[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an excellent selection of nursing programs and one of the top NCLEX-RN pass rates in the country, there are many reasons to pursue a nursing education in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide covers the top nursing programs, how to get a Pennsylvania nursing license, and typical nursing salaries. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing the best nursing program for your needs, important factors to consider include tuition and other costs, the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate (an excellent measure of how well the school prepares students), program logistics, clinical placement options, graduation rate, and acceptance rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The programs listed in this guide include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]only accredited programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Pennsylvania boast the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_NCLEXExamStats.pdf” target=”_blank”]eighth highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate[/hen-ui-link], with a 91.7% pass rate compared to the national rate of 86.6%. This measure indicates that programs in Pennsylvania successfully prepare students for entry-level nursing careers. Current nurses may benefit from Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/15998.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] status, which allows them to work in other NLC states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to practice in a rural setting, a historic city like Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, one of the most successful reinvented cities in the country, attending nursing school in Pennsylvania can help you reach your goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2020, registered nurses (RNs) in Pennsylvania can expect to earn a median annual salary of $72,970, slightly under the national median of $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For nurse practitioners (NPs), the median annual salary is $104,020, compared to $111,680 nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest cities and is home to some of its most famous historic sites. While also one of the country’s largest cities at over 1.5 million, it’s still known as a city of neighborhoods.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want a more agricultural setting, Chambersburg-Waynesboro has a population of approximately 150,000. The other cities on this list are also mid-sized, but within reach of either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, for when you want big-city attractions.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$79,030[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chambersburg-Waynesboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$78,430[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Harrisburg-Carlisle[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$76,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]York-Hanover[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,820[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lebanon[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,780[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state has [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]its own requirements[/hen-ui-link] for obtaining a nursing license, but they all include earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a successful background check. If you attend a nursing program in Pennsylvania, you apply for a license by examination. If you graduate from a school in another state, you must apply for a license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]become an RN[/hen-ui-link], you must first graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program. An ADN takes two years and a BSN takes four years to complete, but the BSN is a more valuable and versatile degree. Many employers require or prefer the BSN for higher-level jobs, and it also positions you to enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After you graduate, submit your application to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] and register for the NCLEX-RN. If you attended nursing school in Pennsylvania, your application should include the state criminal history record check (CHRC). If not, you need to submit this separately. You must also have at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Pages/Act-31.aspx” target=”_blank”]from an approved provider[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRNs[/hen-ui-link] include nurse NPs, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) degree. You also need a passing score on the applicable board certification examinations and to apply for a license from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Applicants must complete a successful CHRC.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Certified-Registered-Nurse-Practitioner-Licensure-Requirements-Snapshot.aspx” target=”_blank”]requirements also include[/hen-ui-link] at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Pages/Act-31.aspx” target=”_blank”]from an approved provider[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top LPN Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”/state/pennsylvania/lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”/state/pennsylvania/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Pennsylvania Online Nurse Practitioner Programs” href=”/state/pennsylvania/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania nursing license?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN program typically takes two years and a BSN typically takes four years to complete. Applying for a new license in Pennsylvania can take up to 12 weeks, but the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Nursing-Guide.aspx” target=”_blank”]Pennsylvania Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] offers information on how to streamline the process and get your license as quickly as possible.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the salary range for RNs in Pennsylvania?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the median 2020 RN salary is $72,970. The lowest 10% earns an average of $53,910, and the top 10% earns $99,870. Experience, education, workplace setting, responsibilities, certifications, and geography all affect salary.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Pennsylvania a nurse licensure compact state?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/15998.htm” target=”_blank”]Pennsylvania joined[/hen-ui-link] the NLC in July 2021. A Pennsylvania nursing license is now a valid multistate license for any of the 37 participating states, and nurses from participating states can use their license in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What financial aid programs are available to Pennsylvania nurses?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have a variety of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options[/hen-ui-link] to attend nursing school in Pennsylvania, including scholarships, grants, and loans. If you commit to work in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Health-Planning/Pages/Underserved-Areas.aspx” target=”_blank”]designated underserved area in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-link] after graduation, you may be eligible for scholarships or loan forgiveness. If you are already a working nurse in Pennsylvania, you are also eligible for certain financial assistance programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]