There are various duties that could be assigned to a registered nurse, or RN, depending on where they choose to work. However, the role of a nurse usually includes providing direct patient care and filling some administrative tasks. In order to access more complex and lucrative parts of nursing, like leading public health education campaigns and assisting physicians in the ER or OR, nurses often must upgrade their qualifications to include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Many colleges and universities in Pennsylvania have RN to BSN programs.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing.org has carefully evaluated online RN to BSN programs across Pennsylvania to help nurses advance their education. Our expert team researched key factors like program quality, cost, flexibility, and student outcomes to create these rankings. Nurses in Pennsylvania can now easily compare top online programs that fit their career goals and personal schedules. These programs offer seamless pathways for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree while continuing to work. Our comprehensive analysis ensures nurses have access to the most reliable and competitive educational opportunities in the state. View our rankings methodology.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program provides working nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing credentials through a fully online, accelerated curriculum. Designed for licensed registered nurses, the program can be completed in as little as two semesters, with no transfer credit charges and CLEP credit acceptance. Prospective students need a minimum 2.75 GPA and must complete 120 total credits, with 30 credits from WCU. The CCNE-accredited program focuses on professional development, research, ethics, leadership, and population health, preparing nurses for expanded roles in modern healthcare settings.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Complete BSN in two semesters
- 100% online asynchronous format
- No charge for transfer credits
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
- Year-round course offerings
Bachelor's - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University's innovative RN-to-BSN online program empowers working nurses to advance their careers efficiently. Designed for flexibility, students can complete their degree in as little as two semesters. The CCNE-accredited program customizes learning paths based on prior coursework, requiring only 30 new credits from WCU. With a comprehensive curriculum covering professional communication, research, health policy, and leadership, nurses gain advanced skills to enhance patient care and expand career opportunities.
- 100% online program
- Complete in two semesters
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- No transfer credit charges
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Asynchronous course format
- Year-round course offerings
- CLEP credits accepted
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing credentials entirely online. Designed for working professionals, the program allows completion in as little as two semesters with no transfer credit charges. Students will develop advanced nursing skills through comprehensive coursework covering professional communication, research, ethics, health policy, and leadership. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and official transcripts from previous institutions. The curriculum meets AACN baccalaureate standards and prepares nurses for expanded healthcare roles with enhanced critical thinking and technological competencies.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- 100% online asynchronous format
- Complete in two semesters
- No transfer credit fees
- CLEP credits accepted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- 120 total credits needed
- 7-week course sessions
- Year-round course availability
- Multiple nursing course options
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drexel University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months, allowing nurses to transfer up to 135 quarter credits. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based learning, critical thinking, and leadership skills essential for modern healthcare. With a competitive tuition rate of $549 per credit and a three-year tuition lock, the program provides an affordable and accessible route to career growth. Graduates gain comprehensive skills in community health, patient care, and professional nursing practice.
- Online program, no campus requirements
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Transfer up to 135 quarter credits
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- Tuition rate $549 per credit
- Flexible learning platform
- Three-year tuition lock available
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Interactive learning technologies
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA - Public 4-Year - sru.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Slippery Rock University's online RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their professional careers through a flexible, affordable, and high-quality educational experience. Designed for working professionals, the program allows completion in as little as one year with asynchronous online classes. Students develop critical thinking, leadership skills, and community health perspectives while preparing for diverse nursing roles. The program is accredited, features experienced faculty, and offers scholarship opportunities to make advanced nursing education accessible.
- Fully online asynchronous program
- Completion possible in one year
- Accredited nursing program
- 8-week course sessions
- Affordable tuition rates
- Experienced doctorally-prepared faculty
- Scholarships available
- Multiple nursing career paths
- 2.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Active RN license needed
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA - Private 4-year - francis.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Francis University's RN-BSN online program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing careers. Designed for working professionals, this program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 11 months. With competitive tuition rates of $485 per credit hour and potential 25% discounts for healthcare employees, the program offers an affordable educational opportunity. Students can transfer up to 98 credits, and those with an associate degree receive 27 general education credits, streamlining the degree completion process.
- Complete in 11 months
- Transfer up to 98 credits
- Online asynchronous courses
- $485 per credit hour
- 25% tuition scholarship available
- CCNE accredited program
- Earn MSN credits at BSN rate
- Rolling admission
- 3 program starts per year
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Immaculata University's RN to BSN online program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, accelerated pathway. Designed for working professionals, this program enables nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in two years or less while maintaining full-time employment. With a cost-effective $465 per credit and the ability to transfer up to 72 credits, students gain comprehensive knowledge in leadership, research, and holistic nursing practices. The curriculum prepares nurses for expanded career opportunities, higher wages, and potential pathways to advanced nursing roles like nurse practitioner or healthcare administrator.
- Fully online, accelerated courses
- Two years or less completion
- $465 per credit tuition
- Transfer up to 72 credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Professional learning community
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
Fast & Affordable Program Options
“Fast” and “affordable” are two common words used to describe RN to BSN programs because they are much easier to afford and faster to complete than a traditional RN to BSN program. These bridge programs work with students to receive their degree as fast as possible, working off of their existing training and knowledge.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. While BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| York College of Pennsylvania | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Drexel University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Pennsylvania, these programs (though rare) exist in other states. If you’re looking in other areas (other than Pennsylvania) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Pennsylvania from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Pennsylvania or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| West Chester University | Online RN to BSN | $7,716 per year (Resident) $19,290 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Online RN to BSN | $8,565 per year (Resident) $10,148 per year (Non-resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
While institutions do vary, there are a number of similarities between schools in the state when it comes to admission requirements for accredited RN to BSN programs. With a list of clearly articulated admission criteria, each university can practice due diligence to ensure that they admit only the best candidates to earn their BSN. Below, we’ve listed some of the more common admissions requirements:
- GPA 2.5 or greater cumulative average for all prerequisite courses
- Submission of the completed application form
- Official transcripts from the ADN program and secondary school (if less than 5 years ago) should be sent directly to the office of the registrar
- Provide proof of a successful background screen and ‘negative’ drug screening
- Proof of RN license for the state, without encumbrances
- Submit a professional resume
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
At West Chester University in West Chester, RNs who are pursuing their BSN degree can expect to take upper-level courses like the following in order to expand their base of theoretical knowledge:
- HEA 206 Human Development
- PSY 210 Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
- NSG 310 Human Response to Disease
- NTD 303 Introductory Principles of Human Nutrition
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Learn about Pennsylvania's best accredited RN to BSN programs by looking at the listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Bethlehem, PA
Moravian University
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660
Bloomsburg, PA
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 389-4609
California, PA
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA 15419
(724) 938-4129
Clarion, PA
Clarion University
Clarion, PA 16214
Cresson, PA
Mount Aloysius College
Cresson, PA 16630-1999
Dallas, PA
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA 18612
(570) 674-6443
Erie, PA
Gannon University
Erie, PA 16541
(814) 871-5547
Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 901-5100
Immaculata, PA
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400 x3475
Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 947-6143
Millersville, PA
Millersville University
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4636
Moon Township, PA
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA 15108-1189
(412) 397-6801
North East, PA
Mercyhurst University
North East, PA 16428
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 762-4943
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(267) 341-3292
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1432
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 578-6108
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 365-1738
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 367-9300
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-7838
Scranton, PA
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 941-4195
Slippery Rock, PA
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
Villanova, PA
Villanova University
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4909
Waynesburg, PA
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA 15370
(724) 852-3356
West Chester, PA
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
Williamsport, PA
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA 17701
York, PA
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA 17403
(717) 447-5461
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