Pennsylvania's Premier Nursing Programs: A Guide to the Top 10 Schools
Choosing a nursing school is a monumental decision that sets the foundation for your entire career. If you’re looking for the best programs in Pennsylvania, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides a detailed look at the top 10 nursing schools in the state, helping you understand what makes each one a leader in healthcare education.
How We Determined the Top Schools
To provide a fair and valuable list, these schools were selected based on a combination of important factors. We considered national rankings from trusted sources like U.S. News & World Report, NCLEX-RN pass rates (which show how well a school prepares its graduates for licensure), program accreditation, and the breadth of academic offerings from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees.
Here are the top 10 nursing schools in Pennsylvania that consistently stand out for their academic rigor, clinical excellence, and student success.
1. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Location: Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing is not just the best in the state; it is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the world. As an Ivy League institution, Penn Nursing offers unparalleled resources, including massive research funding and world-renowned faculty. Students get clinical experience at top-tier hospitals like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The school is known for its cutting-edge research and innovation in nursing science. Its BSN program is famous for its rigorous curriculum, and its graduate programs, including numerous MSN and DNP specializations, attract students from all over the globe. The high-tech simulation lab provides a safe and realistic environment for students to master complex clinical skills.
2. University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing is a powerhouse in nursing education and research. It is a top-ranked public university that receives significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), making it a hub for nursing research. The school has a strong partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), giving students access to a vast network of clinical sites.
Pitt’s BSN program is highly competitive and emphasizes evidence-based practice. The school also offers a wide array of graduate programs, including a leading Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to prepare expert clinicians and healthcare leaders.
3. Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Location: Villanova, PA
Villanova’s Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is celebrated for its strong community focus, ethical grounding, and academic excellence. The curriculum integrates Augustinian Catholic values, emphasizing service and compassionate care. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty.
The college boasts exceptionally high NCLEX pass rates, often approaching 100%. Its graduates are highly sought after by employers. Villanova offers traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN for second-degree students, and respected MSN and DNP programs. The college also has a unique focus on global health, offering students numerous opportunities for international clinical experiences.
4. Penn State University Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Location: University Park, PA (and multiple commonwealth campuses)
With campuses across the state, Penn State’s Nese College of Nursing offers accessibility without sacrificing quality. The flagship program at University Park provides the full “big university” experience, while commonwealth campuses offer more intimate learning environments. This structure makes a top-tier nursing education available to students throughout Pennsylvania.
The college is known for its strong clinical preparation and diverse program offerings. Its state-of-the-art simulation facilities, known as the Clinical Simulation Center, allow students to practice skills in realistic settings. Penn State also has a strong PhD program that prepares the next generation of nurse scientists.
5. Duquesne University School of Nursing
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Duquesne University’s School of Nursing is a private Catholic university recognized for its commitment to holistic and ethical nursing care. It was one of the first universities in the nation to offer an online PhD in nursing, establishing itself as a pioneer in distance learning for nurses.
The school offers a highly respected BSN program and a variety of flexible online options for graduate students, including MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees. Duquesne is also noted for its focus on serving vulnerable populations, providing students with meaningful clinical experiences in diverse community settings.
6. Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University is known for its focus on experiential learning, and its nursing programs are no exception. The college’s cooperative education (co-op) program is a major draw, allowing BSN students to gain six months of full-time paid work experience in a healthcare setting before they even graduate.
The college uses advanced technology in its curriculum, including a sophisticated patient simulation lab. Drexel offers a wide range of programs, from an accelerated 11-month BSN for career changers to numerous online MSN and DNP tracks designed for working professionals.
7. Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson College of Nursing
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Located in the heart of a major academic health center, Jefferson College of Nursing provides students with an immersive interprofessional learning environment. Students learn alongside future doctors, pharmacists, and therapists, preparing them for the collaborative nature of modern healthcare.
The college has a strong reputation for clinical excellence and offers a variety of pathways into nursing. This includes a traditional BSN program and an accelerated FACT (Full-Time Accelerated Coursework Track) program that can be completed in one or two years. Jefferson’s strong hospital partnerships ensure students have excellent clinical placements.
8. Temple University College of Public Health
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Temple’s nursing department, housed within its College of Public Health, offers a unique perspective that emphasizes community and population health. This approach prepares nurses to address health disparities and work effectively in urban environments.
The BSN program at Temple is known for its rigorous clinical training in a diverse range of settings across Philadelphia. The university provides a high-quality education at a more affordable price point for a public institution, offering great value for students.
9. University of Scranton Department of Nursing
Location: Scranton, PA
The University of Scranton’s Department of Nursing provides a personalized education grounded in Jesuit traditions of academic excellence and service to others. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive significant individual attention and mentorship.
Scranton’s nursing program consistently reports high NCLEX pass rates and graduate employment rates. The department offers a traditional BSN program as well as graduate programs like the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, which is highly regarded in the region.
10. Widener University School of Nursing
Location: Chester, PA
Widener University has a long-standing reputation for producing skilled and compassionate nurses. The school is known for its leadership focus and provides students with opportunities to develop these skills through its curriculum and student organizations.
The School of Nursing offers a hands-on learning experience in its Center for Simulation and Computerized Testing. Widener provides a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN, and a variety of MSN and DNP tracks, including a popular family nurse practitioner program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor when choosing a nursing school? Accreditation is the most critical factor. Ensure the program is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This is necessary for taking the NCLEX licensure exam and for pursuing graduate education. After that, consider factors like NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement opportunities, and program cost.
What is the difference between a BSN and an ADN? A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is a four-year degree from a university, while an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is typically a two-year degree from a community college. While both can lead to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN), a BSN is often required for leadership positions and is the standard prerequisite for graduate nursing programs.
How competitive is it to get into nursing school in Pennsylvania? The top programs are very competitive. They often require a high GPA, strong standardized test scores (if required), volunteer or work experience in healthcare, a compelling personal essay, and strong letters of recommendation. It’s important to research the specific admission requirements for each school you are interested in.