How Is The Job Market For Nursing In Philadelphia
In the city of Philadelphia, there is no excuse to think that you cannot find a hospital or medical clinic nearby. With over 30 institutions or facilities in the surrounding area, Philadelphia is one of the leaders in healthcare administration. The city also provides several teaching hospitals for the advancement of new students. Its also one of the highest-paying cities for nurses.
Even though there are many places of employment for nurses, it is sometimes difficult to find a job within the city limits. Many graduates of the nursing schools stay in the city after graduation. This makes employers be bombarded with countless eligible applicants from local nursing schools. Several schools suggest students have at least two concentrations, making it easier to find employment after graduation. Some nursing positions that are available in Philadelphia are LPN nurses, hospice care RNs, Public Health nurses, and Trauma/NICU nurses. Nurses with experience in psychology/psychiatric therapy are also helpful for local mental health facilities within the city.
Types Of Nursing Programs Available In Philadelphia Pa
Philadelphia is a major metropolitan area that offers numerous colleges and universities within the city limits and in the greater county area around the city. Finding a nursing program in Philadelphia is made much easier when such an emphasis is based on education of the residents. There are academic options available for all levels of nursing from certificates and associate programs to doctoral degrees.
How Much You Could Make As An Rn In Philadelphia Pa
Working as an RN in Pennsylvania offers a mean annual wage of $74,170, which is lower than the national average pay however, those working in the Philadelphia metro area make a few dollars short of the national average at $79,980.
Earnings for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia, PA
Median Hourly Wage |
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Best Nursing Schools In Philadelphia In 2020
Looking for a nursing program in Pennsylvania? Youre in luck. Philadelphia is home to some of Americas richest history and is now one of the largest cities in the country. Not only is Philly home to the Liberty Bell it is also home to some of the best nursing programs in the country. Why choose from one of the many nursing schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Because graduates enjoy faster job placement and higher earnings than many other locations due to the large population. There are many options such as BSN or Registered Nurse schools in Philadelphia.
Browse through the many colleges and universities that offer top-ranked programs in the nursing field. There has never been a greater time to join the healthcare industry as a nurse. Whether youre looking for a BSN program in PA or another type of nursing program, youll be sure to find an option here.
Rutgers University Camden Camden Nj

The nursing program at the Rutgers University Camden School of Nursing offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, from the BSN to the DNP. Traditional students can earn a BSN, while students who already have a bachelors in another field can choose an Accelerated BSN to make a quick career change. Students who already have an associates and an RN license may prefer the online RN to BSN. One of the most interesting options, though, is the Dual DNP/MBA program, which allows nurses to earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice and their Master of Business Administration at the same time, preparing them to take on leadership roles in healthcare system.
Rutgers University Camden is at the edge of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and plays a major role in supplying nursing professionals to Philadelphias hospitals, doctors offices, and clinics. Part of New Jerseys oldest and most prestigious public university, Rutgers Camden has a heritage that dates back to the Colonial period.
Degrees: BSN, DNP Online RN-BSNAccreditation: CCNE
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Cna Classes In Philadelphia
There are various institutions offering CNA classes in Philadelphia. These include:
In case you are interested in CNA training, you can decide to enroll in the school. In the school you will have to undergo 120 hours of lectures, clinical practicum and lab skills. The requirement for the enrollment include high school diploma and a maths test. The school offer state approved program that covers resident rights, communications skills, neglect prevention among other necessary skills.
Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 751-8000
The school is located near nursing homes that ensure students access exposure to real life situations. For any student to enroll in the school he has to pass entry exam, criminal background check, health screening, and be 18 years of age and above. Some of the course topics offered at the school include mental health, restorative care, social needs, personal care, roles and responsibilities.
Address: 6761 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: 843-4262
The school offers tuition at affordable rates. Some of the prerequisites to enroll in the school involve passing entrance exam. All successful graduates are offered job placement opportunities. The curriculum available at the school covers lab and classroom work.
Address: 8040 Roosevelt Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19152
Phone: 329-1322
Associates In Nursing Programs
Harcum College Harcum Colleges Associate of Science in Nursing degree program is designed to prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become competent professional registered nurses. The admissions process is competitive and is based on such factors as completion of prerequisite courses, an acceptable score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills , and appropriate background and medical clearances. Once accepted into the program, the degree requires 66 credits to complete. Fundamental courses include Pathophysiology & Pharmacology in Nursing, Nursing Care of the Adult, and Holistic Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan. The AS in Nursing at Harcum College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
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Pennsylvania College Of Health Sciences
Lancasterâs Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences serves students with a unique â2+2â nursing program, which culminates in both an associateâs degree and a bachelorâs degree in nursing. Enrolled students go through a 2 year ADN program, and then seamlessly move on to the RN to BSN program, without any breaks.
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Bsn Program Length In Pennsylvania
You can expect a traditional BSN to take 4 years to complete. An accelerated BSN can take as little as 16 months to complete in some cases, and RN to BSN programs can take around 2 years from start to finish, depending on the school. Itâs always advised to check with your prospective school to see how long each of their BSN options will take to complete.
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How We Ranked The Best Nursing Schools In Philadelphia
TopRNtoBSN is committed to providing students with information about reputable, trustworthy programs, so we begin the ranking process with accredited programs: regionally accredited institutions with CCNE or ACEN nursing accreditation are preferred. From there, programs are ranked according to three factors:
- Student Reviews
These three ensure that students can trust their program to have a real impact on their careers, with high quality instruction and student satisfaction.
Jefferson College Of Nursing Philadelphia Pa
The Jefferson College of Nursing is part of Jefferson University, an innovative institution created in 2018 from the merger of Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University. Students at JCN get to learn as part of the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, one of the top-ranked academic health centers in the nation. For Jeffersons BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, students have many options in each. BSN students, for instance, may choose accelerated or traditional programs high school students can even get a jump start on their BSN. MSN students can choose many concentrations, including administrative, informatics, and nurse practitioner options, while DNP students can start with either a BSN or MSN, or choose a CRNA path.
Jefferson University dates back to 1834 and one of the oldest medical schools in the US, so the universitys health science bona fides are unquestionable. With Jefferson and Philadelphias merger, the new institution is proving to be a major influence on professional education in Philadelphia, and even beyond with its fully online degree programs.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP Online MSN and DNPAccreditation: CCNE
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Inside Look At Online Nursing Programs In Philadelphia Pa
Online nursing programs offer flexibility for those who want to continue working in their current career while earning the knowledge and skills necessary to become a nurse or advance their nursing skills. Those who attend an undergraduate program will likely encounter an on campus program or one that is a hybrid, with some classes offered fully online and clinical courses offered at an in-person location. This location might be on campus or at a designated facility close to the students home. Either way, the clinical work will be under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, preceptor, or other healthcare professional. Though the online work can be completed at a pace that makes the student comfortable, these programs will often be in a cohort format, meaning that certain milestones must be reached with the rest of the class in order to graduate.
Those who already have their registered nursing license, a bachelors degree in nursing, and experience under their belt might find entirely online programs at the masters or doctoral level. These programs allow the students work to serve as clinical hours, while the rest of the courses are entirely online, resulting in a truly online educational experience.
Top 10 Nursing Schools In Pennsylvania

Most colleges are based in or around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, two of the largest cities in the region. By studying in an urban area, students will be closer to major hospitals and healthcare facilities, shortening their commute for clinicals. Of course, nursing programs in more rural areas are always an option, too.
Annual Tuition: $46,799 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.76%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
As the name implies, Moravian College was founded by members of the Moravian Church. Fittingly located in Bethlehem, Moravian College has nearly 300 years of history and has become one of the most renowned schools in the area. Their nursing department is particularly impressive, boasting 10 different degree options from the bachelors to masters level. There are also multiple post-masters certificates available including,
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Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Its also worth noting that many students earn some form of financial aid, so the tuition might not be as high as it seems.
Annual Tuition: $56,595 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.73%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Annual Tuition: $30,590 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.87%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Annual Tuition: $32,000 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.66%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Annual Tuition: $54,652 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.99%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Annual Tuition: $45,376 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.97%
Traditional: Yes
Bridge: Yes
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Can I Make More With A Bsn Or Higher Degree
Absolutely! For the nursing student that wants to broaden their horizons and achieve a higher paying salary, then going for a BSN or MSN would be the logical decision to make. A basic RN license is similar to an associates degree however, most nursing students do go on to receive their BSN degree. Every level of higher education a nursing student completes adds to their credentials and increases their overall salary. For example, to become a LPN nurse, the education level of an associates degree is required. However, if a nursing student has a desire to become a nurse practitioner, then most likely the student will need to extend their educational goals to a Masters program or even Doctoral degree level.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing: Program Learning Outcomes
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Montgomery County Community College
Students are Montgomery County Community College will learn critical thinking skills, practical nursing skills through evidence-based theory and patient care. Graduates will have had patient care experience in both simulation and clinical environments.
At A Glance
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 80%
Bachelors In Nursing Programs
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers an RN to BSN degree program that takes a leadership and health policy focus. Students also have the option to add in-depth study in other areas of healthcare through practicums. The 100% online RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 18 months with full-time study a part-time option is also available. Students complete courses in seven-week sessions that are designed to provide flexibility to working professionals. The programs cohort model encourages students to build relationships and network with their peers as well as with Harrisburg Universitys expert nursing faculty. In addition to 10 core courses, students will complete five experiential learning courses that provide hands-on learning, helping students apply nursing theory to real-world practice. In addition to earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduates of the program will be well-prepared for graduate study.
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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.
Whats Offered At Prism Career Institute
- A specialized program in practical nursing education, providing the necessary skills to pass the NCLEX-PN exam
- Up-to-date experience with current best practices informed by the changing workplace
- Financial Aid assistance is available for those who qualify
- Boundless opportunities for self-improvement and qualifications
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Nursing Schools In Philadelphia
The best nursing schools in Philadelphia offer a variety of affordable programs for new nurses and programs for working RNs. The United States first great city, Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, Philly soul, and Rocky. Its also one of the best cities to be a nurse, with one of the highest pay rates and a staggering number of world-class hospitals and medical facilities. There are also a lot of people in the metropolitan Philadelphia area, which spills over beyond Pennsylvania into Delaware and New Jersey as well. In fact, the census recognizes more than 7 million people in Metro Philly.
A city like Philadelphia has no shortage of nursing programs, but at TopRNtoBSN were primarily concerned with the options available for working RNs RN to BSN programs, of course, but also avenues to advanced practice, nurse leadership, and academic research with MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Philadelphia has some of the most respected universities in the nation, including the University of Pennsylvania , Drexel University, and Temple University. Reach out into the suburbs, and there are even more. To help guide students to the programs that fit their needs, TopRNtoBSN has ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Philadelphia.
Become A Practical Nurse With Herzing’s Brookfield Campus

Earn your Practical Nursing Diploma at Herzing University’s Brookfield Campus and develop the skills and confidence to begin your nursing career.
- Earn your diploma in as little as 12 months!
- Experienced, accessible faculty
Start Preparing for Your Career Today
Earning your diploma in Practical Nursing is a great way to start your nursing career sooner. With our practical nursing programs, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to be on your way to a nursing career in as few as 12 months. You’ll gain real-world skills and emerge from our LPN program fully prepared to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam and become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
As a Herzing practical nursing student, you will:
- Practice in simulation labs
- Gain hands-on clinical experience
- Learn from nursing instructors with real healthcare experience
You’ll also have support every step of the way! Our faculty’s #1 job is to support your success in and outside of the classroom.
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How Much Money Can You Make With A Nursing Degree In Pennsylvania
Not surprisingly, nursing is one of the fastest growing fields for job growth in the United States into the near future. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 16 percent job increase between 2014 and 2024 for registered nurses alone.
According to BLS data, the state of Pennsylvania is #5 in the number of employed Registered Nurses, with 136,090 compared to #1 Californias 255,010 such nurses. However, Pennsylvania employs more nurses per thousand jobs than the top four states for employed RNs . Even more, Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania make on average $34.44/hour, which is 6 percent higher than the national average.
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