Overview of Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
- There are 76 nursing schools in Pennsylvania. The CCNE accredits 36 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 43 schools in Pennsylvania.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Pennsylvania is between 71.15% and 92.37%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Pennsylvania is between 82.33% and 99.01%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Pennsylvania can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Pennsylvania
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
Nursing requires a certain level of scientific expertise, compassion, and hands-on skills. Now is a great time for registered nurses to pursue higher education and obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. Nurses will be able complete programs both online and in a traditional campus setting. With the healthcare reform, advanced medical interventions, and preventative medicine, the role of registered nurses is expanding. Education beyond an associate’s degree is necessary for nurses to achieve optimal patient care. There have been many stories about how hospitals require nurses to have their BSN and give preference to those who do.
In our Pennsylvania RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Pennsylvania RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Pennsylvania, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Pennsylvania RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 31 | 59 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 84.99% | 90.05% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 71.15% to 92.37% | 82.33% to 99.01% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Pennsylvania Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 73
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 17
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 14
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 5
- CNL: 5
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Nursing Administration: 4
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Practical Nursing: 2
- Nurse Educator: 2
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 2
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Pittsburgh: 10
- Drexel University: 9
- Duquesne University: 8
- Pennsylvania State University: 6
- DeSales University: 4
- La Salle University: 4
- Moravian College: 4
- Villanova University: 4
- Robert Morris University: 4
- Wilkes University: 4
Best Ranked RN Programs in Pennsylvania
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Pennsylvania and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 22 ADN degree programs and 39 BSN degree programs in Pennsylvania. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Pennsylvania to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Pennsylvania
- Messiah University
- Saint Francis University
- Carlow University
- Waynesburg University
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Cedar Crest College
- Pennsylvania State University
- Villanova University
- Drexel University
- Eastern University
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- DeSales University
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Duquesne University
- University of Scranton
- La Salle University
- University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
- Immaculata University
- Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Neumann University
Messiah University
Pass Rate
- One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA - 17055
- (717) 766-2511
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.12%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 195
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,260
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $19,997
Percent Admitted: 78%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Saint Francis University
Pass Rate
- 117 Evergreen Dr, Loretto, PA - 15940
- (814) 472-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.09%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 113
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,000
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,502
Percent Admitted: 59%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Carlow University
Pass Rate
- 3333 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - 15213-3165
- (412) 578-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.73%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 109
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $16,561
Percent Admitted: 94%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 34%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Waynesburg University
Pass Rate
- 51 W College St, Waynesburg, PA - 15370-1257
- (724) 627-8191
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.72%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 81
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,148
Percent Admitted: 90%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Pennsylvania College of Technology
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- One College Ave, Williamsport, PA - 17701-5799
- (570) 326-3761
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.57%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 279
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $17,610
Book and Supplies: $1,549
Percent Received Aid: 88%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,403
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 47%
Cedar Crest College
Pass Rate
- 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA - 18104-6196
- (610) 606-4666
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 75
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,000
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,664
Percent Admitted: 52%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Pennsylvania State University
Pass Rate
- 201 Old Main, University Park, PA - 16802-1503
- 8148654700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.67%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Villanova University
M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA - 19085-1699
- (610) 519-4500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.56%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 732
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,100
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 64%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $32,435
Percent Admitted: 31%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Drexel University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Pass Rate
- 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA - 19104
- (215) 895-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.52%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1294
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,700
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $25,373
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Eastern University
Pass Rate
- 1300 Eagle Rd, Saint Davids, PA - 19087-3696
- (610) 341-5800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.01%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 96
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,368
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,997
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Pass Rate
- 400 E Second St, Bloomsburg, PA - 17815
- (570) 389-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.43%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 352
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,982
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,647
Percent Admitted: 89%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 58%
DeSales University
Pass Rate
- 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA - 18034-9568
- (610) 282-1100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.86%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 133
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,468
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,592
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Pass Rate
- 219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA - 16444-0001
- (814) 732-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.82%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 227
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,544
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,086
Percent Admitted: 85%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Duquesne University
Pass Rate
- Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - 15282
- (412) 396-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.61%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 478
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,575
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
Graduation Rate: 79%
University of Scranton
Pass Rate
- 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA - 18510-4699
- (570) 941-7400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.22%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 281
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,463
Percent Admitted: 79%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
Graduation Rate: 82%
La Salle University
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA - 19141-1199
- (215) 951-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.27%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 196
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,492
Percent Admitted: 76%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
Graduation Rate: 65%
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Pass Rate
- 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA - 16701
- (814) 362-7500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.16%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 70
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,354
Book and Supplies: $759
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,331
Percent Admitted: 79%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Immaculata University
Pass Rate
- 1145 King Road, Immaculata, PA - 19345
- (610) 647-4400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.68%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 73
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,166
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,858
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Pass Rate
- 5 Swan Street, Mansfield, PA - 16933
- (570) 662-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.52%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 89
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,682
Book and Supplies: $2,000
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,406
Percent Admitted: 96%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
Pass Rate
- 1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall, Indiana, PA - 15705-1098
- (724) 357-2100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.32%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 477
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $13,144
Book and Supplies: $1,100
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,487
Percent Admitted: 93%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Neumann University
Division of Nursing & Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA - 19014-1298
- (610) 459-0905
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.25%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
Total Faculty: 95
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,296
Percent Admitted: 80%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania College of Technology
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- One College Ave, Williamsport, PA - 17701-5799
- (570) 326-3761
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.30%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 279
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $17,610
Book and Supplies: $1,549
Percent Received Aid: 88%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,403
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 47%
Harcum College
Pass Rate
- 750 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - 19010-3476
- (610) 525-4100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 64
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,693
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 34%
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 410 N Lime Street, Lancaster, PA - 17602
- 7175444912
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.06%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Mount Aloysius College
Pass Rate
- 7373 Admiral Peary Hwy, Cresson, PA - 16630-1999
- (814) 886-4131
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 59
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,364
Percent Admitted: 95%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Luzerne County Community College
Pass Rate
- 521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA - 18634
- (570) 740-0200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 103
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,670
Book and Supplies: $14,370
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,952
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 20%
Montgomery County Community College
Pass Rate
- 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA - 19422-0796
- (215) 641-6300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 160
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,730
Book and Supplies: $14,970
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,988
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Community College of Allegheny County
Pass Rate
- 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - 15233-1895
- (412) 323-2323
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 227
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,602
Book and Supplies: $11,863
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,992
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
Bucks County Community College
Pass Rate
- 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA - 18940-4106
- (215) 968-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 130
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,898
Book and Supplies: $13,298
Percent Received Aid: 51%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,971
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Pennsylvania
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Pennsylvania
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Pennsylvania offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Pennsylvania RN Licensing Requirements
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 783-7142
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $35
License renewal (every two years), RN: $65; LPN: $60
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period; LPNs: None
RN Licensure by Exams
After completing an approved nursing program, nursing candidates will submit an application to the board. Temporary practice permits can be issued to graduates who apply within a year after graduation. Nurses working under a temporary permit must be under direct supervision of an experienced registered nurse. In addition to the application, candidates must also provide transcripts, and in some cases, verification of program completion. There is a $35 fee for the materials to be processed and an addition $35 for a temporary permit if the candidate wishes to have one. There is a $200 fee that will be paid to Pearson VUE, the company that runs the NCLEX exam. Results will be sent to the examinees within 2-30 days. There is a 45-day waiting period for candidates who wish to retake the NCLEX. The candidate will then need to reapply and pay additional fees.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Registered nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other fifty states will need to complete the requirements as stated above in addition to paying a $100 fee.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who have been educated in a country outside of the United States and have not taken the NCLEX must apply for CGNFS certification before applying for licensure. Upon receiving certification, candidates may apply to the Pennsylvania Board using the appropriate application online. Nurses must also register to take the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website.
RN Salaries in Pennsylvania
There are many opportunities in hospitals, home health, and non-hospital work environments for registered nurses in Pennsylvania. Positions available to baccalaureate prepared nurses include:
- Informatics works such as ICUs, maternity wards, cardiac care, and emergency departments
- Nursing administrators and directors
- Mental health
- Nurse researchers
There are approximately 130,000 nurses licensed nurses in the state of Pennsylvania. Despite this, there is a huge shortage expected within the state. Pennsylvania will need an additional 54,000 registered nurses by the year 2020 to meet this great need. Nursing is predicted to be the fastest-growing occupation so now is a better time than ever to become a registered nurse.
Pennsylvania Registered Nursing Salaries
The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metropolitan area has the highest employment rate of registered nurses as well as the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.