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.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing.org has carefully evaluated online RN to BSN programs across Pennsylvania to help nurses advance their education. Our expert team researched key factors like program quality, cost, flexibility, and student outcomes to create these rankings. Nurses in Pennsylvania can now easily compare top online programs that fit their career goals and personal schedules. These programs offer seamless pathways for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree while continuing to work. Our comprehensive analysis ensures nurses have access to the most reliable and competitive educational opportunities in the state. View our rankings methodology.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania's RN-to-BSN program offers a fully online, accelerated curriculum tailored for licensed registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications. With the possibility to graduate in just two semesters, the program stands out for its flexibility, accepting CLEP credits and imposing no fees for transfer credits. A CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes professional development, research, ethics, leadership, and population health, equipping nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. Admission criteria include a minimum 2.75 GPA and completion of 120 credits, with 30 from WCU. The program's asynchronous format and 7-week sessions cater to working professionals.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Complete BSN in two semesters
- 100% online asynchronous format
- No charge for transfer credits
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
- Year-round course offerings
Bachelor's - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Online Learning - Visit Website
The BSN for the Registered Nurse at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is designed for efficiency and flexibility, allowing nurses to complete their degree in as little as two semesters online. This CCNE-accredited program requires only 30 new credits from WCU, leveraging prior coursework to streamline the path to a BSN. The curriculum focuses on professional communication, research, health policy, and leadership, preparing nurses for improved patient care and broader career prospects. With no transfer credit charges and acceptance of CLEP credits, the program is accessible to many, requiring a minimum 2.75 GPA for admission.
- 100% online program
- Complete in two semesters
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- No transfer credit charges
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Asynchronous course format
- Year-round course offerings
- CLEP credits accepted
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania's RN-to-BSN program delivers a comprehensive online education for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. The program can be completed in two semesters, featuring a curriculum that covers professional communication, research, ethics, health policy, and leadership. Accredited by CCNE, it adheres to AACN baccalaureate standards, fostering critical thinking and technological skills. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, with the program offering flexibility through 7-week sessions, year-round availability, and no transfer credit fees. CLEP credits are accepted, making it a viable option for many working nurses.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- 100% online asynchronous format
- Complete in two semesters
- No transfer credit fees
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
- Year-round course availability
- Multiple nursing course options
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drexel University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without sacrificing their current work commitments. This program stands out for its accelerated 12-month completion option and the ability to transfer a significant number of credits, up to 135 quarter credits, making it a practical choice for busy nurses. The curriculum is rigorously designed to enhance evidence-based practice, leadership, and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings. Notably, the program is CCNE accredited, ensuring high-quality education standards. With an affordable tuition rate of $549 per credit and a three-year tuition lock, Drexel offers a financially viable solution for career advancement. The program's online format, supported by interactive learning technologies and experienced faculty, provides a flexible and engaging educational experience.
- Online program, no campus requirements
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Transfer up to 135 quarter credits
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- Tuition rate $549 per credit
- Flexible learning platform
- Three-year tuition lock available
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Interactive learning technologies
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA - Public 4-Year - sru.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers without sacrificing their current job commitments. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as one year through asynchronous online courses. With a focus on developing leadership and critical thinking skills, the curriculum prepares nurses for a variety of advanced roles in healthcare. The program boasts accreditation, affordable tuition, and the support of doctorally-prepared faculty, making it an excellent choice for nurses aiming for professional growth. Additionally, scholarship opportunities are available to help reduce financial barriers to education.
- Fully online asynchronous program
- Completion possible in one year
- Accredited nursing program
- 8-week course sessions
- Affordable tuition rates
- Experienced doctorally-prepared faculty
- Scholarships available
- Multiple nursing career paths
- 2.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Active RN license needed
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA - Private 4-year - francis.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Francis University's online RN-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without pausing their careers. This accelerated program can be completed in just 11 months, offering a blend of flexibility and efficiency. It stands out for its affordability at $485 per credit hour, with additional savings through a 25% tuition scholarship for healthcare employees. The program accommodates up to 98 transfer credits, including 27 general education credits for associate degree holders, facilitating a smoother transition to BSN completion. Accredited by CCNE, it also allows students to earn MSN credits at the BSN rate, providing a seamless pathway for further education. With rolling admissions and three start dates annually, it's designed to fit into busy schedules, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA for entry.
- Complete in 11 months
- Transfer up to 98 credits
- Online asynchronous courses
- $485 per credit hour
- 25% tuition scholarship available
- CCNE accredited program
- Earn MSN credits at BSN rate
- Rolling admission
- 3 program starts per year
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Immaculata University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its affordability at $465 per credit and the flexibility to transfer up to 72 credits, making it an excellent choice for nurses aiming to balance work and study. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two years or less, focusing on leadership, research, and holistic care to prepare graduates for higher-paying roles and further education in nursing. With its fully online format, students benefit from a professional learning community and the convenience of flexible scheduling, ideal for those working full-time.
- Fully online, accelerated courses
- Two years or less completion
- $465 per credit tuition
- Transfer up to 72 credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Professional learning community
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
Fast & Affordable Program Options
“Fast” and “affordable” are two common words used to describe RN to BSN programs because they are much easier to afford and faster to complete than a traditional RN to BSN program. These bridge programs work with students to receive their degree as fast as possible, working off of their existing training and knowledge.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. While BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania.
School | Degree Name | Length |
York College of Pennsylvania | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Drexel University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Pennsylvania, these programs (though rare) exist in other states. If you’re looking in other areas (other than Pennsylvania) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Pennsylvania from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Pennsylvania or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
West Chester University | Online RN to BSN | $7,716 per year (Resident) $19,290 per year (Non-Resident) |
Harrisburg Area Community College | Online RN to BSN | $8,565 per year (Resident) $10,148 per year (Non-resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited 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 accredited 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 the 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
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
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
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Learn about Pennsylvania's best accredited RN to BSN programs by looking at the listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Abington, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid course design
- Accelerated 7-week sessions
- Multiple semester options
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- Credit transfer friendly
- Evening nursing courses
- Nurse scholarship opportunities
- Large alumni network
Bethlehem, PA
Moravian University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Rolling Admission
- Start Dates Every 8 Weeks
- Transfer Up to 20 Credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Professional Leadership Focus
- Tele-health Clinical Experience
- 32 Total Course Units Required
Cresson, PA
Mount Aloysius College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- Eight-week course sessions
- Flexible start dates
- Named top nursing program
- Multiple career pathways
- Accredited nursing program
- Minimum 2.50 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
East Stroudsburg, PA
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor Pathway (B.S.)
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible degree completion
- Designed for working RNs
- 2.75 GPA admission requirement
- Current PA nursing license needed
- Supports career advancement
Elizabethtown, PA
Elizabethtown College
- Bachelor's - Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.)
Online Learning - Website
- Online nursing completion program
- Full CCNE accreditation
- Flexible pathway for RNs
- Designed for working nurses
- Accelerated degree progression
Greensburg, PA
Seton Hill University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as little as 10 months
- Online 8-week course sessions
- 33 credits awarded for RN license
- $450 per credit tuition rate
- Flexible full-time and part-time options
- Up to 90 credits can transfer
- Career-relevant nursing courses
- Multiple start dates annually
Immaculata, PA
Immaculata University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online, accelerated courses
- Two years or less completion
- $465 per credit tuition
- Transfer up to 72 credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Professional learning community
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
Loretto, PA
Saint Francis University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 11 months
- Transfer up to 98 credits
- Online asynchronous courses
- $485 per credit hour
- 25% tuition scholarship available
- CCNE accredited program
- Earn MSN credits at BSN rate
- Rolling admission
Millersville, PA
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Flexible online format.
- Designed for busy professionals.
- Requires as few as 34 credits.
- Accredited by NLN CNEA.
- Accelerated MSN path available.
- Focuses on ethics, diversity, technology.
- Prepares for advanced healthcare roles.
- Supports seamless education transition.
New Wilmington, PA
Westminster College
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-BSN completion program
- Complete in five semesters
- Multiple annual entry points
- Flexible asynchronous courses
- Minimum 125 credits required
- Experienced nurse educators
- Professional advancement focused
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online program, no campus requirements
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Transfer up to 135 quarter credits
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- Tuition rate $549 per credit
- Flexible learning platform
- Three-year tuition lock available
- Experienced nursing faculty
Holy Family University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- Up to 90 transfer credits
- One class per 8-week semester
- Prepares for graduate programs
- Multiple career path options
- Cohort learning opportunities
- Diverse nursing specialties
Saint Joseph's University
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 100% online
- 22-month program
- Accelerated learning
- Designed for working RNs
- Flexible scheduling
- Career preparation
- Leadership development
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlow University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format
- 11-16 months duration
- 120 total credits
- CCNE-accredited program
- 8 core nursing courses
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Tuition assistance opportunities
Reading, PA
Alvernia University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online asynchronous format
- Can complete in 1 year
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- Minimum 30 Alvernia credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires current RN license
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Total 123 credits required
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
- Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 33 nursing credits awarded
- 7-week accelerated classes
- Hybrid learning format
- Interactive video conferencing
- Flexible schedule for working nurses
- Diverse nursing career pathways
- Advanced healthcare perspectives
Scranton, PA
Marywood University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Fully online and hybrid program
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 100% employment rate
- Advanced clinical simulation labs
- Flexible for working nurses
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Experienced nursing faculty
University of Scranton
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) Scholars Program
Online Learning - Website
- Innovative blended learning format
- 50% tuition reduction for RNs
- Small class sizes
- Optional service-learning opportunities
- Jesuit educational values
- 38.5 validation credits
- Flexible online attendance
- Clinical requirements in healthcare system
Slippery Rock, PA
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online asynchronous program
- Completion possible in one year
- Accredited nursing program
- 8-week course sessions
- Affordable tuition rates
- Experienced doctorally-prepared faculty
- Scholarships available
- Multiple nursing career paths
University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Flexible full/part-time study
- Online and campus options
- 120 total credits required
- Two clinically-based courses
- Prepares for advanced roles
- Active RN license needed
- Multiple campus locations
- Multiple semester start dates
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total credit program
- Online flexible format
- 45 total clinical hours
- $632-$678 per credit
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- Accelerated 7-week course options
- Optional nursing certificates available
- No on-campus requirements
West Chester, PA
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Bachelor's - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Complete in two semesters
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- No transfer credit charges
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Asynchronous course format
- Year-round course offerings
- CLEP credits accepted
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Complete BSN in two semesters
- 100% online asynchronous format
- No charge for transfer credits
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- 100% online asynchronous format
- Complete in two semesters
- No transfer credit fees
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
Wilkes-Barre, PA
King's College
- Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- Part-time online RN to BSN
- 35 advanced placement credits
- 120 total credits required
- Focuses on leadership, global health
- Meets AACN educational standards
- Supports career advancement
- Flexible course scheduling
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
Williamsport, PA
Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to B.S.N., Completion
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Designed for Working Nurses
- Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
- Accredited by ACEN
- Transfer-Friendly Credits
- Same Rigor as On-Campus
- In-State Tuition for All
- Master's/Doctoral Prepared Faculty
York, PA
York College of Pennsylvania
- Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month completion option
- 56 transfer credits granted
- Designed for working RNs
- Career advancement pathway
- Leadership skills development