

Clarion, PA

Department of Nursing
840 Wood St
Clarion, PA 16214

Cresson, PA

School of Nursing
7373 Admiral Peary Hwy
Cresson, PA 16630-1999

Dallas, PA

Department of Nursing
301 Lake Street
Dallas, PA 18612
(570) 674-6443

Erie, PA

109 University Square
Erie, PA 16541
(814) 871-5547

Harrisburg, PA

Immaculata, PA

Division of Nursing
1145 King Road
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400 x3475

Lancaster, PA

RN-BSN Program
850 Greenfield Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 947-6143

Millersville, PA

Department of Nursing
1 S George St
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4636

Moon Township, PA

School of Nursing and Health Sciences
6001 University Boulevard, 229 John Jay
Moon Township, PA 15108-1189
(412) 397-6801

North East, PA

Zurn College of Natural and Health Sciences
16 W Division St
North East, PA 16428

Online/Campus Hybrid Instruction

Philadelphia, PA

College of Nursing and Health Professions
1601 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 762-4943

School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(267) 341-3292

Online/Campus Hybrid Instruction

School of Nursing and Health Sciences
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1432

Pittsburgh, PA

School of Nursing
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 578-6108

College for Continuing & Professional Studies
1 Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 365-1738

Nursing Department
9000 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 367-9300

School of Nursing
3500 Victoria Street, Room 350
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-7838

Scranton, PA

Department of Nursing
800 Linden Street
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 941-4195

Online/Campus Hybrid Instruction

Slippery Rock, PA

Department of Nursing
1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock, PA 16057

University Park, PA

College of Nursing
Penn State University Nursing Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802

Villanova, PA

College of Nursing
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4909

Waynesburg, PA

Department of Nursing
51 West College Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
(724) 852-3356

West Chester, PA

Department of Nursing
700 South High St
West Chester, PA 19383

Williamsport, PA

School of Health Sciences - Nursing
1 College Ave
Williamsport, PA 17701

York, PA

Stabler Department of Nursing
441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403
(717) 447-5461

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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