What Can You Do with an MSN in Pennsylvania?

An MSN opens career paths as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, forensic nurses, nursing administrators, and in nursing informatics. Working as a nurse practitioner, the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S., allows you to treat patients directly and take on leadership roles in patient care. To be a nurse anesthetist, however, you must now complete a DNP program, although many nursing schools in Pennsylvania now offer this program.

Home Online Schools Nursing Programs (RN) RN to MSN Bridge Pennsylvania

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Ellery Weil, PhD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Reviewer: Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

NursingNursing Ed.

Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.

Updated: 06/25/2026

Top Online RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Q: Will I Earn My Bachelor’s Degree During My RN to MSN Program?

The programs featured above all award a BSN as well as an MSN, but some schools do not confer a bachelor’s degree along with an MSN since programs for those with bachelor’s degrees in another subject often skip over the BSN. Others offer an accelerated BSN to MSN program for those with a bachelor’s in another field. Other programs, like the one at Wilkes University, offer a pass-through program for nurses holding an ADN that only awards a master’s degree.

Q: How Will an RN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania Prepare Me for More Opportunities?

MSN programs heavily emphasize leadership and evidence-based practice and are concerned with improving patient outcomes. NP programs build on your RN experience in taking charge of patient care and equip you for leadership in health assessment and diagnostic testing. Coursework, like Bloomsburg’s course plan for family nurse practitioners, often emphasizes diagnostics and care across the lifespan. Programs in administration and education study big-picture aspects of healthcare and focus on policy and technology management.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Complete an RN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania?

The average RN to MSN program takes two years, but nurses without BSNs may take three or four years. The best RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania highlighted above can typically be completed in two to four years of full-time enrollment. The number of transfer credits also affects the length of your program, so talk to an admissions counselor to get a better idea of how long it will take you in a specific program.

Q: How Affordable are RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania?

MSN degrees usually cost at least $40,000 in tuition. Many schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State, are more expensive. Online and accelerated options can help reduce costs by avoiding on-campus living expenses and additional student fees and allowing you to finish your degree more quickly. With that said, be sure to look into financial aid and scholarship opportunities to reduce your total cost burden.

Are you a Pennsylvania registered nurse looking to boost your career prospects? An online RN to MSN program can prepare you to take on a wide range of leadership and advanced practice roles. Let EduMed walk you through today’s best online RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania and show you how they work, how much they cost, and how you can gain admission.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Ellery Weil, PhD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Reviewer: Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

NursingNursing Ed.

Updated: 06/25/2026

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Best Schools
Comparing Programs
FAQs
Salary Comparison

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Best Schools
Comparing Programs
FAQs
Salary Comparison

Ranking the Best Online RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Moravian University

Bethlehem, PA Best for: career changers into nursing

39% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

Moravian University’s RN to MSN Bridge Program is designed for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in their pre-licensure nursing program. Students demonstrate baccalaureate nursing competencies through coursework, experience, or challenge exams before advancing to the MSN portion, which totals 35-37 credits. The program can be completed full-time in four semesters or part-time in six, with some summer courses available.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
67% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Moravian University

Moravian University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers automatic MSN admission for Moravian BSN graduates with consistent academic performance, streamlining career advancement in nursing administration or education.
The program requires demonstration of baccalaureate nursing competencies through prior coursework, challenge exams, or relevant experience, allowing credit for prior learning to accelerate progression into the MSN portion.
Students benefit from clinical placements throughout the Lehigh Valley healthcare network, ensuring practical exposure and connections within a strong regional employer environment.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
67% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA Best for: accelerated learners

6% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

DeSales University’s RN to MSN Bridge program is designed for RNs with a bachelor’s in another field, providing an accelerated path through an accelerated BSN followed by MSN coursework. It offers seven MSN specializations, including options to combine an MSN and MBA. The program requires at least one year of RN experience and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Hybrid course formats are available for flexibility.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
70% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected DeSales University

DeSales University offers an accelerated RN to MSN Bridge program that allows qualified students to take up to three graduate courses during their BSN curriculum, providing direct entry and a faster path to an MSN degree through the Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) option.
The program features a full-time Graduate Clinical Liaison who assists students in securing high-quality clinical placements with credential-reviewed preceptors, ensuring strong support for clinical experiences predominantly in Eastern Pennsylvania and nearby states.
Students benefit from flexible start dates with four admissions periods per year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) and options to attend full or part-time, accommodating diverse schedules and enabling timely progression through the MSN program.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
70% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA Best for: RNs skipping the BSN

36% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

Robert Morris University’s fully online RN to MSN Bridge program offers accelerated study for RNs with an ADN, awarding up to 42 credit hours for initial licensure and transferring up to 90 total credits. The curriculum covers nursing education or leadership specialties, including ethics, informatics, physical assessment, clinical practicums, teaching practicum, and health policy, requiring 37 credits for MSN completion over approximately two years. Admissions require a 2.5 GPA and an active license.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
65% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Robert Morris University

The RN to MSN Bridge program at Robert Morris University offers accelerated online formats that enable completion of advanced nursing degrees more efficiently.
Students benefit from personalized academic advising with individualized course maps, ensuring tailored progression and timely enrollment.
The program is designed and taught by experienced nursing faculty, fostering an engaged learning environment that promotes clinical judgment and leadership skills.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
65% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

La Roche University

Pittsburgh, PA Best for: future nurse educators

63% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

La Roche University’s RN to MSN Bridge program allows registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to earn both BSN and MSN degrees efficiently, reducing BSN coursework through electives and graduate-level courses. The MSN portion includes approximately 48 credits over about two years full-time, combining online coursework with some campus components. This program prepares nurse leaders and educators and offers flexible start dates and financial support options.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected La Roche University

La Roche University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers nearly a 100% job placement rate, demonstrating strong career support and outcomes for graduates.
The program includes local clinical partnerships with hospitals and care sites, ensuring hands-on experience and enhanced clinical placement opportunities.
Students benefit from an accelerated completion option, enabling them to earn their master’s degree in as few as 20 months through a hybrid online and on-campus format.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA Best for: cohort-based learners

24% Online Enroll.

$$ Tuition

Immaculata University’s R.N. to M.S.N. Bridge program is designed for registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, requiring them to complete B.S.N.-equivalent competencies in leadership, research, and community health through coursework or portfolio assessment. The program includes cohort-based classes, mentorship in clinical practicums focused on nursing specialties, and a capstone research presentation, laying a foundation for advanced nursing practice and leadership.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
69% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Immaculata University

Immaculata University’s RN to MSN Bridge program includes a professional learning community cohort model that enhances student interaction and peer support.
Students benefit from mentorship through practicums with preceptors, providing hands-on clinical experience tailored to nursing specialty trends.
The program allows validation of BSN-equivalent nursing competencies either through collegiate coursework or a professional portfolio, accelerating progression into the MSN curriculum.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
69% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA Best for: accelerated learners

43% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

Carlow University’s RN to MSN Bridge program enables registered nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in education and leadership. The 33-credit curriculum includes coursework, two in-person capstones, and practicum experiences that develop leadership, teaching, and quality improvement skills aligned with AACN Essentials. The program fosters ethical, evidence-based practice and supports progression to a DNP track. Completion time is about 15 months.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Carlow University

The RN to MSN Bridge program at Carlow University offers a fully online, flexible curriculum with expert faculty support that prepares nurses for leadership and education roles while allowing real-world practicum application tailored to students' goals and interests.
Students in the program can accelerate their education by opting for the MSN to DNP track, which reduces required coursework through credit integration, enabling a streamlined path to advanced nursing leadership and doctoral study.
Carlow University emphasizes values-based education rooted in the Sisters of Mercy heritage, with accessible faculty and a supportive community that fosters compassionate, responsible leadership and ethical healthcare practice.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA Best for: FNP seekers

24% Online Enroll.

$ Tuition

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania’s RN to MSN Bridge program prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles with two MSN Nurse Practitioner concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Family/Individual Across the Lifespan. The program features flexible start dates, asynchronous coursework designed for working nurses, 100% online delivery, and instruction by practicing nurse practitioners. It requires 41-50 credits and emphasizes preparing clinicians for primary care.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
56% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers 100% online asynchronous coursework tailored for working nurses, providing maximum flexibility for career and personal commitments.
The program features multiple annual start dates (spring, summer, fall), allowing students to begin their education without long wait times, enhancing timely progression.
Students benefit from specialized concentrations in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, preparing them for targeted advanced practice roles with strong clinical focus.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
56% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Villanova University

Villanova, PA Best for: nursing leadership students

15% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

Villanova University’s RN to MSN Bridge program enables RNs to earn an MSN with a focus on Nursing Education, combining clinical expertise with leadership and teaching preparation. The 33-credit curriculum includes online coursework, an education practicum, simulation experiences, and specialized clinical or academic preceptorships, designed for flexible completion typically over four to seven semesters. Students tailor practicum focus areas such as adult-gerontology or pediatrics.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
91% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Villanova University

Villanova’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers a 30% tuition reduction for RNs employed full-time during the BSN phase, providing significant financial savings.
The program features flexible scheduling and individualized learning plans that allow students to customize their BSN/MSN experience to fit personal and professional needs.
Students benefit from networking opportunities with distinguished faculty and fellow RN professionals, enhancing career advancement through professional connections.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
91% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Wilson College

Chambersburg, PA Best for: independent practice seekers

1% Online Enroll.

$ Tuition

Wilson College’s RN to MSN Bridge program is for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma and at least three years of experience. It includes one year of bridge courses preparing students for graduate nursing studies, followed by MSN core courses and specialization in Education or Leadership and Management. No clinical hours are required, and the program is CCNE-accredited. Graduates qualify for advanced practice and leadership roles.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
53% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Wilson College

Wilson College’s RN to MSN Bridge program requires no clinical hours, allowing students to earn their degree flexibly without disrupting their work schedules.
Students can choose between two specialized MSN tracks—Education or Leadership and Management—tailoring the program directly to their career goals in clinical instruction or administrative roles.
The program offers a supportive learning environment with expert faculty dedicated to nursing education and leadership, enhancing student success and professional growth.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
53% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA Best for: evidence-based practitioners

13% Online Enroll.

$$$ Tuition

Chatham University’s RN to MSN Integrated Degree Educator Track allows RNs to earn BSN and MSN degrees in 47 credits. The program includes leadership, informatics, health policy, and nursing education courses with a culminating practicum. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally competent care, preparing nurses for advanced educator roles with a capstone project and required practice experiences. Program progression depends on prior credits and specialization.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
63% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Chatham University

Chatham University’s RN to MSN Bridge program enables completion of two graduate degrees in as few as 44 credits, accelerating academic progression efficiently.
The program features faculty who are accomplished teachers, scholars, and active nursing leaders, offering dedicated mentorship and professional guidance throughout the student journey.
Students complete a substantial 500 practice experience hours, with the support of the program to secure appropriate clinical sites tailored to their career interests.

Program Details

MSCHE Accreditation
63% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Comparing Pennsylvania’s Online RN to MSNs

Online RN to MSN programs are designed specifically for registered nurses seeking to become leaders in nursing administration and specialized clinical practice. These programs combine BSN and MSN coursework into a single, condensed curriculum, saving students time and money when compared to completing full bachelor’s and master’s programs.

It’s important to understand, however, that online RN to MSN programs differ when it comes to how they deliver their online content. So, be sure to consider these factors during your program search:

Fully-online vs. hybrid format: Online RN to MSN programs may be entirely online or hybrid-formatted. For example, programs whose MSN coursework is in a clinical specialty will include in-person clinical practice experiences typically attended at healthcare facilities in the school’s or students local area.
Synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery: Online content may be delivered synchronously (requiring logging on and participating in live-streamed classes at specifically-scheduled times) or asynchronously (allowing students to log on and complete course requirements at any time.)

There are, of course, other considerations to keep in mind, such as full-time vs. part-time study, tuition costs, proper accreditation, and area of specialized practice.

To get your started on your program search, here are profiles of three current online RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania.

Wilson College

Convenience and study flexibility are key elements of Wilson College’s Online RN to MSN program. Coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format, there are no in-person clinicals, and both full-time and part-time options are available.

Students choose from two specialty tracks:

Education: Prepares graduates for jobs as professors, clinical instructors, and staff educators. Coursework leading to nurse practitioner certification eligibility is included.
Leadership and Management: Prepares graduates to take on administrative positions in nursing, allied health, healthcare business, and quality assurance.

Both tracks additionally prepare students to continue their academic studies to earn a nursing doctorate.

Duration: Two to three Years

Mode: Fully online

Cost: $33,000 to $35,000 (total tuition and fees)

Admissions Requirements:

Nursing diploma or ADN
Active RN license
Minimum three years of nursing experience or clinical recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted with interview and at the program’s discretion.
Resume

Curriculum:

Bridge Requirements

Healthcare Ethics
Health Promotion for Health Providers or Health Psychology
Healthcare Informatics
Research in Healthcare
RN-to-MSN Bridge Course
Introductory Statistics or Understanding Statistics

MSN Core Courses

Interpersonal Dynamics
Advanced Practice – Roles/Concepts
Ethics and Healthcare Regulations
Introduction to Research Methodologies
Outcomes and Program Evaluation
Master’s Project

Education Track

Health Assessment-Adv Practice Nurse
Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Pathophysiology
Fnd of Nursing Education and Curriculum
Outcomes and Program Evaluation
Teaching Practices

Leadership and Management Track

Process Reengineering & Change Management or Leadership Models and Practices
Graduate Elective in Business or Nursing
Healthcare Systems
Healthcare Finance I & II

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Wilkes University

For nurses interested in advancing into roles in specialized clinical practice, Wilkes University’s Online RN to MSN program offers three nurse practitioner concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP)

All didactic coursework is delivered entirely online. The program provides clinical placement support for required hands-on clinical practice experiences.

No GRE or GMAT is required for admission. A wide range of financial aid resources is available for qualifying students.

Wilkes University’s online RN to MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Duration: Three years (FNP and PMHNP); 2.6 years (AGPCNP)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $40,086 (AGPNP); $42,444 (FNP); $41658 (PMHNP). Total tuition, not including fees.

Admissions Requirements:

ADN earned with minimum 3.0 GPA
Current, unencumbered RN license (APRN license if appropriate)
Current resume or CV
One year of RN professional experience required by the start of NP clinical courses

Curriculum:

Bridge Courses

Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing for the Graduate Nursing Student
Leadership and Management Practicum for the Graduate Nursing Student
Graduate Academic Writing for Nursing Professionals

Core MSN Courses

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science
Advanced Nursing Research
Advanced Role Development in Nursing
Health Policy and Politics for Advancing Nursing Practice
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Pharmacology
Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners
Health Perspectives of Culturally Diverse, Rural and Underserved Populations
Scholarly Preparation for NP Boards

AGPCNP Track

Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners
Health Perspectives of Culturally Diverse, Rural, and Underserved Populations
Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care I & II
Advanced Practice in Adult Gerontology Clinical I & II

FNP Track

Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical I & II
Family Nurse Practitioner Role with Children and Families
Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical with Children and Families
Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care I & II

PMHCNP Track

Clinical Modalities in Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practice
Psychopathology, Theories and Advanced Clinical Modalities
Advanced Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I & II
Psychopharmacology

Robert Morris University

The RN to MSN option of Robert Morris University’s online MSN in Nursing Education program is designed to “build mastery of educational process and practical experiences” to prepare students for leadership roles in a range of nurse education settings.

Students receive 42 credits for their ADN license. Additional undergraduate coursework is required following an assessment of coursework needed.

Upon completing these courses, students advance to the 37 credits that make up the MSN in Nursing Education curriculum.

The program features 100% online didactic coursework. However, several courses include on-ground practicum hours completed through a local preceptor.

RMU prides itself on providing the individualized attention of a small school and the educational opportunities of a comprehensive research university.

Duration: Two years (full-time)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $35,000 to $39,300 (tuition only)

Admissions Requirements:

Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
GPA of 2.5 or higher in nursing courses
Unencumbered RN license

Curriculum:

BSN Coursework

The specific curriculum requirements for BSN coursework vary by student, but typically include the following nursing courses:

Nursing Ethics
Quality and Safety in Nursing
Community Health/Health Promotion Theory
Community Health/Health Promotion Practice (Clinical)
Evidence-Based Practice
Leadership and Management
Health Care Information Systems or Nursing Informatics
Nursing Elective

MSN Nursing Education Coursework

Ethics/Legal Issues (1st)
Nursing Informatics
Applied Statistics
Research for Adv. Nursing Roles
Theory of Learning
Curriculum Design
Adv. Physical Assessment & Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
Clinical Focus Seminar & Practicum (clinical hours)
Classroom Teaching Practicum (clinical hours)
Clinical Teaching Practicum
Health Policy & Economics

Pennsylvania RN to MSN Student FAQs

Applying to an RN to MSN program is a big step, and it’s normal to have questions. To that end, below are the answers to five of the most commonly-asked questions by prospective Pennsylvania RN to MSN students:

What Can I Do with an MSN in Pennsylvania?

An MSN opens the door to advanced nursing careers in two major areas:

Nursing leadership in administrative and management roles throughout the healthcare field.
Advanced clinical practice in a wide variety of specializations, particularly as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.

Popular nurse practitioner specialties include:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The five most popular clinical nurse specialist fields in Pennsylvania are:

Adult-Gerontology
Neonatal
Pediatrics
Psychiatric-Mental Health
Women’s Health

Finally, among the most popular non-clinical fields you can pursue with an MSN are:

If you graduated from a clinical-specialty MSN program, earning your degree is just the beginning. You also need to pass a certification exam and obtain additional licensure before you can start working. For example, if you earned your MSN through a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program, you need to pass an FNP certification exam to earn an advanced practice nursing license before you can practice.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

Will I Earn My Bachelor’s Degree During My RN to MSN Program?

That depends on the specific program, so be sure you have a clear understanding of just what is awarded by any RN to MSN program in Pennsylvania you consider.

For example the online RN to MSN programs at both Chatham University and Drexel University award BSN degrees along with an MSN. Drexel’s program, however, requires students to possess a previously-earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major for admission.

Examples of online RN to MSN programs in the state that do not award BSN degrees include both the Wilkes University and Wilson College programs profiled above.

How Will an RN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania Prepare Me for More Opportunities?

With earning your MSN comes substantially higher salaries and expanded job prospects (as evidenced by the salary figures and stunning job growth projections for nurse practitioners which you’ll find listed in the tables below.)

The reason is simple. By earning your nursing master’s, you have added substantially to the depth and breadth of your professional knowledge base an skills set, making you more attractive to employers in practically every sector of the healthcare industry.

More importantly, current trends in nursing practice point to a continuing high demand for nurses with specialized training, particularly in regard to the aging population.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an RN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania?

Again, this will depend on the specific program you choose. However, there are a few general factors that impact RN to MSN programs lengths, including:

Chosen area of specialization: As a general rule, specialties that include clinical practice hours tend to take longer to complete than non-clinical specialties.
Chosen study pace: Not surprisingly, part-time programs come with longer completion times than full-time programs.
Previously-earned credential: Students entering their RN to MSN program with both an ADN and non-nursing BSN will be able to complete their studies in less time than those entering without a bachelor’s degree.

That being said, as a general rule, RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania typically require:

Two to three years of full-time study
Three to four years or more of part-time study

How Affordable are RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania?

In the most general terms, you can expect to find total tuition costs for RN to MSN programs in the state to run anywhere from $30,000 to $90,000. There are several factors that influence costs, however, including the three listed in the program length question above.

Additional factors include:

Public vs. private : Programs offered by private colleges and universities typically charge higher tuition rates than their public school counterparts.
Student state residency: Public school programs often charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state residents than they do to in-state residents.

Keep in mind that your RN to MSN bill will include additional costs for program fees, books and materials, nursing equipment, etc. But you’ll also be able to mitigate your education price tag by taking advantage of any of a number of scholarship opportunities and other financial aid resources.

Pennsylvania RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison

Area ↕︎	Occupation ↕︎	10th Percentile ↕︎	Median ↕︎	90th Percentile ↕︎
Pennsylvania	RNs	$70,800	$96,430	$117,900
Pennsylvania	NPs	$102,940	$130,140	$163,720

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Show entries

Area ↕︎	Occupation ↕︎	Curr.Jobs ↕︎	Proj.Jobs ↕︎	NewJobs ↕︎	Growth % ↕︎	Avg. Ann.Openings ↕︎
Pennsylvania	RNs	148,790	155,810	7,020	4.70%	8,890
Pennsylvania	NPs	8,010	11,430	3,420	42.70%	770

Source: Projections Central

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN REVIEWER

Ellery Weil, PhD AUTHOR

Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR

Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.

Top Online RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Ranking the Best Online RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Bridge Graduate Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.

One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs

Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs

About Our Data

Comparing Pennsylvania’s Online RN to MSNs

Wilson College

Wilkes University

Robert Morris University

Pennsylvania RN to MSN Student FAQs

Expert Insight

Pennsylvania RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN REVIEWER

Ellery Weil, PhD AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR