Maria Delgado, RN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs enable registered nurses who hold associate degrees or diplomas to achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. These programs serve as an essential component for Pennsylvania because its healthcare systems focus on delivering quality care and safe patient experiences.
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
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West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program offers a fully online, accelerated path for licensed RNs to earn their BSN in as little as two semesters. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and 120 total credits, with 30 from WCU, accepting transfer and CLEP credits at no extra cost. The curriculum emphasizes professional development, research, ethics, leadership, and population health, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned as required for this bachelor's level program.
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This innovative RN-to-BSN online program at West Chester University allows working nurses to advance their careers efficiently, completing the degree in two semesters with a CCNE-accredited curriculum. It requires only 30 new credits from WCU, focusing on professional communication, research, health policy, and leadership. A minimum 2.75 GPA is needed, and no entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are specified for admission to this bachelor's program.
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West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program is delivered entirely online, enabling registered nurses to finish in two semesters without transfer credit fees. Accredited by CCNE, it adheres to AACN standards and demands a 2.75 GPA, covering topics like ethics, leadership, and health policy to enhance critical thinking and technological skills. For this bachelor's program, no entrance exams like ACT or SAT are indicated as necessary.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu
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Drexel University's online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses with a flexible and accelerated path to a bachelor's degree, completable in just 12 months. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership development, tailored for working professionals. With CCNE accreditation, the program allows transfer of up to 135 quarter credits and features a competitive tuition rate of $549 per credit, locked for three years. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, making it accessible for career advancement in community health and patient care.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - holyfamily.edu
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Holy Family University's RN to BSN program offers a fully online curriculum tailored for working registered nurses, allowing for up to 90 transfer credits. It emphasizes flexibility with one class per 8-week semester, focusing on developing leadership, management, and assessment skills without a specific concentration. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles and seamless progression to graduate studies, with cohort learning and culture-sensitive care integrated throughout.
Loretto, PA - Private 4-year - francis.edu
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Saint Francis University's RN-BSN online program is designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. It offers a flexible, asynchronous format that can be completed in as little as 11 months, with three start dates per year and rolling admissions. The program is CCNE accredited and does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible. With a competitive tuition rate of $485 per credit hour, a 25% discount for healthcare employees, and the ability to transfer up to 98 credits, it provides an affordable and efficient path to a BSN. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for admission.
Slippery Rock, PA - Public 4-Year - sru.edu
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Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This fully asynchronous program allows completion in as little as one year with 8-week course sessions, emphasizing flexibility for working professionals. It focuses on developing critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles. The program is accredited, features doctorally-prepared faculty, and provides affordable tuition with scholarship opportunities. No entrance exam is required, but applicants must have an active RN license and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
RN to BSN programs throughout Pennsylvania operate through fully online learning together with hybrid and traditional classroom delivery systems. The flexible scheduling of online programs makes them highly appealing to working nurses. Students can complete asynchronous courses whenever they choose through these programs. Students enrolled in hybrid programs study online but need to visit the campus periodically for weekend intensive sessions or evening classes. Traditional classroom programs continue to operate at specific institutions through evening and weekend class schedules. Universities that serve working professionals develop RN to BSN programs with flexible courses that have short terms and multiple yearly enrollment opportunities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania |
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| Drexel University |
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| Saint Francis University |
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| Certifying Board | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of a PSBN‑approved BSN, submit transcripts, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete FBI fingerprint check |
| License Renewal Period | Renew every two years |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours each biennium, including 3 hours of child abuse training |
| License Application Fee | $95 initial exam fee ($115 for out‑of‑state grads), $120 endorsement fee, $145 endorsement with exam |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, geriatric, mental health, and community health |
| Application Processing Time | About 7 weeks from program completion to license issuance |
| License by Endorsement | Apply via PALS with fees, license verification, transcripts, fingerprint check, and child abuse CE |
The acquisition of a BSN degree leads to improved compensation and professional advancement possibilities for nurses working in Pennsylvania. BSN-prepared nurses typically earn better salaries and secure higher-paying administrative roles in their profession. Nurses holding a registered nurse license in Pennsylvania earn an average salary between $70,000 and $80,000 while BSN holders can expect higher compensation. Numerous healthcare facilities operate wage differential programs and career ladder initiatives which grant financial benefits to staff who obtain BSN-level education. The BSN nursing degree enables nurses to access diverse professional roles which include educational and management positions together with specialized clinical work.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Pennsylvania | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $75,200 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $36.15 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$88,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $67,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,500 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania |
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| Carlow University |
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| Immaculata University |
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Nurses in Pennsylvania can choose from various career advancement routes after earning their BSN degree. With their BSN degree nurses can take charge of clinical positions such as charge nurse, unit coordinator, or nurse manager. Health facilities with Magnet recognition tend to choose BSN-prepared staff for internal promotions. BSN-prepared nurses can obtain specialty certifications for critical care, palliative care, and case management which expands their practice capabilities. The BSN serves as the necessary educational requirement for nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse administrator graduate programs. Public health and policy roles become accessible to nurses who start with a BSN degree. The possession of a bachelor’s degree simplifies the access to educational opportunities which might alter how nurses fulfill their required training. Nurses who obtain their BSN degree gain the ability to transition from bedside nursing roles into leadership positions which drive healthcare outcomes throughout Pennsylvania.
Additional Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
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