Online MSN Programs in Pennsylvania: Finding Top Programs
Whether you’re currently working in healthcare or hoping to transition into the medical field, the right MSN program can broaden your nursing opportunities and increase your salary. Online MSN programs in Pennsylvania offer numerous options for earning your master’s in nursing. This guide covers the best programs in the state and can help you choose the best school for your needs.
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NursingNursing Ed.Spotlighting Pennsylvania Online MSN Programs
Many MSN programs now offer fully online or hybrid courses, as well as full-time, part-time, and accelerated 1-year MSN paths. Online and hybrid programs are great for students planning to work while earning their degree because they allow for flexibility in where and when learning takes place.
As a nice bonus, any clinicals required by the MSN program can often be completed at the student’s current place of employment, thus easing the burden of needing to find a place for hands-on work.
To help you choose the school that’s right for you, we’ve spotlighted three solid options in Pennsylvania. Use these as examples of what to look for in a quality program.
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program with concentrations in Nursing Education, Administration, and Informatics. Dual concentrations in Administration and Education and the MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are also available.
Features:
- Designed for working professionals, offering flexible online coursework and clinical practice components
- Offers eight-week courses throughout the program
- Allows students the freedom to start courses at any time throughout the year
- Prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare settings
- Ensures graduates are ready for the national certification exams in their chosen specialty
Duration: 2 years of part-time study
Mode: Online
Cost: $21,150
Admissions Requirements:
- Current unrestricted RN license
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of career goals
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Completion of a statistics course
Curriculum: Before breaking out into program concentrations, students will refresh on topics like nursing ethics, best clinical practices, industry innovations, and more.
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Wilson College
Wilson College offers a 36-credit online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program with specializations in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership.
Features:
- Designed for working professionals, providing flexible, asynchronous online coursework and practical experiences
- 13-1 student-teacher ratios to ensure every student gets the attention they need
- Prepares graduates for advanced roles in healthcare, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and educational methodologies
Duration: 2-3 years of part-time study
Mode: Online
Cost: $21,600
Admissions Requirements:
- Current unrestricted RN license
- Official transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Resume
Curriculum: Students can expect an emphasis on pharmacology, ethics, finances in healthcare, regulations and clinical best practices, research, and advanced leadership roles in nursing.
PennWest Global Online
PennWest University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Administration and Leadership. Students should expect 30 credit hours required for the administration and leadership program, while those pursuing FNP will take 49 credits.
Features:
- Fully online, offering the flexibility needed for working professionals
- Mostly asynchronous learning, allowing students to take courses at their own pace
- Some professors host synchronous courses that require students to be on their computer at certain times
- FNP concentration requires 500 clinical practice hours, which may be completed at the nurse’s place of employment
- Offers success coaching during enrollment and career coaching afterward
Duration: 2-3 years of study for Administration and Leadership; 3-4 years of study for FNP
Mode: Online
Cost: $18,768 for Administration and Leadership; $30,654 for FNP
Admissions Requirements:
- Unrestricted registered nursing license
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Curriculum: Students can expect courses on management, best clinical practices, healthcare policy, research, professional collaboration, and health promotion.
FAQs for Online MSN Programs in Pennsylvania
You may think you’re ready to take the next steps and start applying to programs, and that’s good! You need to make the move eventually. That said, it’s important to hear from real prospective students to see what they’re asking, and learn what you might be missing. Check out these online MSN FAQs:
Do employers in Pennsylvania accept graduates from online MSN programs?
Yes, online MSN programs are valued and respected by employers if the nursing program is properly accredited.
Accreditation for online healthcare education ensures both you, the prospective student, and your future employer that you have been trained according to the necessary regulations you need to comply to in your career.
What can an RN with an MSN do in Pennsylvania?
Nurses with MSN degrees can work in clinical settings as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)—these clinicians include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
Students can also pursue some niche specialties, such as an MSN in Forensic Nursing or an MSN in Nursing Informatics.
MSN graduates who don’t want to work in patient-facing roles often serve in administrative or faculty positions. Others continue their studies and enroll in a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program, the highest level of graduate school for nurses.
In Pennsylvania, how much do MSN programs cost?
MSN program costs in Pennsylvania will vary depending on factors including:
- Type of school (public vs. private)
- Type of program (direct entry vs. traditional MSN vs. accelerated)
- Where you live
- How long it takes you to finish
- How much funding you’ve secured
For example, private schools generally charge more tuition but can offer more school-based aid. Also, fully online programs can often save you money because you can forgo activity fees, room and board, and other on-campus charges.
Take a look at our page of the most affordable MSN programs for prospective students like you.
How long does it take to earn an MSN in Pennsylvania?
In general, you can expect an MSN degree to take about two years to complete, but this will vary depending on enrollment status, degree concentration, and program type, among others.
Examples:
- An accelerated MSN program can be completed in about 16-20 months, while a dual major program will take much longer
- University of Pennsylvania‘s nurse midwifery program takes about two years to complete, while the FNP program at Misericordia University takes three years
Expert Insight
Here’s something to think about. When you’re training at a healthcare site, you’re required to be there for a number of hours on each scheduled day (though hours can be negotiable). If you also plan to work while in school (like I did), your schedule can get pretty hectic! You may have the option to spread out your clinical training days, but remember that this can extend the time it takes to finish your program.
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my MSN in Pennsylvania?
The financial aid office at your prospective school is a great place to start your search, but here are funding options to consider:
- Federal and state aid, including loans, grants, and work-study positions for students attending accredited schools
- School-based aid (grants, loans, and scholarships)
- Scholarship opportunities from nonprofits and professional organizations, such as the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania available to Pennsylvania residents
- Online MSN degree programs that offer financial aid
No matter where you decide to apply, our nursing scholarship guide can help you find the money for school. And for general information on paying for college, head over to our financial aid guide for online college students.
MSN Program Types in Pennsylvania
There are many different types of MSN programs in Pennsylvania, all designed to lead to an enhanced career for registered nurses. The traditional MSN starts with the BSN in nursing and the direct-entry MSN offers an opportunity for those with a degree in a non-nursing field to change their career path; those who have an RN through an associate degree program can opt for the RN to MSN bridge. Here’s more on the variety of options available to you.
Traditional MSN
The most traditional path to an MSN is obtaining a BSN first. Some BSN graduates have work experience, while others go directly to graduate school.
Assuming your BSN study meets all the prerequisites, a traditional MSN program will take about two years to complete.
Direct-Entry MSN
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject but are interested in a graduate nursing degree, a direct entry MSN may be a good option. You can bypass earning a BSN as you begin working on your MSN.
This approach may require you to take some prerequisites, especially if your bachelor’s degree isn’t heavy on the sciences.
Accelerated MSN
Highly motivated students who are not planning to work full-time while in school may want to consider an accelerated program. Rather than taking classes in semesters, students may take intensive classes six to eight weeks at a time.
Other programs may allow students to start their MSN degree while still in undergrad. Every school’s approach is different, so check the curriculum and calendar for specifics.
RN to MSN Bridge
Students currently working as nurses with an RN license and associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enroll in some MSN programs without a bachelor’s degree.
These programs allow students to either bypass the BSN or earn it alongside an MSN. This type of path typically takes a bit longer than a traditional MSN program.
Dual Master’s
For highly motivated students, some schools offer the option to enroll in two graduate programs at once. An MSN/MBA degree is a popular combo, but other options include an MSN/MPH degree and an MSN/MA in bioethics.
What to Expect with an MSN 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 MSN Programs Online: Pennsylvania Edition
When choosing the school to obtain your MSN degree from, it’s important to look at the points that matter the most to you, and that’s where our rankings come in. We’ve done the research for you, providing an inside look at accreditation, support services, career placement, reasonable tuition and fees, online availability, and more. Take an in-depth look at the methodology we used to create this list below.
