Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania offer a convenient path to developing exceptional nursing skills to advance your career. These programs build on your existing associate RN degree and offer flexible schedules to suit your lifestyle. Let EduMed guide you through the top online RN to BSN programs in PA, including admissions criteria, curricula, FAQs, and salary information.
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Comparing Pennsylvania’s Online RN to BSN Programs
Although RN skills 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 of the most popular online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania below.
Expert Insight
If you see yourself moving into leadership, case management, education, or graduate school, earning your BSN now can make those transitions smoother later. Even if you’re comfortable in your current role, it can keep future options open.
RN to BSN Online Nursing Program — Drexel University
With Drexel University’s RN to BSN Online Nursing Program, RNs can get their bachelor’s degree in nursing in as little as 12 months. There’s also flexibility for students who prefer a more relaxed learning pace, thanks to Drexel’s three-year tuition lock.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and provides students with hands-on, in-depth clinical skills to enhance their current credentials. All learning takes place online; students gain practical experience through simulation labs, problem-based web learning, direct patient interaction, and community outreach.
Special tuition rates are offered for ANA members, health system partner employees, and community college students.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $459/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate Degree in Nursing with a GPA of 2.0 or above
- Current, unrestricted United States RN licensure
- 60 semester hours of college-level prerequisites
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Statistics of the Health Sciences
- Health Care Ethics
- Pharmacology or Advanced Physiology or Pathophysiology
- Appreciative Inquiry into Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery
- Inclusive and Equitable Health Assessment
- Leading and Managing Complex Systems of Health
- Safety Science and Quality Improvement
- Educating Patients, Professionals, and the Public to Improve Health Outcomes
- Responding to the Challenges of Global and Population-based Health Needs
- Transitions of Care
- Healthy Aging
Programs that might interest you:
RN-BSN Program — West Chester University
The RN-BSN program at West Chester University was designed with working nurses in mind. Whether you’re a new RN or an experienced nurse seeking a bachelor’s degree, there’s room in this program for you.
There’s no need to pass the NCLEX before being accepted to the program; however, you’ll need your active license ready to go before beginning the second semester of nursing courses.
The curriculum is customized for each student, depending on their individual level of previously completed college coursework. All classes are available asynchronously online on a full- or part-time basis, so students can balance the demands of work, home, and school.
Duration: Two to three semesters
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $3,864-$7,716/semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum higher education cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Obtain an active RN license by the beginning of the second semester
Curriculum:
- Professional Nursing Communication Strategies
- Applied Nursing Research
- Ethics and Health Policy in Nursing
- Population and Environmental Health Nursing
- Population and Environmental Health Nursing Practicum
- Physical and Health Assessments of Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan
- Health Information, Technology, and Quality Improvement
- Nursing Leadership & Management in Today’s Healthcare Environment
- Nursing Leadership Practicum
RN to BSN Program — York College of Pennsylvania
York College of Pennsylvania provides a convenient and flexible path to a bachelor’s degree in their RN to BSN program. This program is ideal for RN graduates of accredited nursing programs.
If you’ve already earned an associate degree, you’ll get credit toward your bachelor’s thanks to a 100% general education block transfer. If you’re an RN with a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can skip the general education classes and complete only the required nursing and support courses to get your BSN.
With 100% online courses and six different start dates throughout the year, students have the freedom to pursue a BSN at their own pace.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $347/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program
- Valid, unencumbered RN License in the United States
Curriculum:
- Health Assessment for Registered Nurses
- Transitional Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Healthcare Professionals
- Research Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Comparative Health Care
- Stress Management for Healthcare Providers
- Leadership Concepts for Registered Nurses
- Community Health Concepts and Issues for Registered Nurses
- Social Aspects of Aging
- Bioethics
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 may have questions about the admission process, how to pay for your degree, and what to expect after graduation. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions asked by RN-to-BSN nursing students.
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 the opportunity to pursue your specific interests, offering 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.
Expert Insight
Many nurses pursue a BSN not because they dislike bedside care, but because they want more variety. A bachelor’s degree can position you for roles in quality improvement, care coordination, population health, and so many more areas within healthcare.
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.
Expert Insight
Not all programs evaluate transfer credits the same way. Be sure to ask for an official transcript review so you know exactly how many credits will apply toward your BSN. The difference can impact both your total cost and how quickly you’re able to finish.
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 Salary & Career Info: RN vs. BSN
Pennsylvania trains an unusual number of its own nurses. The state is home to dozens of nursing programs feeding into a dense network of hospital systems -- UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Jefferson Health among them -- which gives nurses at every education level real options close to home. Associate-degree RNs typically land in the lower reaches of this range, working solid staff and bedside roles across the state's many community hospitals.
Bachelor's-prepared nurses tend to move up from there, especially at the academic systems concentrated in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where specialty, research, and leadership roles pull pay toward the top.
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $78,280 | $101,440 | $118,070 |
| Altoona, PA | $63,880 | $82,410 | $102,360 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $64,970 | $85,270 | $112,790 |
| Erie, PA | $65,820 | $80,000 | $102,040 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $71,730 | $88,260 | $100,370 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $76,760 | $96,770 | $116,450 |
| Johnstown, PA | $63,420 | $84,390 | $98,650 |
| Lancaster, PA | $76,940 | $89,620 | $105,490 |
| Lebanon, PA | $76,990 | $96,270 | $124,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,800 | $96,430 | $117,900 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $79,160 | $101,180 | $121,900 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $67,910 | $82,370 | $111,790 |
| Reading, PA | $73,040 | $98,470 | $129,720 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA | $63,620 | $82,650 | $103,180 |
| State College, PA | $66,810 | $81,480 | $100,380 |
| Williamsport, PA | $68,200 | $94,300 | $110,090 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $80,310 | $96,210 | $111,380 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
