Find the Top Online RN to MSN Programs in PA
For registered nurses (RNs) looking to take on positions of greater responsibility, and/or more specialization, one great path is earning an MSN. In Pennsylvania, an online RN to MSN bridge program can help save you time, money, and stress by letting you study remotely. Read EduMed’s detailed guide to explore Pennsylvania’s top online RN to MSN programs, and see if one of them might be a good fit for you.
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Reviewing Online RN to MSN Degrees in Pennsylvania
When searching for online RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania, you have several factors to consider. One common concern for online nursing students is how an online program handles clinical experiences. Many online RN to MSN programs function as hybrid programs, with clinicals taking place at nearby healthcare facilities. Others cater to working nurses whose professional experience is used in place of clinicals. Other factors to consider include cost, specialization, accreditation, and more. Below are three top online RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania to consider when starting your research.
Wilson College
Wilson College offers an online RN to MSN program with tracks in Education or Leadership and Management. The program is designed for nurses with a diploma or associate degree and at least three years of experience. No clinical hours are required, providing flexibility for working professionals. It covers areas such as curriculum planning, student assessment, policy development, and healthcare finance. Whether you choose the Education or Leadership track will determine many of your curriculum requirements in the program. Completion of the program can lead to roles such as nurse educator, clinical instructor, nurse manager, or chief nursing officer.
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $590/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- A diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, a minimum of three years of nursing experience, or a clinical recommendation
- Active RN license in the state in which you practice
- GPA of 3.0 (A lower GPA may be accepted upon interview and conditions set at the discretion of the program director.)
- Resume
Curriculum:
- Interpersonal Dynamics
- Advanced Practice – Roles/Concepts
- Ethics and Healthcare Regulations
- Introduction to Research Methodologies
- Generating and Using Evidence in Healthcare
- Master’s Project
- Concentration courses in Education OR Leadership
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Wilkes University
Wilkes University offers an online RN to MSN program, allowing registered nurses with an associate degree to advance to a master’s degree. The program provides three nurse practitioner concentrations for you to choose from: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. It includes comprehensive clinical placement support, is 100% online (excluding clinicals, which take place at a healthcare facility), and can be completed in approximately three years. No GRE or GMAT is required, and financial aid is available.
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $729/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN with a 3.0 GPA) with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE) and regional accreditation
- A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Check state authorization
Curriculum:
- Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing for the Graduate Nursing Student
- Leadership and Management Practicum for the Graduate Nursing Student
- Graduate Academic Writing for Nursing Professionals
- Concentration courses
Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University’s flexibility and affordability make its fully online RN to MSN program one of the best RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania. Designed for students with ADNs, the school prides itself on providing the individualized attention of a small school and the educational opportunities of a comprehensive research university. Students receive 42 credit hours for having a nursing license, and RMU will transfer up to 90 credits in total. After completing the remaining courses to earn a bachelor’s, students then work toward 37 credits of MSN coursework. Upon completing their accelerated BSNs, students can select an MSN specialty in nursing education or nursing leadership.
Duration: 2 Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $745/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- GPA of 2.5 or higher in nursing courses
- Unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum:
- Ethics/Legal Issues
- Nursing Informatics
- Adv. Physical Assessment & Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- Clinical Focus Seminar & Practicum (clinical hours)
- Applied Statistics
- NURS6200: Research for Adv. Nursing Roles
- Classroom Teaching Practicum (clinical hours)
- Clinical Teaching Practicum (clinical hours)
- Theory of Learning
- Curriculum Design
- Health Policy & Economics
FAQs About RN to MSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania
Applying to an RN to MSN program is a big step, so it’s normal to have questions. Most students in your position do. To that end, below are some of the most commonly asked questions from prospective RN to MSN students and their answers for you to consider:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pennsylvania RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Pennsylvania | $99,530 | $126,140 | $162,820 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Pennsylvania
While everyone’s definition of “best” will differ, our data science team created a detailed methodology for ranking the best online RN to MSN bridge programs. We consider several key factors, including ease and variety of online learning options, quantity and quality of student support, tuition costs and availability of financial aid, and graduation rates and time to completion. With that in mind, see which online RN to MSN programs in Pennsylvania stand out.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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