The Top Online MSN Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

MSN programs in Pennsylvania offer plenty of options for earning your master’s in nursing. You can choose between on-campus, online, and hybrid programs, as well as full-time, part-time, and accelerated paths. Your responsibilities outside of school, prior education, and work experience will determine which programs are a good fit. Traditional BSN to MSN programs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing, while direct-entry MSN programs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in other subjects. RN to MSN bridge programs assist registered nurses with an associate degree bypass the BSN requirement, and dual master’s programs are for motivated students looking to study multiple subject areas.

Whichever path you choose, we’ve made it easy to explore all your options and find a program where you can succeed.

Advantages of Getting an MSN From a Pennsylvania School

Everyone has their own reason for pursuing an MSN, but common motives include job growth, job satisfaction, and earning potential. Because Pennsylvania is such a large and diverse state, MSN graduates have a lot of choices after graduation. Some MSN graduates have their own practices in rural areas, while others work in administration for large hospital systems. Whether you want to upgrade your BSN or switch careers entirely, a master’s degree in nursing can help with professional growth.

Job Growth

A recent report by the American Academy of Family Physicians has projected a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034. This is, in part, because of longer life expectancies and an aging population. As a nurse with advanced skills, you can offer care and help bridge the provider shortage. Also, an in-demand profession means you’ll have a lot of job security and can live and work almost anywhere.

Job Satisfaction

U.S. News & World Report ranked nurse practitioners No. 1 in “Best Health Care Jobs” and No. 2 in “Best 100 Jobs.” Nurse practitioners are generally very happy in their positions, thanks to independence and challenging work. They also enjoy job security and a high earning potential. Other advanced nursing positions also ranked highly. Nurse anesthetists ranked No. 8, and nurse midwives ranked No. 24 among healthcare jobs.

Higher Earning Potential

Money isn’t everything when it comes to having a fulfilling career, but it can provide stability and the means to make life comfortable. While the median wage in Pennsylvania for all jobs is $55,490, nurses with advanced training earn much more. Pennsylvania’s median wage for nurse practitioners is $117,260, $111,980 for nurse midwives, and $203,150 for nurse anesthetists. Wondering about the pay bump for going from an RN to a specialized position? In Pennsylvania, registered nurses earn about $76,000 annually, which is only two-thirds of what a nurse practitioner usually earns.

Program Checklist: Qualities to Look for in an MSN Program in Pennsylvania

The quality and curriculum of MSN programs can vary a lot, so be sure to evaluate the different components before you commit your money and time. Are you looking for a robust on-campus experience, or do you value the flexibility and convenience of online courses? How will your program prepare you for life after graduation (i.e., clinical experience, licensing exam outcomes)? Everyone’s preferences and priorities will be different, but the following qualities are generally hallmarks of a quality program.

Types of MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

FAQs About Pennsylvania’s MSN Programs

What Can an RN with an MSN Do in Pennsylvania?

Nurses with MSN degrees are prepared for a variety of careers. Some work in clinical settings as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives. Other times they work closely in surgical settings as nurse anesthetists. Students can 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, while some MSN graduates continue their studies and enroll in a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program. This is the highest level of graduate school for nurses.

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. However, that will vary depending on full-time vs. part-time status, as well as what type of program you choose. An accelerated program can often be completed in about 16-20 months, while a dual major program will take much longer.

The nurse midwifery program at the University of Pennsylvania takes about two years (five semesters) to complete, while the family nurse practitioner program at Misericordia University takes three years (eight semesters) to finish. Two years is the average, but it depends on your situation.

In Pennsylvania, How Much Do MSN Programs Cost?

Costs will vary depending on the type of school (public vs. private), the type of program (direct entry vs. traditional MSN vs. accelerated), where you live, how long it takes you, and how much funding you’ve secured. So be sure to look at the whole picture when it comes to cost. Sometimes, private schools charge more tuition but can offer more school-based aid. And be on the lookout for extra charges; fully online programs can often save you money because you can forgo activity fees, room & board, and other on-campus charges.

Duquesne University

MSN in Forensic Nursing

Total Credits: 36

$1,635/credit

Misericordia University

MSN-FNP

Total Credits: 50

$860/credit

Penn State World Campus

MSN

Total Credits: 36

$1,007/credit

What Requirements Do I Need to Apply for Admission to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania?

Admission requirements will depend on the school and the type of program you enroll in. Most MSN programs are moderately competitive, requiring a GPA of at least 3.0. The MSN program at Penn State is more competitive, requiring a GPA of at least 3.3, as well as a B or higher in all undergraduate science courses. While some admission requirements are standard, schools may have their own policies. For example, Wilkes University requires students to have state authorization for where they intend to work. In general, you can expect the following admissions requirements for MSN programs:

• A GPA of 2.5-3.0 (check with the program for specifics)
• College transcripts
• GRE or MAT test scores
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (for a BSN to MSN program)
• An associate degree in nursing (for an RN to MSN program)
• A bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing (direct entry MSN programs)
• An unencumbered RN license for certain programs
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose and/or writing samples
• Résumé
• Application fee

Where Can I Find Financial Aid to Help Pay for My MSN Program in Pennsylvania?

Any student that attends an accredited school is eligible for federal and state aid, including loans, grants, and work-study positions. Grants are considered a gift, while loans need to be paid back. Depending on the school, students may also be eligible for school-based aid (grants, loans, and scholarships). There are also many scholarship opportunities from nonprofits and professional organizations. Pennsylvania residents should look into the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that administers nursing scholarships in the state.

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.

Inside Look at MSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania

Many schools in Pennsylvania offer fully online or hybrid MSN programs. These types of programs offer increased flexibility over in-person options, especially for students who plan to work while they’re in school. Without a commute or a scheduled lecture time, online students can choose when and where they learn the material.

For the most part, students can take online classes from wherever they find it convenient. All that’s required is a quiet space, a computer, and a high-speed internet connection. Almost all programs require in-person clinical (or practicum) hours. These often happen toward the end of the program. Clinical placements are usually made within about 100 miles of the school, so students should be prepared for that.

For more information on what to expect in this type of program, head to our guide on online MSN programs.

Do Employers in Pennsylvania Accept Graduates from Online MSN Programs?

Yes, online MSN programs are valued and respected by employers if they are accredited. Before enrolling in a program, research where you will be living and where you plan to work after graduation. Some schools require students to live in an authorized state before enrolling in a program.

MSN Career Outlook for Pennsylvania

With an aging population and longer lifespans, the needs of the healthcare industry are expected to grow over the next decade. In addition to job growth, MSN nurses can look forward to increased earnings and higher salary potential.

Are MSN Nurses in High Demand in Pennsylvania?

Absolutely. The Pennsylvania healthcare job market is strong. The Philadelphia area is in the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for nurse practitioners, which are one of the most common jobs for MSN graduates.

Nationally, through 2030 there is expected to be a 33% increase in jobs for nurse practitioners compared to only a 9% increase for registered nurses. Additionally, there is also a projected 20% increase in openings for post-secondary nursing instructors by 2030. Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state, so as the nation’s citizens continue to age and require care, employees in the healthcare industry will be in particularly high demand.

How Much Do MSN Nurses Make in Pennsylvania?

The average salary for a nurse with advanced training in Pennsylvania varies. It often depends on the type of job. For example, a nurse anesthetist in urban Philadelphia earns about $217,520 annually. Comparatively, a nurse practitioner at a community clinic in a rural area will likely learn much less.

As an example, a nurse practitioner in the Philadelphia metro area earns about $131,680 annually, while that same position will earn $115,050 in the more rural Williamsport area. For comparison, the national average is $119,310.

All these salaries are more than the expected earnings for a registered nurse. In Philadelphia, an RN can expect to earn about $94,850 annually, while an RN in Williamsport can expect $86,520 per year. As you can see, a few extra years of school can add up to exponentially more earnings over the course of your career.