Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

There are various duties that could be assigned to a registered nurse, or RN, depending on where they choose to work, however the role is limited to 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 BSN - or Bachelor of Science in Nursing - degree, available from many universities in the state.

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 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."

Featured Online School

Since 1973, the Pennsylvania State College of Nursing has been helping RNs complete their BSN degree. Offered through the university, its community college partners throughout the state, and also offered entirely online, the program is a robust and rigorous way for RNs to complete the first leg of their university experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE - also known as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education - and open to all nurses who have a valid US RN licensure and a competitive admissions package.

Admissions and Program Length

Millersville University offers nurses to access 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 College in Pittsburgh offers tuition at about $26,000 per year for in-state students who do not require housing or food on campus. With the addition of about $2,000 in books and fees, students are looking at about $42,000 for the 3-semester full-time program.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Nurses can attain their BSN more easily than ever and still the demand for BSN nurses keeps growing. With this type of demand vs supply, it makes sense that hospitals, doctors and clinics reward those who decide to further their education by boosting their pay. ADN nurses are great bedside caregivers, but with the addition of a degree, nurses might find themselves more often eligible for roles like emergency room RN, family nurse, or a home care nurse, amongst 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, we can make an educated guess that Pennsylvania BSN nurses earn more. The lowest salary bracket is about $47,000 and likely applies to entry level and those with ADN qualifications. 50% of nurses make about $66,000 per year, and the top 10% of nurses (likely those with an Master's of Science in Nursing or doctorate) make almost $100,000. That's a big difference in annual income for finishing your degree!

RN to BSN Programs

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 'pay off' in the end can be significant. Salaries for BSN nurses in Pennsylvania are around $90,000 per year.