RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania – Schools, Salary, and License Info

RN to MSN Programs in Pennsylvania

Registered nurses in the state of Pennsylvania can expand their knowledge and improve their career options if they complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

Both ADN and BSN-prepared nurses can enroll in the program, and choose from a variety of specializations.

In Pennsylvania, there are both traditional on-campus and online programs available for RNs.

There are plenty of options for MSN programs in Pennsylvania, so keep reading to get more information about requirements, costs, schools, and salary. 

RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in Pennsylvania

Nurses who want to apply to an RN to MSN program at some of the Pennsylvania schools must meet several requirements.

Even though the requirements can vary across the schools, there is an essential set of conditions shared by the majority of schools. 

First of all, students need to hold an unencumbered registered nurse license in Pennsylvania. 

Next, aspiring students need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate courses.

Upon application, aspiring students need to provide proof of clinical experience and/or letters of recommendation, as well as a personal goal statement.

Some schools such as York College of Pennsylvania requires completion of specific courses such as statistics, including descriptive and inferential statistics, and courses such as physical assessment course and nursing research courses.

RN to MSN Courses

For RN nurses in Pennsylvania, there are several educational tracks.

ADN-prepared nurses can choose programs which will allow them to obtain BSN and MSN degree simultaneously.

Next, there are MSN programs for BSN-prepared nurses and nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree in disciplines other than nursing.

Each MSN program offers the specialization track for its students. 

The available specialization tracks are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education, Nursing and Healthcare Administration, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric / Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse/Midwife, etc.

The curriculum of the MSN program can include courses such as Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse Populations, Ethics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Leadership & Healthcare Systems: Policy, Organization & Financing, etc.

The average length of the program is from two to four years. 

However, the length depends on students’ status and commitment – full-time and part-time. 

Online RN to MSN Programs

Working nurses often choose online programs because they are flexible and they don’t have to relocate or quit their jobs to complete the degree.

Also, online programs often cost less than traditional in-person programs. 

However, all online programs have a clinical hours requirement that students can complete in their local areas or on the campus.

The Costs

How much you will have to pay for an RN to MSN program in Pennsylvania depends on the school and the program you choose.

For example, the graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh costs around $1.039 per credit hour for in-state residents.

For comparison, graduate-level tuition at the University of Pennsylvania is $45.000 per year.

Before you decide on which program to choose, check whether the tuition covers expenses for books and other necessary supplies.

Schools in Pennsylvania

There are quite a few options available for nurses looking to upgrade their knowledge in Pennsylvania. 

For example, DeSales University in Center Valley has a convenient hybrid program where some courses are conducted online, while others are available as traditional courses.

Online programs are available at the University of Pittsburgh, Wilkes University, Robert Morris University, and Messiah College.

Nurses who prefer traditional in-person education can choose high-quality MSN programs at Bloomsburg University, Gannon University, Gwynedd Mercy University, or Moravian College.

Also, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia is known for its comprehensive programs and great nursing training. 

Check the table for a complete list of all schools that have an MSN program in the state of Pennsylvania. 

School NameAddress
Bloomsburg University400 East 2nd Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301
Gannon University109 University Square Erie, PA 16541, (814) 871-5547
Gwynedd Mercy University1325 Sumneytown Pike Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
La Salle University1900 West Olney Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141, (215) 951-1432
Messiah CollegeOne College Avenue Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 691-6029
Moravian College1200 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018, (610) 861-1660
Robert Morris University6001 University Boulevard Moon, PA 15108, (412) 397-6801
Thomas Jefferson University901 Walnut Street, Suite 804 Philadelphia, PA 19107-5233, (215) 503-8057
University of Pittsburgh3500 Victoria Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261, (412) 624-7838
Wilkes University84 West South Street Wilkes Barre, PA 18766, (570) 408-4086

Salary

The median annual salary of registered nurse level 2 in Pennsylvania is $75,830.

Pennsylvania is one of the top paying states for registered nurses, but the salary depends on location, education level, experience, and employer. 

Annual Salary Range:
$68K
$75K
$84K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
LocationAvg. Annual Salary
Philadelphia$81,620
Pittsburgh$74,840
Allentown$75,750
Erie$70,180
Upper Darby$81,620
Reading$75,370
Scranton$70,130
Bethlehem$75,750
Ardmore$81,620
Bensalem$85,828

Regional Salary in Pennsylvania

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ560$127,580$61.34$161,020$102,700
Altoona, PA70$119,110$57.26$153,410$93,870
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA90$115,670$55.61$127,000$99,010
Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA60$127,350$61.23$162,000$102,130
East Stroudsburg, PA70$127,780$61.43$177,060$97,460
Erie, PA170$117,160$56.33$141,960$97,240
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA420$131,370$63.16$163,600$104,070
Johnstown, PA70$106,170$51.04$121,290$87,190
Lancaster, PA290$124,330$59.77$152,060$100,640
Lebanon, PA50$120,470$57.92$155,040$100,240
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD5,220$131,680$63.31$161,450$105,700
Pittsburgh, PA1,860$128,730$61.89$175,770$94,340
Reading, PA290$128,720$61.88$166,960$97,990
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA330$123,580$59.41$156,410$99,460
State College, PA100$119,980$57.68$149,490$98,540
Williamsport, PA80$119,310$57.36$156,320$95,940
York-Hanover, PA230$124,920$60.06$162,820$99,960
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Nurse Practitioners, OCC Code 29-1171, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

USA RN to MSN Programs by State


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