Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania

1. University of Pittsburgh

• Program: Online RN-BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 52
• Length: 4 Terms (Full-Time); 6 Terms (Part-Time)
• Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes

Pitt’s Online RN-BSN is backed by a School of Nursing with an outstanding reputation and a ton of NIH funding. The School often earns top 10 rankings for its MSN & DNP programs, including specialty rankings for PMHNP, PNP, and Nursing Administration. It’s affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). It packs all kinds of useful electives and practicums into the RN to BSN program. And it’s well-known in the Northeast—employers will recognize the name.

2. 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

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.

3. Pennsylvania State University

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 36
• Length: 1 Year (Full-Time); 2-3 Years (Part-Time)
• Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes

Our #3 Best spot goes to Penn State’s unique Online RN to BSN from the highly ranked College of Nursing. It’s a convenient “build your own” program—you can choose the 100% online format (World Campus), a hybrid format, or a campus-based degree at one of six campus locations. If you opt for the 100% online path, the final capstone will include a 45-hour clinical practicum that can be completed near your home. Penn State isn’t super-cheap, but RN to BSN faculty are diverse and experienced. You can truly impress employers with an additional career-focused certificate.

Note: RN to BSN students must earn 36 of their last 60 credits at Penn State.

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. For our Pennsylvania affordable rankings, we included any program whose total tuition price was under $10,000. Keep in mind that you’ll find cheaper options in our rankings of the Cheapest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

1. Clarion University

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 30
• Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
• Cost Info: Tuition & Fees

This ACEN-accredited & 100% Online RN to BSN is offered at a special tuition rate. Clarion is a public university, but prices are the same for in-state and out-of-state RN to BSN students. Discounts will be applied to your account in the form of an RN-BSN Waiver each semester.

2. York College of Pennsylvania

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 30
• Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
• Cost Info: Tuition & Fees

To calculate the price of YCP’s 100% Online RN to BSN, we used the standard non-partner tuition rate. However, if you’re eligible for the partner or military rate (which includes military spouses & family members), you’ll save around $2,000 on the total cost. Keep in mind that any General Education courses will be charged at a higher per credit rate.

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

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

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 (e.g. Gannon’s RN-BSN 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! For instance, schools like Alvernia, ESU, and Bloomsburg only accept RN to BSN applicants with a current Pennsylvania RN license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, Online RN to BSN programs almost 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 (e.g. Magnet facility), 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 prerequisites (e.g. Religion or Ethics at Christian universities) 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. Schools like Cal U and Waynesburg have additional articulation agreements with UPMS Schools of Nursing.

Community college students in the Northeast should also ask about tuition discounts and scholarships. For example, YCP’s discounted tuition rate often applies to Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) graduates.