Pennsylvania's online NP market spans the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania, from public universities such as Penn State to private institutions such as Thomas Jefferson, with fully online didactic coursework and clinical hours arranged in-state. Pennsylvania's NP workforce is expanding fastest where primary care supply is thinnest, particularly in rural counties that rely on family nurse practitioners as the default provider.
The ranking treats these as online-delivery-eligible programs and orders them by a quality mix, not cost or speed alone. Cost, clinical placement support, certification readiness, and licensure steps are compared because two programs with the same FNP title can differ sharply on the factors that determine whether a nurse actually completes and practices in Pennsylvania.
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania, Ranked for 2027
Pennsylvania is home to one of the deepest benches of online nurse practitioner education in the country, with options ranging from fully online MSN programs to hybrid DNP pathways. Each school below offers graduate NP training you can complete largely online while living and working in Pennsylvania, whether your goal is family practice, psychiatric mental health, adult-gerontology primary care, or acute care. Graduation and retention figures are institution-wide, so pair them with the program-level details in each card when comparing your options.
How this list was built
- Online program accessibility
- Graduation and retention rates
- Tuition and net price
- Post-completion earnings
- Accreditation and program breadth
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
University of Pennsylvania
#1Philadelphia, PA · $29,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Experienced NPs adding acute care skills
An Ivy League research powerhouse, Penn Nursing offers graduate NP pathways in adult-gerontology acute care and psychiatric mental health, plus a streamlined post-graduate AGACNP certificate for practicing NPs seeking acute care certification. The university posts a 96.5% graduation rate and median earnings above $111,000 ten years after entry, reflecting the strength of its clinical training and network. Prospective students should note that the certificate's clinical hours cannot be completed in Louisiana or Tennessee, and New York placement is limited.
- 12 course units; full-time or part-time options
- Concentrations include cardiology, trauma, transplant, surgery, nephrology, and internal medicine
- Elective minors: oncology, palliative care, forensics, global health
- Immersive simulation and mentored clinical experiences
- Preceptor matching for clinical placements
- Post-graduate certificate option for primary care NPs
- Part-time, 12-month certificate for practicing APRNs
- Requires BSN and MSN with a 3.0 GPA minimum
- Tuition about $7,178 per course unit
- Year-round start semesters
- Clinical hours cannot be completed in Louisiana or Tennessee
- No federal aid; loans and payment plans available
- Full-time in 14 months; part-time in three years
- Three-semester clinical practicum with supervised preceptors
- Total cost approximately $103,526 to $105,814
- Requires BSN, RN licensure, and college statistics
- Weekly small group seminars on campus
- Post-graduate track available for current NPs
- Fellowships for underserved community practice
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
#2Pittsburgh, PA · $30,000/yr
Best for: RNs wanting multiple DNP specialty options
Pitt Nursing is a top-ranked school with CCNE accreditation through 2034 and one of the broadest DNP NP menus in Pennsylvania: family, adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Several tracks are delivered as distance education with synchronous online classes, and NC-SARA participation extends access to students in member states. Out-of-state online cohorts may also qualify for in-state tuition under Pitt's equalization policy.
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- Scholarly DNP project and capstone required
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Six concentration options available
- Curriculum emphasizes disease prevention and patient education
- 92 total credit hours; full-time or part-time
- Eligible for national certification and CRNP licensure
- Comprehensive exam required
- Two pathways to the degree
- 79 total credit hours; 1,020 clinical hours
- Synchronous online courses for distance students
- Eligible for CRNP licensure in Pennsylvania
- Prepares for the AGACNP national certification exam
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
- 41 total credit hours for MSN-prepared NPs
- Three concentration options
- Covers adolescent through older adult health
- Prepares graduates for underserved regions
- Designed for MSN-prepared NPs seeking DNP
- 89 total credit hours; full-time enrollment
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Eligible for CRNP with prescriptive authority in PA
- Covers psychiatric disorders across the lifespan
- Core courses in physical diagnosis and pharmacology
- DNP Scholarly Project, portfolio, and clinical exam
Temple University
#3Philadelphia, PA · $23,000 – $39,000/yr
Best for: Urban-focused nurses in adult primary care
Temple's DNP in adult-gerontology primary care blends synchronous online evening classes with in-person clinical experience, making it workable for Philadelphia nurses who plan to stay employed. The 68-credit, CCNE-accredited curriculum includes 1,000 clinical hours, a faculty-mentored DNP project, and preparation for ANCC and AANP certification. With full- and part-time timelines and an explicit urban health focus, Temple suits RNs committed to primary care in diverse communities.
- 68 total credit hours; 1,000 clinical hours
- CCNE accredited
- Three-year full-time plan; part-time option
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Urban health focus
- Post-BSN and post-master's entry options
- No entrance exam required
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
#4Bloomsburg, PA · $16,000/yr
Commonwealth University, the public university formed from Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, delivers two fully online MSN NP tracks: family and adult-gerontology primary care. Asynchronous coursework, rolling admissions, and employer tuition deferment make it a practical option for working RNs, while CCNE accreditation and practicing NPs on the faculty anchor the curriculum. In-state graduate tuition is among the most affordable on this list.
- 12 courses, 50 total credits
- 980 clinical hours
- Full-time in about 2.5 years; part-time options
- Requires 3.0 GPA and one year of RN experience
- No GRE required; rolling admissions
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Employer tuition deferment available
- 41 credits, 10 courses; 770 clinical hours
- Complete in two years (five semesters)
- Asynchronous online; taught by practicing NPs
- Starts spring, summer, or fall
- Cost estimator tool available
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
Pennsylvania Western University
#5California, PA · $11,000 – $16,000/yr
Pennsylvania Western University offers an MSN in family nursing and a post-master's FNP certificate built around 49 credits and 518 clinical hours, with online coursework and possible on-campus skills workshops. The curriculum includes pediatric primary care and women's health content, and graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANPCP certification. Its public-school pricing keeps costs low for Pennsylvania residents.
- 49 semester credits; 518 clinical hours
- Potential on-campus skills workshops
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification
- Includes pediatric primary care and women's health content
- 15 core credits plus 34 advanced credits
- Post-master's certificate for nurses who hold an MSN
- 49 semester hours; 518 clinical practice hours
- Eligible for ANCC or AANPCP certification exams
- Adds advanced health assessment and pharmacology study
Pennsylvania State University
#6University Park, PA · ~$33,000/yr (est.)
Penn State pairs the reach of its World Campus with one of the state's largest NP portfolios: a graduate certificate in adult-gerontology primary care, an MSN in the same specialty, and DNP concentrations in family, psychiatric mental health, adult-gerontology primary care, and adult-gerontology acute care. More than 700 clinical partners help place students close to home, a major plus for working RNs. The university's 86.1% graduation rate and 93% retention rate reflect strong institutional support.
- 17-credit graduate certificate for MSN-prepared nurses
- Offered through University Park and World Campus
- Prepares for AGPCNP national certification
- Didactic and clinical coursework; prerequisites required
- Evidence-based practice and inter-professional leadership
- CCNE accredited master's option
- Three advanced practice options available
- Faculty advisers and research support
- International study opportunities
- Eight semesters over three years; full- or part-time
- 700+ clinical partners; placements close to home
- 3.0 GPA and three letters of recommendation
- No GRE required; military benefits accepted
- Individualized plan for MSN-prepared students
- 61 credits; 1,181 post-BSN practicum hours
- Clinical placement team supports students
- Practicum may be completed at current workplace
- Covers individual and family psychotherapy, CBT
- Substance use disorder training included
- Three-year plan of study
- Eight semesters of part-time study possible
- NLN Center of Excellence designation
- Prepared for adult-gerontology primary care practice
- Priority deadlines in March, July, and October
- Admission test optional
- Two years of acute care RN experience required
- Interview, writing sample, and professional resume required
- Rolling admissions with priority deadlines
- Individualized mentorship and guidance
- Prepares for national AGACNP certification
Thomas Jefferson University
#7Philadelphia, PA · $29,000/yr
Thomas Jefferson University's College of Nursing is one of the most specialty-diverse NP schools in Pennsylvania, with MSNs in pediatric primary care, adult-gerontology primary care, women's health, and acute care, plus post-graduate certificates and a BSN-to-DNP entry. The 45-credit MSN tracks can be completed in two to five years, giving working nurses real pacing flexibility. Nurses drawn to pediatric or women's health specialization will find rare depth here.
- 18 credits; prepares for CPNP-PC exam
- For nurses with an MSN or doctoral degree
- Family-centered, evidence-based curriculum
- Aligned with Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- 18-credit post-graduate certificate
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB FNP exams
- Covers care across the lifespan
- Portfolio review option for admission
- Credit for prior experience may apply
- 36-credit post-graduate certificate
- Training in substance use disorder care
- Clinical opportunities across the lifespan
- Eligible for ANCC PMHNP-BC exam
- Emphasizes integrated healthcare settings
- 18-credit certificate for master's-prepared nurses
- Prepares graduates for AGPCNP certification
- Focus on outpatient primary care for adults
- Emphasizes quality, safety, and population health
- Gap analysis available for prior coursework
- 45-credit MSN; complete in 2 to 5 years
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Pediatric primary care focus
- Two certification options available
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Careers in primary care and related specialties
- Two to five year completion window
- Focus on women's health across the lifespan
- Prepares for NCC certification
- Culturally responsive care training
- Hospital and clinic practice settings
- Focus on high-acuity care
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Designed for fast-paced acute care settings
- BSN to DNP direct entry; MSN awarded mid-program
- Seven concentration options available
- Complete in 4 to 6 years
- Outcomes aligned with AACN Essentials
Saint Francis University
#8Loretto, PA · $24,000/yr (net price)
Saint Francis University, a small Catholic university in western Pennsylvania, offers a focused post-master's FNP certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. Courses run in short 7 to 15 week segments with rolling admissions, up to nine credits may transfer, and the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. No GRE is required, which removes a common barrier for experienced RNs.
- No GRE or GMAT required
- Courses run 7 to 15 weeks; rolling admissions
- Transfer up to nine credits
- Approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Prepares for FNP national certification exams
- Requires 3.0 GPA, RN license, and nursing experience
Messiah University
#9Mechanicsburg, PA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Messiah University's DNP with a family nurse practitioner concentration is built for BSN-prepared nurses who want a direct route to FNP practice, with 82 credits, 1,215 clinical hours, and a reported 100% licensure pass rate. The largely online curriculum includes two on-campus summer sessions and integrates a Christian faith perspective. No application fee, no-fee tuition, transfer credits, and deferred billing for employer reimbursement keep the logistics simple.
- 82 credits; about $84,280 total tuition
- $980 per credit; no additional fees
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- 1,215 clinical hours
- Complete in as little as three years
- Christian faith perspective integrated
- Transfer credits accepted up to 18
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
#10Millersville, PA · $11,000 – $23,000/yr
Millersville University's MSN in family nursing is one of the most Pennsylvania-centric options on this list: the online track runs 43 credits at about $27,219 total, and admission requires an active Pennsylvania RN license plus two years of clinical experience. The program is NLN CNEA accredited and prepares graduates for ANCC or AANP certification and Pennsylvania licensure. Applicants outside Pennsylvania should confirm state authorization, since some Millersville online offerings are limited to state residents and nearby states.
- Online option: 43 credits; about $27,219 total tuition
- Around $633 per credit hour for online study
- Requires two years of clinical nursing experience
- Pennsylvania RN licensure required for admission
- NLN CNEA accredited
- Online path completes in about 20 months
- 8-week courses; multiple start dates
- Prepares for ANCC FNP-BC or AANPCB NP-C exam
Holy Family University
#11Philadelphia, PA · $13,000/yr (net price)
Holy Family University's DNP with an FNP concentration uses a cohort-based hybrid format, with entry tracks for both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. The scholarly DNP project can often be completed at your own workplace, and the university's net price is among the lowest in this listing, a meaningful plus for Philadelphia-area nurses weighing cost. Simulation-based learning and a supportive cohort model keep students connected throughout.
- Cohort-based structure
- BSN to DNP path in as few as four years
- Post-APRN path in as few as two years
- Scholarly project can be done at your workplace
- Eligible for FNP certification exam
- Hands-on simulation activities
Cedar Crest College
#12Allentown, PA · $19,000/yr
Cedar Crest College concentrates its NP offerings on adult-gerontology acute care, with a DNP and a BSN-to-DNP pathway for RNs headed into hospitals, trauma centers, and ICUs. The program combines asynchronous online coursework with a two-day on-campus immersion and a multimillion-dollar simulation center, and a dedicated placement team secures clinical sites. No prior clinical experience is required, though one year is preferred.
- CCNE accredited; starts fall, spring, or summer
- Dedicated clinical placement support
- 728 clinical hours; capstone project
- No prior clinical experience required
- Multimillion-dollar simulation center
- Built-in board exam preparation
- Dual accreditation by CCNE and ACEN
- Asynchronous online coursework
- 2-day on-campus immersion experience
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Rolling admissions; flexible entry
Immaculata University
#13Immaculata, PA · $24,000/yr
Immaculata University's 44-credit MSN in family nursing fits working RNs, with part-time completion in about 2.5 years, $730 per credit tuition, and no GRE requirement. A post-master's FNP certificate gives MSN-prepared nurses an accelerated route to Pennsylvania CRNP eligibility through transcript gap analysis. Fourteen-week courses and synchronous or asynchronous scheduling keep the workload manageable.
- 44-credit MSN; about 2.5 years part-time
- $730 per credit; 825 clinical hours
- No GRE required
- Fall semester start; 14-week course format
- Synchronous and asynchronous course options
- Requires BSN and current RN license
- CCNE accredited; prepares for FNP certification
- Post-master's certificate; as little as one year
- $710 per credit; 11 to 35 credits based on gap analysis
- Prepares for CRNP licensure in Pennsylvania
- Late afternoon course meetings
- Requires MSN with 3.0 GPA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango
#14Sharon, PA · $14,000 – $24,000/yr
Penn State Shenango brings the Penn State MSN in family nursing to northwestern Pennsylvania through a hybrid format pairing videoconferencing with local clinical placements. Full-time students can finish in four semesters, and the program is designed to address rural primary care needs in the region. Graduates are eligible for national certification and Pennsylvania licensure.
- Clinical experiences at local facilities
- Four semesters full-time; part-time available
- Eligible for national certification and state licensure
- Designed to address rural Pennsylvania primary care needs
- Requires a BSN for admission
- Videoconferencing and online coursework
York College of Pennsylvania
#15York, PA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
York College of Pennsylvania's online MSN in family nursing is a streamlined 47-credit pathway that can finish in as little as two years, with rolling admissions and fall, spring, or summer starts. RNs need a BSN, one year of clinical experience, and prerequisites in statistics, physical assessment, and nursing research. The college also offers an online post-master's certificate in adult-gerontology primary care for nurses expanding their scope.
- 47-credit MSN; complete in as little as two years
- Six semesters minimum
- Requires one year of clinical experience
- Prerequisites: statistics, physical assessment, nursing research
- Rolling admissions; fall, spring, summer starts
- CCNE accredited; eligible for ANCC or AANP exams
- 7 or 15 week course terms
- 23-credit post-master's certificate
- 784 clinical hours
- Individualized curriculum through gap analysis
- Three-semester course sequence
- Requires master's degree in nursing
- Prepares for AGPCNP professional certification
Lowest-Cost Online FNP Programs in Pennsylvania
If you are searching for the cheapest FNP program in Pennsylvania, comparing sticker price to estimated net cost can reveal significant savings. The table below ranks the three most affordable online FNP programs in the state by net price. Keep in mind that the net price shown is an institution-level average after financial aid and may vary for each student based on individual aid packages, enrollment status, and other factors. Figures are drawn from U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard, 2024).
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Family University | $15,900 | $15,900 | $13,143 |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | $12,140 | $17,000 | $15,699 |
| Penn State Shenango | $22,614 | $30,518 | $18,095 |
How Long Online FNP Programs Take: Full-Time Vs. Part-Time Timelines
Choosing between full-time and part-time nursing programs is one of the most consequential decisions you will make when selecting an online FNP program in Pennsylvania, and understanding the real-world range helps you plan around work, family, and clinical scheduling.
Typical MSN-FNP Timelines
Most online MSN programs in Pennsylvania with FNP tracks can be completed in roughly two to three years, though exact timelines vary by school and enrollment pace. Wilkes University reports an average completion time of about 2.3 years for its online MSN-FNP.4 Carlow University lists an average of 2.5 years for its 49-credit program.2 Drexel University requires 56 quarter credits and 720 clinical hours for its online MSN-FNP.1 Schools that offer both full-time and part-time options typically add a year or more for part-time students, pushing total time toward four years.
DNP programs in Pennsylvania with FNP tracks run longer still, often requiring four years full-time and up to five years part-time, depending on the program and whether you enter with a BSN or an MSN.
Why Clinical Hours Shape the Calendar
Credit hours alone do not determine your timeline. Every FNP student must complete a minimum of 500 direct patient care hours, and many Pennsylvania programs require well beyond that. Carlow requires 760 clinical hours3. These hours are typically scheduled alongside coursework in the final semesters or quarters, which means you cannot simply accelerate through didactic classes and finish early. Clinical site availability in your region can also extend your timeline.
A Note for Working RNs
Most students in these programs are working registered nurses, and part-time enrollment remains the more common choice. Before committing, confirm whether your employer offers scheduling flexibility for clinical rotations, because even the best-designed part-time track stalls if you cannot secure time away from your regular shifts.
FNP Board Certification Pass Rates at Pennsylvania Programs
A low tuition rate or a flexible online format means little if graduates reach the certification exam without the preparation to pass it on the first attempt. For Pennsylvania nurse practitioner students, board pass rates are one of the clearest early indicators of whether a program will convert semesters of work into a license, and a retake can push employment back by weeks or months.
Why Pass Rates Should Shape Your Shortlist
Pass rates reflect more than test-taking ability. They indicate whether clinical placements, coursework, and faculty feedback match the expectations of the ANCC FNP exam. A program with consistent pass rates reduces the risk that you finish your degree, then stall at the final licensure step.
AANP and ANCC: Different Exams, Same Pennsylvania License
Family nurse practitioners can certify through AANP or ANCC. The AANP and ANCC NP certification exams assess similar entry-level FNP competencies but differ in structure and emphasis, so students often choose the route that aligns with their program's clinical focus. For Pennsylvania APRN licensure, either certification satisfies the board requirement.
What the Current Numbers Show
National first-time pass rates remain in the low-to-mid 80s. AANP reported an 81% first-time pass rate in 2025. ANCC's most recent generally cited figure was 83% in 2024, and a 2025 ANCC figure of 82% appears in secondary sources but is less directly verifiable. Pennsylvania-specific reporting is uneven. Saint Joseph's University reports a 100% FNP certification pass rate.2 The reporting year and first-time vs overall breakdown are not published on the page. Most other Pennsylvania programs do not offer a comparable public pass-rate figure. Treat the national averages as a baseline, and request each program's most recent outcomes report before committing.
NP Specializations You Can Earn Online From Pennsylvania Schools
Which nurse practitioner specialty can you actually complete online from Pennsylvania schools, and how do you choose among family, adult-gerontology, acute care, and pediatric tracks?
The strongest online representation is family nurse practitioner (FNP), followed by adult-gerontology primary and acute care, with one dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner program in Pennsylvania. FNP is the most versatile choice because it prepares you to care for patients from childhood through older adulthood, and it appears at both the MSN and DNP level at public and private schools across the state.
Specialty tracks in Pennsylvania's online NP listings
- FNP (MSN or DNP): Commonwealth University, PennWest, Millersville, Immaculata, and York offer MSN-level family tracks online or hybrid. Pitt, Messiah, and Holy Family offer DNP-level FNP programs. Choose MSN for faster entry into primary care; choose DNP if you want added leadership and systems-level project work.
- Adult-gerontology primary care: Temple’s DNP and Penn State’s graduate certificate target adults and older adults with chronic conditions in outpatient settings.
- Adult-gerontology acute care: Penn’s certificate and Cedar Crest’s DNP prepare nurses for hospital-based roles managing acutely ill adults.
- Pediatric primary care: Thomas Jefferson’s certificate focuses on infants, children, and adolescents for nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP.
What is thinner in this list
No PMHNP, women's health, or neonatal concentration appears in the current Pennsylvania online program list, even though PMHNP demand is growing nationally. If behavioral health is your goal, compare psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania and confirm directly with schools you are considering rather than assuming the track is offered.
What NP Graduates Earn and Owe: Program-Level Earnings, Debt, and ROI
Program-level earnings and debt figures are not yet available for most Pennsylvania NP programs, so a direct school-by-school comparison of post-graduation income and loan balances cannot be charted at this time. What we can confirm is the broader earnings picture: the statewide median wage for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania reached $130,140 as of 2025, with top-paying metros such as Philadelphia ($135,700) and Reading ($135,390) pushing well above that mark. When evaluating ROI, keep in mind that tuition at Pennsylvania's public NP programs can run roughly half the cost of private options, meaning graduates from lower-cost programs may recoup their investment significantly faster even though starting salaries are comparable across the state.
Clinical Placement Support: Which PA Programs Help You Secure Sites
Some online nurse practitioner schools in Pennsylvania treat clinical placement as a service; others treat it as a student responsibility. The difference can shape your entire enrollment experience, so confirm the model before you apply.
Programs That Provide Placement Support
Wilkes University is the clearest example of a supported model. Its placement team searches within a 125-mile radius2, prioritizes unpaid preceptor opportunities, handles documentation and affiliation agreements, and assigns each student a dedicated coordinator.1 The service is described as included in tuition3, but the university frames it as a collaborative process: you provide referrals, complete an intake form1, and stay in communication. It is strong support, not an unconditional guarantee.
Programs That Require Self-Placement
Drexel University uses a self-placement model for all NP tracks.4 Students find and coordinate their own sites and preceptors, then obtain departmental approval. Site availability varies by state, and travel may be necessary.4 Drexel provides resources, but it does not place students.4
What to Confirm Before Enrolling
Duquesne University's model is not clearly stated in public materials5, though its MSN-FNP requires 670 clinical hours, two campus visits6, a Student Clinical Information Form7, and 1:1 preceptor oversight.8 University of Pittsburgh and Carlow University have not published clear placement policies publicly. Clinical hour requirements vary by program and track, including fast-track DNP programs, and geography can affect where sites are available. Before enrolling, ask whether placement is guaranteed, assisted, or self-secured. Also ask about site availability in your region and any travel expectations before you commit. This is often the biggest logistical hurdle for online NP students.
What You Need to Get In: Admissions Requirements for PA NP Programs
Pennsylvania NP programs share a core set of admissions expectations, but the details vary enough that you should review each school's requirements carefully before applying.
- BSN from an Accredited ProgramEvery MSN-FNP program requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution. Programs at Drexel, Duquesne, and Wilkes all list this as a baseline requirement.
- Active, Unencumbered RN LicenseYou will need a current RN license in good standing. Applicants with any disciplinary history on their license may face additional review, Wilkes, for example, routes those cases to a special committee.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is the standard minimum across most Pennsylvania NP programs, including Drexel, Duquesne, and Wilkes. Some schools evaluate applications individually and treat this as a guideline rather than a hard cutoff.
- Clinical RN ExperienceRequirements here vary. Duquesne requires at least one year of full-time RN work before you begin clinical or specialty courses. Wilkes expects one year of clinical experience by the time NP clinicals start. Drexel lists one to two years of med-surg nursing experience as preferred but not mandatory. Some programs will accept newer BSN graduates.
- GRE Scores, Often WaivedMost Pennsylvania NP programs have moved away from requiring the GRE. Drexel explicitly lists standardized testing as not required, and neither Duquesne nor Wilkes appears to require GRE scores for MSN-FNP admission.
- Letters of Recommendation and Goal StatementExpect to submit professional references and a personal statement outlining your career goals and reasons for pursuing NP education. An interview may also be part of the process at some schools.
- Prerequisite CourseworkCertain programs require specific undergraduate courses. Duquesne, for instance, requires an undergraduate statistics course completed with a grade of C or higher. Health assessment and pathophysiology may also appear as prerequisites depending on the program.
- Additional Requirements for DNP TracksIf you are entering a post-master's DNP program, expect additional criteria. Drexel's DNP requires a master's degree in nursing or a health-related field plus documentation of at least 400 precepted clinical hours from graduate study. Wilkes requires an MSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and verification of clinical hours from your prior nursing program, along with an APRN license if applicable.
Pennsylvania's NP Workforce Demand and Career Outlook
Pennsylvania nurse practitioners command strong six-figure salaries, yet nearly 680,000 residents still live in federally designated primary care shortage areas, a gap that is most acute in the state's rural counties.
More Online NP Programs in Pennsylvania Worth Exploring
Beyond the ranked programs above, these additional Pennsylvania schools offer online and hybrid NP options worth exploring. Use this directory to compare concentrations, formats, and locations as you build your shortlist.
Philadelphia Area
- Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
- MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN: Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Dual Option Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Option)
- MSN: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan with Emergency Specialization (Emergency Nurse Practitioner)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP)
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Lehigh Valley
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP Track Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Northeastern Pennsylvania
- Online MSN-FNP
- Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
- Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
- Online Post-Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate – Psychiatric/Mental Health
Central Pennsylvania
- Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Practitioner (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Greater Pittsburgh
- Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate Programs
- Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate Programs (Children)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate Programs (Families)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate Programs (Substance Abuse)