If you’re looking for a nursing school program in Pennsylvania, you’re in luck. One of the original 13 founding states of the United States, Pennsylvania is rich in history and locations that played pivotal roles in the birth of the nation. With a foundation built on innovative, forward-thinking individuals, Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation with excellent educational opportunities for forward-thinking individuals. Aspiring professionals can attend a university at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, near Lake Eerie, or in bustling Philadelphia. Those seeking a nursing career in the health care industry have many locations and educational options to choose from. The average salary for nurses holding a BSN degree is $83K per year. If you’re looking to turn your RN to a BSN degree, then browse the compilation of BSN programs in PA to find one that fits your needs.
Waynesburg University ranks among the best for private, non-profit universities because of its affordability, access to higher education, and advanced degrees. As a witness of its unique mission to serve the community, many graduates have gone on to serve as missionaries, ministers, statesmen, educators, judges, and healthcare providers. Students seeking to enter the healthcare industry as nursing professionals can turn their compassion into a career. Recognized for its affordability and quality education, the nursing program consistently ranks among the top in the state of Pennsylvania. The NCLEX-RN pass rate has been above 96% for over a decade and is often at 100%.
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Clarion University offers an affordable education for students that want to invest in their careers. Students desiring a smaller town with full university academic options and benefits will find Clarion as a great option. Located in western Pennsylvania, Clarion has several campuses as well as online options to meet the needs of students. Nursing students are fully engaged with collaborative assignments, clinical experiences, and a curriculum that requires critical thinking paired with nursing theory.
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As a private Catholic institution for higher learning, Carlow University becomes one of the more affordable private institutions with its generous financial aid. Carlow has long been known for its generous giving as it was founded by the Sisters of Mercy that came from Carlow, Ireland to aid the poor and needy. Now Carlow is a thriving institution teaching the next generation to continue the work of mercy and compassion. Students are prepared to give competent and compassionate care to patients following their evidence-based learning acquired at Carlow.
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A private, top-ranked Christian college, Messiah College is situated on a 471-acre suburban campus in central Pennsylvania. All denominations are welcome and included at Messiah College as the core values of the institution are faith, service and humble aspiration. Students aspiring to become nurses will obtain a liberal arts education and a Christian worldview. Graduates learn the importance of personhood, the significance of community and how vital service is to others. The nursing program is fully accredited by the CCNE and provides a traditional BSN program and an accelerated RN to BSN program.
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Situated between forests and farmland, Saint Francis University has been ranked among the top 20 regional universities. The oldest Franciscan university celebrating traditional values of faith, generosity, respect, discovery, and joy seeks to attract students with the same core values. The core of the nursing curriculum reflects the values of science, healthcare practice, and ethical behavior. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available to help students realize their career goals.
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A private Catholic university, DeSales University offers something different than most institutions. With its lush campus, modern buildings, caring faculty and belonging to a community that cares about your success, DeSales stands out from the rest. The nursing programs offered at DeSales provide paths for traditional BSN programs and accelerated paths where students can earn their BSN in as little as 15 months. With high tech labs and Kaplan test prep as part of their education, DeSales continuously reports high NCLEX pass rates.
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The only school in the area that focuses solely on health sciences, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences has prepared qualified nursing professionals for years. One draw is that Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences offers 100 percent tuition reimbursement for eligible Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health employees. With over a century of nurse educating experience, students receive the best academic preparation and clinical experiences to enter as leaders among health care professionals. Graduates have guaranteed placement upon finishing their degree and passing the NCLEX exam.
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A globally engaged university, Drexel University is dedicated to advancing knowledge through experiential learning and cooperative education. With an innovative approach to education, graduates are set up for success not only during their time at Drexel but also in their careers. With the cooperative initiatives, nursing students are mentored by healthcare professionals of today and ready to become the leading healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
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Named after the famed Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinboro University is in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. As one of the public universities of Pennsylvania, Edinboro is dedicated to ensuring students reach their goals and exceed their expectations. With state of the art facilities to accommodate students learning experiences and faculty that mentor students help them graduate as successful nursing professionals to enter the health care field as nursing generalists.
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With 13 campuses across the state of Pennsylvania to serve students, Pennsylvania State University is a public research university making a global difference. Penn State graduates more nursing students than any other institution in Pennsylvania. It leads out as an institution that educates and prepares the next generation of nursing professionals and nurse scientists while enhancing healthcare within the community.
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West Chester University is diverse and offers both an engaging student life as well as programs for returning adult students. The RN to BSN program is fully accredited by the CCNE and trains students to better provide competent care for diverse groups of people, families, and communities. Graduates are also able to advance their careers with graduate and doctorate opportunities as well.
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As an interdenominational private Christian university, Eastern University weaves in the core values of faith, reason, and justice into every program. Graduates of the school of nursing are prepared to serve as generalist nurses and incorporate Christian values as they care for the whole person. An award-winning faculty helps students gain needed experience through internships and externships as well as work experience throughout their time as undergraduate students at Eastern University.
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Overlooking Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is lovingly referred to as the university on the hill. BU has prepared students for academic success and to become dynamic leaders in their professions. Nursing students are prepared for a wide range of careers upon graduation from the school of nursing. Its fully accredited program offers specializations in critical care, pediatrics, obstetrics, rehabilitation, trauma, and home care. Students can also earn advanced degrees in nursing from Bloomsburg.
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Having received numerous awards for academic excellence, the California University of Pennsylvania has continued its long-standing history of excellence in education for over a century. As one of the top colleges of the northeast, it’s affordable and graduates competent, competitive leaders. The school of nursing offers a traditional BSN degree as well as an accelerated RN to BSN path and an accelerated second degree BSN path. Those seeking an advanced degree in nursing can earn it either on campus or entirely online.
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Associated with the Moravian Theological Seminary, Moravian College traces its beginnings back to 1742. The philosophy of its founder remains a key part of the mission; that learning should be eye-opening, heart racing, and even fun. The school of nursing offers both traditional tracks to earning a BSN degree as well as accelerated tracks for qualifying students. Nursing students blend compassionate art with scientific inquiry for successful career outcomes.
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A comprehensive liberal arts and science-based college, Mount Aloysius College is committed to career directed education. The nursing program at Mount Aloysius is a 2 plus 2 program where students earn their associate degree in nursing and following that earn their BSN degree building upon what they already learned. The intent is that students earn their ADN intending to continue their education through a BSN degree. For those who already have a current RN license, they can enroll in an accelerated RN to BSN program.
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A private suburban institution near Pittsburgh, Robert Norris University specializes in the success stories of graduates. The nursing program is fully accredited by the CCNE and educates students in nursing theory and critical thinking skills to promote life-long learning and success. Students aspiring to be nurses are directly admitted into the nursing program during their freshman year so they have access to test preparation courses and faculty to mentor them through their education.
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Dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service, Gannon University is a private Catholic institution preparing students to lead lives rich in academic inquiry and service in their communities. Students attending Gannon will receive a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience emphasizing faith, leadership, inclusion, and social responsibility. Gannon is one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania and is located on one of the busiest ports of the Great Lakes, providing exciting opportunities for students. A unique community-based nursing curriculum provides students with real-life learning and experiences for them to practice holistic care for individuals, families, and communities.
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A private liberal arts university founded by the Roman Catholic Church, Immaculata University has a history of academic excellence and service. Graduates of Immaculata School of Nursing learn how to provide patient-centered, holistic, evidence-based care. Through a rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences in the community, students learn to be competent nursing professionals that graduate ready to enter the healthcare system as leaders among nurses.
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As a public research university, Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers all the opportunities of a large university with the intimate and personalized learning-centered environment of a small college. IUP is fully accredited and ranks among the top 100 public universities in the United States. Students desiring to become nurses can declare their intentions their freshman year and enter into preparatory courses. Students entering with an RN can begin the RN to BSN program.
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Committed to the principle that all knowledge is practical and empowering, La Salle University is anchored in the tradition of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This principle leads the school of nursing toward practical education in a complex and ever-changing health care field. As the role of professional nurses continues to expand, so must their education and clinical experience before graduation. La Salle graduates are compassionate and capable of providing care for diverse populations.
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With the opportunities of a large university and the individual care and mentoring of a small college, Wilkes University is one of a kind. Wilkes provides the programs, clubs and degrees of a large university, though it only has 2,200 undergraduate students and the same number of graduate students. It truly is one of a kind. For those seeking to participate in the nursing program, Wilkes offers a vast array of concentrations for aspiring nursing professionals. Whether this is your first degree or you are a returning graduate looking to earn a second degree, Wilkes has a program for you.
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A private liberal arts women’s college, Cedar Crest College offers a very personalized education with small, intimate classes. Though the student body is small, the degree choices are many with even more minors to choose from. The school of nursing is fully accredited by the CCNE and graduates are prepared to enter as leaders in the nursing profession. Cedar Crest offers a strong backbone of student leadership that carries over into each student’s chosen profession upon graduation.
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La Roche University offers a career-focused education for students of all religions, ethnic origins, and talents. Graduates are prepared to live life fully upon graduation due to the many experiences they will have with student clubs, sports, and community service opportunities. With convenient nursing programs, students can earn their BSN or MSN degree with on-campus and online programs. Students have opportunities to enroll in accelerated programs as well. The school of nursing is fully accredited by the ACEN.
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The purpose of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is to create an environment where every student can learn, grow, and achieve. Students feel a sense of belonging and connection at this very student-oriented college. They have access to clubs, recreation facilities, and faculty mentors to help with their academics. The nursing program is fully accredited by the ACEN and leads students to earn their BSN degree, majoring in nursing.
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A park-like campus in the heart of Philadelphia, Duquesne University is a private Catholic university. The only Spiritan institution for higher learning in the United States, Duquesne remains true to those values through education. The nursing programs follow the same quest for success by maintaining values of healing the whole person through compassionate and knowledgeable patient care. Nursing students receive an education that focuses on them as individuals and are mentored throughout their educational pursuits. Students can also participate in global nursing externships during their undergraduate time at Duquesne.
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Thomas Jefferson University has a long history in medical education since its early stages as an institution of higher learning dating back to 1824. While honoring the tradition of being an outstanding nursing school, Jefferson also stands out as an innovative and forward-thinking institution. Graduates of the fully accredited BSN program are adequately prepared for licensure and employment within health care systems and clinics.
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Founded on the Franciscan tradition of respect for self, concern for the environment, and social responsibility, Neumann University offers a variety of undergraduate programs for both college-aged students and adults. The faculty are not only knowledgeable, but are also fully equipped with hospital and clinical experience. Students will have the opportunity to learn from these qualified professionals. Nursing graduates will perform ethically with care and respect for human dignity.
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The oldest private Catholic university in Pennsylvania, Villanova University provides a uniquely personal educational experience where the teacher and student work together to reach academic scholarship. Graduates are prepared to care, lead, research, teach and discover as they work side by side other health care professionals to promote optimal health in their patients’ lives across the life span. Each student is viewed as a personal investment for the university to build up and prepare for future success.
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Founded as a night school to educate working-class citizens, Temple University has a rich history in seeing its students succeed and rise above their circumstances. It has since risen to become a top-tier research university serving over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Temple is among the most active research universities in the nation. For nursing students, Temple offers both traditional paths and accelerated paths to earning a BSN degree with hands-on research clinical experiences and rigorous academic inquiry.
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A private Jesuit institution, the University of Scranton has served and enriched the community of Scranton since 1888. Spirituality is at the core of its mission and permeates the educational experience students receive. With a tradition of service and academic excellence, each student becomes a skilled, compassionate nursing professional. With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, students will gain a holistic perspective on whole-patient care and healing. Students can enter the BSN program as a freshman with no nursing experience, an LPN, or an RN and enroll in the program that suits their previous education and experience.
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Located in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Gwynedd Mercy University is a private institution affiliated with the Catholic church. Aspiring nursing professionals can either enter the nursing program as a new student or a transfer student. As one of the best nursing schools in Philadelphia, GMU will help students gains experience with SIM mannequins, Advanced Video Systems, and internships. The schools of nursing is fully accredited by the CCNE and has a long history of preparing excellent nurses.
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A private liberal arts Roman Catholic institution, Holy Family University has been preparing undergraduate and graduate nurses for years. The undergraduate nursing program is ideal for new students and returning adults alike. Those seeking to start a career in nursing can participate in the traditional BSN program, while those with some education and experience in nursing can enter an accelerated BSN program to advance their career.
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Students receive an Ivy League nursing education at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s one of the oldest institutions in the country, being founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. For four years the UPenn School of Nursing has been named the best nursing school in the world and its Master of Nursing program has been ranked number one in the country on multiple occassions. Students can enter directly out of high school, as a transfer student, or returning for a second bachelor’s degree. Whatever kind of student you are, UPenn has a program designed specifically for you. Graduates exercise good judgment in clinical decisions and are compassionate in their patient interactions.
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As one of the nation’s most distinguished comprehensive universities, the University of Pittsburgh was founded at the edge of the American frontier in 1787. With a proven track record of thousands of alumni making pivotal discoveries and groundbreaking new procedures to progress health care, the University of Pittsburgh is among the elite institutions for higher learning. Guided by research, intellect, and passion, the nursing program prepares nurses to graduate as leaders among other health care professionals. The traditional 4-year BSN program is now available at three campuses.
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As one of the greenest colleges in the United States, Chatham University also continuously ranks among the top colleges in the country for academics. With four campuses to serve the growing needs of students, Chatham continues to improve in innovation, academics, and successful alumni. The nursing programs available at Chatham include a traditional BSN, an accelerated RN to BSN as well as advanced degree programs. Students are immersed in evidence-based nursing education and practice to learn the skill set necessary for competent patient care and health promotion for individuals, families, and communities.
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Looking for a friendly, welcoming culture where you matter most? Lock Haven University is the place for student-oriented education and excellence. The School of Nursing has a proven track record of preparing excellent nursing professionals who can meet the demands of an ever-evolving career environment and the health care needs of individuals, families, and communities.
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Pennsylvania College of Technology ranks among the top colleges due to its affordability and placement rate for graduates. It is also one of the top 5 colleges for veterans seeking career advancement and degrees. Students receive support and hands-on experiences from the very beginning of their educational journey. Aspiring nurses at Penn College pour their hearts and minds into becoming the best nurses they can be, knowing they will make a difference in many lives. There are two paths for students to earn their BSN—the traditional route and an online path for those that already hold a current RN license.
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Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public institution in the heart of Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Offering a small-town feel with larger college opportunities for students, Mansfield is now more affordable than ever. Students have more opportunities to be fully involved in every aspect of college life, not just attending academic courses. The BSN program prepares students with a variety of concepts, theories, and skills that they will utilize in their careers as nurses.
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The school’s founders set forth tenets of mercy, justice, service, and hospitality which is what Misericordia University strives to provide and teach each student that enters. For over 90 years each student has received personal attention, support and opportunities to enable them to succeed in their profession. Aspiring nurses seeking for BSN programs in Pennsylvania will find that Misericordia offers comprehensive BSN training with nursing theory and excellent clinical experiences.
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Known for preparing the next generation of professionals, Widener University is dedicated to encouraging both professional and personal development in each student. Widener has three campuses, all a short distance from Philadelphia to better serve the students that attend. The School of Nursing ranks among the top in the nation along with many other top-ranked programs at the university. As one of only seven schools recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Advancing the Science of Nursing Education, a student studying here gets the best nursing education in the country. Widener offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the nursing profession.
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York College of Pennsylvania focuses on the education of individuals through faculty mentors and small classes. Currently, York offers an online RN to BSN program for nurses wishing to advance their nursing careers while maintaining their RN license. Students can complete their coursework online and use their working hours as RNs to fill clinical hour requirements.
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Lincoln University has attracted and graduated interracial and international students for over a century, with many of them playing key roles as top physicians and lawyers. Alumni of Lincoln become extended family assisting and networking together throughout their career and lifetime. Lincoln’s nursing program is fully accredited by the CCNE and continues to prepare students for excellence in nursing and health administration. The BSN features small class sizes, values-based curriculum, and a supportive learning environment.
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Discover your passion at Marywood University. Motivated by a progressive spirit and excellence in education, students of Marywood are taught by educators that hold the highest degree in their field. Nursing students gain experience from both academic and clinical coursework to prepare them to be competent and compassionate healthcare providers. Graduates have opportunities to gain clinical experience in a variety of settings from hospitals to long term care facilities and clinics.
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The BSN programs in PA were ranked using a matrix of affordability, NCLEX-RN pass rates, and the numbers of BSN program pathways the institution offers.
Pennsylvania has a long history of educating people in the community that dates back to the nation’s founding fathers. With a rich heritage of education, progression, and leadership, it comes as no surprise that there are so many BSN programs in PA. Aspiring nurses are sure to find one that fits their needs and prepares them to become the next generation of nursing professionals.
If you have more specific questions about individual schools listed or need more information, feel free to contact us about the BSN programs in PA. We’d be glad to delve into a particular school further with you. Browse the schools and enroll today!