How Long Does It Take To Complete An Accelerated Nursing Program In Pennsylvania
This all depends on the school of course so take some time to shop around. In general you will be able to earn your BSN through an accelerated nursing program in 18 months or less. Some of these programs will be non-stop year round, while others may factor in a break. You will complete not only course work but also required hands on clinical experiences during this time so that you can master your new nursing skills.
Montgomery County Community College
Montgomery County Community College offers an associate’s degree in nursing at its Blue Bell campus. This 70 credit hour program aims to give students the critical thinking skills to effectively utilize the nursing process in caring for patients. Both part-time and full-time schedule options are available.
Clinical Placement Services And Student Support
Your clinical experiences will offer rotations in various specialties, teaching you how to apply nursing concepts in diverse health care settings. We understand the value of hands-on learning and support our online ABSN students with the best possible resources. Our Clinical Placement Team provides proactive support, so you dont have to worry about placement logistics. Youll also have a dedicated student success advisor to help you from enrollment through to graduation.
These resources are offered at no additional charge and are built into the program.
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Accelerated/dual Degree Physician Assistant Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistant positions are expected to grow 38% through 2022, a rate well above almost any other profession and double that of medical doctors. Traditionally, these programs take 2-3 years to complete as a graduate student but accelerated dual degree programs allow students to begin their Physicians Assistant coursework after just three years of undergraduate coursework, shaving off a full year of study. The schools that made College Transitions list offer direct entry, dual-degree programs which allow for this accelerated pathway toward this rewarding and lucrative profession.
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University Of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing Philadelphia

One of the top-ranking nursing schools in the world, Penn Nursing has been imparting path breaking nursing education since 1886. It incorporates theoretical and applied knowledge simultaneously, helping students to master its curriculum in an effortless manner. With an outstanding culture of research and discovery, small wonder that the college has been ranked #1 in NIH funding among nursing schools. Today, its 14,000 strong alumni are working towards improving health outcomes with their compassionate and impactful nursing practice.The school offers a Second-Degree Nursing program in PA for students planning to enter the field of nursing with a degree in another field. This program, like a regular BSN program offers hands-on experience with state-of-the-art simulations, mentorship, clinical practice, and community engagement. Post completion of this program you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and start working as a nurse in Pennsylvania.Second degree Penn nursing students also have the following options: You can pursue both the BSN and PhD course by enrolling into the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation BSN-PhD. You can pursue graduate level coursework by enrolling into an MSN program post completion of the first summer clinical.
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
Earning your BSN will give you the opportunity to gain more advanced nursing jobs, and greatly increase your salary range. There are excellent nursing programs at world-class universities all throughout the state, making it ideal for someone wanting a traditional college experience. There are also a multitude of ways to earn your BSN, whether it’s the classic program, the RN to BSN program, or even an accelerated program.
Santa Barbara Business Collegesanta Maria
Average Net Price: $15,789Graduation Rate: 67%NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.12%
Santa Barbara Business College has a variety of fast-track degree programs for people who have a previous degree and wish to transition into a different career or receive their degree more quickly than many schools allow. They pride themselves in having a low teacher-student ratio, and they only have around 10-20 students at a time, which allows teachers to spend more time with each student. Youll get hands-on instruction in the nursing profession as well as electronic records medical software and utilize modern technology to diagnose illnesses as the big hospitals do. This school received a C rating on Niche.com. The best thing about this school is that they have a 100% acceptance rate.
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University Of North Alabama
Average Net Price: $12,103Graduation Rate: 45%NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
If you live in the North Alabama area, the University of North Alabama offers a BSN degree which is a 16-month program that begins in January of a school year. Some prerequisites are required, and you will be admitted through the BSN Department. You have the option of also working on your masters degree if you had the prerequisites. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits both the BSN and MSN programs. To get into the program, you need traditional BSN admission requirements and a 3.0 GPA in the first degree or on the prerequisites. This school has an overall rating of B+ from niche.com.
Community College Of Beaver County
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Georgia College & State University
Average Net Price: $20,055Graduation Rate: 66%NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.96%
The Georgia College and State University accelerated program of nursing offers a way to engage in a fast-paced study curriculum to get your BSN in record time. You must hold a previous degree and this is a four-semester program. You need to be ready to commit to around 81 hours per week of coursework and clinical practice. The staff recommends that you not hold a full-time job while you are attending school so that you can commit to your school and clinical work. The coursework is closely aligned to the things you will be doing as a nurse after graduation and includes 60 hours of coursework. Niche.com gives this school a B+ overall rating.
Lewistown Hospital School Of Nursing
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- Registered Nursing
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- Nursing Administration
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Erie Nursing Schools By Nclex Score
Penn State Behrend
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 94.3% NCLEX pass rate
Gannon University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 91.6% NCLEX pass rate
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Nurse Anesthesia
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 90.5% NCLEX pass rate
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 81.3% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing: 76.7% NCLEX pass rate
- Master of Science in Nursing: Integrative Nursing Leadership
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 66.7% NCLEX pass rate
Getting A License In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact , meaning they follow the same nurse licensing standards as 24 other states . So, becoming licensed in Pennsylvania is pretty straight forward.
To become licensed, youll need to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check
- Apply to become a nurse in Pennsylvania
And thats it! Of course, youll need to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX. A degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited school should satisfy all the prerequisites to sit for the exam. Once licensed, youll need to maintain licensure with continuing education.
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Accelerate Your Way To A Nursing Career With A Second Degree Bsn
You can use your bachelors degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the worlds most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Carlows second degree nursing program.
With this degree in hand, youll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburghs medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate.
Carlows second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long.
Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.
Answer The Need For Skilled Nurses
In todays rapidly shifting health care climate, educated and qualified nurses are needed to deliver care throughout the country. The nursing profession is one of the most trusted nurses offer empathy to those in need, serve on the frontlines as essential health care professionals and help ensure open communication between patients and providers.
As a nurse, your compassion will touch lives daily. Youll also be in demand RNs can expect a job growth rate of 7% through 2029* due to a nationwide nursing shortage. Patient-centered care is needed in urban and rural communities, assuring youll experience a bright career anywhere in the country.
You can help meet the unprecedented need for RNs and apply your existing knowledge and experience to nursing. Our online accelerated BSN program will get you fully prepared to launch your nursing career while saving time and energy with clinical placement and supportive services at Wilkes.
Out-of-State Students
Our online nursing degree programs prepare graduates to take the national board certification exam appropriate to their degree or chosen NP concentration. ABSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses . Please see our full list of state authorizations to determine whether our program fulfills requirements for licensure in your home state.
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Seminole State College Of Florida
Some students complete other nursing programs at the college and then later graduate from the online RN to BSN program at Seminole State College. There is also a 60-hour clinical segment.
Nursing degree already holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
- Tuition per credit hour: $79.7
- NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools , ACEN
Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
The online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Wilkes University’s Passan School of Nursing is uniquely designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Qualified students who have the necessary prerequisites and want to transition to a worthwhile and meaningful new career in nursing can earn their BSN in one year.
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More Bsn Degree Options To Fit Your Life
If you cannot commit to full-time accelerated nursing programs, or don’t meet the prior education requirements for a second bachelor’s, the School offers a Weekend BSN program and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on our Main Campus in Gwynedd Valley, PA. The Weekend BSN program option, which can be completed in just three years, is another second-degree nursing program available to students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition to a career in nursing. The four-year undergraduate BSN program is for aspiring nurses who do not already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
A Nursing Educational Community 60 Years in the Making
Gwynedd Mercy University has been a leading nursing school for more than 60 years. The community of nursing experts, scholars, and regional health care leaders we have developednot to mention our thousands of nursing alumniis an invaluable resource for your professional development and personal enrichment. It’s why the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions has been a leader in accelerated nursing programs in PA for years.
Our nursing faculty members bring clinical expertise and a passion for the nursing profession to the classroom. In our small classes, they will become your partners and mentors as you bring your future into focus.
University Of New England
Average Net Price: $33,204
Graduation Rate: 59%NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.73%
If youve ever considered adding to your current education with a second degree in nursing, now is your chance. If you live in the state of Mississippi, you can check out Mississippi College offers the BSN in Nursing through a rigorous accelerated program of study in nursing. Mississippi College is a Bible college also so you will have to take three credit hours in Bible as well as general psychology, and other required pre-requisites. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required for admission. Niche.com rates this school at B+.
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How Is The Job Market For Nurses In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania nursing jobs should be plentiful for several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2016 to 2016 officials expect a 13 percent increase in the number of nurse jobs in Pennsylvania. This includes 19,000 new positions. Nursing jobs in Pennsylvania should also increase by replacing those that retire or leave the profession. LPNs and nursing assistant jobs should also be plentiful as the bureau projects a 9.2 percent increase through 2026. Pennsylvania travel nurse jobs should also increase.
The area around Philadelphia has the fourth-highest number of registered nurses of all the metropolitan areas. There are 70,000 RNs in that area. Among the top 10 metropolitan areas, RNs in Philadelphia is seventh in the level of pay. The Bloomsburg-Berwick metropolitan area has the largest concentration of Pennsylvania nurse jobs with 2,880 jobs. That area is far above the national average in the percentage of the population employed in the medical field.
Travel nurse jobs in Pennsylvania are always needed when there is a shortage of nurses. Nurses with Pennsylvania travel nursing jobs fill in at hospitals and other facilities. Jobs for travel nurses are expected to increase by 16 percent until at least 2024. Travel nurses have a lot of flexibility, including how many hours they work. This results in a lot of variance in salaries.
How To Become An Rn In Pennsylvania: Licensing Information And Requirements

Pennsylvanias RN degree programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain state licensure. Its a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps youll need to earn that licensure before starting your nursing program. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website.
Complete your nursing program.
Complete an accredited and state-approved pre-RN licensure program. Doing so helps you meet the education and clinical practice hours need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which is required for RN licensure in Pennsylvania.
Submit your application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Apply at the end of the final semester of your nursing program. An official transcript identifying RN education, degree or diploma type, and date of program completion needs to be sent by your program directly to the BON. Youll also need to pay the $95 application fee. Visit this Boards website for detailed information on requirements for RN licensure in Pennsylvania
Register for the NCLEX RN exam.
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California University Of Pennsylvania
California Universitys online degree offers an arts and sciences program to help you excel in graduate studies and career advancement. This program offers rolling admissions and an accelerated format with new cohorts in spring and fall.
- Admission requirements: SAT or ACT scores transfer credits with C grades, military credits, PLA, or CLEP/DANTES/AP
- Tuition: $3,858 per semester/$322 credit hours
- Total Cost: $17,233
- NCLEX-RN pass rate: Unknown
Entrance Requirements For A Pennsylvania Accelerated Nursing Program
- Bachelors degree: You need to have your bachelors degree to be eligible for accelerated nursing programs, but it can be in any subject!
- GPA: You do not need to take a test for eligibility but most schools will require that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0. These can vary by school so check before applying!
- Complete pre-requisites: While your bachelors degree can be in anything, you may need to complete certain courses before you can apply to an accelerated nursing program. Usually these will be science courses such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and more.
- Letters of recommendation: Like any application you need letters of recommendation. Make sure to reach out ahead of time to the people you want to write your letters so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
- Submit applications: You should look over the applications in advance so you know how much time you will need to complete them. In addition to demographics and basic questions, you may have essays to write. You will also need to collect past transcripts, submit and updated resume, and possibly additional paperwork.
- Interview: Most schools will not require an interview but it always helps to check!
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Common Qualities Of The Best Nursing Schools In Pennsylvania
There are many characteristics that quality nursing schools in Pennsylvania have in common. Here are the most important qualities to look for when choosing your Pennsylvania nursing program:
- Nationally Accredited and State ApprovedAccreditation indicates certain critical standards of quality, and all the best nursing programs in Pennsylvania PA have it. Accreditation for nursing programs in the U.S. comes via the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . You can search for current nursing program accreditation status using these ACEN and CCNE search engines. Quality nursing degree and certificate programs in Pennsylvania are also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of States Board of Nursing .
- Track Record of High NCLEX Exam Pass RatesLicensure for LPNs and RNs in Pennsylvania requires passing the NCLEX examination, so one of the most important factors of any nursing program is a high NCLEX exam pass rate. School websites often indicate a programs pass rate, and BON provides a current list of exam pass rates for nursing programs in Pennsylvania.
- Instructor Access and Quality Student Support ServicesDetermining instructor access and the availability of quality student support services takes some work. Search online search for student comments about nursing programs, and speak with as many program students as possible. Word-of-mouth is a great source of advice.