The Best Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs 2024 & 2025
Several registered nurses (RN) decide to advance their careers by becoming nurse practitioners (NPs), assuming more independent roles in advanced practice than their RN counterparts.
To attain NP status, nurses must complete a graduate degree. In Pennsylvania, nurse practitioner programs equip students with advanced-level classes and supervised clinical hours. If you aspire to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in Pennsylvania, peruse this guide to discover the best NP programs in the state, including admission requirements, and career and salary insights. Finding the most suitable Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree that aligns with your career ambitions, previous education, and work experiences can be challenging. This ranking provides guidance to help you locate the best nurse practitioner program in Pennsylvania tailored to your goals.
We employ a data-driven methodology to rank the best Pennsylvania nurse practitioner programs, simplifying the process for you. Our methodology focuses on metrics we consider crucial to students, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on The Best Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs 2024 & 2025 done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
Overview of Top Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Villanova University
- University of Scranton
- Thomas Jefferson University
- DeSales University
- La Salle University
How Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs Work
Nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania exhibit variations in course requirements and concentrations offered. The curriculum comprises advanced-level nursing courses and supervised clinical hours. Programs may be offered online, on-campus, or as hybrids, typically requiring 2-3 years for completion, though accelerated options are available. Common specializations include:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Nurse midwifery
- Nurse anesthesia
- Acute care nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
Some universities facilitate RN-to-MSN programs for registered nurses without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), covering both undergraduate and graduate-level coursework essential for nurse practitioner exams.
Applying to a Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Program
Admission to nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania necessitates RN licensure, prior work experience, and a BSN. Some RN-to-BSN programs accept candidates with RN licensure but no bachelor’s degree. While specific requirements vary, applicants can generally anticipate submitting BSN transcripts, a current unencumbered RN license, a resume detailing previous nursing experience, a personal statement, at least two recommendation letters, and potentially completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum “C” grade.
Importance of Accreditation for Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs
When searching for nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to consider a program’s accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that academic programs provide students with a high-quality education, reviewed by independent, objective representatives from accreditation agencies. Graduates from non-accredited programs may encounter challenges when applying for advanced practice credentials, as some schools may not accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs. Employers often prioritize candidates with accredited degrees, and scholarship opportunities are typically available to students attending accredited universities. Additionally, nurses with non-accredited degrees may face limitations when transferring their licensure through reciprocity.
The Best Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
Refer to our methodology to gain insights into how we formulate our rankings. These rankings are provided by NurseJournal.org, an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs, as well as all school search, finder, or match results, compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. We utilize publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for the information presented. All data is current as of the publication date of this article. Program-specific details may vary.
#1 Villanova University
Villanova, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Villanova University’s Fitzpatrick College of Nursing offers online and on-campus nurse practitioner programs with specializations in primary care adult gerontology, primary care pediatrics, primary care family nursing, or psychiatric-mental health. Core courses cover clinical ethics, nursing research, leadership strategies, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. Clinical placements emphasize family care with sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The 12,000-square-foot Simulation and Learning Resource Center allows you to enhance your nursing practice skills in simulation labs. This degree prepares you for entry into the post-master’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Villanova
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $995 per credit for Pennsylvania residents; $995 for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program, minimum 3.0 GPA, personal goal statement, a resume, three letters of recommendation, RN license, two years of clinical experience
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 88.69% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $165,766 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $56,730
– Out-of-state: $56,730
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $20,619
– Out-of-state: $20,619
– Retention Rate: 96%
– Admission Rate: 31%
– Students Enrolled: 11,032
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 95%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 University of Scranton
Scranton, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Scranton’s family nurse practitioner program, approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, offers a hybrid curriculum emphasizing the school’s Jesuit values. The Panuska College of Professional Studies’ family NP program comprises 36 credits, covering advanced physiology and pathophysiology, clinical assessments, family health promotion, pharmacology, and research methodology to prepare learners for primary care settings. Students complete four practicums, accumulating 875 hours within three semesters.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Scranton
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $965 per credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing degree from a CCNE-, ACEN- or CNEA-accredited program, minimum 3.0 GPA, three references, a personal statement and interview, RN license in Pennsylvania
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 86.30% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $88,506 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $46,684
– Out-of-state: $46,684
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $11,580
– Out-of-state: $11,580
– Retention Rate: 89%
– Admission Rate: 79%
– Students Enrolled: 4,957
– Institution
Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 94%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Nursing, with over 130 years of nursing education, offers multiple nurse practitioner tracks with online and on-campus courses. NP programs provide specializations in adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family-individual across the lifespan, neonatal, pediatric primary care, psychiatric and mental health, and women’s health. All nurse practitioner tracks require completing 12 courses or 36 core credits and 672 clinical experiential hours. Required subjects include health policy, research for advanced practice, leadership and critical decision making, comprehensive assessments, and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Philadelphia
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $1,355 per credit
– Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited school, minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of work experience in your specialized area, completed prerequisites, official transcripts, personal statement, two letters of reference, resume, current RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $102,706 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $40,680
– Out-of-state: $40,680
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $21,420
– Out-of-state: $21,420
– Retention Rate: 84%
– Admission Rate: 70%
– Students Enrolled: 8,286
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 79%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 DeSales University
Center Valley, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
DeSales University, awarding Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees since 1984, presents three nurse practitioner degrees focusing on adult-gerontology acute care, family nursing care, and psychiatric and mental health. MSN core courses cover applied research, clinical prevention in population health, health informatics, health policy, and principles of epidemiology. The advanced curriculum delves into advanced physical assessments, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Advanced practice requires completion of 675 clinical practicum hours.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Center Valley
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $140-$475 per credit for Pennsylvania residents; for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license, 12-24 months of work experience, official transcripts
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 87.50% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,251 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $38,500
– Out-of-state: $38,500
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $20,520
– Out-of-state: $20,520
– Retention Rate: 81%
– Admission Rate: 82%
– Students Enrolled: 3,302
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 64%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
La Salle University’s online nurse practitioner students can complete their program in 24-36 months with concentrations in family nursing or adult-gerontology primary care. This private Catholic college offers convenient online courses, comprising 45 credits, including nine core courses in subjects such as nursing research, advanced nursing roles, and nursing practice for population-based care. The 12 advanced core credits cover family system concepts, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessments. Learners specialize in their area to fulfill 692 clinical hours.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Philadelphia
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $930 per credit
– Admission Requirements: BSN, minimum 3.2 GPA, current RN license, one year clinical experience, a personal statement, a resume, one letter of reference
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 91.59% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $111,992 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $31,350
– Out-of-state: $31,350
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $25,680
– Out-of-state: $25,680
– Retention Rate: 78%
– Admission Rate: 76%
– Students Enrolled: 4,624
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 91%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs
How long does it take to get an NP license in Pennsylvania?
To qualify for NP licensure in Pennsylvania, nurses must obtain an MSN, a process typically taking two years. However, the duration can vary based on factors such as enrollment in accelerated programs, part-time study, or participation in RN-to-MSN programs, which may take longer.
Do nurse practitioners have full practice authority in Pennsylvania?
Nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania have reduced practice authority, requiring a collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe and dispense medication, even though they can independently perform many of their duties.
How much do nurse practitioners make in Pennsylvania?
Nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania earn a mean salary of $117,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries in metropolitan areas, such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, tend to be higher, with average wages surpassing $120,000.
Is becoming a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania worth it?
For many NPs, pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania is worthwhile, leading to career advancement, higher salaries, increased responsibilities, and the opportunity to practice with greater independence. However, NPs seeking full practice authority may consider licensure in other states.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.