Associate-level and bachelor-level bridge programs both lead to RN licensure, but they differ sharply in cost, timeline, and long-term mobility. Pennsylvania currently supports more than a dozen accredited LPN to RN and LPN to BSN pathways, yet first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates span from 66.2 percent to 100 percent depending on the school. Community college tuition can run below $6,000 per year, while private BSN programs exceed $40,000 at sticker price.
The rankings sort programs by NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates, with accreditation status and completion rates as tie-breakers. The sections cover ADN versus BSN tradeoffs, net price comparisons after financial aid, online and hybrid options, admissions requirements, clinical hour expectations, and Pennsylvania's new Nurse Licensure Compact status. RNs in the state earn a median of $96,430 annually, roughly $44,000 more than LPNs, so the return on a well-chosen bridge program is substantial.
10 Pennsylvania LPN to RN/BSN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN is the single gate between finishing a bridge program and practicing as a registered nurse, so first-time pass rates anchor this list of Pennsylvania LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs. Each entry covers what the school offers, how the coursework is delivered, and what it costs a practical nurse to make the jump. Graduation rates shown here describe the whole institution rather than the nursing program alone, and are worth reading alongside the NCLEX results.
How we ranked these
- Institution-wide graduation rates
- Student retention and completion
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- Program accreditation status
- Student-faculty ratios
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Marywood University
Marywood's LPN to BSN bridge in Scranton is built around recognizing what working practical nurses already know, with 19 advanced standing credits for an active LPN license, challenge exams for additional nursing coursework, and a path that finishes in as little as two years. Core classes run online while labs and clinicals stay hands-on, and an agreement with Pennsylvania career-technical schools gives LPNs a defined entry route. Institution-wide, about 72 percent of students graduate, the average net price is roughly $23,400, and graduates earn a median of about $55,800 ten years after entry.
- Complete the BSN in as little as two years
- 120 total credit hours
- 19 advanced standing credits for an active LPN license
- Additional credits available through bridge course challenge exams
- Flexible online core classes built for working LPNs
- Accredited by CCNE and ACEN
- Simulation labs plus clinical placements at regional sites
- 3.0 GPA minimum and one letter of recommendation
LPN to BSN, Associates — On-Campus
King's College
King's College in Wilkes-Barre centers its nursing bachelor's on licensed RNs moving from an associate degree or diploma to a BSN, with nursing coursework delivered online and a hybrid option on campus. Most students finish in about a year once prerequisites are met, and the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. About 60 percent of students graduate institution-wide, the average net price is near $27,000, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $59,500.
- Nursing courses delivered online, with a hybrid option on campus
- Finish in as little as one year once prerequisites are met
- Designed for RNs holding an associate degree or diploma
- Rolling admissions with a 2.0 GPA minimum
- Approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Cadaver and augmented reality labs in a new education center
- Financial aid and scholarships available
RN to BS in Nursing — Hybrid
Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College runs a one-year, full-time practical nursing program plus an Advanced Placement pathway that moves qualified LPNs into its associate degree nursing program rather than starting over. Clinical rotations run through Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph, and low in-state tuition keeps the bridge within reach for nurses already working locally. Institution-wide graduation is about 34 percent, the average net price for in-district students is around $9,200, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $39,100.
- One-year, full-time practical nursing program
- Advanced Placement pathway into the Associate Degree Nursing program
- Prerequisite courses and TEAS exam required
- Clinical rotations at Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph
- Simulated labs plus pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric nursing care
- Resume and interview preparation built into the program
Practical Nursing, Associates — On-Campus
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State's LPN to BSN Paths at the Altoona campus gives licensed practical nurses three entry points: a four-year track, a three-year track that admits to the second year, and a 16-month accelerated option for second-degree students. A Credit by Portfolio review converts LPN experience into up to six credits, and accelerated students begin clinicals in their first semester. The university graduates about 86 percent of students institution-wide, in-state tuition is roughly $20,000 a year before aid, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $63,400.
- Three tracks, including a 16-month accelerated BSN
- Three-year option admits students to the second year
- Credit by Portfolio awards six credits for LPN experience
- 1,000 hours of LPN practice required for portfolio credit
- Prerequisites must be completed with a C or higher
- Clinicals begin in the first semester for accelerated students
- Campus-based classes at Penn State Altoona
LPN to BSN Paths, Associates — On-Campus
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton's LPN to BSN track lets licensed practical nurses test out of fundamentals, maternity, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing, then finish 127.5 credits with on-campus classes two to three days a week. Clinical sites sit within about 30 minutes of campus, and an NCLEX review course is included after graduation. Roughly 80 percent of students graduate institution-wide, the average net price is about $32,600, and median earnings ten years after entry are around $74,700.
- 127.5 total credits; 2.5 GPA minimum
- Challenge exams cover fundamentals, maternity, pediatrics, and med-surg
- On-campus classes two to three days per week
- Clinical sites within 30 minutes of campus
- Clinical skills challenge exams offered in June and July
- NCLEX review course after graduation
- Valid Pennsylvania LPN license required
Nursing, LPN to BSN, Associates — On-Campus
Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College's LPN-RN Advanced Placement program in Newtown lets licensed practical nurses challenge the first nursing course and join the associate degree sequence each spring. The ACEN-accredited curriculum layers adult and family nursing, health assessment, pharmacology, and leadership onto the LPN foundation, and county residents receive priority in admission. Institution-wide graduation is about 32 percent, in-district students pay an average net price near $6,400, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $47,300.
- Challenge exam waives the first nursing course, ADRN111
- ACEN accredited associate degree program
- Spring semester start only
- Applications accepted May 15 through July 15
- 3.0 GPA minimum and current Pennsylvania LPN license
- Bucks County residents prioritized for admission
- TEAS, SAT, or ACT scores accepted; online info sessions offered
LPN-RN Advanced Placement, Associates — On-Campus
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Pitt's LPN-RN Option, delivered through the university's Titusville campus, awards five advanced placement credits to licensed practical nurses who pass the NLN ACE I PN-RN exam and complete a transition nursing course. The rest of the associate degree builds on LPN clinical skill with physical assessment, care planning, and fluid and electrolyte content. Across the institution, about 86 percent of students graduate, in-state tuition is roughly $20,600, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $66,100.
- Five advanced placement credits for licensed LPNs
- NLN ACE I PN-RN exam must be completed by August 1
- Transition Nursing course covers assessment and care planning
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Applicants must graduate from a state-approved LPN program
- Campus-based clinical work at the Titusville campus
LPN-RN Option, Associates — On-Campus
Neumann University
Neumann University in Aston runs its B.S. in Nursing with an LPN Transition track that skips introductory courses and moves into health assessment, pathophysiology, adult and mental health nursing, and community care. Day and evening classes support both full-time students and part-time nurses who finish in seven semesters while staying on the job. About 54 percent of students graduate institution-wide, the average net price is near $27,800, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $57,800.
- 122 total credit hours; 2.5 GPA minimum
- LPN Transition course replaces introductory nursing coursework
- Full-time and part-time options; part-time finishes in seven semesters
- Evening classes begin at 5:30 PM
- Clinical partners include Christiana Care
- BLS certification required before clinical placements
- Grounded in Franciscan values
Nursing, B.S. (LPN Transition), Associates — On-Campus
Luzerne County Community College
Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke delivers its LPN-RN program in a hybrid format with day, evening, and weekend tracks, including an evening cohort in Northumberland for nurses holding down full-time jobs. There is no entrance exam, but applicants need an active Pennsylvania LPN license and a completed application by January 5, 2026. Institution-wide graduation is about 23 percent, in-district students pay an average net price around $9,400, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $40,400.
- Hybrid format with day, evening, and weekend scheduling
- No entrance exam required
- Apply by January 5, 2026
- Active Pennsylvania LPN license required; copy must be submitted
- Evening cohort offered in Northumberland
- Built for working licensed practical nurses
LPN-RN Program, Associates — Hybrid
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania's BS in Nursing for LPNs is a 120-credit bridge that lets licensed practical nurses bypass introductory nursing courses and enter the junior-level clinical sequence, with an online option for the LPN to BSN track. Simulation labs pair students with theater students acting as patients, and clinical placements stay within 60 miles of campus. About 56 percent of students graduate institution-wide, in-state tuition is near $11,400, and median earnings ten years after entry are about $51,000.
- 120 total credit hours
- LPNs skip introductory nursing courses and enter junior-level clinicals
- Online delivery option available for the LPN to BSN track
- Simulation labs with theater students portraying patients
- Clinical sites within 60 miles of campus
- Coursework spans adult health, pediatrics, maternal health, and community nursing
- Prerequisite courses required; advisor meetings each semester
BS in Nursing for LPNs, Associates — Online
LPN to ADN Vs. LPN to BSN: Choosing Your Bridge Path
Pennsylvania LPNs have two main bridge routes to RN licensure, and the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and career goals. The ADN path gets you to the NCLEX-RN faster and at lower cost, while the BSN path positions you for hospital leadership roles, public health, and employers that favor a baccalaureate credential. Both lead to the same RN license, but they differ in important ways.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Total Cost Comparison
Tuition for Pennsylvania LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge programs ranges from under $5,700 to over $45,000 per year at sticker price, so comparing costs before you apply is essential. The net price figures below reflect institution-wide averages after financial aid (not program-specific quotes), sourced from IPEDS and College Scorecard 2024 data. Community colleges consistently offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs, often less than half of what four-year private institutions charge. To narrow the gap further, explore Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2025-2026), the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, NURSE Corps Loan Repayment for graduates who work in critical shortage areas, and employer tuition reimbursement plans that many health systems now offer. The spread between the least and most expensive options on this list tops $21,000 in average net price alone, which underscores why cost comparison should be part of every applicant's decision process.
| School | City | Sector | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucks County Community College | Newtown | Public 2-Year | $9,966 | $13,926 | $6,389 |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville | Public 2-Year | $9,300 | $13,270 | $9,203 |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | Public 2-Year | $11,970 | $17,250 | $11,124 |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Philadelphia | Public 2-Year | $8,688 | $12,744 | $11,911 |
| Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh | Public 2-Year | $8,803 | $12,583 | $13,970 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Harrisburg | Public 2-Year | $9,495 | $12,472 | $14,471 |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | Bloomsburg | Public 4-Year | $11,046 | $22,870 | $15,699 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana | Public 4-Year | $11,380 | $16,297 | $16,804 |
| Waynesburg University | Waynesburg | Private | $30,480 | $30,480 | $18,235 |
| Mercyhurst University | Erie | Private | $45,770 | $45,770 | $19,444 |
| Wilson College | Chambersburg | Private | $27,100 | $27,100 | $21,741 |
| Mount Aloysius College | Cresson | Private | $28,545 | $28,545 | $22,344 |
| Marywood University | Scranton | Private | $41,420 | $41,420 | $23,388 |
| Immaculata University | Immaculata | Private | $28,980 | $28,980 | $24,258 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport | Public 4-Year | $17,940 | $25,680 | $25,110 |
| Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre | Private | $43,496 | $43,496 | $27,743 |
Pennsylvania by City
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Online and Hybrid LPN to RN Programs in Pennsylvania
Online and hybrid delivery has become a practical default for many Pennsylvania LPN-to-RN learners, and the 2026 data supports that shift: 53% of Pennsylvania LPN/ADN programs report online delivery. The tradeoff is usually simple, hybrid students get more flexibility while still completing scheduled labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. Because Pennsylvania RN licensure requires a board-approved program, candidates should verify approval and accreditation before committing; the Accredited LPN and RN Programs guide is a useful starting point.
Several hybrid options illustrate the range. Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an LPN to RN Associate of Applied Science that is hybrid and requires only one on-site visit per week. Waynesburg University's LPN to BSN is also hybrid, takes 18 months, awards 31 credits, and expects a 2.5 minimum GPA. Another hybrid Pennsylvania LPN-to-BSN track runs about 24 months, charges $475 per credit, requires the TEAS with a 65 minimum score, and expects a current LPN license plus a high school diploma or GED.
Fully online and other hybrid formats broaden geography. Bethel University's online LPN to BSN requires a 2.75 GPA and accepts TEAS or HESI scores. United Career Institute in Irwin, PA, offers a hybrid practical nursing pathway, while Jersey College's LPN to RN Bridge in York, PA, spans 15-33 months. Lehigh Carbon Community College rounds out the transition options with an LPN to RN Transition Program leading to an Associate of Applied Science.
If you are still mapping the entry-level side of the field, reviewing the best LPN programs in Pennsylvania can help you understand the foundations these bridge programs build on.
Pennsylvania needs to fill an estimated 8,890 registered nurse positions every year through 2032, according to the PA Center for Workforce Information and Analysis. That consistent demand means LPNs who complete a bridge program enter a job market with strong opportunities across hospitals, outpatient centers, and long term care facilities statewide.
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites for PA Bridge Programs
Pennsylvania LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN bridge programs share a common set of admissions requirements, though the specifics, GPA cutoffs, prerequisite lists, and experience thresholds, vary from school to school. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee a seat; most programs are selective and rank applicants by test scores, GPA, and available clinical spots. Confirm current requirements directly with each program before you apply.
- Active, unencumbered Pennsylvania LPN licenseEvery PA bridge program reviewed requires proof of an active, unencumbered LPN license in Pennsylvania at the time of application. Some schools also ask for official transcripts from your approved practical-nursing program.
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 2.8GPA thresholds across PA programs typically fall between 2.5 and 2.8. For example, the Community College of Allegheny County sets the bar at 2.8, the Community College of Philadelphia requires 2.75, and Penn College requires a 2.5 in both cumulative and math/science coursework. Some schools evaluate your overall GPA and your science GPA separately.
- Prerequisite science, math, and English coursesMost programs require Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology or General Biology, General Chemistry, English Composition, and College Math or Statistics, all completed with a C or higher. Science prerequisites typically must have been taken within the last 10 years. Some schools allow courses like Nutrition or a social-science elective to be completed concurrently with nursing coursework; check each program's sequencing rules.
- Standardized entrance examPrograms may require the TEAS, HESI, or Kaplan Pre-Admission Test for admission, placement, or competitive ranking. The Community College of Philadelphia, for instance, uses the Kaplan exam. Scores often factor into a points-based selection system.
- Current CPR/BLS certificationA current American Heart Association BLS/CPR certification is required before you begin clinical rotations. Most programs list this among mandatory health and safety clearances.
- Criminal background check and drug screeningAll PA bridge programs require criminal background clearances and drug screening prior to clinical placement. A positive finding on either may disqualify you from the program, so address any concerns early in the application process.
- LPN work experience or documented clinical hoursRequirements vary significantly. Some programs, such as Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing, have historically required two years of LPN clinical experience. Others do not set a specific hour or month threshold but may give preference to actively practicing LPNs. Verify whether your target school counts your clinical training hours or expects post-licensure employment.
- Transfer credit policiesMost PA programs accept a substantial block of non-nursing prerequisite credits from your LPN training, often in the range of 15 to 30 credits toward the ADN or BSN. The Community College of Allegheny County, for example, accepts up to 29 transfer credits but requires at least 30 credits to be completed in residence. Nursing-specific credits from your LPN program are evaluated separately and may be awarded through challenge exams or advanced-placement mechanisms rather than direct transfer.
Application Deadlines and Clinical Hour Requirements for 2027
Citizens School of Nursing and West Penn Hospital School of Nursing both set a September 1, 2026 deadline for full-time LPN to RN applicants, with classes beginning January 4, 2027. Part-time tracks at these schools accept applications through May 1, 2027, starting in late August 2027. Understanding each program's timeline helps you plan around work schedules and financial aid cycles.
Key 2026-2027 Deadlines by Program
- Citizens School of Nursing (Full-Time): Apply by September 1, 2026; start January 4, 2027
- Citizens School of Nursing (Part-Time): Apply by May 1, 2027; start August 30, 2027
- West Penn Hospital School of Nursing (Full-Time): Apply by September 1, 2026; start January 4, 2027
- West Penn Hospital School of Nursing (Part-Time): Apply by May 1, 2027
- UPMC Schools of Nursing LPN-RN Bridge: Apply by February 4, 2027; start May 3, 2027
- Westmoreland County Community College (Fall Start): Apply by January 12 annually1
- Westmoreland County Community College (Spring Start): Apply by May 15 annually2
- Butler County Community College LPN to RN Track: Application window March 1 through May 1, 2027
Admissions Structure: Rolling vs. Fixed Cohorts
Most Pennsylvania bridge programs operate on fixed cohort starts rather than rolling admissions. Westmoreland offers both fall and spring entry points, giving working LPNs flexibility. Citizens and West Penn run separate full-time and part-time cohorts with distinct timelines. UPMC's bridge launches a summer cohort annually, suiting LPNs who want to avoid winter starts.
Clinical Hour Requirements
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires completion of an approved nursing education program that meets state clinical instruction standards. Bridge programs structure rotations across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Most programs assign clinical placements directly rather than allowing students to arrange their own sites. Citizens and West Penn, as hospital-based schools under Allegheny Health Network, place students within their own health system facilities. Exact clinical hour minimums vary by program design, so confirm specific requirements with your chosen school's admissions office before applying.
Pennsylvania RN Licensure, NCLEX-RN, and Nurse Licensure Compact Status
Pennsylvania's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact now gives RNs the option to hold a multistate license, a significant shift for graduates of LPN to BSN programs considering employment across state lines. Understanding the full licensure pathway helps you plan your timeline from program completion to active practice.
Step-by-Step Licensure Process
After completing your LPN to RN bridge program, the licensure sequence follows this order:
- Submit your application: File through Pennsylvania's online portal at pals.pa.gov.5 Graduates of PA nursing programs pay $95, while out-of-state graduates pay $115.1
- Register for the NCLEX-RN: Once the State Board of Nursing processes your application, you'll receive authorization to test.5 Register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee directly to them.
- Take the NCLEX-RN: The exam is a computerized adaptive test with 85 to 145 questions. The test adjusts difficulty based on your responses, and you must meet the minimum passing standard to earn your license.
- Receive your license: After passing, the Board issues your RN license. Pennsylvania does not widely advertise temporary practice permits, so confirm current options with the Board if you need to work before official licensure.
Nurse Licensure Compact Status
Pennsylvania enacted NLC legislation with the compact effective December 31, 2018.2 To qualify for a multistate license, you must maintain primary residence in Pennsylvania and hold an active, unencumbered license. Multistate fees run higher than single-state options: $135 for PA graduates by examination, $230 for out-of-state graduates, and $180 for endorsement without examination.3
Renewal and Continuing Education
RN licenses renew biennially at $122, with expiration dates individualized rather than falling on one statewide date.1 Each renewal period requires 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education, including at least 2 hours on child abuse recognition and reporting.4 Carryover of unused hours is not permitted.4 Beginning May 1, 2026, all RNs must also complete a one-time 2-hour organ and tissue donation education requirement within five years.1
What RNs Earn in Pennsylvania Vs. LPN Pay
Completing a bridge program translates directly into higher pay. According to the most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn a median annual salary of $96,430, while licensed practical nurses earn a median of $63,940. That gap of roughly $32,490 per year represents the concrete financial return on investing in an LPN to RN program. At the 25th percentile, the difference is still significant: RNs at that level earn about $80,610 compared to $60,350 for LPNs, a spread of more than $20,000. Metro areas like Philadelphia push RN earnings even higher, with average salaries topping $101,000.
| Occupation | Total Employed in PA | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | Mean (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 146,520 | $80,610 | $96,430 | $104,730 | $94,020 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 38,260 | $60,350 | $63,940 | $72,810 | $65,930 |
More LPN to RN/BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
Beyond the ten programs ranked above, Pennsylvania offers a wide range of bridge options for licensed practical nurses. This directory groups additional schools by region and notes delivery format and campus location. Each entry links to the program page for current admissions requirements and costs.
Greater Philadelphia
- Nursing, B.S.N. (LPN to BSN)
- Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program
- Advanced Placement Option
Lehigh Valley
- Advanced Placement Program for LPN
Northeast Pennsylvania
- Nursing BSN (LPN to the BS in Nursing)
- LPN to BSN
Central Pennsylvania
- Nursing, LPN to RN
- Nursing (LPN-RN) Advanced Placement Advisement Pathway
Southwestern Pennsylvania
- LPN to RN
- LPN to BSN
- Advanced Standing LPN to RN Option
- Nursing, A.S. LPN to RN Option
- Nursing, R.N. - BC3 LPN to RN, A.A.S.
- Nursing (LPN to RN)
Northwestern Pennsylvania
- Nursing LPN-RN Option, AS
