Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania

Messiah University's BSN program distinguishes itself with a stellar 100% NCLEX pass rate, demonstrating exceptional nursing education quality. The program offers a unique blend of Christian values and comprehensive nursing training, preparing students for dynamic healthcare environments. Requiring standard entrance exams, students benefit from cutting-edge simulation labs and extensive clinical experiences. Located in Mechanicsburg, the CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice, community health projects, and holistic patient care. With consistent high performance across recent years, graduates are well-positioned to excel in diverse nursing roles. The curriculum balances rigorous academic preparation with hands-on learning, ensuring students develop both technical skills and compassionate healthcare perspectives.

• CCNE-accredited BSN program.
• Christian environment integration.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Emphasis on compassion and care.
• Rigorous liberal arts foundation.
• Community health projects.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Prepares for licensure exams.
• Strong alumni network.

Reading Area Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program provides an exceptional pathway for future nurses, boasting impressive NCLEX pass rates consistently near 100% in recent years. The comprehensive two-year program offers flexible day and evening class schedules, emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences and advanced simulation labs. Students benefit from rigorous coursework covering essential nursing processes, patient care techniques, and professional skill development. The curriculum is strategically designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry-level nursing positions and smooth transitions into RN-BSN programs. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of prerequisite courses, and successful navigation of a selective admission process. With experienced faculty and strong clinical affiliates in the Reading area, students receive robust preparation for their nursing careers.

• Day and evening class options.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Simulation labs included.
• Easy transfer to RN-BSN programs.
• Experienced faculty support.
• Clinical affiliates in Reading area.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• Selective admission process.

Luzerne County Community College's Nursing Program offers a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science degree preparing students for registered nursing careers. With an impressive 99.1% NCLEX-RN pass rate, the program emphasizes clinical decision-making, evidence-based practices, and professional nursing behaviors. Students learn critical skills in patient treatment, medical histories, and diagnostic tests. The selective admission process requires a minimum 'C' grade in nursing courses. The curriculum is designed to meet licensing requirements and develop essential communication skills. Graduates benefit from a strong 95% employment rate and specialized learning opportunities, positioning them competitively in the healthcare job market.

• Two-year program
• 99.1% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• 95% employment rate
• Selective admission
• Campus-based
• Minimum 'C' grade required
• Out-of-county rates for off-campus
• Prepares for RN licensing
• Covers diagnostic tests
• Includes patient treatment

Designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Luzerne County Community College's LPN-RN Program provides a strategic pathway for career advancement in nursing. This campus-based program focuses on transforming experienced LPNs into fully qualified Registered Nurses through comprehensive, hands-on learning. Students will enhance their clinical skills, explore advanced medical technologies, and develop critical thinking abilities essential for professional nursing practice. The program features a selective admission process, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, graduates are well-positioned to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

• Campus-based learning
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Strong employment outcomes
• Selective admission process
• Prepares for RN licensure

Cedar Crest College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers an exceptional educational pathway with consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates reaching 100% in 2024. Designed for aspiring nurses, the program features multiple enrollment tracks including full-time, part-time, and accelerated options. Students benefit from cutting-edge simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences that prepare them comprehensively for professional nursing practice. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and provides dedicated nursing coach support. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, the program maintains high academic standards with direct admission available for qualified candidates. With ACEN accreditation and a strong commitment to hands-on learning, graduates are well-positioned for successful nursing careers across various healthcare settings.

• Multiple program tracks available.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• ACEN accredited program.
• Direct admission for qualified students.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Dedicated nursing coach support.
• Global experience opportunities.
• Competitive tuition rates.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences offers an exceptional diploma nursing program with outstanding NCLEX performance. With consistent NCLEX pass rates ranging from 95.52% to 100% over recent years, this program demonstrates remarkable student success. The diploma curriculum provides comprehensive nursing education emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences and personalized learning. Students benefit from early clinical placements, preparing them for diverse healthcare environments. Accredited by the ACEN and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, the program maintains strong connections with Alvernia University. The relatively small cohort sizes, ranging from 57-67 students annually, ensure individualized instruction and mentorship. Graduates are well-positioned to enter the nursing profession with practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

• 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• ACEN accredited
• Approved by PA State Board
• Low faculty-to-student ratio
• Early clinical experiences
• Affiliation with Alvernia University
• Hands-on clinical application
• Comprehensive nursing education
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Personalized attention

Marywood University's Critical Care Nursing BSN program provides an exceptional pathway for nurses specializing in high-intensity healthcare environments. With a stellar 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, students receive comprehensive training through advanced simulation labs and robust hospital partnerships. The critical care concentration equips students with specialized skills to manage complex patient scenarios in intensive settings. Admission requires a robust academic foundation, including a minimum 3.0 GPA and specific science prerequisites. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to excel in critical care nursing roles. State-of-the-art facilities and a focus on practical skill development distinguish this program's approach to nursing education.

• 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Critical care concentration available
• Multiple local hospital partnerships
• CCNE fully accredited program
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Science prerequisite courses needed
• Clinical simulation experiences
• 100% employment rate
• Located in Scranton, PA

Marywood University's Pediatric Nursing BSN offers a comprehensive pathway for students passionate about child healthcare. Boasting a perfect 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, the program provides immersive learning through advanced simulation labs and extensive clinical experiences. The pediatric concentration prepares students to deliver compassionate, specialized care for children across various healthcare settings. Admission requirements include a minimum SAT score of 1040, with particular emphasis on mathematical proficiency. Fully accredited by CCNE, the program integrates professional development, leadership training, and a final-semester internship. Students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge to become competent, empathetic pediatric nursing professionals.

• 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Pediatrics concentration available
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Fully accredited by CCNE
• Minimum SAT score of 1040 required
• QPA of ≥3.0 for admission
• Professional prep course included
• Final-semester internship offered
• Focus on leadership and ethics

Bucks County Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program presents an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses, demonstrating consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates ranging from 89.83% to 100% between 2022-2024. The program strategically balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training, preparing students comprehensively for professional nursing roles. With a structured curriculum emphasizing drug calculation proficiency and clinical competency, students must maintain a minimum 73% grade standard. Located in Newtown, PA, the program is accredited by ACEN and offers flexible admission cycles, accepting clinical applications from December 15 to February 15 annually. Military-friendly and committed to student success, the program provides TEAS testing information and virtual information sessions, making nursing education accessible and comprehensive.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• Combines liberal arts and sciences.
• Clinical and theoretical components.
• Minimum passing grade of C (73%).
• Drug calculation exams start at 80%.
• Clinical applications accepted Dec 15-Feb 15.
• Fall semester start for clinical component.
• Approved by Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
• Located in Newtown, PA.
• Focus on increasing proficiency.

Neumann University's BSN program stands out with consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates, ranging from 95.29% to 98.44% in recent years. The program uniquely integrates Franciscan values with rigorous nursing education, preparing students for comprehensive healthcare roles. Tailored for campus-based learning, students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences that emphasize critical thinking and patient-centered care. The curriculum balances liberal arts, sciences, and evidence-based nursing techniques, ensuring graduates are well-rounded professionals. While the program requires traditional entrance exams, it offers robust support for students transitioning into nursing careers. With a strong focus on ethical behavior and respect for human dignity, Neumann University equips nursing students with both technical skills and compassionate care principles.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• Franciscan values core.
• Evidence-based curriculum.
• Campus-based program.
• Clinical reasoning focus.
• Ethical behavior emphasis.
• Respect for human dignity.
• Liberal arts included.
• Sciences coursework.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.

Duquesne University's BSN program offers a comprehensive 4-year nursing education with exceptional clinical preparation. Located in Pittsburgh, the 134-credit program distinguishes itself through a holistic patient care approach and robust clinical experiences. Students benefit from partnerships with over 50 clinical sites and state-of-the-art simulation technology. With a consistently impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate around 96-97%, graduates are well-positioned for successful nursing careers. The program requires SAT/ACT entrance exams and emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and diverse healthcare settings. Direct admission opportunities and accreditation by CCNE further enhance the program's reputation for producing highly skilled registered nurses.

• 4-year program duration
• 134 credit hours required
• Campus-based learning
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Holistic nursing approach
• Clinical experiences start sophomore year
• Partnerships with over 50 clinical sites
• State-of-the-art simulation technology
• Accredited by CCNE
• Direct admit program

Duquesne University's Second Degree BSN provides an accelerated pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. Offering 12 and 16-month options, this program leverages students' previous academic backgrounds for rapid professional development. With a stellar 96.67% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, students receive comprehensive training integrating advanced clinical skills and technological competencies. Scholarships up to $30,000 make the program financially attractive. Clinical experiences begin immediately, allowing career changers to quickly gain hands-on nursing expertise. Online prerequisite completion and a focus on cultural competence and ethical practice distinguish this innovative nursing education pathway.

• Accelerated 12 or 16-month options.
• 96.67% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
• Scholarships up to $30,000 available.
• Hands-on clinical experience in Pittsburgh.
• Focus on cultural competence and ethics.
• Technology-integrated nursing education.
• Online prerequisites accepted.
• Requires previous bachelor's degree.
• 67 credits at Duquesne.
• Clinical practice from first week.