Nursing in Pennsylvania

There are 179 nursing schools in 198 cities, most programs cluster around urban centers like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Rural areas, especially in the northern and central regions, have fewer options, which limits access to nursing education for students living outside metro zones. Community colleges deliver many ADN and LPN programs and tend to be more affordable, while private institutions offering BSN degrees typically charge higher tuition.

The state’s NCLEX pass rates average 90.1%, which is close to the national figure. Yet, there is variation: top programs boast pass rates near 94%, while some schools, particularly for-profits with weaker resources and less clinical support, report rates near 84%. This variation matters because passing NCLEX is essential for nursing licensure and employment.

Pennsylvania is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning nurses must obtain separate licenses to work in other states. Some nearby states have reciprocity agreements, but this process can be time-consuming and costly, limiting flexibility for nurses who want to work regionally.

The nursing job market in Pennsylvania remains generally stable but with local variations. Large health systems like the University of Pennsylvania Health System, UPMC, and Geisinger provide many jobs, mostly concentrated in urban and suburban areas. However, rural counties face nurse shortages and offer incentives for nurses willing to work there. Salaries reflect this divide. Registered Nurses earn about $87,530 on average, but incomes vary widely from around $65,000 up to $110,000, depending on location, specialty, and employer. Advanced practice nurses earn higher wages, with CRNAs making over $200,000 annually. However, Pennsylvania’s cost of living, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, tempers salary advantages. LPNs earn roughly $58,800 on average, but may find fewer opportunities in highly competitive metro markets.

Tuition ranges reflect the diversity of programs and institutions. LPN programs usually cost between $6,000 and $12,000 in public community colleges, while ADN degrees run from around $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the school. BSN programs vary more, with public universities charging in the $20,000 to $35,000 range for full BSN degrees, and private schools charging upwards of $40,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition help can offset costs, but prospective students need to plan carefully against living expenses in higher-cost urban areas.