Best Pennsylvania LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Pennsylvania’s LPN to RN programs emphasize the development of advanced nursing skills. Coursework covers health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. Clinical training prepares graduates to meet state requirements and assume RN responsibilities.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
Edit Template
Pennsylvania programs prepare LPNs to meet RN licensing requirements and patient care demands.

2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Pennsylvania

We at practicalnursing.org have ranked the best LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania. These programs help licensed practical nurses earn an associate degree in nursing and become registered nurses. Our rankings focus on accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, and overall affordability. Each school offers flexible scheduling for working nurses. Some programs offer bridge courses and online options. LPNs who transition to RN roles enjoy greater responsibility and higher pay. By choosing a top-ranked program, LPNs can fast-track their career and increase earning potential. Pennsylvania faces a growing need for registered nurses, making now a smart time to advance. For a detailed breakdown of our ranking criteria, review our methodology at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA - Private 4-year - wilkes.edu

Associate - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Licensed practical nurses can advance to registered nursing through Wilkes University's hybrid LPN to BSN pathway. The program challenges your existing knowledge by allowing you to test out of up to five nursing courses—including nutrition, pediatrics, and mental health—via NLN Mobility Examinations. You'll complete prerequisites in anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and English while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Rather than requiring ACT or SAT scores, admission focuses on your practical experience and academic readiness. The flexible hybrid format combines online course work with limited campus sessions, making it ideal for working professionals. Graduates gain the expertise to pursue leadership roles in hospitals and community health settings, expanding their scope of practice and earning potential.

  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Challenge up to five nursing courses
  • NLN Mobility Examinations offered
  • Two attempts to pass NLN exams
  • Greater number of career options

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University offers a hybrid LPN-to-BSN completion program tailored for working licensed practical nurses. Students can accelerate their degree by challenging up to five nursing courses through NLN Mobility Examinations, covering essential topics like obstetrics and community health. Prerequisite coursework spans anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, with a required minimum GPA of 3.0. There is no ACT or SAT entrance exam; instead, your LPN background and previous college work are evaluated. The online-plus-in-person format provides flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This curriculum recognizes your clinical expertise and builds upon it, preparing you for advanced nursing roles, patient care coordination, and leadership opportunities upon graduation.

  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Challenge up to five nursing courses
  • NLN Mobility Examinations for credit
  • Transfer credits accepted for qualifying courses
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA - Private 4-year - waynesburg.edu

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Waynesburg University, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), offers an LPN-to-BSN program designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance. This hybrid, CCNE-accredited pathway builds on your clinical foundation, covering patient care, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Students gain hands-on experience in the Nursing Clinical Learning Center and immersive simulation rooms, with clinical placements starting sophomore year. The program leverages community health partnerships and features a Sigma Theta Tau honor society chapter. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The university is military-friendly. The provided information does not specify ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements; applicants should contact the admissions office for current policies.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • State-of-the-art simulation lab
  • Nursing Immersion Room
  • Clinical experience sophomore year
  • Community health partnerships
  • Sigma Theta Tau chapter
#3

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu

Associate - Nursing, B.S.N. (LPN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Immaculata University’s LPN to BSN bridge program offers a face-to-face, campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking the BSN. The curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing, pharmacology, leadership, and public health while building clinical judgment through evidence-based practice. Clinical rotations span 11 specialties, including medical-surgical, pediatrics, and psychiatric care. A personal NCLEX success coach supports exam preparation, and the program awards 13 credits for your LPN license, enabling completion in seven semesters. With small classes, a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and new simulation labs, students receive individualized attention. CCNE-accredited, the program costs $465 per credit (126 total credits) and offers scholarships, financial aid, and loan repayment up to $40,000. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • $465 per credit
  • 7-Semester program
  • Complete in as few as seven semesters
  • 126 total credit hours
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Earn 13 credits from LPN license
  • Personal NCLEX success coach

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (LPN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

This accelerated LPN to BSN track at Immaculata University recognizes prior nursing knowledge, granting 13 credits toward the 126-credit BSN and allowing completion in as few as seven semesters. Coursework covers pharmacology, holistic health assessment, leadership, and public health, cultivating advanced reasoning and evidence-based skills. Students practice in diverse clinical settings—medical-surgical, intensive care, pediatrics, community health—complemented by state-of-the-art simulation labs. An 89% NCLEX pass rate and a personal success coach bolster licensure readiness. The CCNE-accredited program charges $465 per credit and supports working nurses with scholarships, financial aid, and a loan repayment program up to $40,000. Small, values-based classes and a military-friendly environment enhance the experience. Admission does not list an ACT or SAT requirement.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • $465 per credit
  • 7-Semester program
  • Complete in as few as seven semesters
  • 126 total credit hours
  • 89% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • 13 credits awarded for LPN license
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Mount Aloysius College

Cresson, PA - Private 4-year - mtaloy.edu

Associate - LPN to RN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mount Aloysius College offers a hybrid LPN to RN pathway for LPNs, paramedics, and veterans with military medical training. The accelerated program leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in as few as five semesters, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Coursework covers adult nursing, pharmacology, family nursing, and mental health, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and small class sizes. ACEN-accredited, it requires entrance exams such as SAT, ACT, TEAS, TOEFL, or IELTS, plus a 2.5 GPA. Graduates earn a median of $80,000 annually. A 2+2 BSN pathway, online RN-to-BSN, and UPMC Future Heroes scholarship with guaranteed employment round out this military-friendly program.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: SAT, ACT, TEAS, TOEFL, IELTS
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • $80,000 median earnings
  • Nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing earn $80,000 per year on average
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
#5

Marywood University

Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - marywood.edu

Associate - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Marywood University's LPN to BSN bridge program allows licensed practical nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as two years. This CCNE-accredited, test-optional program builds on existing clinical knowledge through courses in nursing concepts, health assessment, pharmacology, behavioral health, population-focused care, and transition to professional practice. Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs and complete clinical rotations at regional healthcare sites, preparing for roles in critical care, community health, and long-term care. The curriculum comprises 120 total credit hours, with flexible online core classes, advanced standing credit, and challenge exams designed for working LPNs. Graduates achieve a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement, positioning them for immediate career advancement.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Test optional
  • 2-Year program
  • Complete in as little as two years
  • 120 total credit hours
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Marywood University offers an accelerated LPN to BSN track for licensed practical nurses ready to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited program features no entrance exam requirement, making admission more accessible. Coursework includes health assessment, pharmacology, behavioral health, and population-focused care, complemented by hands-on training in the university's Nursing Simulation Center with lifelike patient scenarios. Students gain real-world experience through collaborative clinical rotations in the Scranton community and at regional sites, plus service-learning opportunities locally and globally. The 120-credit program can be completed in two years, with flexible online core classes and LPN challenge exams for advanced standing. Highly credentialed supportive faculty guide students to a 100% NCLEX pass rate and immediate employability as registered nurses.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited
  • No entrance exam required
  • Exams: SAT, ACT
  • Test optional
  • 2-Year program
  • Complete in as little as two years
  • 120 total credit hours
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2025.

Pennsylvania LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

LPN to RN bridge admission in Pennsylvania typically centers on verified practical nursing preparation, recent academic readiness, and clinical clearance for patient contact. Common requirements include:

  • Current, unencumbered Pennsylvania LPN license and graduation from an approved practical nursing program.
  • Minimum college GPA threshold, often 2.5 to 3.0, and completion of specified prerequisites with a grade of C or better. Typical prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, Chemistry as required by the school, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and sometimes Sociology or Nutrition.
  • Standardized admission testing such as TEAS or HESI, and a dosage calculation assessment prior to clinical placement.
  • Health and safety clearances for clinical sites: physical exam, immunizations and titers, TB screening, current BLS for Healthcare Providers, drug screening, and Pennsylvania background clearances that commonly include state criminal history and child abuse checks, with fingerprint-based FBI clearance when required by clinical partners.
  • Advanced standing criteria for LPNs, such as a transition course, skills validation, and in some cases a minimum number of recent LPN practice hours to receive credit for prior learning.

Working LPNs will find part-time and evening or weekend options designed to preserve work schedules. Many programs allow you to stack prerequisites before starting the nursing sequence, and employers sometimes offer tuition assistance and flexible scheduling for bridge students.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN to RN bridges in Pennsylvania build on your practical nursing foundation and focus on RN-level decision making and care management. You will study:

  • Adult medical-surgical nursing across body systems, health assessment, and pathophysiology.
  • Pharmacology and safe medication administration, including IV therapy and complex dosage calculations.
  • Maternal-newborn, pediatrics, and mental health nursing, with emphasis on family-centered and trauma-informed care.
  • Community and population health, leadership and delegation, quality and safety, informatics, and evidence-based practice.
  • Supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings, plus high-fidelity simulation and skills labs.

In Pennsylvania, you must graduate from a Board-approved RN education program to be eligible for NCLEX-RN and RN licensure. National accreditation by ACEN or CCNE is distinct from state approval. While accreditation is not the licensure requirement, it supports transferability of credits, eligibility for many forms of financial aid, employer tuition benefits, and future admission to RN to BSN or graduate programs. Always verify state approval on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing site before you enroll.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

Across Pennsylvania, LPN to RN bridge options are offered by community colleges, state colleges, and universities. You will find LPN to ADN pathways in two-year settings and LPN to BSN options at four-year institutions. Some programs are cohort based, while others admit each term and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working LPNs.

Coursework commonly includes an LPN-to-RN transition course, advanced adult health, complex care, maternal-child, pediatrics, mental health, community health, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and leadership. Labs emphasize head-to-toe assessment, IV insertion and therapy, central line care, wound care, and emergency response. Clinical experiences progress from foundational care to care coordination for multiple patients, interprofessional collaboration, and preparation for RN role responsibilities.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Pennsylvania work in hospitals, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, primary care and specialty clinics, home health and hospice, behavioral health, public health, schools, and correctional health. Shift options vary by setting, with opportunities on days, evenings, nights, weekends, and 12-hour rotations that can support different work and family needs.

Demand for RNs in Pennsylvania is driven by population aging, chronic disease management, and turnover from retirements. Compared with LPN roles, RNs hold broader practice authority that includes comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnoses, complex care planning, IV push medications per policy, and leadership of care teams. That expanded scope typically aligns with higher earnings potential and wider pathways into specialties such as critical care, emergency, perioperative, oncology, behavioral health, care management, and community health. To practice as an RN in Pennsylvania, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and meet Board licensing and continuing education requirements, including mandated training related to child abuse recognition as specified by state law.

LPN to RN Program Length

  • Full-time LPN to ADN bridge: commonly 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites are complete, depending on how much advanced standing the program awards.
  • Part-time LPN to ADN bridge: typically 18 to 30 months of nursing coursework, with lighter semester loads to accommodate work.
  • LPN to BSN bridge: about 2 to 3 years of nursing and upper-division general education after prerequisites, longer if part-time.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts: similar total credit requirements, but clinicals and classes are scheduled outside typical business hours and may extend total time to graduation.

Your timeline depends on completion of prerequisites, transfer credit evaluation, and whether you attend continuously year-round.

2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Pennsylvania

When choosing an LPN to RN program in Pennsylvania, time matters. Balancing work, family, and school makes the fastest and shortest pathways highly valuable. Quicker programs let students transition to nursing roles sooner, boost earning potential sooner, and address the state’s growing healthcare demands faster. However, speed should not compromise quality. The table below provides a clear comparison of schools, their program offerings, key highlights, and graduation and retention rates. Use this data to find a balanced option that fits both your schedule and your educational goals. Actively compare your options to make an informed choice that leads to a rewarding career.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Immaculata University
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • $465 per credit
  • 7-Semester program
  • Complete in as few as seven semesters
  • 126 total credit hours
  • 89% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 :1
Marywood University
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Test optional
  • 2-Year program
  • Complete in as little as two years
  • 120 total credit hours
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 :1
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
  • ACEN accredited
  • 2-Semester program
  • Complete in two short semesters
  • 94% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 2.7 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 :1
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2025 data files.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition varies by institution type and residency:

  • LPN to ADN at public community colleges: roughly 8,000 to 20,000 in in-state tuition for the nursing sequence, not including prerequisites.
  • LPN to BSN at public universities: roughly 20,000 to 45,000 in in-state tuition for upper-division nursing, with private institutions higher.
  • Program fees, books, uniforms, supplies, skills lab kits, testing packages, and clinical onboarding can add 2,000 to 5,000.
  • Licensure costs after graduation include application fees, background checks, and the NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Student housing at public campuses in Pennsylvania commonly ranges around 10,000 to 14,500 per academic year for room and board. Off-campus rent varies by region, with urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh typically higher than small cities and rural counties. Commuting from home can reduce living costs, but budget for transportation, parking, and clinical travel.

2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Pennsylvania

For LPNs moving toward an RN career, affordable education makes a real difference. The table below shows three Pennsylvania schools offering Associate and Bachelor's options. We want to help you compare programs without worrying about hidden fees. Tuition is a big part of the decision, so clear information matters. These programs offer flexible schedules for working nurses. With schools in cities like Pittsburgh and Allentown, opportunities are within reach. In 2027, financial planning is essential. This table highlights program details and cost ranges. Choosing an affordable pathway allows you to focus on learning and career growth. Use this overview to take the next step.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Lehigh Carbon Community College
  • ACEN accredited
  • $31-40 / hour
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Includes Virtual ATI NCLEX-RN review
  • Pathway from LPN to RN to BSN
  • Transfer agreements with BSN programs
  • Courses in med-surg, maternal, pediatric, mental health
  • $7,400 - $11,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $10,600 - $15,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Community College of Philadelphia
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts fall
  • 90% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $7,000 - $10,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $10,200 - $15,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Mount Aloysius College
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: SAT, ACT, TEAS, TOEFL, IELTS
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • $80,000 median earnings
  • Nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing earn $80,000 per year on average
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $22,800 - $34,300 (Undergraduate)
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2025, NCES.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Pennsylvania schools frequently offer hybrid bridges in which some didactic courses are online while skills labs and clinical rotations are in person. Because RN preparation requires supervised clinical practice and hands-on competency evaluations, you should expect to attend campus labs and complete clinical hours at approved Pennsylvania sites under faculty oversight. Fully online completion of all RN education is not permitted.

If you are considering an online or out-of-state program, confirm that the program holds the necessary approval in its home state and that it will arrange clinical placements in Pennsylvania that meet Board standards. Always verify that the program is approved for RN licensure eligibility in Pennsylvania through the State Board before you enroll.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Pennsylvania

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

Graduates of Pennsylvania-approved LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. In Pennsylvania, you apply for RN licensure by examination through the state’s online licensing system (PALS), and register for the NCLEX-RN separately. After the Board deems you eligible, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and can schedule your exam. Results are transmitted to the Board; upon passing and meeting all other requirements, the RN license is issued. If you do not pass, you may retake the exam in accordance with NCLEX retake policies.

The Pennsylvania Board may offer a temporary practice permit for certain exam applicants so they can work under appropriate supervision while awaiting NCLEX results. Availability and conditions are set by the Board and can change; consult the Board when you apply.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Pennsylvania licenses out-of-state RNs by endorsement. If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, you must apply in PALS, verify your license, complete required background checks and training, and meet all Board criteria before a Pennsylvania RN license is issued. Pennsylvania does not maintain separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements with individual states outside of compact participation.

Pennsylvania has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact. As of 2024, nurses holding an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania residents should check current implementation status to determine whether the Board is issuing multistate licenses to Pennsylvania nurses and what steps are required to obtain one.

Licensure Requirements

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. Key requirements for initial RN licensure (by examination or endorsement) typically include:

  • Graduation from an approved RN program (including LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN bridge programs) with official education verification sent to the Board.
  • Completed application and fees submitted through PALS.
  • State and, if applicable, federal background checks as directed during application.
  • Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting training (Act 31): 3 hours from a Pennsylvania-approved provider for initial licensure.
  • Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.
  • For endorsement: verification of your original RN license and evidence of having passed the NCLEX or a predecessor exam.

Foreign-educated applicants may have additional evaluation and English proficiency requirements as directed by the Board.

License Renewal

Pennsylvania RN licenses renew on a biennial cycle that ends April 30 of even-numbered years. RNs must complete all continuing education before submitting renewal in PALS.

  • Continuing education: 30 hours every two years from Board-approved providers.
  • Act 31 training: 2 hours of Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting are required for each renewal cycle.
  • Clinical practice hours: not required for renewal.
  • Keep documentation of completed CE in case of audit and submit your renewal before the deadline to avoid license lapse.

Average LPN State Salary in Pennsylvania

$62,550

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Pennsylvania

$90,830

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

VS

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 1 to 2 years.

Credential Awarded:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

Prepares graduates for entry-level RN positions with a curriculum that builds upon the existing knowledge and skills of an LPN. The focus is on providing direct patient care in various healthcare settings.

Average In-State Tuition in Pennsylvania:

Varies by institution, but generally lower than a BSN. For example, specific programs might have tuition around $15,500 for the entire program.

Best For:

LPNs seeking the quickest route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce with expanded responsibilities. It is also a good option for those who prefer a more hands-on, clinical-focused education.

School Types:

Community colleges and technical schools.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 2 to 4 years, depending on the program structure and the student's prior credits. Some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

Provides a broader education in nursing, including topics such as nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and a holistic approach to patient care.

Average In-State Tuition in Pennsylvania:

Tuition varies significantly by school. For example, one university charges $465 per credit, while another is around $815 per credit. Public universities may have annual in-state tuition around $7,716.

Best For:

LPNs who are interested in pursuing advanced nursing roles, leadership positions, or graduate studies. A BSN is often required for roles in management, public health, and for Magnet hospital employment.

School Types:

Universities and 4-year colleges.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

  • Faster Completion Time: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to the role of an RN, enabling individuals to increase their earning potential sooner.
  • Lower Cost: Associate degree programs at community colleges are generally more affordable than bachelor's degree programs at universities.
  • Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately work as RNs and gain valuable experience, with the option to pursue a BSN later through an RN to BSN bridge program.
  • Focus on Clinical Skills: The curriculum is heavily focused on the essential, hands-on clinical skills needed for direct patient care in a variety of settings.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

  • Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN opens doors to a wider range of nursing roles, including leadership, research, and specialized fields like public health and nursing informatics.
  • Higher Earning Potential: RNs with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential over their careers compared to those with an ADN.
  • Foundation for Advanced Education: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree (DNP or PhD) for roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator.
  • Improved Patient Outcomes: Research has shown that a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses on staff is linked to better patient outcomes, making BSN-prepared nurses highly sought after by hospitals and healthcare systems.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Pennsylvania

Explore the list of LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania below. These schools offer pathways for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers and become registered nurses. The table includes city and state location, program highlights, and links to each school's program page. Review the options to find the right fit for educational goals and career aspirations. We have compiled this information to help make the search easier.
Jump to City:

Bloomsburg, PA

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

  • Associate - Nursing (LPN-RN) Advanced Placement Advisement Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 2-Semester program
    • Complete in two short semesters
    • 94% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 2.7 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Blue Bell, PA

Montgomery County Community College

  • Associate - Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Chambersburg, PA

Wilson College

  • Bachelor's - LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • NLN CNEA accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Complete in over three to four years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • 90% licensure pass rate

Cresson, PA

Mount Aloysius College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: SAT, ACT, TEAS, TOEFL, IELTS
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • $80,000 median earnings
    • Nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing earn $80,000 per year on average
    • Prerequisite courses required

Erie, PA

Mercyhurst University

  • Bachelor's - LPN-BSN Bridge

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • LPN-BSN bridge option
    • Three-year accelerated option
    • Hands-on clinical training
    • State-of-the-art equipment
    • Newly renovated facilities

Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg Area Community College

  • Associate - Nurse - LPN Transitional Track (LPN to RN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Practical nursing license required
    • Advanced standing in nursing program
    • Campuses: Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, York

Immaculata, PA

Immaculata University

  • Associate - Nursing, B.S.N. (LPN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $465 per credit
    • 7-Semester program
    • Complete in as few as seven semesters
    • 126 total credit hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (LPN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $465 per credit
    • 7-Semester program
    • Complete in as few as seven semesters
    • 126 total credit hours
    • 89% licensure pass rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Indiana, PA

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

  • Associate - BS in Nursing for LPNs

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 91% licensure pass rate
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Clinical sites within 60 miles
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Simulations with theater students

Newtown, PA

Bucks County Community College

  • Associate - LPN-RN Advanced Placement

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS, SAT, ACT
    • Starts spring
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Pennsylvania LPN licensure required
    • Challenge exam for ADRN111
    • Spring semester start only

Philadelphia, PA

Community College of Philadelphia

  • Associate - Advanced Placement Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 90% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

Pittsburgh, PA

Community College of Allegheny County

  • Associate - Nursing, A.S. LPN to RN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • 68 total credit hours
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • LPN advanced standing (8 credits)
    • Requires current PA LPN license
    • Prerequisites must be C or better
    • 30 credits must be from CCAC
    • Transferable non-nursing credits

Schnecksville, PA

Lehigh Carbon Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • $31-40 / hour
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Includes Virtual ATI NCLEX-RN review
    • Pathway from LPN to RN to BSN
    • Transfer agreements with BSN programs
    • Courses in med-surg, maternal, pediatric, mental health

Scranton, PA

Marywood University

  • Associate - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Test optional
    • 2-Year program
    • Complete in as little as two years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • Exams: SAT, ACT
    • Test optional
    • 2-Year program
    • Complete in as little as two years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 100% licensure pass rate

Waynesburg, PA

Waynesburg University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • State-of-the-art simulation lab
    • Nursing Immersion Room
    • Clinical experience sophomore year
    • Community health partnerships
    • Sigma Theta Tau chapter

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University

  • Associate - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Challenge up to five nursing courses
    • NLN Mobility Examinations offered
    • Two attempts to pass NLN exams
    • Greater number of career options
  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Challenge up to five nursing courses
    • NLN Mobility Examinations for credit
    • Transfer credits accepted for qualifying courses

Williamsport, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology

  • Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 6-Semester program
    • 69 total credit hours
    • 20 total courses
    • Rolling admissions
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Employer reimbursement supported
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/