Make Helping Others Your Career
Gain the education and training you need to play a critical role in providing treatment, support and education to both patients and their family members. You will learn legal and ethical aspects of the profession use case studies to analyze and establish information related to patient care work in hospitals, long-term care and community-based facilities and use outcome measures to critically assess situations and develop treatment plans. As a student of the Colleges Nursing program, you will enjoy many benefits, from an innovative curriculum to supportive faculty state-of-the-art equipment hands-on learning supervised time in hospitals, geriatric settings and community-based agencies and preparation to take the national licensure exam for credentials accepted throughout the United States.
The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Community College of Philadelphia’s Nursing program is one of 15 in the country to be chosen as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. The program is recognized for Enhancing the Professional Development of Students.” This is the College’s fourth consecutive designation as a Center of Excellence.
Pennsylvania Nursing Schools And Programs
Pennsylvania is known as the “Keystone” state. PA has a large part in America’s history because it is the central location of the 13 colonies and the Declaration of Independence was signed here. There are famous ghostly battlegrounds to walk on great museums across the state filled with artifacts of the birth of America and national pro athletic teams in all sports. PA has great hunting, zoo’s, and numerous amusement parks for the young at heart. You will never be bored if you are looking to obtain your nursing education in PA.
Degree Programs:
Adult Care, Anatomy, Anesthesia, Community Health, Family Care, Forensic, Gerontology, Midwife, Neonatal, Nutrition, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Surgical
Largest Cities:
Allentown, Altoona, Bensalem, Bethlehem, Chester, Erie, Levittown, Lower Merion, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Scranton, State College, Upper Darby, Wilkes-Barre
Additional Resources:
Find Accredited Rn Programs In Pennsylvania
Are you seeking a career in Pennsylvania that is exciting and offers a great paycheck? If you are, you should consider becoming a Registered Nurse . Not only is there currently an enormous need for RNs in Pennsylvania, but RNs employed here enjoy average beginning salaries of $64,000 per year.
The main requirement to becoming an RN in Pennsylvania is completing a program designed for aspiring Registered Nurses. RN students can choose either an associate or a bachelors degree in nursing, both of which provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as an RN. Earning a nursing degree is the primary requirement for obtaining an RN license in Pennsylvania.
Other requirements for obtaining your RN license in Pennsylvania include passing the NCLEX-RN exam, submitting to a background check, and paying the state’s licensing fee.
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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.
Masters In Nursing Programs
Penn State University Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Penn State University choose from one of three concentrations: nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse administrator. Graduates of the nurse practitioner track are generally eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners exams. Students may fulfill degree requirements on a full-time or a part-time basis. All graduate students, regardless of the track, complete nine core courses and a scholarly paper in addition to concentration-specific coursework.
York College of Pennsylvania York College of Pennsylvania confers the Master of Science in Nursing in one of four concentrations: adult gerontology nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, and nurse educator. The program prepares graduates for advanced nursing positions. The adult gerontology nurse practitioner track consists of 44 credits and more than 700 hours in clinical practicums. Students can fulfill degree requirements within two or three years on a part-time basis. The nurse anesthetist track requires 94 credits and 2,000 hours of clinical experience with students completing the program on a full-time basis over 32 months. The nurse educator track is part-time with students taking 39 credits and 224 clinical hours over a three-year period.
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Msn: Leadership In Health Systems Management
- Information systems management
- Faculty who are current practicing experts in the fields of law, quality, patient safety, and risk management
- An interdisciplinary structure, offering the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively as you would in practice
- Realistic virtual simulation experiences and a short on-campus experience in our state-of-the-art simulation labs, which allow you to apply principles learned throughout the program to realistic, high stakes, simulation activities
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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Best Online Nursing Programs In Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvanias 100% online RN to BSN program is for RNs with a nursing diploma or ADN through a regionally accredited program who want to gain leadership and advanced practice skills to further their nursing careers. The program comes in an accelerated format with three-term full-time and four-term part-time study options available. New nursing cohorts begin each fall and spring. Cal U maintains articulation agreements with several Pennsylvania-based nursing schools and community colleges for easy transfer of previously-earned credits.
Cal U additionally offers three online masters level options:
A 21-credit hour Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing Administration and Leadership is also available and offered entirely online.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology, which is affiliated with but autonomous from Penn State University, offers two online degrees through its School of Nursing & Health Sciences, including a BSN degree completion program. The program is for current RNs and can be completed either full-time or part-time. All courses are asynchronous.
LaSalle University
What Are The Clinical Requirements For An Absn In Pennsylvania
The number of supervised clinical hours you will be required to complete will depend on the state you live in. In general however, most states require about 500 clinical hours for you to earn your BSN and sit for the NCLEX RN exam. Clinical hours are experiences where you are paired with an experienced nurse and get to practice your clinical skills on real patients. Having someone to supervise you as you master these skills helps you be prepared to be a safe new nurse when you become licensed.
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How To Get A Licensed Practical Nurse License In Pennsylvania
LPNs work closely with RNs and doctors to provide direct patient care. They assist doctors during procedures, keep detailed records, record vital signs, help patients with bathing and dressing, and answer questions or concerns patients may have about their conditions.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing issues and regulates licensure of LPNs. Earning a Pennsylvania LPN license begins with graduating from a board-approved practical nursing program. A list of approved programs can be found on the board’s website. Upon graduation from an LPN program, individuals can apply for licensure by examination by registering online at the Pennsylvania Licensing System and filling out the online application. Candidates for licensure must take the licensure examination for the first time within one year of completing their nursing education programs. Individuals can apply for a graduate temporary practice permit by answering a question within the application.
Other mandatory steps include:
LPNs are required to renew their licenses every two years. A notice for renewal will be sent prior to the expiration date of the current license. Renewal can be done online. Requirements for renewal include:
- Completing 30 hours of board-approved continuing education.
- Completing two hours of training on the topic of child abuse recognition and reporting from an approved provider.
What Is An Accelerated Nursing Program
With nursing projected to be one of the fastest-growing professions in Pennsylvania, its no surprise that people from various academic backgrounds are turning to nursing as a possible career change. An accelerated nursing program is one such alternative. A nursing career not only offers job stability and a good income, but it is also a gratifying and demanding profession. Fortunately, for the career-changer who has already obtained a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline, many Pennsylvania colleges provide accelerated nursing programs that may be completed in as little as 9 to 15 months depending on how many courses he or she takes before enrolling into the ABSN program.
An ABSN is an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, where students who have a bachelors degree from any academic discipline can complete their nursing education and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse within 9 to 14 months. ABSNs are offered by schools whose mission it is to educate non-nurses with practical, academic, technical knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to meet future healthcare needs of Pennsylvania.
Students are expected to not work during their year of nursing study and clinicals so that they can devote all their time fully towards exam preparation and gaining experience in nursing with a goal of taking the NCLEX-RN, which is required to become a registered nurse.
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Tuition And Costs Of Bsn Programs In Pennsylvania
Paying for college can be stressful. Remember that you’ll need to budget for tuition fees as well as other miscellaneous fees including books and lab fees. Most schools will give you a general breakdown of additional mandatory fees that aren’t covered under tuition.
As an example, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s BSN program will cost you approximately $53,166 not including additional fees or housing.
# : Eastern University
Eastern Universitys College of Health and Social Science boasts an efficient and successful Nursing Department. Using innovative training techniques, they prepare their future nurses for any situation they might encounter in the field.
It is a faith-based institution with a focus on Christian values and ethics in medicine. They will benefit from plenty of hands-on learning experiences and gain priceless knowledge for their nursing resource and simulation lab. Here theyll find the tools needed to develop sharp critical thinking skills and the ability to make quick decisions in a stressful environment.
EUs Second Degree Nursing Program is a two-year-long course of full-time study that boasts very small class sizes and paid summer externships. These externships can be very helpful when looking for employment opportunities after graduation.
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What To Look For In An Adn Program In Pennsylvania
With an abundance of ADN programs to choose from, it’s wise to look for some of the following things when comparing schools:
Accreditation
Accreditation lends credibility and legitimacy to programs. It’s good to check that organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education fully endorse the program. In addition to this, it’s important to be sure the program is approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
Licensing
Your ADN program of choice should prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination , which is the test you’ll need to pass in order to apply for your nursing license.
Program Outcomes
One of the best ways to ensure that the program you are interested in is a good one is to check out their post-program statistics, paying particular attention to things like:
- Graduation rate
- Graduate satisfaction
- Employment rate
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in Lancaster is one example of a school in the state that offers an accredited ADN program.
Best Rn To Msn Programs In Pennsylvania
If you want to pursue a master’s degree in nursing in Pennsylvania then you will want to do plenty of research into the various options available.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Pennsylvania is one of the more rural states in the country with just as much farm land as it has cities but this does not mean the demand for fully qualified nurses is any less than one of the more densely populated states. In fact the state itself has one of the lowest nurse to patient ratios throughout the country and so is constantly in need of those wishing to pursue this career track. This is not a career path to be taken lightly and it takes a special kind of person to take up the challenge. It’s not a glamorous job nor is it particularly well paid although wages for nurses are rising steadily. The years of study and training which lead to it are designed so that only those who are right for the job will succeed.
If you are serious about starting a career in nursing and want to pursue a master’s degree then you will want to do plenty of research into the various different options available. There are many different schools, colleges and universities which offer the masters degree but how can you be sure which one is right for you?
Here are 5 of the best Master’s in Nursing degree programs offered throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
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Does An Rn To Bsn Increase My Salary
Nurses can attain their BSN more easily than ever before and still, the demand for BSN educated nurses keeps growing. With this type of demand versus our current supply, it makes sense that hospitals, doctors, and clinics reward those who decide to further their education by boosting their pay. ADN-prepared nurses are great bedside caregivers, but with the addition of a bachelor’s degree, nurses might find themselves more often eligible for roles like emergency room RN, family nurse, or a home care nurse, among many other roles.
Faqs About Online Nursing Programs In Pittsburgh Pa
Can I earn my nursing degree in Pittsburgh completely online?
Students attending online nursing programs in Pittsburghwill still need to complete some requirements in-person which mainly consist of clinical training hours. Most programs deliver coursework entirely online and then pivot to face-to-face environments in the later stages. Some may also require in-person elements like orientation sessions and skills simulations.
Will my online Pittsburgh nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
No. Prospective employers look at previous professional experience and licensure credentials when making hiring decisions. As long as you attend an accredited program with approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, you will meet basic employment qualifications. Employers care about competency and skill, not course delivery methods.
Are online nursing programs in Pittsburgh more affordable than campus programs?
This depends on a number of factors like the type of school you plan to attend, whether you will enroll full time or a part time, and where you will live throughout study. Tuition rates fluctuate year-to-year even for the most affordable schools, but overall online nursing programs in Pittsburgh fall within the same price range as in-person offerings.
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# : Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University is a private doctoral university that provides excellent training at its School of Nursing and Health Sciences. This institution is highly committed to turning out highly skilled and adaptable nurses into the healthcare field.
Robert Morriss accomplished and esteemed faculty monitor every step of a students progress as they prepare for their career as an RN. They offer a high-tech simulation center and various associations with local health care agencies to provide hands-on clinical experience.
The universitys second-degree BSN program is a rigorous, 15-month course that offers all the benefits of a traditional BSN program in an accelerated format. At Robert Morris, students can look forward to the highest standards of education in nursing fundamentals and nursing care of the elderly, mothers, newborns, and more.
Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including,
- Transfer credits
- Amount of credits taken per year
- Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
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Are Online Nursing Programs In Pennsylvania More Affordable Than Campus Programs
Most programs charge the same tuition for both online and on-campus programs. In fact, some charge an additional per-class or per-credit online access fee for online courses. Youll probably pay less for your nursing program by taking online courses once you factor in money saved in travel to and from campus.