Inside Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires advanced training, and today’s wide range of online programs gives you more choices than ever. This guide helps you compare top online/hybrid NP programs in Pennsylvania, from accelerated options to schools with strong financial aid. Explore tuition and admissions, classes and curricula, and what to expect after graduation.
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Types of NP Programs in Pennsylvania
Nurse practitioner careers in Pennsylvania are growing rapidly, driven by workforce shortages and rising demand for advanced providers. Many programs now offer online or hybrid formats, making it easier for working nurses to advance while gaining essential hands-on experience.
As you explore your options, keep these key points in mind:
- Strong job growth and demand – NP employment in Pennsylvania has increased significantly in recent years, creating stable, long-term career opportunities.
- Flexible program formats – Many programs offer online coursework paired with required in-person clinical rotations.
- Multiple academic pathways – Students may follow different routes to licensure depending on prior education and career goals.
Reviewing popular online nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania can help you find the right path toward advanced practice and long-term success as an NP.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs take two to three years to prepare students for advanced nursing roles in practice, research, education, and leadership. These programs also prepare nurses to become exemplary leaders in communication, collaboration, and scholarship.
For nurse practitioners, these programs offer training in:
- Critical thinking
- Advanced patient care
- Medical diagnosis
- Procedure evaluation
- Treatment/medication prescription
York College of Pennsylvania
- Duration: 24 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $30,590-$33,250
Post-Master’s Certificate
Nurse practitioner certificate programs are non-degree programs that enable nurses with master’s degrees to earn NP certifications. Students choose their own specialization.
These programs require students to complete a mandatory number of clinical hours before receiving their certifications. Students can choose to complete clinical hours before enrolling, or they can complete them under the supervision of an instructor while in the program.
Immaculata University
- Duration: One year
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $710/credit
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A Doctor of Nursing Practice program results in a post-master’s degree, also known as a terminal degree. These degrees prepare students for roles in healthcare leadership and advanced clinical practice.
DNPs are similar to a PhD in nursing, but a DNP allows graduates to apply their knowledge to practice in the field rather than to research. Nurses with a doctor of nursing practice degree can take higher-level positions in clinical education, leadership, and healthcare policy.
West Chester University
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $671/credit
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NP Online Student FAQs
How long does an online NP program take in Pennsylvania?
Completion time depends on factors like your current level of education and the program you choose. Generally, post-graduate certificate programs take one to two years, master’s programs take two to three years, and doctor of nursing practice programs take three to four years.
However, if you’re currently an RN and have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), you’ll need to allow additional time to earn a BSN or enroll in a bridge program that includes one.
Expert Insight
Consider if you will work throughout your online NP program. If so, a part-time program could be an option, but it will take longer to finish. I chose to work throughout my entire online MSN program, so I searched for schools offering part-time enrollment. Though it took me about three years to finish, I was able to manage my time well and stay ahead of assignments because I did not feel overwhelmed.
What is the fastest way to become an NP?
The fastest way to becoming an NP in Pennsylvania is through an accelerated program like the 14-month Women’s Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner MSN at UPenn, although completion time can depend on many factors. While UPenn’s program will help you graduate quickly, it’s an in-person, full-time program, which may not be ideal for every student.
A typical timeline for online students who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing is to attend a two-to-three-year master of science in nursing program.
Are online NP programs in Pennsylvania accredited, and why does accreditation matter?
Yes. Many online nursing practitioner programs in Pennsylvania are accredited by the two main accrediting bodies for nurse practitioner programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures your degree meets nationwide standards for nursing education and practice.
Choosing a school that is not accredited can limit your professional prospects or prevent you from transferring your credits to another program.
Can I specialize in a particular NP track (e.g., FNP, AGNP, PMHNP) through an online program in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Specialization is actually required for any type of NP program as you will need to obtain specialty certification as part of your NP license. If you want to change your specialty later, you will need to enroll in a certification program focused on your desired specialty.
Try applying for online NP programs that align with your nursing and employment goals. For instance, if you prefer working with older adults, a gerontology specialization like Drexel University’s MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program might work for you.
How much do online nursing practitioner programs in Pennsylvania cost?
A typical rate is $600-700 per credit, but cost can vary significant between schools. Factors like school type, program length, and enrollment status can make a difference. For example, public universities offer more affordable NP degrees than private universities.
Additionally, shorter programs, like a post-master’s program certificate, will cost less than getting a master’s or a DNP. Scholarships and financial aid can also help you offset the total cost of tuition.
Expert Insight
Graduate school can be expensive but there are ways to bring the cost down. I chose a public school with part-time enrollment which made my entire program fairly affordable. If you’re currently working, ask your employer if they offer a tuition assistance program. Some employers will cover part of your tuition if you commit to working for them for a number of years after graduation.
Licensing for Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioners
Each state has its own requirements for nurse practitioner licensing and certification. In PA, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing sets the criteria and process for NPs in the state. The following steps mark your journey to a nurse practitioner career.
- Complete a Board-approved master’s or post master’s nurse practitioner program. Additionally, you should have received a minimum of 500 clinical hours in a chosen specialty or with designated populations.
- Apply for a nurse practitioner licensure in a given specialty. The initial licensing fee is $100, with a biennial renewal fee of $81. Prescriptive authority licensure is an additional $41. You will be required to undergo a background check with fingerprinting.
- Take and pass the National Certification Examination in your specialty. Additionally, all applicants must complete three hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting.
It’s also important to note that all NPs in Pennsylvania must obtain professional liability insurance before beginning their practice.
Salary & Career Info for NPs in Pennsylvania
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $101,370 | $127,400 | $159,920 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $104,710 | $127,420 | $158,850 |
| Altoona, PA | $96,120 | $121,980 | $148,360 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $102,330 | $129,310 | $157,950 |
| Erie, PA | $103,390 | $122,130 | $138,010 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $104,180 | $127,820 | $151,940 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $107,000 | $131,390 | $162,080 |
| Johnstown, PA | $92,770 | $114,810 | $125,690 |
| Lancaster, PA | $102,530 | $130,240 | $159,130 |
| Lebanon, PA | $102,970 | $123,500 | $158,280 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $101,850 | $131,590 | $163,470 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $102,430 | $107,680 | $153,370 |
| Reading, PA | $99,780 | $135,030 | $160,480 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA | $65,000 | $128,120 | $150,190 |
| State College, PA | $103,300 | $127,610 | $156,230 |
| Williamsport, PA | $97,150 | $124,990 | $157,660 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $103,520 | $128,770 | $161,360 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania
As you consider becoming a nurse practitioner in PA, you probably want to know which schools offer the best online NP programs, so, we’ve done the research and ranked them for you here. Our rankings take multiple factors into consideration, including the overall number of online programs available at a school, the percentage of students getting an online education, and the average tuition cost. For more details on our ranking process, check out our About the Rankings section.
