For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
Pennsylvania
We've organized a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Pennsylvania city.
For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
The city of Philadelphia employs the largest number of nurses in Pennsylvania and offers the most competitive wages to nurses in all pathways. Prospective nurses can enroll in one of at least thirty local schools that offer accredited nursing programs, including the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Drexel University.
Pennsylvania nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
For our 2024 rankings of RN diploma programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of RN diploma programs.
For our 2024 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
Pittsburgh is home to a number of reputable nursing programs. These include traditional four-year institutions like Chatham University, University of Pittsburgh, and La Roche University, as well as specialized schools of nursing at institutions like UPMC St. Margaret, Heritage Valley Kennedy, and West Penn Hospital. With a plethora of options, the city’s prospective nursing students can be assured of a high-quality, hands-on nursing education.
The city of Philadelphia employs the largest number of nurses in Pennsylvania and offers the most competitive wages to nurses in all pathways. Prospective nurses can enroll in one of at least thirty local schools that offer accredited nursing programs, including the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Drexel University.
For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
Aspiring nurses in Pennsylvania may choose one of three different career paths. Each path focuses on a distinct type of healthcare expertise, requires a different length of education, and carries unique licensing requirements. Depending on a prospective nurse’s level of dedication and interest, she can choose to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN).
Healthcare is one of the three largest industries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The metropolitan area is home to 1,660 registered nurses (RNs), 500 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), 730 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 50 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Johnstown is also home to one of the top accredited nursing schools in the region: the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The Pitt-Johnstown Nursing and Health Sciences Division offers a top-ranked bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
The Chambersburg-Waynesboro metropolitan area is home to a broad array of healthcare professionals, including 820 registered nurses (RNs), 430 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 520 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Educational and licensure requirements in the state of Pennsylvania vary substantially by role.