The healthcare industry in Pennsylvania is growing, with surging demand for registered nurses (RNs) throughout the state. Pennsylvania’s educational institutions offer several paths towards establishing a career as an RN.
Educational pathways
A traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is offered at many of the state’s premier colleges and universities, including University of Pennsylvania and York College of Pennsylvania. Students seeking a shorter-term path to a nursing career may choose an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program; these are offered at community colleges across the state. Hospitals also offer an RN diploma program, which provides students greater exposure to clinical practice and experience in a healthcare environment. This integrated program can be taken as a two- or three-year curriculum and is currently offered by almost 20 institutions across the state, including West Penn Hospital School of Nursing and UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. Upon completion of any RN prelicensure program, candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, a national examination required to practice in Pennsylvania.
Employment and salary
The clinical experience garnered during these programs is immediately put to use at one of Pennsylvania’s premier healthcare providers. Employers such as Pennsylvania Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, and Temple University Hospital require RNs to administer direct care and to prescribe treatment. As well-qualified and highly-valued healthcare professionals, RNs earn very competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses report an average annual income of $53,310, well above the state’s median household income.
To begin your career as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania, consult our list below of the best prelicensure programs in the state.