Starting a journey in the field of nursing through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is both exciting and rewarding. The best BSN programs in Pennsylvania are designed to nurture essential nursing skills, compassion, and ethical values in their students. They balance rigorous academics with hands-on training to ensure that their graduates are ready to navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare.
With its potential to enhance your analytical and decision-making abilities, the BSN curriculum aims to foster critical thinking skills that improve patient outcomes. It enhances your communication skills and prepares you to navigate future challenges and opportunities in the field of nursing.
Following the path to obtaining a BSN degree from one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania can equip you with valuable expertise, broaden your career prospects, and open more doors to better earning potential.
12 of the Best BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Waynesburg University
Located in the heart of southwestern Pennsylvania, Waynesburg University’s BSN program emphasizes holistic patient care. The program molds students into competent and ethical practitioners, primed to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Considered one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Waynesburg graduates are sought-after for their unique blend of technical prowess and compassionate care.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $35,240
Credits Required: 120
Faculty-Student Ratio: 14:1
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg University’s BSN program is renowned for its rigorous academics and immersive practical experiences. The curriculum blends theory and clinical practice, preparing students to adapt to changing healthcare environments. Among the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg fosters critical thinking and leadership skills in its graduates, who are ready to lead in diverse healthcare settings.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $29,730
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 16:1
PA College of Technology
At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, the BSN program focuses on honing the technical and interpersonal skills of its students. The curriculum integrates technology, fostering adaptability in an increasingly digital healthcare sector. As one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, the PA College of Technology ensures its graduates are ready to shape the future of nursing.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $14,000
Credits Required: Varies by program
Faculty-Student Ratio: 18:1
Messiah University
Messiah University’s BSN program excels in producing well-rounded nurses capable of providing high-quality patient care. The curriculum fosters a thorough understanding of health, illness, and healing from a Christian perspective. Recognized as one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Messiah University graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions in their field.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $34,740
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 13:1
Carlow University
Carlow University’s BSN program emphasizes the development of caring, competent nurses who can address health disparities in the community. The curriculum’s combination of liberal arts and professional nursing education positions it among the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania. Graduates from Carlow are well-prepared to provide culturally competent care in an increasingly diverse society.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $37,220
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 12:1
St. Francis University of PA
St. Francis University’s BSN program takes pride in its mission-driven approach to nursing education. Grounded in Franciscan values, the program nurtures compassionate nursing professionals committed to serving others. As one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, St. Francis University is recognized for its holistic preparation of graduates who are ready to make a difference.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $36,300
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 13:1
DeSales University
DeSales University’s BSN program stands out for its commitment to intellectual, spiritual, and personal development. Its curriculum combines rigorous academics with ethical considerations, preparing nurses who can balance clinical expertise with compassionate care. Ranked among the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, DeSales cultivates future nurse leaders who are ready to shape healthcare practice and policy.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $35,240
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 13:1
Wilson College
Wilson College’s BSN program sets itself apart by integrating leadership and management skills into its curriculum. The program prepares students to navigate the complex healthcare industry confidently. Recognized as one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Wilson College produces graduates capable of spearheading change in nursing and healthcare.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $36,120
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 11:1
West Chester University
West Chester University’s BSN program prides itself on producing nurses who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for their patients. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, clinical competence, and effective communication. As one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, West Chester graduates are renowned for their readiness to take on diverse roles in healthcare.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $29,730
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 16:1
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s BSN program distinguishes itself with its world-class faculty and innovative research opportunities. The program’s emphasis on integrating science and clinical practice earns it a place among the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania. UPenn graduates stand out for their commitment to advancing nursing practice through evidence-based care.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $53,074
Credits Required: 128
Faculty-Student Ratio: 7:1
Drexel University
Drexel University’s BSN program excels in its blend of rigorous academics and hands-on experiences. The program encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, preparing graduates to navigate the complex healthcare system. Known as one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Drexel’s commitment to experiential learning prepares graduates to lead and transform nursing practice.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $53,074
Credits Required: 128
Faculty-Student Ratio: 11:1
Eastern University
Eastern University’s BSN program emphasizes a patient-centered approach to nursing. The curriculum equips students with the skills to provide high-quality, holistic care in various settings. As one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, Eastern University cultivates compassionate, ethical practitioners ready to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
School Overview:
Out of State Tuition: $35,864.00
Credits Required: 124
Faculty-Student Ratio: 15:1
What is the Average BSN Salary in Pennsylvania?
One of the notable advantages of holding a BSN degree in Pennsylvania is the promising financial return. The average annual income for registered nurses is around $77,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although it can fluctuate based on factors like experience, specialization, and geographical location. In Pennsylvania, the mean annual wage for a registered nurse is more than $80,000, according to the BLS.
Where can BSN Graduates Work in Pennsylvania?
BSN graduates in Pennsylvania can explore various opportunities in diverse healthcare settings. These include hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions. They may also find positions in private practices, research centers, or public health departments. This wide array of options is due to the versatile skills acquired from the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, making these graduates a valued part of any healthcare environment.
Concentrations and Specializations for a BSN degree:
Acute Care Nursing: This concentration focuses on the care of patients in hospitals and other acute care settings.
Critical Care Nursing: This concentration revolves around the care of patients in critical care units, such as the intensive care unit (ICU) and the coronary care unit (CCU).
Neonatal Nursing: This concentration emphasizes the care of newborns, including premature babies and babies with birth defects.
Pediatric Nursing: This concentration is all about the care of children, from newborns to adolescents.
Geriatric Nursing: This concentration focuses on the care of older adults.
Women’s Health Nursing: This concentration emphasizes the care of women, from preconception to menopause.
Family Nurse Practitioner: This specialization prepares nurses to provide primary care to patients of all ages.
Nurse Anesthetist: This specialization trains nurses to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery.
Nurse Midwife: This specialization prepares nurses to provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Does BSN Require Licensure in PA?
Yes. Like all other states, nurses in Pennsylvania are required to obtain a license to practice. Upon graduating from one of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania, students must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), evaluates the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a registered nurse.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing is responsible for licensing registered nurses in the state. It establishes regulations for licensure, including educational program approval, examination eligibility, and renewal requirements.
Pennsylvania also advocates for the continual education of its nurses, stipulating that ongoing education is necessary for license renewal. This measure ensures that Pennsylvania’s nurses maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape, reinforcing the reputation of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania as a foundation for lifelong learning and professional development.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Pennsylvania
Affording a BSN degree may seem daunting, but Pennsylvania provides various scholarships and financial aid options to ease the monetary stress. These financial aids can be merit-based, need-based, or tied to specific nursing study areas. Also, many of the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania provide financial aid packages, making high-quality nursing education more achievable.
Is a BSN Degree in Pennsylvania Right for You?
Opting for a BSN degree in Pennsylvania is a significant decision that can open doors to numerous rewards. The best BSN programs in Pennsylvania offer comprehensive curricula that equip you for diverse healthcare environments. If your passion lies in providing care to patients and you’re prepared for the challenges of a nursing career, then a BSN degree from one of Pennsylvania’s top programs could be your perfect match.
