Pennsylvania is one of the most nursing-rich states in the country. Home to the University of Pennsylvania – one of the top-ranked nursing schools nationally – as well as Drexel, Villanova, Duquesne, Temple, and a dense community college network, the state offers nursing education at every level across urban, suburban, and rural markets. Pennsylvania’s major health systems – Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, UPMC, and Geisinger – are among the largest healthcare employers in the country. The state joined the Nursing Licensure Compact in July 2025, expanding options significantly for Pennsylvania-licensed nurses. This guide covers programs, admission requirements, licensing, job market data, and financial aid for prospective nursing students in Pennsylvania.
Nursing education landscape in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has more than 100 Board of Nursing-approved RN programs, ranging from community college ADN programs to doctoral programs at research universities. The state’s nursing education infrastructure is concentrated in two major metros – Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – but extends significantly into central Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, and the northeast part of the state.
Philadelphia’s healthcare environment is among the most competitive in the country. Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System), Jefferson Health, Temple University Hospital, and Drexel Medicine all operate teaching hospitals with strong nursing education partnerships. The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is routinely ranked among the top ten nursing schools in the country for research and graduate education. Philadelphia is also home to community college ADN programs through Delaware County Community College, Montgomery County Community College, and Community College of Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh’s market is anchored by UPMC – one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States – which employs more than 50,000 people across its hospitals and clinics. UPMC has formal relationships with Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh for nursing education and clinical placements. Carlow University and Robert Morris University also offer nursing programs in the Pittsburgh area.
Outside the major metros, Geisinger Health System operates a substantial clinical network across central and northeastern Pennsylvania and partners with Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and other regional institutions. Penn State’s College of Nursing in University Park has a strong BSN program and extensive online offerings.
Pennsylvania joined the Nursing Licensure Compact in July 2025. Pennsylvania nurses who reside in the state now hold multistate compact licenses, allowing practice in all other NLC member states without separate licensure. This is a significant change – before July 2025, Pennsylvania was one of the largest non-compact states, and Pennsylvania nurses needed individual state licenses to work in other jurisdictions.
The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing (PABN) regulates all nursing practice and education in the state. It maintains approved program lists, NCLEX pass rate data, and licensure information through the Pennsylvania Department of State at pa.gov.
Admission requirements
Pennsylvania nursing programs vary by level and institution. Here is what programs typically require:
For ADN programs (community college):
- Minimum GPA of 2.7–3.0 on prerequisite science courses
- ATI TEAS entrance exam (used by most Pennsylvania community colleges)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology or Sociology
- CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Criminal background check required before clinical placements
- Most programs use a competitive point-based or rank-ordered admission process
For BSN programs (university):
- Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 on prerequisites for most programs; Penn Nursing and Villanova are highly selective with admitted cohorts typically above 3.6
- TEAS or HESI (varies by institution)
- Prerequisite courses: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, Nutrition
- Letters of recommendation (2–3 typically required)
- Some programs, including Penn and Drexel, require documented healthcare experience
Community college ADN programs in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh suburbs tend to be competitive. Programs in smaller markets may have more accessible admission timelines. If your GPA is below 3.0, see nursing schools that accept low GPAs.
Types of nursing programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers nursing education at every level:
| Program type | Credential | Typical duration | Typical cost range (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA certificate | CNA | 4–8 weeks | $800–$3,000 |
| LPN certificate | LPN | 12–18 months | $10,000–$20,000 |
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | RN | 2 years | $8,000–$22,000 |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | RN | 4 years (or 12–18 mo for RN-to-BSN) | $35,000–$65,000 (public); $80,000–$140,000 (private) |
| MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) | NP, CNS, educator, administrator | 2–3 years post-BSN | $30,000–$60,000 |
| DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | Advanced practice / leadership | 3–4 years post-BSN | $40,000–$75,000 |
ADN programs are the dominant entry point for RN practice in Pennsylvania and are significantly less expensive than four-year BSN programs. Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Montgomery County Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) all operate ADN programs. Most Pennsylvania health systems hire ADN-prepared nurses and offer tuition assistance or loan repayment for BSN completion.
BSN programs include a range of institution types. The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is Penn’s flagship nursing college and one of the most research-intensive nursing programs in the country. Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing maintains strong NCLEX pass rates and a deep alumni network in the Philadelphia suburbs. Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions is one of the largest nursing colleges in Pennsylvania by enrollment. Duquesne University was the first institution in Pennsylvania to offer a BSN program (1937) and has a strong reputation in Pittsburgh’s market. Penn State University Park offers both a residential BSN and strong online RN-to-BSN programs.
For a broader overview of degree pathways, see ADN programs and BSN programs. For accelerated BSN options, see accelerated BSN programs.
Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) are available at Penn, Villanova, Drexel, Duquesne, Thomas Jefferson University, and others. Penn’s graduate nursing programs in CRNA, PMHNP, and acute care specialties are particularly strong. Jefferson University’s nurse anesthesia program is one of the oldest and largest in the country.
Licensing in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (PABN) regulates all nursing licenses and approves nursing education programs in the state. The board operates under the Pennsylvania Department of State.
For RN licensure by examination:
- Graduate from a PABN-approved nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Submit application and fees to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing (initial licensure fee: approximately $95 for Pennsylvania-educated graduates; $115 for out-of-state school graduates)
- Pass a criminal background check (required before initial licensure)
- Provide Social Security Number for verification
For LPN licensure:
- Graduate from a PABN-approved LPN program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Submit application and fees; background check required
Compact license (NLC): Pennsylvania joined the Nursing Licensure Compact in July 2025. Pennsylvania residents who hold a Pennsylvania RN or LPN license now hold a multistate compact license, valid in all NLC member states. Nurses who had existing Pennsylvania single-state licenses before July 2025 should verify with the Board of Nursing that their license reflects multistate status. See the nursing compact license guide for current details.
Pennsylvania RN licenses renew every 2 years. Continuing education is required for renewal. See nursing license requirements by state for endorsement and reciprocity details.
Nursing job market and salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s nursing market is large, stable, and driven by its major health systems. UPMC in Pittsburgh employs more than 27,000 nurses and is one of the largest healthcare employers in the country. Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Temple University Health System collectively employ tens of thousands of nurses in the Philadelphia region. Geisinger Health System is the dominant employer across central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024 OEWS), the median annual wage for registered nurses in Pennsylvania is approximately $87,610. The range runs from roughly $62,000 at the 10th percentile to approximately $107,000 at the 90th percentile.
Regional variation within Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia metro: wages align closely with the state median; Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health pay competitive specialty rates, and proximity to New Jersey and Delaware offers cross-border employment options for compact license holders
- Pittsburgh metro: UPMC’s scale drives competitive base wages; the system also provides strong tuition benefits for nurses pursuing graduate degrees
- Central Pennsylvania / Geisinger region: below the metro averages but includes significant loan repayment and sign-on bonus programs for rural shortage areas
- Lehigh Valley and northeastern Pennsylvania: growing market, mid-tier wages, with St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network as major employers
Pennsylvania’s compact membership since July 2025 has expanded the travel nursing market significantly. Pennsylvania-based nurses can now use their compact license to take compact-eligible assignments across 40-plus NLC states.
For a broader salary comparison across states, see the nursing salary by state guide.
Financial aid and scholarships
Federal aid: All accredited nursing programs are eligible for FAFSA funding. Submit as early as possible – the window opens October 1 each year. For step-by-step guidance, see nursing school FAFSA guide.
Pennsylvania-specific programs:
- PHEAA Grants and Scholarships: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) administers the Pennsylvania State Grant program. Eligible Pennsylvania residents attending in-state institutions may qualify for grants based on financial need; nursing students at community colleges and state-system universities (PASSHE institutions) often see the largest benefit.
- Pennsylvania Nurses Foundation: The PNF awards scholarships to nursing students enrolled in Pennsylvania programs. Awards are merit- and need-based; applications typically open in spring.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Pennsylvania nurses who work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) may qualify for the federal NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, which covers up to 85% of unpaid nursing school debt in exchange for a two-year service commitment.
- UPMC and Jefferson Health Tuition Assistance: Major Pennsylvania health systems offer tuition assistance of $3,000–$6,000 per year for nurses pursuing degree completion or graduate programs while employed.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Nurses employed full-time by public hospitals and nonprofit health systems (Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple University Hospital, UPMC, and VA Medical Centers) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
Frequently asked questions
When did Pennsylvania join the nursing compact?
Pennsylvania joined the Nursing Licensure Compact in July 2025. Before that date, Pennsylvania was a non-compact state, and Pennsylvania nurses held single-state licenses. Pennsylvania RN and LPN licenses issued after compact implementation are multistate licenses. Nurses who licensed before July 2025 should verify with the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing that their license reflects multistate status.
How competitive is Penn Nursing?
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the most selective nursing programs in the country. It is routinely ranked among the top ten nursing schools nationally and is particularly strong in research and graduate nursing. The undergraduate program at Penn is extremely competitive; applicants should have strong academics, meaningful healthcare experience, and compelling personal statements. Villanova and Drexel are also competitive but serve a broader range of academic profiles.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for travel nurses?
Pennsylvania became substantially better for travel nursing after joining the compact in July 2025. Pennsylvania-licensed nurses can now use their multistate license to work in 40-plus NLC member states without additional applications. The Philadelphia metro also benefits from proximity to New Jersey (compact) and Delaware (compact), making cross-border employment straightforward. See nursing compact license guide for more on how compact travel nursing works.
What does it cost to become an RN in Pennsylvania?
An ADN at a Pennsylvania community college typically costs $8,000–$22,000 in tuition and fees. A BSN at a public PASSHE university (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, West Chester) costs approximately $35,000–$65,000 over four years for in-state students. Private university BSN programs (Penn, Villanova, Drexel, Duquesne) cost considerably more. These figures cover tuition and fees only – books, clinical fees, uniforms, and living expenses add additional costs.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Pennsylvania nursing programs?
The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing publishes NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates by program. Look for programs consistently at or above the national average (first-time US-educated RN pass rates have nationally ranged from approximately 82–88% in recent NCSBN cycles). Programs below 75% first-time pass may have curriculum or student support issues. For NCLEX preparation strategies, see the NCLEX study plan guide.