Pennsylvania ABSN Programs Guide
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in Pennsylvania offer a fast-track route into nursing for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Most combine intensive nursing coursework with simulation labs and in-person clinical training, allowing eligible students to earn a BSN on a much shorter timeline than a traditional four-year degree.
Pennsylvania offers ABSN options across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, central Pennsylvania, and other parts of the state, with programs ranging from highly accelerated on-campus cohorts to hybrid formats. This guide covers Pennsylvania programs, admission requirements, licensure, financial aid, career outlook, and the practical factors to consider when choosing a program.
What Is an ABSN Program?
An ABSN is a prelicensure BSN pathway designed primarily for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Instead of repeating a full undergraduate degree, students complete required prerequisites and an accelerated sequence of nursing courses, labs, simulations, and clinical rotations.
In Pennsylvania, program length varies by school, with many accelerated second-degree options taking roughly 12 to 24 months. Graduates must still complete Pennsylvania’s RN licensure process, including passing the NCLEX-RN, before practicing as registered nurses.
For a broader overview of how these programs work, see our guide to what an ABSN program is. 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.
Why Choose an ABSN Program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers a broad mix of accelerated nursing options across major metro areas and regional communities, giving second-degree students flexibility in where and how they complete their nursing education.
Range of Program Options
Students can find ABSN and second-degree nursing pathways in and around Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, central Pennsylvania, and northeastern Pennsylvania. Program formats range from highly accelerated on-campus cohorts to hybrid models that deliver some didactic coursework online.
Access to Large Healthcare Systems
Pennsylvania students may complete clinical training through major health systems such as UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, as well as community hospitals, outpatient settings, and long-term care facilities. Clinical partners vary by school, so applicants should verify placement arrangements directly with each program.
Multiple Routes Into RN Practice
The state includes traditional ABSN programs, second-degree BSN tracks, and alternative entry-to-practice pathways for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. That range gives career changers more options to compare by timeline, location, format, and cost.
Strong Statewide Need for Registered Nurses
Demand for RNs remains substantial across Pennsylvania, but conditions differ by region and employer. Rather than assuming every area has the same shortage or salary outlook, prospective students should compare local employment data and major healthcare employers in the part of the state where they plan to work.
For a broader view of available ABSN programs, students can compare Pennsylvania options with programs in other states as well.
Featured Pennsylvania Accelerated Nursing Programs
The programs below highlight several accelerated nursing pathways in Pennsylvania for students who already have prior college experience. Most are second-degree BSN or ABSN programs. The University of Pennsylvania is included separately as a master’s-level entry-to-practice alternative rather than an ABSN.
| Gwynedd Mercy University | |
| Program | Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN, Second Degree) |
| Program Overview | Gwynedd Mercy University’s Accelerated BSN is a full-time, 67-credit program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program can be completed in four consecutive semesters, or about 16 months, at the university’s Gwynedd Valley campus. Students complete nursing and health science coursework, simulation and skills-lab experiences, and clinical rotations through more than 100 regional healthcare affiliations. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN, and Gwynedd Mercy University’s baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. |
| About the School | Gwynedd Mercy University is located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Its nursing programs are housed in the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions, which has provided nursing education for nearly 70 years. |
| Penn State Harrisburg | |
| Program | Nursing – Second Degree Program (B.S.N.) |
| Program Overview | Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to enter nursing, this accelerated B.S.N. is an intensive, cohort-based program completed in 16 months. Students attend four consecutive full-time semesters beginning in the fall. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and, after licensure, begin professional nursing careers. The program is offered through Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing; Penn State’s baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. |
| About the School | Penn State Harrisburg is a comprehensive Penn State campus in Middletown, southcentral Pennsylvania, offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus is within a few hours’ drive of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City. |
| Thomas Jefferson University | |
| Program | Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) – 1 Year Pathway |
| Program Overview | Thomas Jefferson University’s Accelerated BSN Plus is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and have completed the required prerequisites. Students earn a BSN through 12 consecutive months of intensive, full-time study, completing 60 undergraduate credits plus nine graduate credits that can count toward a master’s degree. The program combines coursework with simulation-based learning and clinical experiences at Jefferson Health hospitals. Admission also includes guaranteed admission to eligible Jefferson MSN or DNP specialties for up to two years after completing the BSN, provided students meet the stated GPA and specialty requirements. |
| About the School | Thomas Jefferson University is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its Jefferson College of Nursing offers undergraduate nursing programs in Center City Philadelphia, Horsham, and the Lehigh Valley. |
| Wilkes University | |
| Program | Accelerated BSN |
| Program Overview | Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, Wilkes University’s CCNE-accredited Accelerated BSN can be completed in 15 months. The 48-credit program includes 11 courses over four semesters, combining online coursework with a two-week on-campus residency and in-person clinical experiences in northeastern Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley. Coursework covers areas such as physical assessment, healthcare technology and informatics, pharmacology and clinical decision-making, while the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination and professional nursing practice. |
| About the School | Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Its Passan School of Nursing is the only freestanding school of nursing at a university in northeastern Pennsylvania, and Wilkes has provided nursing education in the state for more than 40 years. |
| York College of Pennsylvania | |
| Program | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) |
| Program Overview | York College of Pennsylvania’s Thornton Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 17-month, full-time, on-campus program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or have at least 65 college credits and the required prerequisites. The curriculum combines nursing theory with clinical rotations, practicums, and simulation experiences incorporated into every course. Students also complete a capstone clinical experience with a preceptor. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue registered nursing licensure. |
| About the School | York College of Pennsylvania is a private college located in York, Pennsylvania. The ABSN is offered through its Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions. |
| University of Pennsylvania — Alternative Entry-to-Practice Pathway | |
| Note | Penn’s program is not an ABSN. It is included here as an alternative accelerated pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to enter nursing at the master’s level. |
| Program | Master of Professional Nursing |
| Program Overview | Penn Nursing’s Master of Professional Nursing is a four-semester, full-time, in-person program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking a master’s-level entry into nursing practice. Unlike an ABSN, the program awards a master’s degree rather than a second bachelor’s degree. It combines academic preparation with clinical immersion and develops competencies in areas including population health equity, team-based care, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and health systems change. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure. Applicants interested in advanced practice roles may also apply to the MPN-to-MSN pathway. |
| About the School | The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia. Penn Nursing is the university’s nursing school and offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. |
Pennsylvania ABSN Program List
The featured programs above represent a selection of accelerated nursing options in Pennsylvania, but they are not the only programs available—or necessarily the best fit for every student. The broader list below includes additional ABSN and second-degree BSN programs across the state, with differences in format, length, cost, clinical structure, and admissions requirements.
| Institution | Location | Program | Key Features |
| Carlow University | Pittsburgh | Accelerated Second Degree BSN | 15-month accelerated format with some online coursework, plus hands-on training in Carlow’s CSCIL simulation lab and clinical access in Pittsburgh’s medical district. |
| Cedar Crest College | Allentown | Accelerated BSN | 15-month, 54-credit on-campus ABSN with scheduled breaks, 819 clinical/lab hours, and the option to earn up to 9 graduate-level credits toward a future MSN. |
| Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia | Accelerated Second degree Bachelor of Science | 15-month, 56-credit ABSN completed over four consecutive semesters, with a curriculum that explicitly emphasizes resilience and self-care alongside hands-on nursing training. |
| DeSales University | Center Valley | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) | 15-month, 63-credit on-campus ABSN with a 95.06% five-year first-time NCLEX pass rate and an ABSN+ option that lets qualified students take up to three graduate courses toward a future MSN or DNP. |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Career Entry) | 11-month on-campus ACE BSN—the shortest program in this Pennsylvania list—with four consecutive 10-week terms, integrated NCLEX prep, and a 96.38% first-time NCLEX pass rate reported for Q4 2025. |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Flexible 12-, 16-, or 20-month in-person second-degree BSN tracks, with a 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate for the 2025 testing cycle and clinical training beginning in the first week. |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley | Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN, Second Degree) | 16-month, 67-credit ABSN with three annual start options, 100+ regional healthcare affiliations, and hands-on training in GMercyU’s Healthcare Innovation Center, which opened in 2025. |
| Holy Family University | Philadelphia | Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN (ABSN) | 14-month distance-hybrid ABSN with online coursework, one week-long on-campus residency, in-person exams, and university-assigned clinical placements. |
| Immaculata University | Immaculata | Accelerated BSN Second Degree | 15-month, face-to-face ABSN with January and August cohort starts, a published 2026–27 total cost of $36,975 including tuition and fees, and access to eight nursing simulation labs. |
| Moravian University | Bethlehem | Accelerated BSN Program | 16-month cohort-based ABSN with full-time study, multiple weekly clinical experiences, and broad specialty exposure that can include areas such as ICU, NICU, PICU, emergency, pediatrics, and obstetrics. |
| Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg | Middletown | Second Degree Program (B.S.N.) | 16-month, four-semester cohort-based second-degree BSN with a fall start and access to major central Pennsylvania clinical systems, including Penn State Health and other regional hospitals. |
| Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Nursing B.S.N. (Second Degree) | 15-month, four-semester second-degree BSN with a 60-credit nursing curriculum, hands-on simulation training in RMU’s RISE Center, and up to $40,000 in loan repayment through participating health-system partnerships. |
| Saint Francis University | Loretto | BSN Second Degree | 18-month, on-campus second-degree BSN with small clinical groups (1:8 faculty-to-student ratio), five simulation suites, and a reported 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for program graduates. |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia | Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) | 12-month ABSN+ pathway that includes 60 undergraduate credits plus 9 graduate credits, with guaranteed admission to eligible Jefferson MSN or DNP specialties for qualifying graduates. |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN) | One-year, three-semester in-person ABSN with 810 hours of clinical instruction and a guaranteed Conway Nursing Scholarship for admitted students who commit to enroll. |
| Villanova University | Villanova | Second Degree Accelerated BSN | Choice of a 14-month Express Track or 23-month Flex Track, with the longer option specifically designed for students who may need to work part-time or manage other responsibilities. |
| Waynesburg University | Waynesburg | Nursing BSN for 2nd Degree | Approximately one-year, three-semester hybrid second-degree BSN with online coursework, weekend campus labs and clinicals, and a published cost of $500 per credit. |
| Widener University | Chester | Accelerated Nursing BSN | Four-semester, 68-credit on-campus ABSN in Chester, with hands-on simulation training, regional clinical placements, and access to Widener’s Community Nursing Clinics. |
| Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre | Accelerated BSN | 15-month, 48-credit ABSN with online coursework, a two-week on-campus residency, and in-person clinical placements in northeastern Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley. |
| York College of Pennsylvania | York | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) | 17-month, on-campus ABSN with simulation integrated into every course, hands-on clinical rotations, and a capstone clinical experience with a preceptor. |
Pennsylvania RN Licensure Requirements
Graduating from an ABSN program does not automatically make you a registered nurse. To practice as an RN in Pennsylvania, graduates must complete the state’s licensure process through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
For most new graduates, that means:
- Graduate from a Board-approved prelicensure nursing program.
- Apply for RN licensure by examination through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
- Complete a fingerprint-based FBI background check and submit required application documentation.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN, receive authorization to test, and pass the exam.
- Complete three hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting.
Pennsylvania offers both single-state and multistate RN licenses. The state fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025, which means eligible Pennsylvania residents can apply for a multistate license that allows them to practice in other compact states. A multistate license is not automatic; applicants must meet Pennsylvania’s licensure requirements as well as the additional eligibility requirements of the compact.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing provides current application instructions, licensure timelines, fees, and compact guidance.
Admission Requirements for Pennsylvania ABSN Programs
Admission requirements vary by school, but most Pennsylvania ABSN programs look for the same core qualifications: a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree, completed prerequisite coursework, and evidence that the applicant can handle an intensive nursing curriculum.
Common requirements include:
- A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Science prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics.
- A minimum GPA, often around 3.0, though thresholds vary by program.
- Application materials such as transcripts, a résumé, essays or personal statements, and sometimes recommendations.
- Program-specific requirements, which may include prerequisite recency rules, entrance exams, interviews, or healthcare-related experience.
Some Pennsylvania programs require all prerequisites to be completed before application, while others allow a limited number to be in progress. Applicants should also check whether science courses must have been completed within a certain number of years.
Because requirements differ meaningfully from one school to another, prospective students should compare the prerequisite list, GPA standard, application deadlines, and start dates for each program rather than assume that one school’s criteria apply statewide.
Paying for a Pennsylvania ABSN and Managing Work
ABSN programs can be expensive, and the accelerated schedule may also limit how much students can work while enrolled. For Pennsylvania applicants, it helps to consider financial aid and employment plans together rather than treat them as separate decisions.
Will FAFSA and Financial Aid Cover a Pennsylvania ABSN?
Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree can still complete the FAFSA and may qualify for federal student loans, subject to annual and lifetime borrowing limits. However, eligibility for some need-based grants is more limited for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Other funding options may include:
- Institutional scholarships and grants
- Private scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance
- Federal or state loan repayment programs after graduation
- Private student loans, if additional funding is needed
Students should compare each school’s total cost of attendance and financial aid policies, not just advertised tuition. This guide to ABSN scholarships can help identify additional funding opportunities.
Pennsylvania-specific aid can be more complicated for second-degree students, so applicants should confirm eligibility directly with the school’s financial aid office and the relevant state aid program before relying on a particular source of funding.
Can You Work While Enrolled in a Pennsylvania ABSN Program?
Possibly, but full-time work is difficult to combine with many ABSN programs. Accelerated cohorts often include a heavy course load plus fixed lab, simulation, and clinical schedules that may fall on weekdays, evenings, or weekends.
Part-time or flexible employment may be manageable for some students, especially in longer or hybrid programs, but applicants should not assume that online coursework makes the overall program easy to fit around a job.
Before enrolling, ask each school for a typical weekly schedule and clarify:
- How many days per week students are expected on campus or at clinical sites.
- Whether clinical shifts can occur early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
- How much advance notice students receive for clinical scheduling.
- Whether the program advises against outside employment.
For many students, the most realistic financial plan is one that accounts for both education costs and reduced earnings during the accelerated portion of the program.
Career Outlook for ABSN Graduates in Pennsylvania
ABSN graduates who become licensed RNs enter the same nursing labor market as graduates of other approved prelicensure pathways. In Pennsylvania, RN pay varies by region, employer, specialty, experience, and shift.
RN Salaries in Pennsylvania
According to 2025 BLS wage data, the median annual wage for registered nurses in Pennsylvania was $96,430, or $46.36 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned $70,800 or less, while the highest 10 percent earned $117,900 or more.
Pay also varies across Pennsylvania metro areas. For example, the 2025 median was about $101,440 in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area and about $101,180 in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area.
For comparison, the national median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Nationally, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. BLS projects about 180,800 RN openings each year, on average, over the decade, and total RN employment is projected to increase by about 194,700 jobs.
Those are national projections rather than Pennsylvania-specific forecasts, so students should use them as broad context rather than assume the same growth rate applies uniformly across the state.
Where Pennsylvania RNs Work
Pennsylvania RNs can pursue roles in:
- Large hospital and health systems such as UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger, and Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Community and regional hospitals
- Outpatient clinics and specialty practices
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Home health
- Public health and school-based settings
Location can have a meaningful effect on both pay and job availability, so students who already know where they want to live after graduation should compare local wage data and major employers in that region.
How to Choose a Pennsylvania ABSN Program
The best Pennsylvania ABSN program is not necessarily the shortest or least expensive one. Compare programs based on the factors that will affect both your ability to complete the degree and your transition into RN practice.
Verify Approval and Accreditation
Confirm that the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by a recognized nursing accreditor such as CCNE or ACEN.
Compare NCLEX-RN Outcomes
Review recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and look for consistency across multiple years rather than relying on a single strong cohort.
Understand Clinical Placement Logistics
Ask where clinical rotations take place, how far students may need to travel, and whether the school arranges placements. Strong clinical partnerships can be valuable, but the practical details of scheduling and transportation matter just as much.
Look Closely at Program Length and Format
Pennsylvania programs vary in pace and delivery. Some are highly accelerated and campus-based, while others use hybrid coursework or slightly longer schedules. Compare the actual weekly workload, not just the advertised completion time.
Compare the Full Cost
Include tuition, fees, books, uniforms, transportation, clinical requirements, and the income you may give up while enrolled. Financial aid packages can also vary substantially from one school to another.
Check Start Dates and Prerequisite Rules
Some programs admit one cohort per year, while others offer multiple starts. Also review whether prerequisites must be completed before application, whether courses have expiration limits, and whether any can still be in progress.
The strongest fit is usually the program whose schedule, location, cost, clinical structure, and admission requirements align with your circumstances—not simply the one with the most aggressive marketing.
FAQ: Pennsylvania ABSN Programs
How long do ABSN programs in Pennsylvania take?
Many Pennsylvania ABSN and second-degree BSN programs can be completed in about 12 to 24 months, though exact timelines vary by school. Students should also account for any prerequisite courses that must be completed before the accelerated nursing sequence begins.
Are there online or hybrid ABSN programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Some Pennsylvania programs use hybrid or online delivery for didactic coursework, but students still complete required labs, simulations, and clinical rotations in person. Applicants should confirm where those in-person components take place before enrolling.
Do Pennsylvania ABSN programs accept prior college credits?
Yes. ABSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, so prior coursework is an important part of the admission process. However, schools still set their own prerequisite requirements, and applicants may need additional science or general education courses before starting the nursing sequence.
Can I work while enrolled in a Pennsylvania ABSN program?
Possibly, but full-time work can be difficult to manage during an accelerated cohort. Fixed lab and clinical schedules, combined with a heavy academic workload, often leave limited room for outside employment. Part-time or flexible work may be more realistic for some students.
Does completing a Pennsylvania ABSN make me an RN?
No. Graduating from an ABSN or second-degree BSN program makes you eligible to pursue RN licensure. You must still complete Pennsylvania’s licensure process and pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing as a registered nurse.
