All Pennsylvania RN-BSN Programs | Best, Cheapest & Fastest

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Choose a Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN that works for you! Use our state listings to discover public & private options, including 100% online degrees. Explore our rankings of the best and fastest Online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania. Apply for relevant PA nursing scholarships. And find answers to FAQs, including details on Online RN to BSN to MSN pathways.

Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania

1. Drexel University

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 30 (45 Quarter Credits)
Length: 1 Year (Full-Time); 2-3 Years (Part-Time)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes – Check State Regulations
NCLEX Pass Rates: 87.20%

Drexel’s 100% Online RN to BSN is studded with quality markers. The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) frequently earns national plaudits for its online graduate nursing programs. It receives glowing reviews—students often mention the caring professors, interactive online elements, and relevant coursework. And it offers a 3-year tuition lock and RN to BSN discounts to alumni, military, and partner organizations. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor degree should check out the streamlined RN-BSN-MSN route.

2. Immaculata University

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 35-50
Length: 1-2 Years
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
NCLEX Pass Rates: 90.48%

Holistic nursing is a key concern for Immaculata. This Catholic university has created a thoughtful & measured Online RN to BSN with a focus on ethical nursing, public health, and inclusive care. There’s even a class in Spanish for Medical Personnel. Craving a personal touch? Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, hybrid and 100% online. If you have financial needs, you may qualify for a special scholarship for RN to BSN students from the Department of Nursing. You could even consider pursuing one of Immaculata’s Online & Hybrid MSN programs.

3. York College of Pennsylvania

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Length: 3 Semesters (Full-Time) or More
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 93.50%

Choose YCP’s 100% Online RN to BSN and you’ll be opting for a degree packed with holistic subjects! The curriculum includes courses in Bioethics, Complementary & Alternative Therapies, and Social Aspects of Aging. This unique program is the brainchild of the School of Nursing & Health Professions, which also offers MSN programs in NP specialties and a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia. The school has an excellent local reputation and clinical ties to a number of Pennsylvania healthcare providers, including the neighboring Wellspan York Hospital.

4. West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Program: Online RN-BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Length: 3 Semesters (Full-Time); 4-5 Semesters (Part-Time)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 92.94%

WCU takes sturdy and straightforward approach to its 100% Online RN-BSN. It’s a degree that might work best for RNs who wish to lead, since there are courses in Health Information, Technology & Quality Improvement, as well as a separate course & final practicum in Nursing Leadership & Management. The Department of Nursing has created a special concurrent plan of study for students at Delaware County Community College. Academic passports are also available for students at other partner community colleges.

Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an expensive state for Online RN to BSN students. Even public universities in PA have a lot of mandatory per credit fees that will increase your tuition costs. We couldn’t find any PA program whose total tuition price was under $10,000. However, you may be able to bring the cost of your degree down with tuition discounts & scholarships. If price is a key factor in your decision, explore our rankings of the Cheapest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

To qualify as “fast,” Online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania in this list had to take less than one year. Any option that was 3 semesters or over was excluded. If you’d like more choice, have a look at our rankings of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

1. Carlow University

Program: Online RN-BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Length: 11 Months (Full-Time); 16 Months (Part-Time)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 92.78%

Full-time students can get Carlow’s Online RN-BSN finished in 11 months. Part-time study might take 16 months. Fall and spring semesters are traditionally 15 weeks long; summer classes usually run for 8 weeks. Up to 12 credits of graduate coursework can be taken as part of the RN to BSN program.

RN to BSN Scholarships in Pennsylvania

Statewide Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students

Pennsylvania Nursing Organization Scholarships

Start with awards from Pennsylvania nursing associations & non-profit organizations:

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP) Scholarships: Charitable arm of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)
Professional Nurses of Southwestern PA Scholarship
Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL) has PONL Partnerships with a number of PA universities, including Drexel, Gannon, and Cal U. Benefits include tuition discounts & fee waivers.

Pennsylvania Community Foundation Scholarships

You will also find education scholarships offered by your local PA Community Foundation. Here are just a few examples—visit your regional branch to find more!

Tuition Discounts for Pennsylvania Healthcare Institutions

Be sure to talk to your Pennsylvania employer about education benefits! Many healthcare providers have plans in place (e.g. Geisenger’s tuition reimbursement).

Better yet, Pennsylvania universities offer a slew of partner discounts. Examples include:

Drexel University’s special tuition rates for alumni, military, and members of partner organizations.
Carlow’s tuition discount for RNs at Pennsylvania healthcare institutions, including UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, Excela Health, and Heritage Valley HealthCare Systems.
Alvernia’s Employer Partnership Programs.

University Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students

To help you decide on a Pennsylvania school, we’ve included links to specific nursing scholarships and general, university-wide awards. While you’re investigating university scholarships, bear in mind that many of them will be reserved for “traditional” 4-year undergraduate students.

Alvernia University

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg Scholarships

Carlow University

Cedar Crest College

Chatham University

Chatham Scholarships

Drexel University

La Roche University

La Salle University

La Salle Scholarships

Lock Haven University

Lock Haven Scholarships

Messiah College

Millersville University

Misericordia University

Misericordia Financial Aid

Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius Scholarships

Moravian College

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

PA College of Health Sciences Scholarships

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Penn College Scholarships

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania Western University

PennWest Scholarships

Robert Morris University

RMU Scholarships

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg Scholarships

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Widener University

Adult & Professional Studies Financial Aid

York College Pennsylvania

RN to BSN Requirements in Pennsylvania

RN Licensure: Online RN to BSN degrees are classified as “post-licensure” programs. Pennsylvania universities will expect you to hold—or be in the process of earning—your RN license. For example, Penn State & Millersville allow students to begin taking classes before passing the NCLEX and becoming licensed as an RN. However, they must possess an active and valid RN license to enroll in certain BSN courses.

If you need any help with licensing, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
While you’re there, you might want to take a look at Board-Approved Nursing Education Programs & NCLEX Pass Rates. Pass rates won’t apply to RN to BSN programs, but they’re a useful quality marker.

State Authorization: Coming from out-of-state? Be sure you’re eligible to apply.

Because of distance learning regulations, a few schools are unable to accept students from certain states. This rule is never consistent, so we recommend you examine the section on state authorization or check with the program coordinator.
Most universities in our listings are happy to accept RNs who have a valid license from any state. But there are a few exceptions! Some schools will only accept RN to BSN applicants with a current Pennsylvania RN license.

Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN Programs: FAQs

Do Any Pennsylvania Universities Offer 100% Online RN to BSN Programs?

Absolutely. In fact, almost all of the Online RN to BSN programs in our PA listings are built on this framework. This means you will not be expected to visit the campus for classes or tests. And coursework will often be asynchronous (available at any time).

However, CCNE- and ACEN-accredited Online RN to BSN programs always includes “on-the-ground” elements. You will often be asked to complete BSN practicums, fieldwork, or capstone projects in your place of employment and/or your local community.

Should I Consider an Online RN to BSN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania?

If you’re toying with the idea of graduate work, but you still need a BSN for employment purposes, you might want to consider Online RN to BSN to MSN programs. These pathways will allow you to earn both degrees in a shortened time-frame. You’ll discover all kinds of Pennsylvania options in our comprehensive listings of RN to BSN to MSN Programs.

Remember, too, that many Online RN to BSN programs will allow you to complete graduate-level courses during your BSN (e.g. Widener’s Accelerated RN to BSN with Master’s Courses). This will give you a jump-start on credit transfers if you eventually decide to earn an MSN.

Is Statistics Required for Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN Programs?

Sometimes. We’ve seen it listed as a prerequisite in a number of instances. But there are exceptions (e.g. Waynesburg). Check the admissions requirements and curriculum sections if you are in any doubt.

Keep in mind that many schools will allow you to take statistics or other required courses (e.g. Religion or Ethics at Christian universities) as a co-requisite while you are earning your RN to BSN.

Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Online RN to BSN Program in Pennsylvania?

It depends on what you mean by “clinicals.” Unlike pre-licensure programs, Online RN to BSN programs don’t include a lot of conventional nursing training and labs.

What you’ll find instead are BSN practicums and fieldwork, especially in courses dealing with nursing leadership, population health, and health assessment. In 100% online programs, you’ll be able to tackle these “clinical hours” in your local community and/or place of employment.

Do Pennsylvania Universities Offer Community College Affiliation Agreements & Discounts?

Yes! A large number of Pennsylvania universities have affiliation agreements with local area community colleges. Graduates of those colleges receive guaranteed admission to an Online RN to BSN program and streamlined credit transfers. Community college students in the Northeast should also ask about tuition discounts and scholarships with partnering universities.

Pennsylvania RN to BSN Online Schools

27 Schools Found

Alvernia University

Nursing Department

Reading, Pennsylvania

RN to BSN Completion

Offered Online

Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

1. Drexel University

2. Immaculata University

3. York College of Pennsylvania

4. West Chester University of Pennsylvania

1. Carlow University

RN to BSN Scholarships in Pennsylvania

Statewide Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students

Pennsylvania Nursing Organization Scholarships

Pennsylvania Community Foundation Scholarships

Tuition Discounts for Pennsylvania Healthcare Institutions

University Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students

Alvernia University

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Carlow University

Cedar Crest College

Chatham University

Drexel University

East Stroudsburg University

Gannon University

Immaculata University

La Roche University

La Salle University

Lock Haven University

Messiah College

Millersville University

Misericordia University

Mount Aloysius College

Moravian College

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania Western University

Robert Morris University

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Waynesburg University

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Widener University

York College Pennsylvania

RN to BSN Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN Programs: FAQs

Do Any Pennsylvania Universities Offer 100% Online RN to BSN Programs?

Should I Consider an Online RN to BSN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania?

Is Statistics Required for Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN Programs?

Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Online RN to BSN Program in Pennsylvania?

Do Pennsylvania Universities Offer Community College Affiliation Agreements & Discounts?