Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Pennsylvania

Gwynedd Mercy University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a campus-based, 127-credit curriculum accredited by CCNE, emphasizing compassionate care and leadership with a 91.30% first-time NCLEX pass rate. It requires an ACT or SAT for admission, offers over 100 clinical affiliations, and features an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and financial aid for full-time students.

• 91.30% NCLEX pass rate
• 100+ clinical affiliations
• 8:1 student-faculty ratio
• $87,530 PA nurse median wage
• 127 credit program
• CCNE accredited
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Study abroad in Ireland
• Dedicated education unit
• Financial aid available

The Hybrid Accelerated BSN at Gwynedd Mercy University is a 16-month, 67-credit program for second-degree students, combining online coursework with clinical experiences. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares for the NCLEX-RN with a focus on Mercy values and evidence-based practice. No entrance exam is required, and prerequisite courses are available online at $365 per credit.

• 16-month completion
• Hybrid program format
• 67-credit curriculum
• Accredited by CCNE
• Clinical placements available
• Online prerequisites offered
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Mercy values emphasized
• Leadership skills development
• Evidence-based practice focus

Gwynedd Mercy University's Hybrid Weekend BSN is a part-time, 67-credit program for those with a prior bachelor's degree, featuring weekend classes and online summer courses. Accredited by CCNE, it offers flexible scheduling, a low 7:1 lab student-faculty ratio, and over 100 clinical affiliations. No entrance exam is required, and it integrates Mercy values into the curriculum.

• Hybrid weekend and online format
• Accredited by CCNE
• 67-credit second degree program
• Low 7:1 lab student-faculty ratio
• 100+ regional healthcare affiliations
• State-of-the-art simulation technology
• Online prerequisite courses available
• Part-time, flexible scheduling
• Diverse clinical placement opportunities
• Experienced, credentialed instructors

Gwynedd Mercy University's Accelerated BSN is a hybrid, 16-month program with 67 credits, designed for career changers with a prior degree. It includes online coursework and clinical rotations in Pennsylvania facilities, accredited by CCNE, and emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice. No entrance exam is required, and prerequisites are available online at $365 per credit.

• 16-month accelerated program.
• Hybrid online and on-campus.
• 67-credit curriculum.
• Clinical rotations in PA facilities.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prerequisite courses online.
• $365 per credit for prerequisites.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Mercy values integrated.
• Leadership and research focus.

Holy Family University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students as nurse generalists with a focus on clinical judgment, critical thinking, and culturally-sensitive care. This campus-based program includes options for traditional learning and a second-degree hybrid, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers in diverse healthcare settings. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam; prospective students should check admission requirements for specifics.

• BSN degree program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Culturally-sensitive healthcare focus
• Clinical judgment development
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Leadership in nursing practice
• Eligible for licensure in all states
• Traditional and hybrid program options
• Career paths in diverse settings
• Leadership roles eligibility

Holy Family University's Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN is a 14-month accelerated program for individuals with a bachelor's degree, combining online coursework with in-person clinicals. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and compassionate care, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam; admission includes a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses.

• 14-month program duration
• 100% online courses
• 1 in-person residency
• Clinical placement support
• Less expensive than competitors
• CCNE accredited
• 59 credit hours
• 504 clinical hours
• $883 per credit hour
• 3 start dates per year

Holy Family University's Second Degree BSN Daytime 14-Month program is an accelerated campus-based option for college graduates, focusing on leadership, culture-sensitive care, and research to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam; designed for a swift transition into nursing careers.

• 14-month accelerated program.
• Campus-based learning.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Focus on leadership skills.
• Culture-sensitive healthcare training.

Waynesburg University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a premier choice in Pennsylvania, offering small class sizes with full-time faculty for personalized attention. Students begin clinical practice in their sophomore year, supported by a state-of-the-art simulation lab and NCLEX review. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles with a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership development. Admission requires meeting high academic standards, and entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be necessary, though specifics should be confirmed with the admissions office.

• Premier nursing program in PA.
• Small class sizes.
• Full-time faculty attention.
• Early clinical practice.
• State-of-the-art simulation lab.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
• High academic standards.
• Personalized learning environment.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.

Waynesburg University's Nursing as a Second Degree program is a hybrid option for bachelor's degree holders, blending online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, typically completed in one year. It requires prerequisites in human development, anatomy, and physiology, along with an essay and transcript submission. Focused on clinical practice and academic excellence, this program prepares students for nursing careers without a specified concentration. Entrance exams are not explicitly required, but applicants should verify details with the admissions committee.

• Hybrid program format.
• Complete in one year.
• Online and in-person components.
• Weekend labs and clinicals.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• Essay submission required.
• Clinical practice focus.
• Academic excellence emphasis.
• Admissions Committee review.

The ASN program at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a two-year, ACEN-accredited course with a 96% NCLEX pass rate in 2024. It focuses on direct patient care through hands-on clinical experiences, requiring a 2.7 GPA, prerequisite courses with a 'C' or better, and a TEAS score of 65%. No ACT or SAT is needed, and it offers high job placement and diverse rotation sites for a dynamic nursing career.

• Two-year program.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• GPA requirement: 2.7.
• TEAS score: 65%.
• Campus-based learning.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Focus on direct patient care.
• High job placement rate.
• Diverse clinical rotation sites.

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's BSN program is CCNE-accredited, emphasizing patient-centered care with strong NCLEX pass rates. It blends theoretical knowledge and practical skills through clinical rotations at top facilities, covering anatomy, pharmacology, and critical thinking. Available at Bloomsburg and Mansfield campuses, it requires an ACT or SAT for admission and prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced studies.

• CCNE Accredited program.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Flexible campus options.
• Strong emphasis on critical thinking.
• Comprehensive curriculum.
• Dedicated faculty support.
• Opportunities for graduate studies.
• Simulated Learning Labs available.
• Scholarship opportunities for eligible students.

Pennsylvania Western University's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program provides accessible education at Clarion, Edinboro, and Somerset locations, emphasizing practical nursing skills and foundational knowledge. It boasts excellent first-time NCLEX pass rates and competitive tuition, ideal for entry-level nursing careers. As an associate-level program, it may require ACT or SAT for admission; prospective students should verify details with admissions.

• Campus-based program
• High NCLEX pass rates
• Strong job placement
• Multiple location options
• Competitive tuition costs

Pennsylvania Western University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is offered at Clarion and Edinboro campuses, focusing on comprehensive, hands-on clinical training. It features high NCLEX pass rates and strong job placement, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT for admission, though specific requirements should be confirmed with the university. The curriculum emphasizes traditional in-person learning for robust skill development.

• Campus-based learning
• High exam pass rates
• Strong job placement
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Traditional in-person courses