Pennsylvania Nursing Colleges & Licenses
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There has never been a better time to pursue a career in nursing in Pennsylvania. According to The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, the state is experiencing a severe nursing shortage. An aging and retiring healthcare workforce has led to fewer experienced nurses available for clinical practice. Additionally, there needs to be more graduates of nursing programs, leaving hospitals without the necessary number of qualified personnel to provide quality care.
Pennsylvania offers many options for aspiring nurses or nurses looking to further their education. From accelerated degree programs to specialized certifications, Pennsylvanians have access to the latest evidence-based practices and technology, as well as highly qualified faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their goals. The strong demand for nurses will allow graduates to build meaningful careers that can be rewarding professionally and personally.
There is a wide range of nursing degrees available to meet the needs of learners in this state. Licensed practical nurse certificates provide hands-on learning that prepares individuals to enter the healthcare workforce quickly. Associate’s degrees in nursing programs lay the foundation for entry into more advanced levels of practice.
In contrast, a bachelor’s of science in nursing program offers a more comprehensive education, providing students with the skills necessary to move into leadership positions in their field. Master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice degrees are designed for nurses who wish to pursue advanced practice roles or drive innovation within their specialty area. Nurses who have already earned a master’s can complete a post-master’s certificate program to add specialty certifications without completing another full degree program.
As with all states, nurses working in Pennsylvania must hold a license to practice. Licenses offered in this state include clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, and registered nurse. Aspiring nurses should review the state licensing requirements before applying to an educational program to ensure that the degree or certificate they will pursue will meet the requirements for licensure.
Keep reading to learn about top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in this state, as well as detailed salary expectations and state licensing requirements.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Community College of Philadelphia
Students enrolled in the associate in applied nursing at Community College of Philadelphia are provided with the education and training necessary to deliver quality care, support, and instruction to patients and their families. The nursing program helps learners comprehend legal and ethical aspects of the profession, use case studies to analyze and identify information linked to patient care, work in hospitals, long-term care, and community-based settings, as well as apply outcome measures to critically assess scenarios and devise treatment plans.
This program has been selected as one of only 15 Centers of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. It is recognized for its commitment to “Enhancing the Professional Development of Students.” There are many advantages to this program, from a ground-breaking curriculum to dedicated faculty members, cutting-edge tools for hands-on learning, supervised time in hospitals, geriatric environments, and local agencies, plus prep for taking the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $477 per credit
Bucks County Community College
Not only will students take nursing courses while completing this associate degree in nursing, they will also be required to take general education courses in liberal arts to be well-rounded graduates. The nursing classes in this program require students to take courses in a sequence that builds their knowledge from less complex to more complex elements. Each nursing course’s theoretical and clinical components must be completed successfully with demonstrated growing proficiency to advance to the next class.
Applicants for this program who already are licensed vocational nurses can apply for advanced placement and complete this degree in an accelerated format. In total, students must complete 67 credit hours to earn this degree.
- Location: Newton, PA
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $495 per credit
Westmoreland Community College
Westmoreland’s associate degree in nursing program is designed to equip students with the academic and clinical skills necessary to begin a career in entry-level nursing roles. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates will be qualified for the NCLEX-RN and can pursue licensure in nursing practice.
This program is offered in two locations: Youngwood and Westmoreland campuses. The Youngwood campus has a full-time daylight program with a fall start date and a part-time evening program with a spring start date. The Westmoreland location only offers the full-time daytime option.
Graduates of this program can transfer to partner colleges and universities to seamlessly earn their bachelor of science in nursing. Westmoreland has established transfer agreements with 15 institutions to help students complete a more advanced degree without going through a rigorous application process.
- Location: Youngwood and Westmoreland, PA
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $414 per credit
Montgomery County Community College
The associate’s degree in nursing at Montgomery County Community College integrates the art and science of nursing to cultivate caring professional nurses with adept critical thinking abilities and the capability to provide care for patients of all ages in various healthcare contexts. Located on the Blue Bell Campus, students take state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center classes. Courses meld theory with practical experience to help students integrate their learning. All students participate in clinical rotations and labs in the Simulation and Skills Suite.
Full- or part-time enrollment options allow for a high degree of flexibility for students with other obligations. Standard admission is offered to applicants without a nursing license who have not attended another nursing program. In contrast, Advanced Standing admission is available to licensed practical nurses or those transferring in good academic standing from another nursing program.
- Location: Blue Bell, PA
- Duration: Five semesters full-time, nine semesters part-time
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $513 per credit
The registered nurse and licensed practical nurse programs at Northampton Community College offer excellent clinical classes to expose students to the varying roles of a nurse, both in the classroom and in practical tasks. The registered nurse program results in an associate of science degree, while the licensed practical nurse is a certificate. Aspiring nurses will be instructed on the theoretical background requirements for passing their respective NCLEX exams. Courses can be taken during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends, depending on preference.
Admission to this program is competitive. High school applicants must display a good academic record, including biology, chemistry, and algebra courses, complete background checks and health assessments, and show evidence of having recently completed an approved CPR course.
- Location: Bethlehem or Monroe, PA
- Duration: Three to four semesters
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $494 per credit
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
La Roche University allows individuals to develop their leadership skills by completing either the entry-level master of science or the fully online master of science in nursing program. The entry-level master of science is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. It offers them a 20-month program to earn their master’s degree and become an MSN-qualified nurse without specialization. This degree also prepares students for post-master’s certification programs upon graduation.
The online master’s of science in nursing is for nurses who have completed their bachelor’s of science in nursing. The three concentrations offered are clinical nurse leader, nursing administration, and nursing education.
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Duration: As little as 20 months
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $834 per credit
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Penn Nursing’s master’s of science in nursing program graduates are prepared to use scientific inquiry and advanced nursing skills, lead quality improvement initiatives, and create strong networks to advance in their professional roles. After completing this degree, students will be equipped with strong clinical decision-making and management skills. This school offers six nurse practitioner concentrations, an advanced specialist in nurse-midwifery degree, and three leadership or administration options.
Depending on the program, students take between one to three years to complete their degree. A minimum of 12 courses are required for most of the MSN programs. All degrees must be completed in a maximum of five years.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $6,698 per course
Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Graduate nursing program degrees at Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing include master’s and doctoral options. This school strives to offer personalized instruction and innovative educational opportunities to help prepare nurses for their professional roles. Students benefit from superior clinical and teaching resources, collaboration with faculty experts, and an esteemed alumni network dedicated to serving the vulnerable. The school is consistently recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Admission requirements will vary based on the degree pursued but are highly competitive. Requirements will include prerequisite coursework, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume, and a comprehensive criminal background check.
- Location: Villanova, PA
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $995 to $1,450 per credit
The University of Scranton Panuska College of Professional Studies
The aim of The University of Scranton Panuska College of Professional Studies nursing program is to foster excellence in nursing by educating master’s and doctoral level students who are guided by the Catholic and Jesuit tradition. Graduates have the tools to provide quality, evidence-based, holistic care for each patient.
The 36-credit master’s degree program and a 27-credit post-master’s certificate train nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat common disorders and develop leadership skills. The executive nurse leadership program is a 30-credit master’s degree focusing on organizational, and financial management perspectives and the tools needed to effectively lead in healthcare.
There are also doctor of nursing practice degree options, including a 30-credit Post-Master’s Leadership course with a hybrid model of on-campus and online classes and an 83-credit nurse anesthesia program over 36 months to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
- Location: Scranton, PA
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $772 to $1,200 per credit
The DeSales University Division of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing program designed to help students respond to the complex demands of patients, health care consumers, and the modern healthcare system. This program integrates nursing science with other disciplines such as medicine, ethics, economics, and public health, enabling students to specialize in areas like nurse practitioner, healthcare executive, advanced clinician, or educator.
Students will take courses in the Gambet Center, a 77,000-square-foot academic building featuring modern simulation labs, the area’s only gross anatomy lab, and a standardized patient lab. It is an environmentally advanced facility with cutting-edge technology to prepare nurses to excel in their chosen specialty.
- Location: Center Valley, PA
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $910 per credit
At Robert Morris University, the Department of Nursing is dedicated to equipping students with the technical aptitude and clinical reasoning skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. The curriculum combines liberal arts and professional courses in natural and behavioral sciences. Students gain hands-on experience working with patients in various healthcare settings, including community clinics and hospitals. The Regional Research and Innovation in Simulation Education (RISE) Center, where students will complete lab classes, is state-of-the-art and can prepare them to succeed in clinical internships.
Graduate degree options at this school include a doctor of nursing practice, a master’s of science in nursing, a post-master’s certificate, and a dual MSN and master of business administration.
- Location: Moon Township, PA
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $960 to $1,040 per credit
The Department of Nursing at West Chester University is committed to providing high-quality graduate nursing education to students from diverse backgrounds, and equipping them with the necessary skill in evidence-based care and leadership. The graduate programs provide expertise in advanced nursing practice and education through a doctor of nursing practice or master’s of science in nursing degree.
For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and are looking for a new career path, the Advance 2 MSN program offers an opportunity to move into the nursing profession. Traditionally this has been a bachelor’s degree program but has recently been changed to a master’s to ensure students are well prepared for this ever-changing field.
- Location: West Chester, PA
- Duration: Two to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $940.89 per credit
There are two nursing graduate degree options at Holy Family University. Nurses who desire to work in either clinical or non-clinical settings may pursue the doctor of nursing practice. This advanced degree provides those in the profession with an alternative to research-based doctoral programs. Graduates may provide direct patient care or take on a leadership role, such as one in education or healthcare policy.
Alternatively, experienced nurses who have received a bachelor’s from an accredited institution are qualified for the master’s of science in nursing. The MSN has a focus on leadership, quality, and safety. All of the graduate nursing programs at Holy Family are available through distance learning, allowing students to advance their education while continuing to work and without having to relocate.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Duration: 1.5 to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $905 to $1,025 per credit
Cedar Crest College provides well-respected programs for traditional and returning adult students, with options for both on-campus and online learning. The nursing education program boasts decades of experience, and its graduates deliver test scores higher than the state and national averages. Through a strong emphasis on leadership, students in this program will be ready to impact the lives of their patients, communities, and the world.
Graduate education options offered here include a master’s of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, and a post-graduate certificate. Students can pursue a degree that will prepare them for leadership, such as nursing administration, or one that will prepare them for advanced clinical practice as a nurse practitioner.
- Location: Allentown, PA
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $938 per credit
Moravian University Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health
The Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health at Moravian University is committed to preparing students for success in a global, interdependent community through its dedication to local and global partnerships. The school offers accredited graduate programs that emphasize lifelong learning, service, and social justice to cultivate well-rounded professional nurse graduates.
This school offers six specialized master’s of science in nursing programs: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, nurse educator, and nurse administrator. Additionally, a dual degree program is available that merges an MSN with a master of business administration (MBA)
- Location: Bethlehem, PA
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $999 per credit
Nursing School Accreditation
Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is essential for nursing schools. This process provides students, employers, and licensing boards with verified evidence that a program meets pre-established quality standards. By confirming that the school provides satisfactory faculty, clinicals, curriculum, facilities, and patient outcomes, it ensures graduates are properly prepared and their degrees will be recognized.
Prospective students should confirm their chosen program has the necessary accreditation for licensure in their state.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Pennsylvania?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2021—the latest data available as of mid-April 2023.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Salaries
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 641,240 | 36,810 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $51,850 | $51,090 |
| 10th percentile | $37,150 | $38,470 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,070 | $48,220 |
| 90th percentile | $63,790 | $61,250 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,047,530 | 149,270 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $82,750 | $76,000 |
| 10th percentile | $59,450 | $59,640 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,600 | $76,940 |
| 90th percentile | $120,250 | $98,680 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 43,950 | 1,570 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $202,470 | $203,150 |
| 10th percentile | $131,840 | $154,060 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $195,610 | $195,910 |
| 90th percentile | >$208,000 per year | >$208,000 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 7,750 | 340 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $114,210 | $111,980 |
| 10th percentile | $61,500 | $79,130 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $112,830 | $116,840 |
| 90th percentile | $166,170 | $136,050 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 234,690 | 7,610 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $118,040 | $117,260 |
| 10th percentile | $79,470 | $84,940 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,680 | $106,700 |
| 90th percentile | $163,350 | $165,900 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Pennsylvania LPN license requirements include:
|
Pennsylvania LPNs must do the following to be eligible for renewal:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Department of State Board of Nursing | Pennsylvania requirements for an RN license include:
|
An RN in the state of Pennsylvania must do the following for renewal;
|
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of Pennsylvania, Certified Nurse Practitioner (CPN) eligibility requires:
|
In Pennsylvania, 30 hours of continuing education are required for the biennial renewal of a CNP license. Of those 30 hours, two hours must be Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. There is a renewal fee of $81. |
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In the state of Pennsylvania, a CNM is licensed by the State Board of Medicine and eligibility requires:
|
CNM in Pennsylvania must complete 30 hours of continuing education for licensure renewal. Two hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements must be completed as well. The license renewal fee is $40 |
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Pennsylvania, CRNAs work under the authority of their RN licenses and must complete the following:
|
CRNAs must be recertified every four years. Nurse anesthetists’ recertification includes meeting advanced practice requirements and obtaining a minimum of 30 continuing education credits. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licenses in Pennsylvania
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Pennsylvania, a CNS must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
CNS certification in Pennsylvania is renewed biennially, concurrent with RN licensing. Thirty hours of continuing education is required for renewal. Of those 30 hours, two hours must be Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. The licensure renewal fee is $56 |
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.