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.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited bachelor's completion track can be finished in as little as two semesters, with asynchronous 7-week courses available year-round. Transfer and CLEP credits are accepted at no charge, and the curriculum follows AACN baccalaureate essentials, covering nursing research, ethics, population health, health assessment, and leadership. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA and official transcripts; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is needed. Students complete 30 residency credits at WCU, fulfilling 120 total credits for the BSN.
- CCNE-accredited program
- Complete in two semesters
- 100% online format
- No charge for transfer credits
- CLEP credits accepted
- 2.75 GPA requirement
- Official transcripts needed
- Asynchronous online courses
- 7-week course sessions
- Year-round offerings
RN to BSN - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University's RN to BSN option provides a 100% online, asynchronous path for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree without interrupting their careers. The CCNE-accredited program can be completed in just two semesters, with seven-week sessions offered year-round. Coursework emphasizes professional communication, applied nursing research, ethics and health policy, population health, and leadership, all aligned with AACN essentials. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA and official transcripts; standardized entrance exams like the ACT or SAT are not required. The program accepts transfer and CLEP credits free of charge, and students can customize their plan based on prior learning, including a recommended minor.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program.
- Complete in two semesters.
- 100% online asynchronous format.
- No charge for transfer credits.
- CLEP credits accepted.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
- 7-week course sessions.
- Year-round course offerings.
- Customized based on prior coursework.
- Includes nursing practicum courses.
RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The RN-to-BSN program at West Chester University is a fully online bachelor's completion pathway tailored for practicing nurses. Delivered asynchronously in 7-week blocks throughout the year, it allows completion in as little as two semesters. The curriculum, grounded in AACN baccalaureate essentials, includes nursing research, community health, health information technology, and leadership practicum. Admission requirements include a 2.75 GPA and official transcripts; no SAT or ACT scores are required. Transfer credits and CLEP credits are accepted without additional fees. Students must complete 30 credits at WCU for residency, and the program offers an Academic Passport option for flexible progression.
- CCNE-accredited program.
- Earn BSN in two semesters.
- 100% online format.
- No charge for transfer credits.
- CLEP credits accepted.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
- Official transcripts needed.
- Asynchronous online courses.
- 7-week course sessions.
- Year-round offerings.
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - chatham.edu
RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN, Online)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Chatham University offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses, with no residency required. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and person-centered care, covering community health, health policy, evidence-based practice, and contemporary nursing issues. Courses are 7.5 weeks, with full-time and part-time options. Practice experiences are embedded in coursework for immediate application. This CCNE-accredited program admits students in fall and spring. No entrance exam (ACT/SAT or GRE) is required, and the application fee is waived. UPMC nurses may qualify for tuition-free enrollment. At $479 per credit, financial aid and scholarships are available. Graduates work at major employers like UPMC and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $479 per credit
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- No residency requirements
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - laroche.edu
RN to BSN - Nursing - RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
La Roche University offers an online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program designed for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree. The 18-month curriculum blends 24 prerequisite credits, 30 liberal arts credits, and nursing coursework with 12 credits of electives, totaling 120 credits with the last 30 earned at La Roche. Emphasizing a scholarly approach to nursing practice, courses include the nursing mobility profile and support career advancement as nurse educator, administrator, or clinical leader. No ACT or SAT is required for admission; however, TOEFL may be required for non-native English speakers. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and two letters of recommendation.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TOEFL
- 18-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- For diploma and associate degree RNs
- Open only to registered nurses
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - holyfamily.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Holy Family University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, culture-sensitive healthcare, family assessment, and nursing research, with courses delivered one at a time in eight-week semesters for maximum flexibility. Students can transfer up to 90 credits, including 51 for an active RN license, accelerating their path to a bachelor's degree. No ACT or SAT is required for admission. Graduates are prepared for graduate study (MSN/DNP) and roles in acute care, public health, home health, and specialty nursing. With 50 years of nursing education excellence, the program also offers on-site cohort options at workplaces with discounted tuition, plus a capstone clinical practicum.
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Online format with 8-week semesters
- Generous transfer policy up to 90 credits
- Cohort opportunities at work location
- Prepares for MSN and DNP programs
- Curriculum emphasizes leadership and research
- 50 Years of Nursing Excellence
- Clinical practicum experience
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu
RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN completion program, delivered 100% online for working nurses. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and leadership, with coursework in care coordination, informatics, and quality improvement. Students complete 120 credits, potentially in two semesters with transfer credits, and participate in a flexible, preceptor-led Population Health clinical experience. No SAT or ACT scores are required; admission is based on current RN licensure and prior college work (confirm with university). Military-friendly features, scholarships, financial aid, employer tuition deferment, and dedicated advising support student success. Graduates can pursue roles such as charge nurse, nursing manager, or community health leader, with a pathway to the DNP.
- CCNE accredited
- 2-Semester program
- As little as two semesters
- 120 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 100% online program
- Designed for working nurses
Fast & Affordable Program Options
“Fast” and “affordable” are two common words used to describe RN to BSN programs because they are much easier to afford and faster to complete than a traditional RN to BSN program. These bridge programs work with students to receive their degree as fast as possible, working off of their existing training and knowledge.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. While BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| York College of Pennsylvania | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Drexel University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Pennsylvania, these programs (though rare) exist in other states. If you’re looking in other areas (other than Pennsylvania) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Pennsylvania from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Pennsylvania or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| West Chester University | Online RN to BSN | $7,716 per year (Resident) $19,290 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Online RN to BSN | $8,565 per year (Resident) $10,148 per year (Non-resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
See Related Articles
Admissions Requirements for Accredited 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 accredited 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
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
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
2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Learn about Pennsylvania's best accredited RN to BSN programs by looking at the listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Browse Our List of Programs
Abington, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Scholarships available
- Hybrid course design
- Convenient evening nursing courses
- Accelerated 7-week sessions
- Nurse scholarship opportunities
Beaver Falls, PA
Geneva College
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- NLN CNEA accredited
- 94% licensure pass rate
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Dual degree with CCBC
- Eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical training under practicing nurses
- Nursing ethics, advocacy, social justice
Bethlehem, PA
Moravian University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- 30 total courses
- Rolling admissions
- Starts rolling
- $0 application fee
- 100% online program
- Rolling admission every 8 weeks
Bloomsburg, PA
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 2-Semester program
- As little as two semesters
- 120 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Cresson, PA
Mount Aloysius College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- $98,000 median earnings
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Fully online courses
- Accelerated 8-week courses
Dubois, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S.
Campus Based - Website
- RN to B.S. program
- 16-month completion time
- Classes one day weekly
- Full- or part-time study
- Delivered by Penn State Altoona
- Offered at DuBois and St. Marys
- Maintain employment responsibilities
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
Dunmore, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton
- RN to BSN - Jersey College RN to BSN Option
Campus Based - Website
- RN to BSN nursing option
- Builds on Jersey College associate degree
- Up to 30.5 credits for coursework
- 33 credits for RN license
- Remaining credits at Penn State Scranton
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- Active RN license required
- Cohort of 10-15 students needed
Elizabethtown, PA
Elizabethtown College
- RN to BSN - Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.)
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Online program format
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Accelerated and flexible pathway
Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two additional years
- 120 total credit hours
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Blended online and in-person learning
Greensburg, PA
Seton Hill University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $450 per credit
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Rolling admissions
- 5 start dates per year
- Starts rolling
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
Immaculata, PA
Immaculata University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Courses count toward MSN
- Open to registered nurses only
- Part-time accelerated format
Loretto, PA
Saint Francis University
- RN to BSN - Nursing, BS: RN-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 128 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
Millersville, PA
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
- 9 total courses
- 100% online coursework
- Designed for working RNs
- Emphasis on ethics and diversity
- Accelerated MSN pathway
- Leads to management and education roles
- Transfer-friendly (accepts previous credits)
Mont Alto, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto
- RN to BSN - Nursing, B.S.N. (RN to BSN Option)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Minimum 120 credits required.
- Credit for RN licensure available.
- Hybrid and online formats offered.
- Available at multiple campuses.
- C grade required in major courses.
- Clinical capstone included.
- RN licensure required for admission.
- Prepares for NCLEX exam.
New Kensington, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- For registered nurses only
- Full- or part-time study options
- 120 total credits required
- Up to 33 portfolio credits
- Fall, spring, summer admission
- Application deadlines by semester
- Active RN license required
- Two clinically-based courses
New Wilmington, PA
Westminster College
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 5-Semester program
- Complete in as few as five semesters
- 125 total credit hours
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- Cohort-based structure
- Practical curriculum by qualified nurse educators
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $577 per credit
- 1-Year program
- Locked tuition rate
- 180 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-08-28
- 4 start dates per year
- 2.0 GPA minimum
Holy Family University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Online format with 8-week semesters
- Generous transfer policy up to 90 credits
- Cohort opportunities at work location
- Prepares for MSN and DNP programs
- Curriculum emphasizes leadership and research
- 50 Years of Nursing Excellence
Saint Joseph's University
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $732 per credit
- 22-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- $93,600 median earnings
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlow University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 11-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Financial aid available
- 100% online program
- Generous transfer credit policy
Chatham University
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN, Online)
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $479 per credit
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
La Roche University
- RN to BSN - Nursing - RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TOEFL
- 18-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
Reading, PA
Alvernia University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Complete in as little in 1 year
- 123 total credit hours
- Asynchronous online classes
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- Designed for registered nurses
- 7 or 14 week course terms
Schuylkill Haven, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- Requires at least 120 credits
- Up to 33 portfolio credits
- Full- or part-time study options
- Fall, spring, summer start terms
- Active RN license required
- Two clinically-based courses
- Available at six campuses
- Online through World Campus
Scranton, PA
Marywood University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Test optional
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as little as three semesters
- 120 total credit hours
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum
University of Scranton
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse (RN) Scholars Program
Online Learning - Website
- $500 per credit
- Innovative blended program format
- 38.5 validation credits for RN license
- Optional travel-service-learning courses
- Small class sizes
- Jesuit education values
- Collaborative learning with experienced faculty
- Complete clinical requirements in your healthcare system
Sharon, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango
- RN to BSN - Nursing, B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- RN to BSN option available.
- Minimum 120 credits required.
- Credit for RN licensure available.
- Available at Shenango campus.
- Blended program at University Park.
- Online option at World Campus.
- Clinical requirements include background checks.
- Prepares for NCLEX exam.
Slippery Rock, PA
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- RN to BSN - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- Asynchronous online classes
- 8-week course sessions
- 24/7 access to course materials
- Experienced clinician faculty
- Develop leadership and critical thinking skills
Summerdale, PA
Central Penn College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 49 credits required
- Online delivery format
- Accelerated program structure
- For licensed RNs only
- Graduation from accredited program required
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Includes capstone course
- Prepares for leadership roles
University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- 33 portfolio credits for RN training
- Two clinically-based courses: NURS 352 and NURS 475
- Project-based capstone course (NURS 475)
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $638 per credit
- 120 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-06-30
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- $65 application fee
West Chester, PA
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- RN to BSN - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited nursing program.
- Complete in two semesters.
- 100% online asynchronous format.
- No charge for transfer credits.
- CLEP credits accepted.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
- 7-week course sessions.
- Year-round course offerings.
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited program
- Complete in two semesters
- 100% online format
- No charge for transfer credits
- CLEP credits accepted
- 2.75 GPA requirement
- Official transcripts needed
- Asynchronous online courses
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited program.
- Earn BSN in two semesters.
- 100% online format.
- No charge for transfer credits.
- CLEP credits accepted.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
- Official transcripts needed.
- Asynchronous online courses.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
King's College
- RN to BSN - R.N. to B.S. Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- For RNs with associate or diploma
- Transfer up to 95 credits
- 3 graduate credits apply to MSN
Williamsport, PA
Pennsylvania College of Technology
- RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to B.S.N., Completion
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Rolling admissions
- Full-time and part-time options
- Asynchronous online classes
- Military benefits accepted
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
York, PA
York College of Pennsylvania
- RN to BSN - R.N. to B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Online delivery mode
- Transfer up to 56 credits
- CCNE accredited