Best 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 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.

2020 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

As many hospitals and medical clinics push to hire BSN-educated RNs, registered nurses who hold an ADN or diploma often consider returning to school to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing. RN to BSN completion programs were created to meet this demand, offering a convenient and quick pathway to a baccalaureate degree for active RNs. For those wanting even more flexibility, online RN to BSN programs are available. To help students choose the right program, we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state of Pennsylvania below. Peruse our listings and find a great program today!

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster's Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences advanced the careers of passionate nurses in less than 2 years through its online RN to BSN program. Students enrolled in the program get the advantage of one-on-one time with instructors to facilitate engagement. The comprehensive curriculum includes courses like Nursing Leadership and Management, Research in Healthcare, Nursing in a Global Society, and much more.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• 55 total RN to BSN credits required

^#2

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University of Philadelphia offers students a blended RN to BSN program for motivated nursing students. Courses are held once a week for 8 weeks, and the program can be completed in as little as 15 months. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, nursing research, culturally sensitive care, and health assessment skills to give nurses a well-rounded baccalaureate education.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Faith-based university
• Transfer up to 75 credits from a 2-year institution and/or 90 credits from a 4-year institution

^#3

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA

Immaculata University has extensive experience education nurses - they have been at it for over 30 years and boast over 4,000 nursing grads. IU's online RN to BSN program focuses on holistic nursing care and allows students to earn credit for work and life experience in the field. With 7-8 week courses, students can complete the program in 2 years or less, and can even continue working full-time. Required coursework includes Holistic Health Assessment, Nursing Research, and others.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Transfer up to 72 credits
• Program follows a cohort model

^#4

Millersville University

Millersville, PA

Nurses looking for a flexible way to advance their education can enroll in Millersville University's online RN to BSN program pathway. The program consists of nine nursing courses for a total of 31 credits. The curriculum focuses on healthcare technology integration, legal and ethical issues, nursing research, and concepts in evidence-based practice to help nurses reach their professional goals.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Nursing advocacy opportunities available to students
• 30 lower-division credits awarded for previous nursing education

^#5

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA

Registered nurses interested in earning a BSN degree on their terms can apply to Waynesburg University's flexible online RN to BSN program. In addition to its traditional RN to BSN offering, Waynesburg also offers an accelerated second-degree BSN program for RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. In either case, students can earn their BSN degree in just 12-16 months of study. The curriculum includes 8-week courses such as Clinical Prevention and Population Health, Professional Issues in Nursing, and more.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Transfer 85 credits or more
• 33-39 credits required

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 University 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 (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and open to nurses who have valid 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 University 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 before and still the demand for BSN nurses keeps growing. With this type of demand versus our current supply, it makes sense that hospitals, doctors, and clinics reward those who decide to further their education by boosting their pay. ADN prepared nurses are great bedside caregivers, but with the addition of a bachelor's degree, nurses might find themselves more often eligible for roles like emergency room RN, family nurse, or a home care nurse, among 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, registered nurses in Pennsylvania make from $48,000 to $83,000 annually. The lowest salary bracket applies to entry level and those with ADN qualifications. The average for nurses in this region is about $66,000 per year. We can assume that BSN prepared nurses will gain closer to $66,000 and above. That's a big difference in annual income for finishing your degree!

2020 List of RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Philadelphia RN to BSN Programs
• Pittsburgh RN to BSN Programs

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