Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in PA

Comparing Pennsylvania’s Online RN to BSN Programs

Although your nursing skills as an RN are in high demand, employers are increasingly looking to hire nurses who have earned a BSN. A bachelor’s in nursing can provide you with opportunities for promotion and new job prospects while equipping you with new skills you’ll use to take the best possible care of your patients—all on a schedule that works for you.

Online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are affordable and designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexible scheduling and format options. Asynchronous classes allow for self-scheduled study, while regular check-ins and due dates provide accountability to stay on track. We’ve highlighted some outstanding online RN to BSN programs in PA below.

Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions

Signing up for higher education can be an overwhelming task, especially when you’re already busy working as an RN. You’re probably wondering about admissions, paying for your degree, and everything that comes after graduation. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions of RN to BSN nursing students in Pennsylvania.

How will an RN to BSN program in Pennsylvania prepare me for more opportunities?

These days, many healthcare employers prefer hiring nurses with a BSN, so you’ll become a standout candidate. No matter where you work, getting your degree will grow your patient care abilities and leadership skills, making you even better at your job and qualifying you for specialized and advanced nursing positions. RN to BSN programs also provide an opportunity to pursue your specific interests, offering you growth in ways that can lead to a more fulfilling career. For example, if integrating technology in healthcare sparks your curiosity, the online RN to BSN program at Millersville University may be right for you.

In Pennsylvania, how long does completing an RN to BSN program take?

The length of your RN to BSN program depends on what works best for you and which school you choose to attend. Some programs, such as the one offered by Waynesburg University, can be completed in as little as 12 months. For full-time students, 18-24 months is a more typical timeline, like the program offered at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. You’ll also have the option to work part-time toward your degree. In that case, plan on about three years from your first class until graduation.

In Pennsylvania, how much do RN to BSN programs cost?

In general, expect a cost of $10,000-20,000 (before any financial aid) to get your BSN. The price of online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania can vary widely depending on the school and program length. One significant factor when it comes to cost is how many credits you can transfer from your associate degree. Most programs will allow credit transfers, and many offer credits for having an active nursing license, which can shave time and cost off getting your education. If you attend an online RN to BSN program, you’ll save considerably on costs like commuting and dining.

In Pennsylvania, what are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs?

The exact requirements will vary by school, but most programs have some basic criteria in common. RN to BSN programs are for practicing nurses or students with associate degrees in nursing who want to continue their education. In either case, most programs require that you have an active nursing license. There are also academic requirements in RN to BSN programs; the minimum GPA can range from 2.0 at schools like Millersville University to 2.5 at Immaculata University. Some schools only accept students who have already completed additional prerequisite general education courses in subjects like math or science.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Pennsylvania?

Nursing is a highly regulated profession, so it’s important to select a quality program that has proper accreditation, high NCLEX-RN pass rates, and more. To start, ensure your program is approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. This approval ensures your program is accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and that you’ll be ready to apply for your nursing license after graduation. Next, look up NCLEX-RN exam pass rates for your prospective schools. High pass rates demonstrate that graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their licenses. Ultimately, the highest quality program will be the one that works best for you, so consider your schedule, learning style, and goals.

Pennsylvania Pay and Opportunities: RN vs. BSN

You know by now that completing an RN to BSN program is an excellent way to advance your career, but does a higher degree pay off? We’ve crunched the numbers for you, and the outlook is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average RN pay in the state is $76,940 per year. However, the top 10% of RNs make considerably more, with salaries averaging $98,680 annually. The nurses who occupy those top-earning jobs are highly experienced and qualified professionals, often taking on leadership positions or working in specialized roles. Getting your BSN will provide you with the skills you need to prepare and qualify for those higher-paying jobs in the field.

Like many parts of the country, Pennsylvania suffers from a nursing shortage, so your skills are in high demand and are likely to stay that way. Currently, there are 149,270 RNs practicing in Pennsylvania, and the state projects that number to grow by 8.9% over the next 10 years, which adds up to 160,380 nursing positions in Pennsylvania by 2030. This growth rate exceeds job market growth projections nationwide, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts to be around 6% during the same period.

Ranking Pennsylvania’s Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs

With abundant options for RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania, how do you choose the right one for you? We’ve done the research and put together the following ranking to help you decide. We’ve weighed multiple criteria to come up with our final listings, from online course availability, tuition costs, average aid awarded, and more.