An RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who already have an associate degree or nursing diploma and want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program builds on the skills nurses already have, helping them gain deeper knowledge in areas such as nursing leadership, public health, research, evidence-based practice, and advanced patient care. Courses often include topics like health assessment, community and family nursing, nursing ethics, healthcare informatics, and management in clinical settings.
Earning a BSN offers many benefits; it can lead to higher-paying positions, open doors to leadership or specialized roles, and make you more competitive in today’s healthcare job market. It also prepares you for graduate-level studies if you ever decide to pursue a master’s or doctorate in nursing.
Many nurses choose to complete their RN-to-BSN program online because it allows them to keep working while studying, offering the flexibility to learn at their own pace. However, some still prefer traditional on-campus or hybrid options, especially if they enjoy face-to-face learning experiences.
Whichever mode you prefer, it’s important to choose a school with strong accreditation, experienced faculty, and a good reputation, so that when you graduate, your degree stands out.
There are several RN-to-BSN programs across the country, but based on rankings and expert reviews, the schools listed below are considered among the best RN-to-BSN programs in Pennsylvania.
Best RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
1. Drexel University – RN to BSN Completion Program
Drexel’s RN to BSN Completion program is fully designed for registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 12 months if you choose the accelerated track.
It allows you to transfer up to 135 quarter credits (equivalent to 90 semester credits) so that you focus only on what remains. Drexel’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based nursing practice, clinical reasoning, and leadership skills with interactive tools like virtual patient simulations.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers strong support with online library access, writing help, and technology support.
2. Waynesburg University – RN to BSN Program
Waynesburg University offers an RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses, letting them complete the bachelor’s in 12 to 16 months (full-time pace) via an online format. Students can transfer up to 85 credits from their associate degree or nursing diploma and current RN license.
The programme is accredited by the CCNE and has been ranked among the best in Pennsylvania for its value, flexibility, and course format. Example core requirements include 33-39 credits to complete, with frequent start dates and 8-week course modules for convenience.
Admission requires a current RN license, graduation from an approved nursing program, and a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5 or 3.0 depending on criteria).
3. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – RN to BSN Program
The Bloomsburg University RN to BSN programme offers a robust and flexible pathway for RNs to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. According to program-overviews, the curriculum is entirely online (for many components), allowing students to balance work and studies, and it is available in either a two-year or three-year timeline, depending on how quickly you want to finish.
The coursework is structured to prepare students for leadership in nursing, with modules covering changing roles of nursing, drug use and society, management and supervision in nursing practice.
Bloomsburg is also noted for its strong reputation in nursing overall; it’s ranked among the best in Pennsylvania for its undergraduate nursing education.
4. La Salle University
La Salle University’s RN to BSN program is designed to help working registered nurses earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to practice. Offered in a fully online format, students can complete the program in as little as 12 to 24 months, depending on transfer credits and course load.
The curriculum builds on prior nursing education, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, population health, and professional ethics. La Salle partners with regional healthcare organizations, providing students with opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world nursing contexts.
The program is CCNE-accredited and known for its academic rigor, small class sizes, and close faculty mentoring.
5. Immaculata University
Immaculata University offers a flexible RN to BSN completion program built around the needs of adult learners and practicing nurses. Students can take classes fully online or in hybrid formats, completing the degree in as little as five semesters.
The program’s curriculum focuses on leadership, evidence-based nursing practice, health assessment, and healthcare policy, blending clinical knowledge with the liberal arts foundation Immaculata is known for.
Courses are structured in accelerated 7-week sessions, allowing nurses to move quickly while balancing work and family. The program is CCNE-accredited and accepts generous transfer credits from associate degrees or nursing diplomas. Immaculata’s supportive learning environment and experienced nursing faculty help students grow professionally and personally.
6. York College of Pennsylvania
York College’s RN to BSN program is one of Pennsylvania’s most accessible and affordable options for working nurses. The program is fully online, letting students study from anywhere while maintaining their jobs. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions with six start dates each year, making it possible to finish in as little as 12 months.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, nursing research, and ethics. York’s program is CCNE-accredited and allows generous transfer credits, reducing both time and cost. Faculty members bring extensive real-world experience and are actively involved in mentoring students throughout the program.
The college also provides academic advising and online learning support to make the transition smooth for adult learners.
7. Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University offers an RN to BSN program that blends Jesuit values with modern nursing education. The program can be completed online or in a hybrid format, allowing working nurses to continue their practice while advancing their education.
Coursework includes advanced topics in nursing leadership, patient care technology, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain practical and ethical decision-making skills that prepare them for leadership roles in hospitals, community health organizations, and public health settings.
Saint Joseph’s also emphasizes professional communication and critical thinking, aligning with its mission to educate “nurses for others.” The program is CCNE-accredited, and the university offers strong student support, including academic advising, writing assistance, and access to alumni networks in healthcare.
8. Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock University’s RN to BSN program is a popular choice for nurses seeking a fully online, asynchronous learning experience. The program is structured in eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Most students finish within 12 months, depending on transfer credits.
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, community health, and professional development. SRU’s program is CCNE-accredited and taught by experienced nurse educators who bring practical insight into each class. Students appreciate the university’s affordable tuition and supportive online environment.
The program’s strong focus on leadership and patient-centered care ensures graduates are ready to take on higher-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
9. Widener University
Widener University’s RN to BSN program provides registered nurses with a respected, flexible path to completing their bachelor’s degree. The program is available entirely online and is designed to be completed in about 12 months for full-time students.
Widener emphasizes leadership, health policy, and evidence-based clinical practice, with a curriculum that blends professional nursing courses and liberal arts study. The program is CCNE-accredited and recognized for preparing nurses for career advancement and graduate education, including MSN or DNP degrees.
Students benefit from personalized advising and a close-knit academic community rooted in Widener’s long tradition of nursing excellence.
10. Alvernia University
Alvernia University’s RN to BSN completion program is known for its flexibility and student-centered approach. The program can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format, depending on student preference.
It’s designed for licensed RNs who want to expand their clinical and leadership skills while earning a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum includes courses in nursing research, community health, healthcare management, and ethics. Students can transfer up to 75 credits, making the degree both time-efficient and affordable.
The program is CCNE-accredited, and Alvernia’s small class sizes foster individualized attention and mentorship.
What Can You Do With a BSN Degree?
Earning a BSN degree opens up far more opportunities than most nurses realize. While an RN license lets you practice, a BSN gives you the edge to take on higher-level roles and leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Many healthcare organizations now prefer or even require nurses to have a BSN because it shows advanced training in research, management, and critical thinking. With a BSN, you can become a nurse manager, educator, or case manager, or continue into graduate programs like an MSN or DNP.
It also tends to come with higher pay and greater job security. In short, your BSN doesn’t just make you more qualified; it makes you more versatile and confident in a rapidly changing healthcare world.
Conclusion
One of the best decisions you can make for your nursing career is choosing the right RN-to-BSN program. It’s not just about earning another degree; it’s about expanding your skills, boosting your confidence, and opening doors to more rewarding opportunities in healthcare.
Whether you prefer a flexible online option or a traditional classroom setting, Pennsylvania offers some of the best programs in the country, with universities known for excellence, innovation, and strong clinical partnerships.
As healthcare continues to evolve, nurses with advanced education will always stand out. So, take the next step, invest in your future, and choose the RN-to-BSN program.