Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
Among the top 20 states for nurses, Pennsylvania offers a promising environment for aspiring nursing professionals.
Jersey College offers exceptional nursing education opportunities in Pennsylvania, preparing students to pursue careers in a competitive and growing healthcare field. Whether you're looking to begin or continue your nursing education, these programs offer the opportunity to build the skills you need to be successful as a healthcare professional. Since 2022, Jersey College has provided educational opportunities in Pennsylvania for aspiring nurses in Scranton, Jenkintown, and the surrounding areas
The PA campuses within our accredited college provide various nursing programs, including Professional Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) options. With flexible schedules and hospital-based training, Jersey College is committed to educating the next generation of skilled and compassionate nurses through hands-on clinical experiences.
Join the Jersey College nursing community and take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your educational journey, ensuring you're well-prepared to meet the demands of Pennsylvania's healthcare system.
LOCATIONS
Find the Jersey College campus in Pennsylvania that's right for you, with convenient locations in York, Jenkintown, and Scranton.
York
Serving South Central PA and the Greater Northern Baltimore, Maryland areaPhone: (717) 851-8733
Located at the WellSpan Education Center, the York campus offers hospital-affiliated Professional Nursing programs to prepare students for entry-level registered nursing positions.
- Professional Nursing "LPN to RN Bridge" →
- Professional Nursing "Generic RN" →
Jenkintown
Serving Greater Philadelphia, PA areaPhone: (215) 650-6301
Our Jenkintown campus features a 32,000 sq. ft. facility with 12 classrooms, a 3,700 sq. ft. skills lab, and student study rooms and lounge spaces.
- Professional Nursing "Generic RN" →
- Practical Nursing "LPN" →
- Flexible Schedule Evening Programs →
Scranton
Serving Northeast Pennsylvania and Northwest New JerseyPhone: (570) 866-3311
Affiliated with Moses Taylor Hospital, the Scranton campus offers a 13,000 sq. ft. facility with 7 classrooms, a 1,500 sq. ft. skills lab, and student study areas.
- Professional Nursing "LPN to RN Bridge" →
- Professional Nursing "Generic RN" →
Becoming a Nurse in Pennsylvania
Prospective nursing students in Pennsylvania must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. At Jersey College, the admissions process involves submitting an application, interviewing with faculty or staff, and receiving an admission recommendation. Applicants also need to demonstrate U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
To become a licensed nurse in Pennsylvania, candidates must complete an approved nursing program, like those at Jersey College, and pass the NCLEX exam. RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN, while LPN candidates sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Upon licensure, nurses can start their careers in various healthcare settings or continue their education. Jersey College graduates can find opportunities in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments across Pennsylvania.
At Jersey College, we take a comprehensive approach to nursing education. Our programs teach students to consider not just the physical aspects of patient care, but also emotional, social, and cultural factors. This holistic perspective prepares our graduates to provide empathetic, culturally sensitive care in today's diverse healthcare landscape.
Program Timelines
Jersey College provides multiple pathways to becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania, offering programs designed to meet diverse career goals and individual needs.
The Professional Nursing (RN) Program at Jersey College in Pennsylvania typically takes between 24 to 36 months to complete. This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree. The curriculum combines classroom theory, skills lab practice, and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for entry-level RN positions.
The Practical Nursing (LPN) Program generally ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the student's schedule.
It's important to note that the length of time for each nursing program can vary based on several factors, such as the pace of completion, the number of credits taken per term, course repeats, and any leaves of absence. Students are encouraged to consult with an Admissions Representative to discuss their unique circumstances and timing expectations.
Not all programs are available at every Pennsylvania campus. The Jenkintown campus offers both Professional Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs, while the York and Scranton campuses offer the Professional Nursing program.
NurseLife After Graduation
Jersey College graduates consistently achieve impressive results on the NCLEX exam. In 2024, our graduates recorded an outstanding overall NCLEX pass rate of 96%, reflecting the high standards of training we provide.
Nursing is not only a fulfilling profession but also offers strong financial opportunities. Registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,530, providing financial stability and career growth potential for our graduates.
Cost of Nursing School
The cost of tuition for nursing schools in Pennsylvania depends on factors such as the program and location. You may also be eligible for financial aid.
Students attending one of the Jersey College campuses in Pennsylvania have several financial assistance programs available, including tuition reimbursement, loan contribution programs, and scholarships
Program Tuition & Fees*
DAY
EVENING
Fee
Verification Fee (per term)
* subject to change
† Please contact your Financial Aid Planner for scholarship terms and conditions'
The Cost of Attendance (“COA”) is a technical term utilized to provide an estimate of the total amount of a student’s educational expenses during their enrollment. The components of COA are: (x) tuition and fees (books, course materials, supplies, and equipment) (“Direct College Expenses”); and (y) an allowance for (i) transportation; (ii) miscellaneous personal expenses; (iii) living expenses (including food and housing costs); (iv) a professional license and (v) dependent care and/or disability accommodations, where necessary (“Life Expenses”). This website only provides information related to Direct College Expenses; it does not include Life Expenses.
Top Nursing Salaries in Pennsylvania
| City | average rn salary | average lpn salary |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington,PA-NJ-DE-MD | $94,850 | $63,870 |
| Reading, PA | $91,090 | $60,690 |
| Lebanon, PA | $89,480 | $59,070 |
Jersey College does not promise or guarantee employment. Figures cited on this page are for informational purposes only and are no promise or guarantee of any certain wage.
For more statistics on the various occupations and their estimated wages, visit our nursing salary guide.
Nursing Jobs in Pennsylvania
Nurses in Pennsylvania work in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare services. They coordinate with physicians, administer medications, and educate patients and their families. Most nurses work full-time, with shifts that may include nights and weekends.
As of 2023, Pennsylvania employs approximately 144,100 registered nurses (RNs) and 30,110 licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The job outlook for nursing careers in Pennsylvania is promising.
Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 4.7% from 2022 to 2030, resulting in about 8,890 job openings annually. Licensed practical nurses are expected to see an increase of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030, offering about 2,900 new job openings each year.
Employment and income figures have been gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
FAQs
- How do I find out if a Pennsylvania school is accredited
To determine if a nursing school in Pennsylvania is accredited, you can check the accreditation status on the school's official website.
Additionally, you can visit the following websites, which provide listings of accredited nursing programs:
· Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
· Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
· National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLNCNEA)
For Pennsylvania specifically, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing also offers information on approved and accredited programs.
- How many nursing schools are there in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to numerous nursing schools, offering a variety of programs from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. According to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, there are over 80 approved nursing programs across the state, including those for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice nurses.
- Is Pennsylvania a good state for nursing?
Yes, Pennsylvania is a great state for nursing. The state has a high demand for nurses, with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania reporting a need for more than an additional 20,000 registered nurses by 2026. Additionally, Pennsylvania offers competitive salaries for nurses, with many opportunities for professional growth in various healthcare settings. The state's robust healthcare system and numerous educational institutions make it an attractive place for both aspiring and practicing nurses.
- What does it mean to be waitlisted for nursing school?
Being waitlisted for nursing school means that you have met the admission criteria but are not immediately offered a spot due to capacity limitations. As waitlisted applicants decline their spots or additional spaces become available, you may be offered admission. It's important to stay in contact with the admissions office and express your continued interest in the program. Being waitlisted is not a rejection; it indicates that you are a strong candidate who may still have the opportunity to enroll if space permits.
Additional Resources
Prospective Jersey College students interested in nursing programs in Pennsylvania can find valuable information through the following resources:
- Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA): Offers resources and support for nurse anesthetists. Visit PANA
- Pennsylvania Board of Nursing: Provides information on licensing, approved nursing programs, and regulatory updates. Visit Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
- Pennsylvania Emergency Nurses Association (PA ENA): Supports emergency nurses with education, networking, and advocacy. Visit PA ENA
- Pennsylvania Nurses Association (PNA): Offers professional development, advocacy, and support for nurses in Pennsylvania. Visit PNA
- Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Network (PNPN): Provides resources and support for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania. Visit PNPN
- Pennsylvania Nursing Students Association (PNSA): Supports nursing students with resources, events, and networking opportunities. Visit PNSA
To learn more about both Jersey College and pursuing your nursing career, visit our Nursing School Guide which is full of great resources.
Get Started
Take the first step toward your nursing career today. Schedule a visit to your nearest campus and reach out now to request additional admissions information!