State of Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
One innovative approach that was undertaken by Pennsylvania and a few other
states when it comes to filling the needs for more nurses is making
accelerated nursing programs available. Offered at both baccalaureate and
master’s levels, these programs build upon past learning experiences.
These also train students in higher disciplines of nursing.
If you would like to enroll in the ABN program anytime soon, here a brief
overview of three nursing schools in Pennsylvania–
University of Pittsburgh
This is a public university situated in Oakwood in Pittsburgh, PA and was
founded in 1787. It was originally a private learning institution known as the
Pittsburgh Academy. Through years of academic expansion, it soon became the
University of Pittsburgh in 1908. This is now home to 17 colleges and schools
with an annual enrollment of 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Many nurses have been trained at this university since 1939 and it is now
highly ranked in America’s Best Graduate Schools.
The Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn the BSN degree after
three terms of full-time clinicals and classroom work.
The deadline for the submission of applications is in February for Fall term,
June for those who prefer the spring term and October to those who would like
to study during the summer.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
This public university spans 585 acres and sits right in Edinboro, PA. It has
campuses in Meadville and Erie and was founded in 1857. Originally called the
Edinboro Academy, this school has helped prepare students for teaching
careers. It has now more than a hundred degree programs and enrolls over 9,000
undergraduate and graduate students yearly.
Edinboro's Nursing Department offers 4 tracks in earning the BSN degree. The
Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn the degree in just 15 months.
To become eligible for this, you must have earned at least a bachelor's degree
in fields other than nursing. You must also have completed prerequisite
classes.
Pennsylvania State University
Also referred to as the Penn State, this is a public university that is
located in University Park, PA. It has 19 more campuses throughout the state.
This school was founded by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of PA in
1855 and was formerly called Farmers' High School Pennsylvania.
Penn State now has 14 schools and colleges to boost, with a yearly enrollment
of 90,000 students. The school of Nursing has more than 2,500 students in
these 13 campuses. The Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn their
BSN degree in a quicker and more intensive manner. In just 16 months of
full-time study, you can earn your BSN degree.
The deadline for application is in November for those that are enrolling in
August.
Updated: February 23, 2026
