Online ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania: Choosing a School
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an online or hybrid ABSN program in Pennsylvania can help you fast-track your career. This EduMed guide covers admission requirements, costs, program length, curriculum, career opportunities, and more.
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In-Depth: Popular ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania
If you’re already a licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, or professional in another field, one of the fastest ways to become a registered nurse is through an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).
Benefits of enrolling in an accelerated BSN program in Pennsylvania:
- Shortened Timeline: Takes around one to two years to complete, whereas a traditional BSN program takes upwards of four years
- Focused Curriculum: Allows transfer of credits from your first bachelor’s degree, which means you don’t have to retake general education courses
- Career Preparation: Allows you to sit for the nursing licensure exam after graduation as you would if enrolled in a traditional program
- Greater Flexibility: Many offer courses online or in hybrid format (part online and part on-campus)
Three of the best accelerated BSN programs in Pennsylvania are spotlighted below to help you know what to look for in an online or hybrid ABSN degree. Just note that all ABSN programs discussed require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement.
Holy Family University
One of the top accelerated BSN programs in PA comes from Holy Family University. This online Accelerated BSN is designed to be cost-effective compared to other local programs.
Features:
- Students only take nursing coursework and not general education classes
- Requires only one week of in-person residency at Holy Family’s Philadelphia campus
- All other coursework can be completed online
- In-person clinical hours at healthcare sites
- Offers National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) prep resources
- Boasts an 89.87% NCLEX pass rate
Duration: 14 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $50,563
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3.0 cumulative GPA (2.75 GPA in math and science prerequisite courses)
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
- Residency in Pennsylvania (excluding the following counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, & Philadelphia)
Curriculum:
- Nursing and Older Adult Health Promotion
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Nursing Care of Children
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Transition to Professional Role
Misericordia University
Misericordia University easily has one of the best accelerated BSN programs in PA. The online ABSN program covers the necessary nursing skills and nursing clinicals.
Features:
- All class lectures are online but in-person labs are completed at the University’s Coraopolis campus
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX through exam resources outside of coursework
- Hands-on clinical training at local healthcare partners near Pittsburgh
- Financial support available—each student is automatically considered for scholarships of up to $10,000
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $62,964
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of at least 60 credits from an accredited institution
- GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher
Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Food and Nutrition
- Foundations of Nursing
- Physical Assessment
- Functional Health Patterns Psychiatric Nursing
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Functional Health Patterns Adults
- Functional Health Patterns in Populations
- Nursing Research for Evidence Based Practice
- Functional Health Patterns Pediatrics
- Functional Health Patterns Childbearing
Wilkes University
As the first university in Pennsylvania to offer an Online ABSN, Wilkes University is well-adapted to online learning and offers one of the most rigorous accelerated BSN programs in the state.
Features:
- Virtual coursework available
- One-time, on-campus residency
- In-person clinical training at some of the best facilities in the University’s large network of healthcare organizations
- Uses competency-based assessment (vs. traditional grading systems) to better prepare students for the NCLEX
- Above-national-average NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Two admission periods each year
Duration: 15 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $63,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion prerequisite courses
- Statement of professional goals
- Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum:
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Nursing Practice
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing Research
- Physical Assessment
FAQs on Accelerated BSN Programs in PA
It can feel daunting to begin your experience studying for an online accelerated BSN program in Pennsylvania. You will likely have several questions about the course and what happens afterward. We’ve answered these pressing questions below so you can enter the degree question-free.
What is the clinical component of an ABSN program like?
The clinical component of an ABSN program involves completing 600 to 1000 hours of clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, or other facilities. Other components include:
- Supervised training by experienced nurses and instructors
- Skills mastery like medication administration and wound care
- Application of theoretical knowledge to real-world patient scenarios
- Hands-on experience in specialties like geriatrics, pediatrics, and emergency care
Can I work while completing an ABSN program?
Since online ABSN programs in Pennsylvania are hybrid programs involving online and in-person practicum with a fast-tracked curriculum, full-time working isn’t recommended. You will likely be required to study 40 or more hours weekly with coursework, labs, and clinical rotations.
However, some students might find they can manage part-time positions, especially if the job offers flexible working hours. Before enrolling in an ABSN program, look at your schedule, coursework details, and personal workload capacity before.
How competitive are ABSN programs in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s online ABSN programs are fairly competitive, with limited spots available each year. However, these factors can significantly increase your chance of admission:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Healthcare experience through volunteering, or certifications like Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or CNA training
- Strong background in science
- Letters of recommendation
- Preparation for potential admission interviews
What support services are available for ABSN students?
Tutoring and mentorship programs are just two of many support services available to ABSN students in Pennsylvania. Other services include:
- NCLEX prep courses
- Clinical training advisement from dedicated faculty
- Mental health counseling
- Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals and alumni to assist with employment after graduation
Using these support services can improve your academic performance in an ABSN program and ease your stress surrounding transitioning into professional nursing.
Expert Insight
I would highly suggest taking advantage of student support services available to you, such as mentorships. Having a nurse mentor is beneficial during school as they can give you study tips and keep you encouraged. Mentors are also great after graduation as they can help you outline your professional goals and devise your career plan.
What happens after completing an ABSN program?
After completing an ABSN program in Pennsylvania, you should take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. After which, you will apply for an RN license through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Once you receive your license, you can begin pursuing entry-level RN positions.
If desired, you can also continue your education by taking a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. These advanced programs could help you become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator.
Why Change to Nursing in Pennsylvania?
Many people are transitioning to a career in healthcare because the field offers job stability, a chance to make a meaningful impact, and career growth opportunities. Explore these benefits of earning a BSN and becoming an RN in Pennsylvania:
- Demand: The state has a high demand for nursing jobs because of a statewide shortage. As Pennsylvania’s aging population continues to grow, the demand for registered nurses will continue to rise.
- Salary: Pennsylvania’s nursing salaries are competitive. The average RN salary in this state is $87,530 per year, which can increase based on the field of nursing in which you choose to practice.
- Career Expansion: After completing an online ABSN program, you can explore career roles in hospital care, hospice care, telehealth, and long-term care.
