RN to BSN in Pennsylvania

Given the over 12 million people that live in the state, nursing is a large industry in Pennsylvania, with over 124,000 registered nurses, 75,000 nursing assistants and 36,000 vocational nurses. Nurse anesthetists come in at about 1,800; they command salaries of $175,000 to $200,000. The most lucrative cities for employment are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton.

Pennsylvania’s Action Coalition is supporting several laws in the state legislature to ease the rules regarding services that RNs can provide. The coalition has also established a Nursing Diversity Council that coordinates on a weekly basis to develop further action plans aimed at promoting diversity.

RN-to-BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Here we have compiled a comprehensive listing of Pennsylvania’s RN to BSN programs. In the summaries below, you will find all the essential program information to help you quickly and easily narrow down your RN to BSN search.

Alvernia University
$ 720 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions

  • This programs is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • Coursework occurs in an 8-week blocks, scheduled throughout the year.
  • One day per week of on-site instruction is required for classes.
 Hybrid 400 Saint Bernardine St
Reading, PA 19607-1799

California University of Pennsylvania
$ 332 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • This program receives accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • The RN-BSN is also available in a fully-online, accelerated format with new cohorts each Fall and Spring.
  • The BSN degree requires 120 credits.
 Online 250 University Ave
California, PA 15419-1394

Carlow University
$ 608 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • An RN license grants 30 credits towards your degree.
  • The program can be completed in as few as 11 months.
  • Online applications are free of charge.
 Campus, Online, and Hybrid 3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Cedar Crest College
$ 990 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Students who meet certain requirements may be accepted without additional testing.
  • CCU offers the chance to complete clinical requirements at over 50 different locations including top hospitals, prisons and schools.
  • A central part of the program focuses on developing workplace leadership skills.
 Campus 100 College Drive
Allentown, PA 18104-6196

Chatham University
$ 782 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The RN-BSN program is taught in an accelerated online distance learning format.
  • Leadership and management skills are key components of the curriculum.
  • A minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is required to graduate.
 Online Woodland Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Clarion University of Pennsylvania
$ 590 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • A primary goal of Clarion is to integrate liberal arts with career education.
  • The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
  • Goals of the program include promoting scientific inquiry, creative thinking, critical judgment and personal development.
 Online 840 Wood St
Clarion, PA 16214

DeSales University
$ 515 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

September through June

  • A minimum of 10 courses must be taken at DeSales is needed to meet program requirements.
  • No hospital clinical hours: all clinical requirements are project-based.
  • Courses are organized into 8-week blocks, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
 Online 2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley, PA 18034-9568

Drexel University
$ 545 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • All general electives may be transferred in, amounting to 135 of the 180 required credits.
  • Drexel maintains a maximum of 1:25 faculty to student online class ratio, incorporating a wide assortment of teaching methods and interactive tools into each online course.
  • Students may easily transfer into an MSN degree program if desired.
 Online 3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Duquesne University
$ 815 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Classes are 8 weeks long and offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students may balance their school and work by taking 1 or more classes at a time.
  • The school cannot accept applications from students in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
 Online Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
$ 770 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
  • Students receive a foundation in liberal arts with strong preparation for professional nursing.
  • A capstone internship facilitates the transition from student to working professional.
 Campus 200 Prospect Street
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Eastern University
$ 515 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Online technology and once-a-week seminars make this program an ideal combination of digital and classroom-based learning.
  • Two nationally recognized certificates can be earned during the course of the program.
  • Primary goals include strengthening leadership and interpersonal skills, computer literacy, ethical decision-making and communication.
 Hybrid 1300 Eagle Rd
Saint Davids, PA 19087-3696

Edinboro University
$ 454 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program, including five nursing courses, is designed to be completed within four semesters.
  • Individualized schedules can be built to accommodate working students.
  • A grade point average of 2.75 or greater in the pre-licensure program is needed for admission.
 Hybrid 219 Meadville Street
Edinboro, PA 16444-0001

Gannon University
$ 690 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • All of the coursework is online.
  • The clinical component can be completed near your residence.
  • Average completion time of degree is about 19 months with asynchronous coursework.
  • There is no application fee.
  • Conditional approval to earn up to 11 credits based on professional experience.
 Online 109 W Sixth St
Erie, PA 16541-0001

Gwynedd Mercy University
$ 660 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Open Admissions
  • Gwynedd Mercy looks to expand students' critical thinking skill while teach practical workplace solutions.
  • Coursework includes religious studies.
  • Core nursing cores comprise 28 of the 126 credit hours needed for graduation.
 Online 1325 Sumneytown Pike
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901

Holy Family University
$ 636 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Holy Family's transfer policy is generous: 84 credits may be brought in, including the 39 credits awarded for a current nursing license.
  • Flexible scheduling options include once a week classes in the evenings, afternoons, Saturdays or online.
 Hybrid 9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009

Immaculata University
$ 525 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Students working full time can finish in two years or less.
  • Classes are available fully online or in a hybrid format at numerous off-campus locations.
  • In-person classes meet weekly in the evenings or on weekends.
 Hybrid 1145 King Rd
Immaculata, PA 19345-0702

La Roche College
$ 645 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program is designed to be completed in 18-months.
  • It requires 120 credit hours for graduation.
  • Courses are held entirely online.
 Online 9000 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5898

La Salle University
$ 555 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

August 15th, December 15th, and April 15th
  • Core nursing courses can be completed in 13 months.
  • Students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week per credit hour studying outside of class.
  • The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
 Online 1900 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199

Lock Haven University
$ 460 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions

  • Applications from RNs with a GPA of less than 2.7 will be reviewed on an individual basis.
  • Lock Haven emphasizes the "multicultural and global dimensions of a changing society" in its education.
  • Nurses will learn critical thinking, case management and leadership skills.
Campus 401 North Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745-2390

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
$ 382 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
  • Online courses are offered on a 3-year rotation.
  • Mansfield has recently invested in human patient simulators to improve its nursing offerings.
 Online Academy Street
Mansfield, PA 16933

Marywood University
$ 395 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Students take four classes a semester.
  • Students may test out of the following courses: Anatomy & Physiology (NLN) Microbiology (NLN) Nutrition (NLN) Chemistry (CLEP).
  • At least a 2.0 GPA is required for admission.
 Hybrid 2300 Adams Ave
Scranton, PA 18509

Millersville University
$ 264 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Create a custom time frame in which to complete your degree.
  • Students receive 30 credits for nursing course-work completed in their diploma or associate degree program.
 Online 1 South George Street, Lyle Hall
Millersville, PA 17551-0302

Misericordia University
$ 535 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • This program is intended for highly motivated RNs wanting to earn their degree quickly.
  • Credits are earned through transfer, advanced placement and matriculation.
  • Coursework includes a clinical practice course in community health, with a flexible adult learning model for scheduling.
Online 301 Lake St
Dallas, PA 18612-1098

Moravian College
$ 405 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admission
  • Moravian tailors their program to the needs of working adult students.
  • Half of the credits required to graduate can be transferred in from an accredited institution.
  • Students will develop the skills needed to be community leaders.
Online 1200 Main St
Bethlehem, PA 18018-6650

Mount Aloysius College
$ 500 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admission
  • Courses are scheduled in 100% Online, 8-week sessions; or campus-based, 15-week sessions.
  • The college has been educating nurses since 1965.
  • The curriculum includes religious based courses.
 Hybrid 7373 Admiral Peary Hwy
Cresson, PA 16630

Neumann University
$ 525 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Late August, Mid-January, and Mid-May
  • The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
  • The school has built six brand new nursing labs with hands-on teaching tools.
  • A minimum of a 2.0 GPA is required for admission.
 Hybrid One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
$ 512 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program offers small class sizes and individual advising.
  • Courses meet once a week for four hours during a five week period.
  • View an informational video here.
 Online 410 N Lime Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

Pennsylvania College of Technology
$ 444 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • This program consists of only online coursework.
  • RNs can complete the program within 12-18 months.
 Online One College Ave
Williamsport, PA 17701-5799

Pennsylvania State University
$ 670 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • One of the first of its kind in the nation, the RN to B.S. program began in 1973.
  • The program is designed to allow working adults to maintain personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Students may attend at the following campuses: Penn State Abington, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, Penn State Mont Alto, Penn State New Kensington, Penn State Schuylkill, Penn State Shenango, Penn State Worthington, Scranton or Penn State World Campus (World Campus - Online).
 Campus, Online, and Hybrid 201 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802

Robert Morris University
$ 600 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • An RN to MSN is also offered online.
  • Courses are completely online.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 3 years by taking 2 courses each semester.
 Online 6001 University Boulevard
Moon Township, PA 15108-1189

Saint Francis University
$ 620 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

September to June
  • Class sizes are small: 13 students graduated in 2014.
  • Healthcare practice and ethics are at the center of the curriculum.
  • The ratio during clinical courses is 8:1 student to faculty.
Campus 117 Evergreen Dr
Loretto, PA 15940

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
$ 380 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Program emphasizes evidenced-based decision making, IT skills and leadership.
  • Students are given a strong base from which to pursue further graduate studies.
 Online 1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Temple University
$ 567 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

February 15th
  • RNs should apply directly to the four year BSN program.
  • Once accepted, RNs receive 31 nursing credits based on completion of their original nursing program.
  • RNs must complete 30 credits to graduate.
 Campus 1801 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096

University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
$ 676 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

May and September
  • The Blackboard LMS host the virtual classroom at UP Bradford.
  • The program prepares nurses for leadership and management roles.
  • See faculty and graduate survey results here.
 Hybrid 300 Campus Drive
Bradford, PA 16701

University of Scranton
$ 837 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

November 15th
  • Students must complete their coursework within seven years from the date of admission.
  • The program requires 57 credits in Nursing to graduate, 38.5 of which may be earned by verifying current employment or graduation through an original RN program with the last 10 years.
 Hybrid 800 Linden Street
Scranton, PA 18510-4629

Villanova University
$ 570 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program prides itself on individualized learning and flexibility.
  • While courses are 100% online, clinical experiences must be completed at the student's place of employment or another nearby health facility.
 Online 800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085-1699

Waynesburg University
$ 800 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program is designed to give working RNs the flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities while earning their degree.
  • Classes are offered at four different locations.
  • The program is offered in a 16 month or 32 month format.
 Hybrid 51 W College St
Waynesburg, PA 15370-1257

West Chester University
$ 463 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Open Admissions
  • Nursing class meets weekly for five to six hours.
  • Focused clinical experiences are arranged by the students.
  • The BSN curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2019.
 Hybrid University Avenue and High Street
West Chester, PA 19383

Widener University
$ 888 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • It's possible to graduate in as little as one year.
  • All of the coursework is online.
  • The curriculum is based on the AACN essentials.
 Online One University Place
Chester, PA 19013-5792

Wilkes University
$ 600 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

May and September
  • The school also offers an LPN-BSN program.
  • The degree can be finished in as little as two years.
 Campus 84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

York College of Pennsylvania
$ 808 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • Students may attend classes on campus part-time or full-time.
  • Up to 51 credits granted for previous nursing knowledge and up to 75 transfer credits accepted from AD programs or two-year schools.
  • Unlimited credits accepted from baccalaureate programs.
  • Credits may be earned through CLEP examinations.
Hybrid 441 Country Club Rd
York, PA 17403-3651

Please contact the RN to BSN program in Pennsylvania that you are interested in enrolling in to confirm details and to learn more. If you run an accredited RN to BSN program in Pennsylvania that is not listed above; please reach out to us with program information and proof of accreditation. Thank you!

State Commitment to RN to BSN Education Paths

The Future of Nursing campaign is a nationwide effort to bring the country up to the standards of nursing as outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. As a part of the effort, Pennsylvania has formed a State Action Coalition with the singular objective of achieving the goals set forth by the campaign. Having at least 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN degree is an integral part of this initiative and we have outlined below the ways in which Pennsylvania is actively progressing on this front.

  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Practice & Care
  • Interprofessional Care
  • Diversity
  • Data
Education

What is being done to increase the number of Pennsylvania RN’s with a BSN?

The AC is working to build articulation programs between state colleges and promote higher education among nurses in the state.

Are students enrolled via identified promising models of education progression?

No.

Leadership

What programs are being implemented to prepare nurses to lead change to advance health?

The AC works with colleges and universities to develop experimental curricula with the goal of boosting leadership among nurses.

Practice & Care

Is the Coalition working to remove barriers to RN level of care?

Yes. The coalition is supporting several laws in the state legislature to ease the rules regarding services that RNs can provide.

Are they advancing state policy to remove barriers to care provided by APRNs?

Yes. The coalition is supporting several laws in the state legislature to ease the rules regarding services that APRNs can provide.

Interprofessional Care

Is the state working to improve communication, transparency, and cooperation between healthcare providers?

The AC is developing a strategy with the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania to
conduct a meeting with the Nurse Practitioners Association and PA Medical Society.

Diversity

How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?

The coalition has established a Nursing Diversity Council that coordinates on a weekly basis to develop further action plans aimed at promoting diversity.

Data

What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?

The AC is currently reviewing current workforce data to identify where gaps may exist.

Contact Info

Betsy Snook

Chief Executive Officer
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
Email

Chris Alichnie

President
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
Email

Source: Campaign for Action

For a detailed progress report and additional workgroup contact information, please see the Pennsylvania Action Coalition page and their Action Coalition Status Report (opens as PDF).

Pennsylvania Licensing

Pennsylvania is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). A Pennsylvania nursing license is only valid within Pennsylvania. For licensing information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services.

m-img-nlc-states-2x

Nursing Employment Outlook

Nursing Supply and Demand Projections

Source: "The Future of the Nursing Workforce," US HRSA, accessed June 2015.

What Nurses Make on Average in Major Cities

Source: BLS OES, May 2013. Accessed May 2014. Some data not provided.

Additional Information


Other State RNtoBSN Information

Looking for other RN-BSN information in a nearby state? We’ve got you covered:

Delaware RNtoBSN Information
Maryland RNtoBSN Information
New Jersey RNtoBSN Information
New York RNtoBSN Information
Ohio RNtoBSN Information