Find Online Master of Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Over 30 Pennsylvania graduate schools are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and five are accredited by The Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Legislation for Pennsylvania's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is pending as of 2020. The NLC is an agreement that allows nurses in NLC states (of which there are currently 32) to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licensure.
Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires that licensed nurses complete an undergraduate nursing program that is officially approved by the Pennsylvania Nursing Board (or demonstrate approved equivalency).
Additionally, the Board has approved 91 Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Programs, which include numerous MSN in Nursing.
Pennsylvania Advanced Practice licensure laws require that graduate programs also be accredited on a national level by an approved accreditation body.
Online MSN Programs in Pennsylvania
The following state-approved schools offer fully or partially online Master of Science in Nursing programs in Pennsylvania. Other hybrid or blended programs are available in this state, but the following are those that emphasize the online component.
DeSales University
MSN coursework at DeSales University can be completed either entirely online or in a hybrid format that involves campus attendance. The following degrees are available with an online option: MSN + MBA: Nursing and Business Administration Dual Degree, MSN in Forensic Nursing with Certification in Investigative Forensics and MSN in Nursing Informatics with Certification in Healthcare Information Management.
Drexel University
Drexel University has a very extensive list of concentrations within their online MSN programs: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership in Health Systems Management, Nursing Education, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Option), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare, and Women's Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner.
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
This school offers flexible part-time and full-time options for working nurses. Online nursing students can choose between two Master’s programs: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Nursing Informatics.
Villanova University
Online Master’s in Nursing students at Villanova can choose from among the following tracks, all of which offer at least core courses entirely online: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education.
Wilkes University
Wilkes University offers MSN degrees for the following specialties: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nursing Practitioner, Nurse Executive, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
St. Francis University
The MSN in Leadership and Education is the only online Master’s-level degree that can be obtained at St. Francis University.
Typical Curriculum for a Master’s in Nursing
A full-time student can typically complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree in 2 years, though most schools offer a part-time option. Nursing programs generally require students to complete a core curriculum before delving into the nursing specialty of their choice.
This core curriculum tends to cover topics relating to research methods, foundational theories of nursing roles (including ethical and legal considerations), nursing informatics, healthcare policy, pharmacology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology.
Following these initial semesters of coursework, students will learn advanced material relevant to the track of their choice. The latter part of a Master’s in Nursing will likely integrate practical clinical experience with classroom study, allowing students to both learn from and apply their skills to real-life situations.
Nursing Licensure in Pennsylvania
After attending an undergraduate program recognized by the Pennsylvania Nursing Board, applicants must earn a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and then apply with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for licensure to practice in in the state. After completing their Master’s study, Pennsylvania nurses can apply for and obtain an Advanced Practice license from the State Board.
Nurses seeking Advanced licensure in Pennsylvania are required to provide evidence of certification by one of the following state-approved national certifying bodies relevant to their specialty:
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Association
- National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Midwifery Certification Board
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
Pennsylvania requires that nursing licenses be renewed every other year and stipulates a continuing education requirement of 30 hours per renewal period.
Legislation for Pennsylvania’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is pending as of 2020. The NLC is an agreement that allows nurses in NLC states (of which there are currently 32) to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licensure.
Salary Information for Nurse Practitioners in Pennsylvania
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2018 the annual mean salary for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania was $98,250 (lower than the national estimate, which is $110,030). Pennsylvania registered nurses earned an annual mean salary of $70,390 (the national average was estimated to be $75,510) and nurse anesthetists in Pennsylvania earned $171,250 (compared to an estimated national average of $174,790). Nursing instructors in this state earned an annual mean salary of $78,810, on par with the national average of $81,350.
All Accredited Schools with MSN Degrees in Pennsylvania
- MSN - Nursing Education
- The MSN Program Nursing Education track at Alvernia University prepares nurses to instruct nursing students in clinical and classroom settings. Course work includes curriculum development, educational technology and educational assessment.
- MSN - Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration
- The MSN Program Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration track at Alvernia University prepares nurses to become leaders within local, regional, or national healthcare settings. Course work includes leadership and administration and Health Policy, Politics and Advocacy.
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania offers students a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)program that is accredited by the CCNE. This is an online and clinical setting type program.
- MSN: Nursing Administration and Leadership
- Benedictine University offers students an MSN Nursing Administration and Leadership program for those interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE and offers a flexible online schedule.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
- The Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) program at Carlow University prepares nurses to provide primary health care to families and individuals of all ages. The program is accredited by the CCNE and course work is completed online, in class, or a combination of both.
- Education and Leadership, Nursing (MSN)
- Carlow University offers students Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Concentration in Education and Leadership (MSN-NCEL) program for those interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE and offers a flexible online schedule.
- Education and Leadership, Nursing (MSN)
- Carlow University offers students Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Concentration in Education and Leadership (MSN-NCEL) program for those interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE and offers a flexible online schedule.
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Administrator
- Cedar Crest's MSN in Nurse Administrator program is for those interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the ACEN and offers a flexible schedule.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The Master in Nursing program at Clarion University prepares students for roles as in the health care field. Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner is offered and the program is entirely online.
- MSN - Family/Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Department of Nursing & Health
- The DeSales FNP program use Christian moral and ethical principles to assure a broad range of clinical experiences for students. The Family/Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner diagnoses illnesses, and emphasizes on health promotion/disease prevention across a patient life span.
- RN-MSN
- The RN-MSN program at DeSales prepares students with leadership skills for administrative, educational or advocacy roles.
- Nurse Executive MSN/MBA Dual Degree - Department of Nursing & Health
- The Nurse Executive MSN/MBA Dual Degree program at DeSales prepares students to become nurse leaders in management, administration and health policy careers. Classes can be taken online, hybrid and in-class, either part or full time.
- MSN - Nurse Educator Certificate - Department of Nursing & Health
- The Nurse Educator Certificate program from DeSales University is offered to nurses desiring a nursing teaching role. This program is completely entirely online.
- MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Department of Nursing & Health
- The New Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at DeSales offers students the skills to diagnoses and manages acute episodic and chronic mental illnesses. Practitioners often follow patients from hospital to outpatient settings.
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/Individual Across the Lifespan
- The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/Individual Across the Lifespan Drexel Online program teaches advanced-practice nursing knowledge to manage health and illness problems of patients of all ages. This program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN - Nursing Education
- The Drexel MSN Nursing Education program prepares nurses pursuing roles in staff development or nursing education. The program is accredited by the CCNE and is completed online.
- MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management
- The Leadership in Health Systems Management program at Drexel University graduates nurses who are skilled in fulfilling leadership and executive roles within the health care system. The program is accredited by the CCNE and can be completed online.
- MSN in Nursing Innovation
- The MSN in Nursing Innovation from Drexel University offers an entrepreneurial focus in nursing education, nursing administration, nursing practice or entrepreneurial business. The program is accredited by the CCNE and can be completed entirely online.
- MSN Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
- The Family Nurse Practitioner (Individual Across the Lifespan) program at Duquesne University teaches advanced-practice nursing knowledge to manage health and illness problems of patients of all ages. This program can be completed entirely online.
- MSN Nursing Education and Faculty Role
- The Nursing Education and Faculty Role program at Duquesne University prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program requires can be completed online.
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner - Hunt School of Nursing
- Gannon University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program teaches advanced-practice nursing knowledge to manage health and illness problems of patients of all ages. This program is accredited and completed on campus.
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator (MSN-NE)
- Gwynedd Mercy University offers graduates of its MSN-NE program the skills needed for teaching and leadership positions. This program includes three residencies (two-three days) and online delivery format of remaining courses.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The Nursing program at Holy Family University helps develop knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. Areas of specialization include Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.
- Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Administration
- Holy Family University offers nurses a Nursing Administrator program for those who desire a role as clinical systems administrators. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education
- Holy Family’s Nursing Education program prepares nurses pursuing roles in staff development or nursing education. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- M.S.N. in Nursing Administration
- The Nursing Administration program at Immaculata University graduates nurses who are skilled in fulfilling leadership and executive roles within the health care system. The program is accredited by the CCNE and is completed on campus.
- MS in Nursing - Nursing Administration - School of Nursing
- The nursing administration track program at IUP graduates nurses who are skilled in fulfilling leadership and executive roles within the health care system. The program is accredited and is completed online and on campus.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The Nurse Practitioner program at La Roche College offers students the skills they need to function in health care delivery, management and education. The program is accredited by the ACEN and offers specializations in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education.
- MSN - Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- The Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at LaSalle University prepares nurses to work in illness care and management through the patient life cycle. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN - Nursing Administration - JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing
- LaSalle University offers a Nursing Administration program for nurses interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCEN and offers a flexible schedule.
- Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The Master in Nursing program at Mansfield University assists nurses to develop knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program is accredited by the ACEN.
- Master of Health Services Administration
- Marywood University offers a Health Services Administration program for nurses interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN nurse educator
- The Nurse Educator program at Messiah College prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- M.S.N. - Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
- Millersville’s Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide primary health care, treatment and care plans to families and individuals of all ages. The program is accredited by the ACEN.
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Misericordia University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide primary health care, treatment and care plans to families and individuals of all ages. The program is accredited by the ACEN.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The MSN program at Moravian College assists nurses to develop knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program is accredited by the CCNE and offers concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and more.
- Nurse Educator, M.S. - School of Nursing
- The Nurse Educator program at Neumann University prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is accredited by the ACEN.
- M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner - College of Nursing
- The Family Nurse Practitioner program at PennState offers students the skills they need to function in health care delivery, management and education. The program is accredited and can be completed online.
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) - College of Nursing
- PennState offers a Masters in Nursing program, which prepares registered nurses to function and excel in various advanced nursing roles. The program is accredited and concentration areas are available in Nurse Administration, Nurse Education, Adult Gerontology, and more.
- MSN Nurse Educator
- The Nurse Educator program at PennState prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is accredited by the CCNE and is studied online.
- MSN Nurse Administrator - College of Nursing
- PennState offers a Master in Nurse Administrator program for nurses interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE and studied online.
- Nursing Education (M.S.N.)
- The Nursing Education program at RUM prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is accredited and studied entirely online.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Division of Nursing
- The Master of Science in Nursing Program at Jefferson College prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in Adult Gerontology – Acute/Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, Community Systems Administration, Nursing Informatics, and more.
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Penn Nursing’s Family Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide primary health care, treatment and care plans to families and individuals of all ages. The program is accredited by the CCNE and completed on campus.
- MSN Health Informatics - Division of Nursing
- Penn Nursing’s Health Informatics program is for students ready to lead in the informatics role in health related services. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN Nursing Administration
- The Nursing Administration program at Penn Nursing graduates nurses who are skilled in fulfilling leadership and executive roles within the health care system. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN Forensic Science
- The Forensic Science Nursing Program at Penn Nursing prepares nurses to use the foundations of nursing and forensic science in order to give specialized care and services to groups and individuals. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The MSN program at the University of Pittsburgh prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in clinical nurse leader (CNL), and nursing informatics.
- M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner
- The University of Scranton’s Family Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide primary health care, treatment and care plans to families and individuals of all ages. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- M.S.N. Nurse Anesthesia - College of Nursing
- University of Scranton offers a Nurse Anesthesia program for students pursuing roles as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Students will learn basic science, perianesthetic management, patient safety, critical thinking, and communication.
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- The Family Nurse Practitioner program at Villanova University offers students the skills they need to function in health care delivery, management and education.
- MSN Healthcare Administration
- Villanova University offers an MSN Healthcare Administration program for nurses interested in becoming leaders in organizational and administrative roles. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- MSN Nursing Education
- The Nursing Education program at the Villanova University prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
- Master of Science in Nursing - Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions
- The Masters in Nursing program at the Waynesburg University prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Informatics, and more.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The MSN program at West Chester University prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in Nursing Education and Adult-Gerontology CNS.
- Masters Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP - School of Nursing
- The Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP program at Widener University prepares students to provide a full range of primary care services to individuals and families throughout the life span. The program is completed on campus.
- Masters Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP
- The Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP program at Widener University prepares students to provide a full range of primary care services to individuals and families throughout the life span. The program is completed on campus.
- RN to MSN
- The RN to MSN program at Wilkes University prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in Nursing Education, Family Nursing Practitioner, Nurse Executive, and more.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- The MSN program at Wilson College prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the health care system. The program offers concentrations in Education and Leadership/Management.
- MSN Nursing Educator - Department of Nursing
- The Nursing Educator program at Yale University prepares nurses for teaching positions in schools of nursing, staff development, and patient education. The program is completed on campus and is accredited by the CCNE.
