Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Pennsylvania

Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
Last Updated On Oct 8, 2024
Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
12 Min Read
Pennsylvania

Are you a nurse based in the Keystone State looking to take your career to the next level? You may want to consider becoming a nurse practitioner! Nurse practitioners are highly specialized healthcare professionals who are responsible for prescribing medication, diagnosing medical conditions, and providing specialized care at a much more comprehensive level than a registered nurse. This guide serves to teach students and nurses about how to become a nurse practitioner and what types of nurse practitioner programs are available in Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and everywhere in between. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania highlights the top programs in the state for aspiring nurse practitioners. The rankings evaluate key factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For a detailed overview of how the rankings are determined, please visit the methodology page.

1.

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University's nurse practitioner programs are highly regarded for their innovative curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are prepared to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. The programs also emphasize the importance of cultural competency and social justice in nursing practice, reflecting the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN ProgramsPhD Programs
2.

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA

La Salle University's nurse practitioner programs are highly sought after for their rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experience. The programs are rooted in the university's core values of holistic care, social justice, and ethical leadership. This philosophy is reflected in the emphasis on providing culturally competent and compassionate care to diverse populations. Graduates of La Salle's nurse practitioner programs are well-equipped to make a positive impact in the healthcare field.

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
3.

Millersville University

Millersville, PA

Millersville University's nurse practitioner programs offer cutting-edge education in advanced nursing practice, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and patient-centered approaches. The program's philosophy centers around preparing nurse practitioners to become leaders in healthcare, promoting health equity and social justice, and utilizing innovative technology to improve patient outcomes. With a focus on interprofessional collaboration and clinical excellence, Millersville University's nurse practitioner programs provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their future careers.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

You may think that because the jump from the role of a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner is a significant difference, you will be required to invest many years and a small fortune to become a nurse practitioner. But the truth is you can find many cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs throughout Pennsylvania, many of which offer a variety of focus areas and specialized curricula.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The two main degrees that nurse practitioners can choose from are a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which takes between two and four years, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which can take upwards of eight years. Therefore, the obvious choice for students looking to enroll and graduate as quickly as possible is an MSN. Still, some MSN degree programs are faster than others, especially if you’ve already graduated from a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Here are a few of the fastest ones in Pennsylvania:

NP ProgramLengthOnline/Campus
University of Pennsylvania1 YearOnline
Penn State University2 YearsOnline
Saint Joseph’s University2 YearsHybrid

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Yes, going back to school can require spending a lot of money, but believe it or not, you can still find plenty of affordable nurse practitioner degree programs in Pennsylvania. Below are a few of the most affordable nurse practitioner programs in the state, keep in mind you may actually be paying less (or more) depending on your residency status and the size of the program itself.

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania$16,000 – $41,00050
West Chester University$25,000 – $30,00040
Holy Family University$25,000 – $30,00033

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Nurse practitioner specialties are a big draw for students looking to start this incredible career. Through specialized nurse practitioner degree programs, you can get certified in a practice area that interests you. These types of programs are offered at both the MSN and DNP levels. Below are just a few examples that you can find in Pennsylvania:

School NameNP SpecialtyCredits Required
University of PennsylvaniaPediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner50
West Chester UniversityNurse Educator40
Saint Joseph’s UniversityAdult/Gerontology Acute Care52

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSNs may be one of the more common routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but they are far from the only route. Depending on your credentials, licensure, and previous education, you may be able to graduate even faster and for less money than if you had enrolled in an MSN program. Here are the various types of NP programs available to you in Pennsylvania.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

For just two to four years of full-time study, you can enroll in and graduate from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Because of their short length and their cost, this is a very popular option for nurses. Here are a few you can find in Pennsylvania:

RN to NP Programs

Nurses who already have spent some time as an RN, have their nursing license, and have graduated from either an ADN or ASN program may be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner through an RN to NP program (also called an ADN/ASN to MSN program). This will allow you to complete your MSN program in a much shorter amount of time. You can find these types of programs located at the following Pennsylvania schools:

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re okay with investing a little more time into your education, you may want to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. DNP programs take between 6 and 8 years to complete and result in some of the highest paying career options in the medical field. You can find these types of programs offered at these schools in Pennsylvania:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-master's nursing certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you’ve just decided to enter the medical field for the first time, but you’e already completed a different degree program, you may be interested in this type of accelerated program. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few examples in Pennsylvania:

General Admissions Requirements

Not all nurse practitioner programs will have the same admissions requirements, however in general, the following should get your foot in the door:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Pennsylvania NP License and Certification Requirements

The following are the two main requirements for becoming a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania:

  • Active RN License: Candidates must possess a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
  • Completion of an NP Program: Applicants must graduate from a nurse practitioner program accredited by a recognized nursing education body. These programs typically cover advanced clinical skills and coursework tailored to a specific specialty.

Once these primary qualifications are met, applicants must gather and submit all necessary documentation, including evidence of their RN licensure, proof of graduation from an accredited NP program, and details of their clinical practice hours. Additionally, applicants will need to complete the official licensure application form and pay an application fee, which is generally around $140. Detailed instructions on the licensing process can be accessed via the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website.

In Pennsylvania, NPs must also obtain national certification in their area of specialization. This can be done through various certification bodies, with one of the most common being the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification programs usually require applicants to have a graduate-level education in nursing, hold an active RN license, and pass an exam specific to their specialty.

As of 2024, Pennsylvania operates under a reduced practice model for nurse practitioners, meaning NPs are required to enter into collaborative agreements with physicians for certain aspects of patient care, such as prescribing medications. This collaborative approach ensures a level of physician oversight while still allowing NPs to practice autonomously in many areas. Nurse practitioners seeking further support and resources can turn to professional organizations like the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP), which advocates for NP practice and offers continuing education, networking opportunities, and legislative updates.

List of NP Programs in Pennsylvania

Aston, PA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 01901
(610) 459-0905

Bethlehem, PA

MSN Programs
Department of Nursing
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660

Center Valley, PA

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
Division of Nursing
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838

Clarion, PA

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
909 E Wood St.
Clarion, PA 16214
(800) 672-7171

Edinboro, PA

MSN Programs
219 Meadville Street
Edinboro, PA 16444
(814) 732-2000

Erie, PA

MSN Programs
109 University Square
Erie, PA 16541
(814) 871-7000

Mechanicsburg, PA

DNP Programs
One College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-2511

Millersville, PA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
P.O. Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4636

Moon Township, PA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsDNP Programs
School of Nursing
6001 University Blvd
Moon Township, PA 15108
(800) 762-0097

Philadelphia, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Scranton, PA

MSN Programs
235 Jefferson Ave
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 941-7673

York, PA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
443 Country Club Rd
York, PA 17403
(717) 846-7788

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