The Best Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs

Some registered nurses (RN) choose to advance their careers by becoming nurse practitioners (NPs). These professionals work in advanced practice roles more independently than their RN colleagues.

To become an NP, nurses must complete a graduate degree. Nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania train students through advanced-level classes and supervised clinical hours.

It can be challenging to find the best master of science in nursing (MSN) degree that best fits your career ambitions and previous education and work experiences. This ranking offers guidance so you can find the best nurse practitioner program in Pennsylvania for your goals.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Pennsylvania nurse practitioner programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania vary by course requirements and offered concentrations. The curriculum includes advanced level nursing courses and supervised clinical hours. Schools may offer online, on-campus, or hybrid programs. Students usually graduate in 2-3 years, or even one year if they enroll in an accelerated degree.

Common specializations include:

Some universities facilitate RN-to-MSN programs for registered nurses without a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). These programs cover both undergraduate and graduate-level coursework that nurses need to pass their nurse practitioner exams.

Since nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania offer advanced nursing coursework, applicants need an RN licensure, previous work experience, and a BSN to qualify for entry. Some RN-to-BSN programs accept candidates with RN licensure but no bachelor’s degree. Although requirements vary for each program, prospective students can generally expect the following:

When looking for nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania, always look for a program’s accreditation status. Independent, objective representatives from accreditation agencies review academic programs to ensure coursework offers students a high-quality education. Every Pennsylvania nurse practitioner program on this list holds accreditation

Accreditation remains important for many other reasons. Graduates from non-accredited programs may have trouble applying for advanced practice credentials. Other schools may not take transfer credits from non-accredited programs, and employers look for potential hires with accredited degrees. Scholarship opportunities are typically open to students attending accredited universities. Finally, nurses with non-accredited degrees may not be able to transfer their licensure through reciprocity.

Nurses must obtain an MSN before they qualify for NP licensure in Pennsylvania, which often takes two years to complete. However, this timeframe can vary based on several factors. Some nurses may enroll in accelerated programs and can graduate in one year, while others enroll part time and need three years of study. RN-to-MSN programs typically take longer as well.

Nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania have reduced practice authority. Although NPs can independently perform many of their duties, they need a collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe and dispense medication.

NPs in Pennsylvania earned a mean salary of $117,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurse practitioners in metropolitan areas tend to make more, with NPs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia earning average wages of over $120,000, BLS statistics show.

For many NPs, becoming a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania is worth it. The position leads to advancement in the nursing career, higher salaries, greater responsibilities, and the opportunity to practice with greater independence. NPs who prefer full practice authority, however, may prefer to earn licensure in another state.