Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Philadelphia, PA

Some vocations are more difficult to enter than others. In order to attract career changers, two-year colleges in Philadelphia, PA are offering fuss-free enrollment. Area colleges are enticing career changers and others to nursing by making it easy to apply to their Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

ADN Programs

Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are popular entry points for nurses. Within reach of most high school graduates, ADN programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can be completed in two years. ADN programs educate students to test for the NCLEX. The Community College of Philadelphia, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. Using state of the art medical equipment and technology, it prepares students to pass the NCLEX exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

With so many different ways to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Philadelphia, PA, working RNs are likely to find the program and format that works best for them. Jefferson College of Nursing, a premier academic healthcare center, offers both accelerated and traditional BSN paths for those with some college, no college, and a non-nursing bachelor degree. All programs are offered in an accelerated format; even the traditional BSN path can be completed in 2 years.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Accelerated BSN Programs

Philadelphia RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 PhiladelphiaPennsylvania
NCLEX-RN Students Total3,0488,441
NCLEX-RN Students Passed2,7057,450
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate88.7%88.3%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Philadelphia

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Philadelphia based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Pennsylvania out of 77 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Drexel University - #10
  • Eastern University - #17
  • University of Pennsylvania - #11
  • Villanova University - #12
  • West Chester University - #8
SchoolContact Information

Bucks County Community College

275 Swamp Rd
Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 968-8000

Cabrini University

610 King of Prussia Rd.
Strafford, PA 19087
(610) 902-8100

Community College of Philadelphia

1700 Spring Garden St
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 751-8000

Delaware County Community College

901 Media Line Rd
Media, PA 19063
(610) 359-5000

Drexel University

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Pennsylvania Program: #10 of 77
1601 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 895-2000

Eastern University

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Pennsylvania Program: #17 of 77
1300 Eagle Rd
St. Davids, PA 19087
(610) 341-5800

Gwynedd Mercy University

1325 Sumneytown Pike
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
(215) 646-7300

Harcum College

750 Montgomery Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 525-4100

Holy Family University

9801 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 637-7700

Immaculata University

1145 W. King Rd
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400

La Salle University

1900 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1000

Montgomery County Community College

340 DeKalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(215) 641-6300

Neumann University

1 Neumann Dr
Aston, PA 19014
(610) 558-5616

Roxborough Memorial Hospital

5800 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 487-4344

Temple University

1801 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 707-4687

Thomas Jefferson University

111 S 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890

University of Pennsylvania

418 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-8283

Villanova University

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Pennsylvania Program: #12 of 77
800 E. Lancaster Ave
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4500

West Chester University

700 South High St
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-2219

Widener University

1 University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 499-4212

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Philadelphia, PA

For most lines of work, getting ahead in your career usually means going back to school and attaining a degree. Registered Nurses can take advantage of the demand by employers in Philadelphia, PA and enroll in accelerated RN to BSN or RN to MSN speed-track program.

RN to BSN Programs

Because they are built off coursework you have previously earned, RN to BSN pathways are commonly completed in less than 18 months allowing nurses to rev up their careers in a short period of time. Holy Family University, a Catholic institution of higher learning in Philly, offers a “RAPID” RN to BSN path for current RNs. Those who are able to transfer the right number of credit hours can complete the program in 15 months.

Find out more about Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Created for those comfortable moving at a fast pace, RN to MSN programs enable registered nurses in Philadelphia, PA to obtain their Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) without disrupting work. LaSalle University, a Catholic university, has two pathways RNs can follow to earn their MSN. One allows students to complete master’s level coursework in the BSN program and the other allows those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to fast-track to an MSN.

Find out more about Pennsylvania RN to MSN Programs

SchoolContact Information

Drexel University

1601 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 762-4943

Gwynedd Mercy University

1325 Sumneytown Pike
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437

Holy Family University

9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(267) 341-3292

Immaculata University

1145 King Road
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400 x3475

La Salle University

1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1432

Villanova University

800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4909

West Chester University

700 South High St
West Chester, PA 19383

Widener University

One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 499-4214

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Philadelphia, PA

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Philadelphia are leaders in the field. and are tasked with performing higher level, patient-focused roles in healthcare. For RNs who are up for the challenge, earning a Master's of Science in Nursing degree, post-graduate certificate or doctorate degree can be done in a more convenient format of online and on-ground learning.

MSN Programs

Leading others to serve can often be just as much as a calling as becoming a nurse. Veteran RNs who seek to lead, teach, or take on administrative roles can earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, offers MSN programs in a number of specialties, including Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Specialty, and Administration. The research-based university partners with the best hospitals in the larger Philadelphia community giving students a second-to-none experience.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurses who have an advanced degree can complete a post-grad certificate in highly specialized areas. Located outside of Philly, Gwynedd Mercy University offers a one-year Nurse Practitioner Certificate that can be completed in a mix of online and in-person instruction. The intensive program has three specialties including Adult-Gerontology, Primary Care, and Pediatric Primary Care. A precepted clinical practice is included in the program.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Nurses can complete their terminal level of study from Philadelphia area universities. With a focus on research, academia, or advanced practice, these doctoral programs elevate the nursing profession. Drexel University offers Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy degrees to prepare nurses for executive positions and to apply modern evidence-based practice to the clinical healthcare setting.

Find out more about Pennsylvania DNP Programs

SchoolContact Information

Drexel University

3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 895-2000

Holy Family University

9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(267) 341-3327

Immaculata University

1145 King Rd
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400

La Salle University

1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141

Thomas Jefferson University

111 S 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-8281

West Chester University

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
700 South High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-1000