What Pennsylvania Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Holy Family University’s Second Degree BSN Daytime 14-Month program offers college graduates a fast-track route to registered nursing. This full-time, campus-based option emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, culturally sensitive care, and leadership. Students benefit from rolling admissions with three start dates—fall, spring, and summer—and a cohort model that fosters collaboration. Prerequisites and a 3.0 GPA are required, along with one letter of recommendation. The program is ranked #1 accelerated BSN in Pennsylvania for 2026 and builds on a 50-year legacy of nursing excellence. No ACT or SAT is needed for this bachelor’s-level track. Clinical experiences at leading hospitals prepare graduates for careers in acute care, public health, and specialty areas such as ICU, ER, and pediatrics.

• 14-Month program
• Rolling admissions
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• 50 years of nursing excellence
• Career paths: acute care, public health, specialty areas

Holy Family University’s Second Degree BSN Evenings + Weekends 22-Month program is designed for working professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. This part-time, campus-based option in Northeast Philadelphia spans 59 credit hours, with evening and weekend classes, labs, and clinicals—perfect for balancing career and study. Rolling admissions offer two start dates per year (spring and fall), and applicants need a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and one letter of recommendation. The program is known for strong cohort camaraderie and supportive faculty, preparing graduates for the NCLEX and roles in acute care, public health, and specialty nursing. Ranked #1 accelerated BSN in Pennsylvania for 2026, it also includes a loan repayment option. SAT/ACT scores are not required for this bachelor’s-level program.

• 22-Month program
• 59 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Part-time available
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts spring/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers an Accelerated 1+2+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway for students from AHN, BC3, and CCBC. This hybrid program blends foundational science and nursing coursework with clinical decision-making, leadership, and community health training. Students learn from experienced faculty clinicians and gain skills for roles in critical care, pediatrics, oncology, or public health nursing. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based, compassionate care and prepares graduates for graduate study as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, or Nurse Educators. Admission requires a 3.6 GPA and prerequisite courses; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is specified. The accelerated structure allows students to enter the nursing workforce sooner in a flexible, cost-effective format.

• 3.6 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• 1+2+1 pathway
• For students from AHN, BC3, CCBC
• Strong foundation in science and nursing
• Develops critical thinking skills
• Compassionate, evidence-based care
• Start nursing career sooner
• Accessible, flexible, cost-effective
• Efficient path to BSN

Thomas Jefferson University's Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) is a 12-month, full-time campus program for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The 60-credit curriculum combines rigorous theory with hands-on clinical practice at Jefferson Health Hospitals and advanced simulation labs, building strong clinical reasoning skills. Students earn nine graduate credits alongside their BSN, jumpstarting a master's or doctoral path. An optional global capstone at Gemelli Hospital in Rome expands cross-cultural nursing perspectives. Graduates receive guaranteed admission to any MSN or DNP specialty (excluding Nurse Anesthesia) for two years post-completion, pending a minimum GPA. Classes are available at Center City Philadelphia and Horsham campuses. This fast-paced pathway prepares you for NCLEX success and advanced nursing education.

• 12-Month program
• 60 total credit hours
• Full-time enrollment
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Includes 9 graduate credits
• Guaranteed MSN/DNP admission
• Global clinical capstone opportunity
• Simulation-based clinical training
• Center City and Horsham campuses

For students with a bachelor's degree in another discipline, Thomas Jefferson University offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) with a dedicated Midwifery concentration. This full-time, on-campus pathway not only awards a BSN but also nine graduate credits, ensuring admission to the MS in Midwifery program. The curriculum integrates nursing fundamentals with midwifery coursework, emphasizing holistic, woman-centered care, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional teamwork. Clinical experiences occur at Jefferson Health hospitals and a state-of-the-art simulation center, while an optional global capstone at Gemelli Hospital in Rome provides international exposure. Offered at Center City Philadelphia and Dixon campus locations, the program prepares graduates for both the NCLEX and the Certified Nurse-Midwife credential, positioning them for careers in midwifery practice.

• 12-Month program
• Complete in 1 Year
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Earn 9 graduate credits
• Guaranteed admission to MSN/DNP
• Global clinical capstone experience
• On Campus at Center City or Dixon
• Simulated-patient environment
• Intensive full-time study

Misericordia University offers an Accelerated BSN designed for career changers and recent graduates seeking a fast path to nursing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on simulation labs and clinical experiences at leading hospitals. Students can complete the CCNE-accredited curriculum in just 16 months, earning 54 credits. The program features three start dates annually and no waitlist, allowing flexible entry. Notably, no entrance exam (ACT/SAT) is required for admission, streamlining the application process. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue registered nursing roles across diverse healthcare settings. Based near Pittsburgh, this program emphasizes compassionate, competent care within a supportive learning environment.

• CCNE accredited
• 16-Month program
• 54 total credit hours
• Full-time enrollment
• 3 start dates per year
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Hybrid online and onsite format
• Clinical rotations at top hospitals
• No current waitlist
• Designed for career changers

Villanova University's Second Degree Accelerated BSN is designed for college graduates with a bachelor's degree in another field who are seeking a nursing career. The program offers two paths: a 14-month Express Track or a 23-month Flex Track, accommodating different schedules. The curriculum integrates nursing science with clinical simulation, hands-on learning, and research collaboration with expert faculty. Students benefit from a close-knit cohort model that fosters a supportive community. Graduates are prepared for top healthcare roles, with alumni employed at leading hospitals such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Villanova is a Roman Catholic, military-friendly institution. Virtual information sessions and simulation center tours are available for prospective students. Financial aid and part-time options are also offered.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 2 concentration options
• Complete in 14-Month Express Track or a 23-Month Flex Track
• Full-time and part-time options
• Financial aid available
• Application fee waiver code for attendees
• On-campus simulation center tours available
• Class cohesiveness and unique support system
• Collaboration with faculty on research projects
• Approved by Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

The Accelerated Second-Degree BSN at the University of Pittsburgh is a full-time, in-person program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. You can earn your BSN in one year across three consecutive semesters, completing 810 clinical hours in adult, psychiatric, maternal-child, pediatric, and community health settings. Coursework includes pharmacology, nutrition, ethics, informatics, and research. No ACT or SAT is required for admission. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and includes a three-day review course. A guaranteed Conway scholarship supports students, and the curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate nursing education, including advanced practice or leadership roles.

• 1-Year program
• Complete in one year
• 122 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 810 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Scholarships available
• NCLEX-RN preparation process

Wilkes University's hybrid Accelerated BSN is a CCNE-accredited program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. This 15-month track consists of 11 courses and 48 credit hours, combining online coursework with a two-week on-campus residency and clinical placements in Northeastern Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley. The curriculum emphasizes physical assessment, pharmacology, healthcare technology, and clinical decision-making across medical, surgical, and mental health settings. With partnerships at Geisinger and LVHN, students gain hands-on experience in a simulation center and real-world facilities. Because applicants possess a prior degree, no SAT or ACT is required for admission. Wilkes boasts a 92.7% NCLEX pass rate and ranks #3 in Pennsylvania, preparing graduates for roles in critical care, emergency, or community health nursing.

• CCNE accredited
• 15-Month program
• 48 total credit hours
• 11 total courses
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 0 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• 92.7% NCLEX pass rate

King's College offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Hybrid program tailored for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This intensive 12-month, 48-credit program blends online coursework with on-campus learning and hands-on clinical experiences, utilizing advanced simulation labs. The curriculum covers adult health, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and leadership, emphasizing critical thinking and clinical judgment. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and registered nursing careers. The program is CCNE-accredited and military-friendly. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite sciences; no SAT or ACT is needed. Scholarships, including the Appleseed Scholarship for Northeastern Pennsylvania service, are available. With strong job growth projected, this accelerated track provides a fast path to a rewarding nursing career.

• CCNE accredited
• 12-Month program
• 48 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• 12-month accelerated format
• 48 credits of nursing coursework

Carlow University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN is tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to fast-track into nursing. This 15-month hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus learning in Pittsburgh's medical district, where students engage in simulation lab practice and clinical rotations at nearby healthcare facilities. The CCNE-accredited curriculum covers nursing theory, support courses, and NCLEX preparation, totaling 95 credit hours. Rolling admissions, a fall start, and a 2.9 GPA minimum make entry accessible, with prerequisites required. A part-time option and waived application fee add flexibility. High NCLEX pass rates prepare graduates for entry-level nursing roles and nurse residency programs.

• CCNE accredited
• 15-Month program
• 95 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Starts fall
• 2.9 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• $0 application fee
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• 15-month accelerated format

Drexel University's Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) BSN is an intensive 11-month, campus-based pathway for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to transition into nursing. The curriculum focuses on nursing science, technology, and critical thinking, with hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs in the Health Sciences Building. Graduates are prepared for RN roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and insurance companies. The program holds CCNE accreditation and reports a 97.6% NCLEX pass rate. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses, but no ACT or SAT entrance exam is required. Rolling admissions allow fall and spring starts, with four consecutive 10-week terms. Total tuition is $54,912, and federal loans and scholarships are available. This accelerated format is among the shortest BSN options in the nation.

• CCNE accredited
• $54,912 total program tuition
• 11-Month program
• Rolling admissions
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 97% licensure pass rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX