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Best nursing schools in Pennsylvania: Largest to smallest

The nursing profession makes up a significant portion of the Pennsylvania workforce, with over 230,000 nursing personnel employed at the state’s healthcare institutions. This number includes 125,000 registered nurses, 75,000 certified nursing assistants, and 36,000 licensed practical nurses. These nurses command a wide range of salaries depending upon their qualifications. Pennsylvania’s registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $64,830. The state’s advanced practice registered nurses (who must hold a master’s degree) earn anywhere from $82,000 to $160,000 on average, depending upon specialization.

Prospective nurses make two key decisions in their nursing education. First, they must choose from a broad range of nursing programs. These include certificate programs for nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses, two-year associate’s degrees in professional nursing, and four-year bachelor’s degrees in professional nursing. Postgraduate degrees in specialized fields like midwifery and anesthesia are also available. In general, certificate programs are shorter in length while degree programs require two to four years to complete.

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Second, students must choose from a wide range of nursing schools. Numerous private and public institutions offer nursing education throughout Pennsylvania. Private schools are typically more selective and expensive, but they offer high-quality education with personalized attention and a prestigious reputation. Public universities have large, diverse student bodies and significantly lower tuition fees, particularly for in-state and in-county residents. Community colleges are another public option for students pursuing a shorter program of study.

Pennsylvania’s aspiring nurses truly have a large number of educational options. To aid them in this important decision, we have compiled below a detailed list of the state’s nursing schools, ordered by size within each metropolitan area.

Allentown / Bethlehem area

DeSales University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 110 students during the 2016-17 period
Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 100 students during the 2012-13 period
Cedar Crest College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 74 students during the 2016-17 period
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 72 students during the 2012-13 period
Moravian College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 70 students during the 2016-17 period
St. Luke's School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 65 students during the 2016-17 period
Northampton Community College
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 54 students during the 2012-13 period
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 50 students during the 2016-17 period
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 48 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 33 students during the 2012-13 period
School Program Class size
DeSales University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 110 students
Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown Certificate in Practical Nursing 100 students
Cedar Crest College Bachelor of Science in Nursing 74 students
Penn State Lehigh Valley Certificate in Practical Nursing 72 students
Moravian College Bachelor of Science in Nursing 70 students
St. Luke's School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 65 students
Northampton Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 54 students
Associate's Degree in Nursing 50 students
Lehigh Carbon Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 48 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 33 students

Erie

Edinboro University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 57 students during the 2016-17 period
Mercyhurst University - North East
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 53 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 30 students during the 2012-13 period
Gannon University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 39 students during the 2016-17 period
Fortis Institute - Erie
Associate of Specialized Technology in Practical Nursing: 20 students during the 2017-18 period
School Program Class size
Edinboro University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 57 students
Mercyhurst University - North East Associate's Degree in Nursing 53 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 30 students
Gannon University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 39 students
Fortis Institute - Erie Associate of Specialized Technology in Practical Nursing 20 students

Harrisburg

Harrisburg Area Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 322 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 98 students during the 2012-13 period
Messiah University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 36 students during the 2016-17 period
School Program Class size
Harrisburg Area Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 322 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 98 students
Messiah University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 36 students

Lancaster

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 248 students during the 2016-17 period
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 167 students during the 2017-18 period
School Program Class size
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Associate's Degree in Nursing 248 students
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 167 students

Philadelphia metro area

Drexel University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 296 students during the 2016-17 period
Thomas Jefferson University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 272 students during the 2016-17 period
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 199 students during the 2016-17 period
Villanova University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 186 students during the 2016-17 period
Widener University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 146 students during the 2016-17 period
Holy Family University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 140 students during the 2016-17 period
Gwynedd Mercy University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 138 students during the 2016-17 period
Montgomery County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 123 students during the 2016-17 period
Delaware County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 112 students during the 2016-17 period
La Salle University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 105 students during the 2016-17 period
Neumann University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 94 students during the 2016-17 period
West Chester University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 80 students during the 2016-17 period
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 72 students during the 2017-18 period
Bucks County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 70 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 23 students during the 2017-18 period
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 69 students during the 2016-17 period
Community College of Philadelphia
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 68 students during the 2016-17 period
Prism Career Institute - Philadelphia
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 68 students during the 2012-13 period
Temple University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 63 students during the 2016-17 period
Delaware County Technical School
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 60 students during the 2012-13 period
Chester County Intermediate Unit
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 45 students during the 2012-13 period
PITC Institute
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 34 students during the 2017-18 period
Immaculata University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 30 students during the 2016-17 period
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 30 students during the 2012-13 period
Eastern University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 29 students during the 2016-17 period
Lincoln University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 14 students during the 2016-17 period
District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 13 students during the 2012-13 period
Harcum College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 5 students during the 2016-17 period
School Program Class size
Drexel University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 296 students
Thomas Jefferson University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 272 students
University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Nursing 199 students
Villanova University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 186 students
Widener University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 146 students
Holy Family University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 140 students
Gwynedd Mercy University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 138 students
Montgomery County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 123 students
Delaware County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 112 students
La Salle University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 105 students
Neumann University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 94 students
West Chester University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 80 students
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 72 students
Bucks County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 70 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 23 students
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 69 students
Community College of Philadelphia Associate's Degree in Nursing 68 students
Prism Career Institute - Philadelphia Certificate in Practical Nursing 68 students
Temple University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 63 students
Delaware County Technical School Certificate in Practical Nursing 60 students
Chester County Intermediate Unit Certificate in Practical Nursing 45 students
PITC Institute Certificate in Practical Nursing 34 students
Immaculata University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 30 students
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 30 students
Eastern University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 29 students
Lincoln University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 14 students
District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund Certificate in Practical Nursing 13 students
Harcum College Associate's Degree in Nursing 5 students

Pittsburgh

Community College of Allegheny County
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 301 students during the 2016-17 period
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 249 students during the 2018-19 period
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 188 students during the 2016-17 period
Westmoreland County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 135 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 7 students during the 2012-13 period
Lenape Technical School
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 81 students during the 2017-18 period
Robert Morris University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 76 students during the 2016-17 period
Citizens School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 74 students during the 2016-17 period
Community College of Beaver County
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 69 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 11 students during the 2012-13 period
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 61 students during the 2016-17 period
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 57 students during the 2012-13 period
Western Area Career & Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 57 students during the 2012-13 period
Butler County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 51 students during the 2016-17 period
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 50 students during the 2016-17 period
Carlow University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 43 students during the 2016-17 period
Pittsburgh Technical College
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 38 students during the 2012-13 period
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 35 students during the 2016-17 period
Washington Health System School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 38 students during the 2016-17 period
Heritage Valley Kennedy School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 27 students during the 2016-17 period
Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 23 students during the 2017-18 period
Mercy Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 21 students during the 2016-17 period
St. Margaret School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 19 students during the 2016-17 period
Penn Commercial Business / Technical School
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 16 students during the 2012-13 period
La Roche University
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 9 students during the 2016-17 period
School Program Class size
Community College of Allegheny County Associate's Degree in Nursing 301 students
Duquesne University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 249 students
University of Pittsburgh Bachelor of Science in Nursing 188 students
Westmoreland County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 135 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 7 students
Lenape Technical School Certificate in Practical Nursing 81 students
Robert Morris University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 76 students
Citizens School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 74 students
Community College of Beaver County Associate's Degree in Nursing 69 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing 11 students
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 61 students
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute Certificate in Practical Nursing 57 students
Western Area Career & Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 57 students
Butler County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 51 students
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 50 students
Carlow University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 43 students
Pittsburgh Technical College Certificate in Practical Nursing 38 students
Associate's Degree in Nursing 35 students
Washington Health System School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 38 students
Heritage Valley Kennedy School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 27 students
Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 23 students
Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 21 students
St. Margaret School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 19 students
Penn Commercial Business / Technical School Certificate in Practical Nursing 16 students
La Roche University Associate's Degree in Nursing 9 students

Reading

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
Diploma in Nursing: 105 students during the 2016-17 period
Alvernia University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 62 students during the 2016-17 period
Reading Area Community College
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 37 students during the 2012-13 period
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 26 students during the 2016-17 period
School Program Class size
Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Diploma in Nursing 105 students
Alvernia University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 62 students
Reading Area Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 37 students
Associate's Degree in Nursing 26 students

Scranton / Wilkes-Barre area

Luzerne County Community College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 140 students during the 2016-17 period
Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 101 students during the 2012-13 period
Wilkes University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 96 students during the 2016-17 period
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 71 students during the 2016-17 period
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 62 students during the 2012-13 period
Misericordia University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 53 students during the 2016-17 period
Marywood University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 26 students during the 2016-17 period
Fortis Institute - Scranton
Associate of Specialized Technology in Practical Nursing: 23 students during the 2017-18 period
School Program Class size
Luzerne County Community College Associate's Degree in Nursing 140 students
Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 101 students
Wilkes University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 96 students
University of Scranton Bachelor of Science in Nursing 71 students
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Certificate in Practical Nursing 62 students
Misericordia University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 53 students
Marywood University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 26 students
Fortis Institute - Scranton Associate of Specialized Technology in Practical Nursing 23 students

York

York College of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 90 students during the 2016-17 period
York County School of Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 47 students during the 2012-13 period
Hanover Public School District
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 33 students during the 2012-13 period
School Program Class size
York College of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Nursing 90 students
York County School of Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 47 students
Hanover Public School District Certificate in Practical Nursing 33 students

Other Pennsylvania cities

Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 182 students during the 2016-17 period
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 162 students during the 2016-17 period
Bloomsburg University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 102 students during the 2016-17 period
Mount Aloysius College
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 86 students during the 2016-17 period
Lebanon County Career and Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 72 students during the 2012-13 period
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 58 students during the 2012-13 period
Conemaugh School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 58 students during the 2016-17 period
Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 54 students during the 2017-18 period
Lock Haven University
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 53 students during the 2016-17 period
Waynesburg University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 52 students during the 2016-17 period
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 50 students during the 2016-17 period
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 45 students during the 2016-17 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Credit): 21 students during the 2017-18 period
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Non-Credit): 20 students during the 2017-18 period
Clearfield County Career and Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 45 students during the 2012-13 period
Venango Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 45 students during the 2012-13 period
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 44 students during the 2012-13 period
Mercer County Career Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 39 students during the 2012-13 period
Franklin County Career and Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 36 students during the 2017-18 period
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 33 students during the 2012-13 period
Clarion University
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 33 students during the 2016-17 period
East Stroudsburg University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 33 students during the 2016-17 period
Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 33 students during the 2016-17 period
Indiana County Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 32 students during the 2012-13 period
Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 29 students during the 2017-18 period
Schuylkill Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 29 students during the 2012-13 period
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 29 students during the 2016-17 period
Northern Tier Career Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 28 students during the 2012-13 period
Mansfield University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 26 students during the 2016-17 period
Allegany College of Maryland
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 25 students during the 2016-17 period
Clarion County Career Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 22 students during the 2012-13 period
Greene County Career and Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 22 students during the 2012-13 period
Jefferson County-DuBois Area Vocational Technical School
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 22 students during the 2012-13 period
Lawrence County Career and Technical Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 20 students during the 2012-13 period
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 19 students during the 2016-17 period
Crawford County Career & Technical Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 18 students during the 2012-13 period
Sharon Regional Medical Center School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 18 students during the 2016-17 period
UPMC Jameson School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing: 17 students during the 2016-17 period
Saint Francis University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 15 students during the 2016-17 period
Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 14 students during the 2017-18 period
Penn College at Wellsboro
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 14 students during the 2012-13 period
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Associate's Degree in Nursing: 7 students during the 2016-17 period
Somerset County Technology Center
Certificate in Practical Nursing: 4 students during the 2012-13 period
School Program Class size
Pennsylvania State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 182 students
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Nursing 162 students
Bloomsburg University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 102 students
Mount Aloysius College Associate's Degree in Nursing 86 students
Lebanon County Career and Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 72 students
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 58 students
Conemaugh School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 58 students
Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 54 students
Lock Haven University Associate's Degree in Nursing 53 students
Waynesburg University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 52 students
Pennsylvania College of Technology Bachelor of Science in Nursing 50 students
Associate's Degree in Nursing 45 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Credit) 21 students
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Non-Credit) 20 students
Clearfield County Career and Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 45 students
Venango Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 45 students
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 44 students
Mercer County Career Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 39 students
Franklin County Career and Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 36 students
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 33 students
Clarion University Associate's Degree in Nursing 33 students
East Stroudsburg University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 33 students
Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 33 students
Indiana County Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 32 students
Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 29 students
Schuylkill Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 29 students
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Associate's Degree in Nursing 29 students
Northern Tier Career Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 28 students
Mansfield University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 26 students
Allegany College of Maryland Associate's Degree in Nursing 25 students
Clarion County Career Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 22 students
Greene County Career and Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 22 students
Jefferson County-DuBois Area Vocational Technical School Certificate in Practical Nursing 22 students
Lawrence County Career and Technical Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 20 students
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 19 students
Crawford County Career & Technical Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 18 students
Sharon Regional Medical Center School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 18 students
UPMC Jameson School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 17 students
Saint Francis University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 15 students
Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 14 students
Penn College at Wellsboro Certificate in Practical Nursing 14 students
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Associate's Degree in Nursing 7 students
Somerset County Technology Center Certificate in Practical Nursing 4 students
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Pennsylvania