Pennsylvania’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Thinking about a career in nursing? Now is a great time to become a nurse in Pennsylvania. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RN) is 6% between 2020-2030. However, the RN growth rate in Pennsylvania is 9%, with 9,280 annual RN job openings.
Pennsylvania has a rich history with many American landmarks like The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Pennsylvania’s history is tied to the formation of the nation, with the First Continental Congress being held in Philadelphia in 1774. The Second Continental Congress was also held in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall. Pennsylvania is one of the 13 original founding states and was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The multitude of history in Pennsylvania makes it a fun state to explore.
Additionally, the state is culturally diverse, being home to the largest population of Amish, who have kept their traditional ways of life. The Pennsylvania Dutch are famous for their folk art and cooking. Pittsburgh and other smaller cities in the state have become centers of the arts, while Philadelphia remains in the national cultural spotlight with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Academy of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music. The state is the perfect blend of rural and urban living.
The Keystone State offers a low cost of living, allowing its residents to live an average middle-class lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a lower cost of living while being close to large cities with all the amenities. The state is connected to large metro areas in every direction, bordered by New York to the north and east, New Jersey to the east, Maryland and West Virginia to the south, and Ohio to the west.
Residents of Pennsylvania are just a short drive or train ride to cities like Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. This can allow greater job opportunities for residents who are looking for a lower cost of living while having more job opportunities where they can work remotely the majority of the week. The state’s average cost for housing is also well below the national average.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love all the outdoor recreation the state offers. Whether hiking the Appalachian Mountains, exploring forests, or fishing on the lakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pennsylvania also offers endless hiking trails, beautiful forests (especially in the fall), and many rivers.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy having eight professional sports teams to cheer on. They offer two football teams (Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers), two baseball teams (Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates), the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, two hockey teams (Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins), and the Philadelphia Union soccer team.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania is the fifth state in the country with the highest demand for nurses, employing 137,970. This means there are plenty of opportunities for employment and advancement for RNs in the state, making it a great place to start your nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Washington Health System School of Nursing
Washington Health System School of Nursing is a 16-month nursing diploma program in Washington, Pennsylvania. The school offers a curriculum that enables graduates to complete the necessary competencies to be prepared to practice as a registered nurse. Maintaining a quality program is a priority for the school, and it does so by maintaining qualified faculty, providing support services to meet the needs of the student population, and providing resources and facilities that are adequate for operating a school of nursing. Students get hands-on learning opportunities in their Rice Energy Family Simulation Center, equipped with six simulation rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, a task trainer for skill development, three debriefing rooms, and 14 body simulators. Additionally, students will complete a variety of clinical rotations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $13,049
Out-of-State: $13,049
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$13,049 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,049 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
33 |
| Institution Type |
Private Diploma in Nursing School |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Conemaugh School of Nursing
Conemaugh School of Nursing is a diploma program in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Its program provides first-rate training needed for a rewarding, stable, and financially secure nursing career. Students will benefit from more individualized learning with a low student-to-faculty ratio, with renovated facilities that include a simulation and computer lab and classrooms with state-of-the-art technology. Hands-on learning experiences occur in their simulation lab and clinical rotations in their Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center, Level 3 Regional Intensive Care Nursery, and Advanced Primary Stroke Center. For Fall 2023, student nurse recruits employed within Conemaugh Health System will be eligible for a 100% loan forgiveness upon graduation and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam. Students may also qualify for additional incentives, including a $3,000 stipend for use toward education expenses and a $30,000 sign-on bonus upon graduation.
Average Tuition
In-State: $35,421 total cost of the program
Out-of-State: $35,421 total cost of the program
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$35,421 total cost of the program |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$35,421 total cost of the program |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
96.55% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
39.72% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
94% |
| Students Enrolled |
73 |
| Institution Type |
Private Hospital-Based Nursing Program |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in Reading, Pennsylvania, offers a nursing program that provides students with theoretical knowledge in the classroom and hands-on application of knowledge and skills in the clinical setting that prepares students for entry-level positions as RNs. Being a hospital-based program provides students with a strong theoretical basis and clinical application of skills and critical thinking, which are required for nursing practice. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical experiences within a nationally recognized healthcare system.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,445
Out-of-State: $11,445
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,445 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,445 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
95.55% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
59% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
207 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Messiah University
Messiah University is a private Evangelical Christian university in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. They offer a BSN program that is designed to meet the rapidly changing healthcare environment that will prepare students to become successful RNs. Students in the program develop a broad base of scientific knowledge, excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and value-based decision-making capabilities while integrating their faith in a Christian college environment. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their state-of-the-art simulation lab and participate in clinical rotations at various healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $38,370
Out-of-State: $38,370
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$38,370 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,370 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
79% |
| Retention Rate |
85% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,709 |
| Institution Type |
Private Evangelical Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Neumann University
Neumann University is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Aston, Pennsylvania. They offer a BSN program that instills students with the core values of reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. Students will also learn the science of nursing in a caring educational community and gain skills in clinical reasoning from courses in the liberal arts and sciences and from taking nursing classes that are evidence-based and patient-centered. Graduates are prepared to work as nurses in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $35,700
Out-of-State: $35,700
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$35,700 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$35,700 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.25% |
| Admission Rate |
85% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,155 |
| Institution Type |
Private Roman Catholic College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
87.71% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 BSN Program
Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They offer a BSN program and a second-degree BSN program. Students are given hands-on learning experiences in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and acute and long-term care facilities. Additionally, Duquesne University School of Nursing has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to provide undergraduate nursing students with a for-credit clinical placement at a Pittsburgh-area facility where students apply the knowledge they learned from the classroom in a real-world setting. Duquesne University School of Nursing also offers a state-of-the-art nursing simulation center where students can use the latest technology to practice their skills in a safe learning environment.
Average Tuition
In-State: $47,146
Out-of-State: $47,146
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$47,146 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$47,146 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.58% |
| Admission Rate |
67.9% |
| Retention Rate |
84% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,085 |
| Institution Type |
Private Catholic University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
68% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Pennsylvania
When choosing a nursing program in Pennsylvania, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, there are 27 ADN and 44 BSN programs in Pennsylvania that are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Pennsylvania estimates a nursing growth of 9% from 2020-2030. Pennsylvania is the fifth state in the country with the highest demand for nurses, employing 137,970 nurses. This means that there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
According to the latest scorecard ranking Pennsylvania’s health system is among the nation’s best. The Commonwealth Fund’s 2023 state scorecard gave Pennsylvania’s health system high marks for overall performance, ranking it “better than average” across all measurements. The state is ranked ninth, tied with New York, among states that provide high-quality healthcare.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $80,630. While this is below the national average, Pennsylvania’s living cost is also low, allowing your dollar to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Pennsylvania is $80,630, and it employs 137,970 nurses. Pennsylvania also employs 7,650 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $120,550.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Pennsylvania for RNs |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA |
$87,830 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA |
$82,660 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA |
$81,410 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Pennsylvania
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Pennsylvania, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Pennsylvania:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Pennsylvania, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours on the topic of child abuse recognition and reporting. All continuing education must be from a board-approved provider.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Pennsylvania:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Pennsylvania.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- Pennsylvania APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours on child abuse recognition and reporting, 16 hours in advanced pharmacology, and two hours on pain management, identification of addiction, or prescribing or dispensing opioids. All continuing education must be from a board-approved provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Pennsylvania
Is Pennsylvania a good place for nurses to work?
Pennsylvania is a great place to work. The BLS states that it has the fifth largest demand for nurses in the nation, which means there are plenty of nursing jobs to choose from. Pennsylvania is also known for its high-quality healthcare system, making it a great place to work as a nurse.
Is Pennsylvania compact state for nursing?
Yes, Pennsylvania is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a Pennsylvania nursing license, you can practice nursing in other nursing compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Pennsylvania?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Pennsylvania, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours on child abuse recognition and reporting. All continuing education must be from a board-approved provider.
How much does a Pennsylvania RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Pennsylvania with a $95 application fee. Licensure by endorsement costs $120, and to renew your Pennsylvania RN license is $122.
