RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania | 2025

RN to BSN programs are a fast and cost-effective way for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) nurses to further their education and careers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees often earn more money and have better job opportunities.

This guide explores the top five RN to BSN schools in Pennsylvania, including their location, tuition costs, and lengths. We'll also discuss the average nurse salary in Pennsylvania and job outlook.

How to Go From RN to BSN in Pennsylvania

To go from an RN to a BSN in Pennsylvania, you will need to graduate from an Associate Degree Nursing program (ADN) or a diploma-prepared nurse.

Either way, you will need an active Registered Nurse (RN) license before applying for an RN-BSN program. Some select RN-BSN programs also accept ADN students in their last semester of school, provided they pass their NCLEX by the first day of classes. 

A BSN is a degree, not a title, so you will earn your BSN once you successfully graduate from the BSN program. 

RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

 

About RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are undergraduate educational degree programs that grant registered nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. An RN to BSN program awards a degree, not a license. 

Most RN to BSN programs—including those in Pennsylvania—can be completed 100% online. Because RN to BSN programs focus heavily on academia and nursing theory, hybrid programs aren't usually necessary, although in-person options are still available.

Nurses can earn their RN to BSN degree in Pennsylvania as little as 11 months or take their time and complete their degree in 18 months, depending on how many credits they take each semester or bring into the program. RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are more affordable than many other states, with total tuition for many programs coming in under $10,000.

Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania have a wide range of tuition. If you’re completing a four-year program, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000 for your degree. Accelerated programs are available if you bring completed credits into the program, which can save you money and cut down on your tuition.. 

Admission Requirements for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

Admission requirements for Pennsylvania RN to BSN programs differ depending on the school. To understand the specific standards of your chosen school, you should speak with an academic advisor.

However, most RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania will have these general prerequisites:

• Pennsylvania RN license
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Prerequisite courses (per program)
• Graduation from an accredited ADN program
• All transcripts

Are RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania Difficult?

RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are different than RN programs, but not necessarily more difficult. BSN programs have more theoretical and ethics-based courses, along with leadership, instead of clinical knowledge. However, everyone is different, and some RN-BSN programs can be more rigorous. BSN programs may have considerably more paperwork too, so keep that in mind if research and writing are a challenge for you. 

Taking an RN-BSN program may also feel more difficult if you're working full-time as a nurse or have other responsibilities. Additionally, some nurses may have been out of school for some time, so going back to the routine of education can be challenging. 

For many people, earning a BSN is a worthwhile investment, because it can allow a platform for career advancement. A BSN provides the baseline degree for further educational enhancement, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

Working as an RN in Pennsylvania

RN Salary in Pennsylvania

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for RNs is $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour. In Pennsylvania, the average wage for RNs is $87,530 annually or $42.08 per hour. California is currently the highest-paying state for RNs, earning an average yearly salary of $137,690 or $66.20 an hour. 

Career Outlook

The BLS projects that the RN career field will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all other occupations. Additionally, it estimates 197,200 openings for registered nurses each year. Currently, the state of Pennsylvania employs 144,100 RNs.

Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in Pennsylvania

Depending on your interests and skills, you can work in several locations as a nurse. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers

Next Steps

The top RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania are perfect for working nurses. These flexible programs allow you to finish your BSN while maintaining a job and personal life. 

For more information on earning an RN to BSN, check out these resources:

• Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
• Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs
• Online RN to BSN Programs With No Clinicals

FAQs

• How many RN to BSN programs are in Pennsylvania?

  • There are roughly 45 RN to BSN programs in the state of Pennsylvania.

• How much do RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania cost?

  • RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania can cost anywhere from $25,000-$60,000.

• How long are RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania? 

  • RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania can be completed anywhere from 11 to 18 months.

• How many registered nurses are in Pennsylvania?

  • Currently, there are 144,100 RNs employed in Pennsylvania.

• How much do registered nurses in Pennsylvania make?

  • RNs in Pennsylvania have an average salary of $87,530, just beating out the national average of $86,070 per year.