Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in Pennsylvania provide a fast path for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing. Typically completed in 12 to 24 months, these programs combine classroom study, simulation labs, and clinical rotations to prepare students for RN licensure.
Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of respected nursing schools and major healthcare systems that offer extensive opportunities for clinical training. With high demand for nurses across both urban hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and rural communities throughout the state, ABSN graduates in Pennsylvania are well-positioned for stable, rewarding careers.
What Is an ABSN Program?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing without completing a traditional four-year BSN. These programs compress nursing coursework into an intensive 12–24 month timeline, blending classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical rotations in hospitals and community health settings.
Students complete courses in areas such as pharmacology, health assessment, nursing ethics, and population health, while gaining hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice. This combination ensures graduates are prepared to deliver safe, effective patient care.
If you’re comparing options, you can explore affordable ABSN programs to manage costs, or review the best accelerated BSN programs for schools with strong reputations and outcomes.
Upon graduation from an accredited ABSN program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensure test required to practice as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Why Choose an ABSN Program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers a strong environment for students considering an Accelerated BSN, combining academic quality with diverse clinical opportunities and statewide demand for nurses.
Strong Demand for Nurses
The state is experiencing a nursing shortage, with vacancy rates especially high in rural areas and in specialized hospital units. This demand ensures steady job opportunities for ABSN graduates.
Respected Nursing Schools
Pennsylvania is home to numerous well-established nursing programs that offer ABSN pathways. These schools are known for preparing practice-ready nurses who perform well on the NCLEX-RN.
Diverse Clinical Training Opportunities
Students gain clinical experience through partnerships with leading healthcare systems such as UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger Health, and Lehigh Valley Health Network. These placements expose students to a wide range of patients and healthcare settings, from urban hospitals to community clinics.
Competitive Salaries
Registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn wages that are competitive with the state’s cost of living. Graduates of ABSN programs benefit from both solid starting salaries and access to large healthcare employers offering advancement opportunities.
Notable ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of universities and colleges that offer Accelerated BSN pathways for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. These programs vary in length, structure, and delivery format, but all combine intensive coursework with clinical experiences that prepare graduates for RN licensure. Below is an overview of ABSN programs in the state, each with unique academic strengths and clinical partnerships.
| Institution | Location | Program |
| Carlow University | Pittsburgh | Accelerated Second Degree BSN |
| Cedar Crest College | Allentown | Accelerated BSN |
| Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia | Accelerated Second degree Bachelor of Science |
| DeSales University | Center Valley | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Career Entry) |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley | Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN, Second Degree) |
| Holy Family University | Philadelphia | Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN (ABSN) |
| Immaculata University | Immaculata | Accelerated BSN Second Degree |
| Moravian University | Bethlehem | Accelerated BSN Program |
| Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg | Middletown | Second Degree Program (B.S.N.) |
| Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Nursing B.S.N. (Second Degree) |
| Saint Francis University | Loretto | BSN Second Degree |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia | Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN) |
| Villanova University | Villanova | Second Degree Accelerated BSN |
| Waynesburg University | Waynesburg | Nursing BSN for 2nd Degree |
| Widener University | Chester | Accelerated Nursing BSN |
| Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre | Accelerated BSN |
Accreditation and Licensing Considerations
Before enrolling in an Accelerated BSN program in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand how accreditation and licensure shape your nursing career pathway.
Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation confirms that a nursing program meets rigorous educational and professional standards. In Pennsylvania, ABSN programs are typically accredited by:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Graduating from an accredited program is essential for:
- Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam
- Access to federal financial aid
- Meeting employer expectations, as most healthcare providers require degrees from accredited schools
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing regulates licensure for registered nurses in the state. To become an RN, graduates must:
- Complete an accredited nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Apply for licensure through the Board, which includes background checks and documentation
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs licensed in the state to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This gives ABSN graduates expanded mobility and access to a wider job market.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Accelerated BSN programs in Pennsylvania is competitive, reflecting both the intensity of the curriculum and the demand for nursing education. While each school sets its own criteria, most ABSN programs in the state share several common requirements.
Typical ABSN Admission Criteria
- Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing from a regionally accredited institution. - Prerequisite Coursework
Foundational courses, often completed within the past 5–10 years, are typically required. These may include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Developmental or Lifespan Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Minimum GPA
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally expected, though some programs may consider applicants with slightly lower GPAs if other factors strengthen the application. - Application Materials
ABSN programs often require:
- Résumé or CV summarizing academic, professional, and volunteer experience
- Personal statement or essay detailing motivations for pursuing nursing
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Résumé or CV summarizing academic, professional, and volunteer experience
- Healthcare or Volunteer Experience
While not always required, prior healthcare or service-related experience can make an application more competitive and demonstrate readiness for patient-centered learning.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Accelerated BSN programs in Pennsylvania are a significant investment, but graduates benefit from strong career opportunities across the state. Tuition and fees vary by school and depend on whether the institution is public or private.
Tuition Ranges for ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Most programs cost between $35,000 and $70,000 in total tuition. Public universities may offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, while private schools often fall on the higher end of the range.
Students should also anticipate additional costs, including:
- Lab and clinical fees
- Nursing uniforms and basic equipment (such as stethoscopes and lab kits)
- Textbooks and online learning resources
- Immunizations, health screenings, and background checks
- NCLEX-RN exam registration and state licensure fees
Financial Aid Options
- Federal and State Aid
Completing the FAFSA is required to access federal Direct Loans and to determine eligibility for any state-specific aid. While federal grants such as Pell are generally not available to second-degree students, ABSN students may still qualify for unsubsidized federal loans (up to annual and lifetime limits). Some Pennsylvania programs, like the PA State Grant, may have limited availability for students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree. - Scholarships and Grants
Nursing-focused scholarships are available through state and national organizations, local healthcare providers, and individual schools. The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and hospital systems like UPMC may also offer awards. - Employer Tuition Assistance
Large healthcare networks such as Penn Medicine, UPMC, and Geisinger Health may provide tuition reimbursement or loan repayment support for employees advancing their education. - Loan Forgiveness Programs
Federal initiatives such as the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program and state-level programs targeting rural and underserved areas can help reduce student debt after graduation.
Career Outlook for ABSN Graduates in Pennsylvania
Graduates of Accelerated BSN programs in Pennsylvania step into a healthcare market where the demand for nurses is strong, and salaries are competitive compared to the state’s cost of living.
RN Salary Expectations in Pennsylvania
According to O*NET OnLine, registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn an average annual wage of $87,610. The lowest 10% earn $67,410 or less, while the top 10% make $116,590 or more.
Earnings vary across the state:
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: $99,210 average
- Pittsburgh: $81,190 average
- Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton: $97,110 average
- Harrisburg-Carlisle: $85,500 average
- Reading: $96,330 average
- Lancaster: $83,180 average
For comparison, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median wage for RNs of $93,600 as of 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $135,000. Pennsylvania wages are slightly below the national median overall, but salaries in metro areas such as Philadelphia and Reading approach or exceed national averages.
Job Growth and Demand
Pennsylvania faces a projected nursing shortage, especially in rural areas and in specialized hospital departments. While state-specific projections differ, national BLS data estimates a 6% growth rate for RN employment between 2023 and 2033, faster than average for all occupations. This represents 197,200 new RN jobs and about 194,500 annual openings nationwide due to growth and workforce turnover.
Major Employers and Work Settings
Pennsylvania ABSN graduates can pursue careers across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Large hospital systems such as UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Geisinger Health
- Community hospitals and regional health networks in mid-sized cities like Reading, York, and Erie
- Outpatient clinics and specialty practices, particularly in urban hubs
- Long-term care and home health organizations
- Public health and school-based roles, especially in underserved communities
For ABSN graduates, Pennsylvania offers both urban and rural employment options, a wide range of healthcare employers, and salaries that are competitive relative to the state’s cost of living.
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
Choosing an Accelerated BSN program in Pennsylvania means weighing academic quality, clinical opportunities, and program logistics to find the best fit for your career goals.
Verify Accreditation and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Make sure the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Reviewing a school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates provides insight into how effectively it prepares students for licensure.
Evaluate Clinical Placement Opportunities
Hands-on clinical experience is a cornerstone of nursing education. Research which healthcare systems the school partners with for clinical rotations—from major networks like UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Geisinger Health to regional hospitals and community clinics. Strong partnerships can enhance both your training and post-graduation job prospects.
Consider Program Length and Format
Most ABSN programs in Pennsylvania take 12 to 24 months to complete. Some are highly intensive and best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full-time, while others offer slightly longer, less compressed formats. Hybrid models with online coursework may also be available.
Compare Total Costs and Financial Aid
Look beyond tuition to calculate the total cost of attendance, including clinical fees, uniforms, textbooks, and exam costs. Be sure to explore scholarships, state-based aid, and federal financial aid options, as well as tuition support from large employers such as UPMC or Penn Medicine.
Factor in Location and Admission Cycles
Some programs admit new cohorts only once per year, while others have multiple start dates. Proximity to major healthcare hubs like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Allentown can influence both your daily routine and your clinical opportunities.
FAQ: ABSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Are there online or hybrid ABSN programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes. While ABSN programs cannot be completed fully online due to lab and clinical requirements, some schools in Pennsylvania offer hybrid formats. These allow students to complete didactic coursework online while fulfilling clinical rotations and lab work in person.
How long do ABSN programs in Pennsylvania take to complete?
Most programs can be finished in 12 to 24 months, depending on the institution’s format and whether the curriculum is delivered on an accelerated, year-round schedule.
Do schools accept prior credits?
Yes. Because ABSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, most general education credits transfer. However, applicants typically must complete science prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics before beginning the program.
Can students work while enrolled?
Because of the intensive pace, most ABSN programs discourage students from working while enrolled. In slightly longer formats (18–24 months), limited part-time work may be possible, but balancing employment with the demands of coursework and clinicals can be very challenging.