Nursing Degrees in PA

Living in Pennsylvania provides aspiring nurses with many different options in terms of where to go to school and what program to follow to obtain nursing degrees in PA. There are certificate programs, degree programs and graduate programs available in nursing from numerous universities and colleges. In addition, if you are already a nurse, Pennsylvania schools offer many continuing education classes that are required by all states to keep your license current.

General Nursing Degree Programs

There are four basic nursing degree programs that can be obtained by students. The first is a 2-year nursing degree, which is also called an associates’ degree. Next is a four-year degree, which is also a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). The Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) requires that the student already have a Bachelor’s degree and the Doctorate degree in nursing (DNP/PhD) requires that the student have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. To receive a Doctorate, approximately eight years of schooling are required.

Nursing Degrees in PA

As previously mentioned, there are many schools in Pennsylvania that have excellent nursing programs. Here is a short list of the top degree programs in the state.

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

A couple of years ago, the US News & World Report ranked the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing as the 7th best in the United States. It offers a bachelor of science in nursing, a master of science in nursing and a doctorate in nursing. Also available are a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia and a doctorate degree in nursing practice in anesthesia.

Villanova University College of Nursing

Located west of Philadelphia, Villanova University’s College of Nursing is just one of three programs in the United States that has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Established in 1953, the College of Nursing offers programs for bachelor degrees, master degrees and doctoral degrees.

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

This university provides top-notch simulation labs and classrooms that are equipped with the most advanced hospital-based electronic medical records system. Students perform their clinical labs at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Students can achieve bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, the school also offers accelerated programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. There is also a joint program where students can work toward their bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time.

Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professionals

This college is an offshoot of the Hahnemann Hospital Training School for Nurses that was founded in 1890. It provides courses and programs for Bachelor of Science nursing degrees in PA as well as accelerated career and co-op programs for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Master’s and doctorate degrees are also available, as are nurse anesthesia and nurse practitioner programs.

Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing

Thomas Jefferson University, located in Philadelphia, offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing, as well as post-graduate programs in nursing, including masters and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1891, the school of nursing offers post-master’s certificates in many different fields such as nursing informatics, women’s health, advanced acute care and neonatal care. These certificates require a master’s degree but are not part of any coursework toward the attainment of a doctorate degree.

Which will you choose?

As you can see, you have many choices when it comes to nursing degrees in PA. Nearly every major school in the area offers at least bachelor’s programs; however, most of them also offer masters and doctorate programs. No matter where you are along the nursing education continuum, there is certainly a program that is right for you. The best way to get started is to request information from the schools that interest you and compare the features of each school to determine which one meets your needs the best. From that point, all you need to do is fill out an application, send it in, and await your acceptance. You can fulfill your dream of becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania. Nursing degrees in PA are out there waiting for you. Take your first step today.