Currently, Pennsylvania has 131,000 licensed RNs. Though this is the case, the shortage for nurses is foreseeable in the near future. The Health Resources Service Administration has stated that 54,000 RNs will be required by the year 2020 in order to meet the needs. Throughout the country, the need will be a staggering 500,000 RNs. This makes registered nursing, the quickest growing career in the U.S. till at least 2018; this is according to the AACN or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has pointed out that there should be at least two-thirds of practicing registered nurses that hold a BSN degree. At present, there is only 36-37% of RNs that already hold this degree.
The benefits of accomplishing the BSN degree are numerous. While many RNs begin as staff nurses, those that hold BSN degrees can more easily advance professionally. Bachelorette degree holders also have the option to enroll in Master’s Degree in Nursing easily. Nurses that hold BSN degrees are also are observed to be better prepared to meet their patients’ needs across different medical settings. The degree is also a symbol of credibility and prestige.
Here are top nursing schools to consider if you want to enroll in a RN to BSN Degree Completion program
Pennsylvania State University
Enrollees have an option to study full-time or part-time at any of the 10 campuses. The web-based program is provided by the university through the Penn State World Campus. Founded in 1855, this university is one of the leading nursing education providers in the country, with in-state tuition and fees amounting to $16,444 during the academic year 2012-2013.
BSN students can look forward to the University Park Campus which is renown as the Happy Valley. There is never a dull moment during your BSN study as there are almost 90 sororities and fraternities to consider.
The requirements for the university’s RN to BSN programs may be different at each campus. Get in touch with them to find out about the exact requirements, curriculum and possible ways to pay for the program.
Chamberlain College of Nursing
This educational institution has over 120 years to back its claim that it can help you achieve your nursing goals. The college also has high tech facilities and labs; expert faculty and a student-centered approach in teaching.
The school’s online programs allow the students to take their classes at their own convenient time. This is great news for working individuals and students that are tied up with family obligations.
The Chamberlain online programs are –
- RN to BSN (for registered nurses only)
- MSN (for RNs who also want to take MSN while finishing their BSN degree
- Graduate Certificate Program (for MSN-prepared nurses who would want to specialize in critical areas of nursing)
The Chamberlain College of Nursing is duly accredited by the HLC or Higher Learning Commission. It is also a North Central Association of Colleges and Schools member.
Take note that the program availability may vary depending on the location of the student.
La Salle University in Philadelphia
La Salle is a private, co-educational learning institution with the School of Nursing and Health Sciences located at the original WisterTower in the Germantown Hospital Campus. La Salle aims to provide excellent teaching by facilitating their students’ developments. For them, producing nurses that truly care for their patients is one of their main goals.
The RN to BSN program at this university is fully web-based, hence, students can move forward according to their preferred pace. Faculty members can be contacted through chat rooms and virtual classrooms. The nursing courses can be accomplished in about 13 months with zero clinical requirements.
Updated: March 12, 2026
