11 Best LPN-to-RN Programs in Pennsylvania – (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania can open up a world of career possibilities. As a registered nurse, your scope of practice will be much broader than it was when you were an LPN, qualifying you for employment opportunities that require you to push IV medications and start blood transfusions. Keeping with your expanded scope of practice, your salary in the Keystone State will increase by 48 percent from $54,520 (LPN) to $80,630 (RN.) Demand for RN services in Pennsylvania is expected to increase by 9 percent over the coming decade. Learn more by reviewing this guide to the 11 best LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN-TO-RN PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA (ONLINE AND CAMPUS-BASED)?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 11 best campus-based and online LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania.
1. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Program Details: If you are a licensed practical nurse looking for great LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University is a school worth considering. Saint Joseph’s offers LPNs the opportunity to enroll on an accelerated path to earn an associate of science in nursing degree. The LPN-to-RN program is a five-semester program with classes available in day, evening, and weekend schedules.
After completing required courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Math, English Composition, and General Psychology, you may enroll in the LPN-to-RN Advanced Placement Module to see if you qualify for advanced placement in the program. The advanced placement module is a six-to-eight-week course that awards seven credits toward the 67 credits required to earn an associate degree in nursing. The module must be taken the semester before beginning the LPN-to-RN program in either the fall or spring semester.
Students in the LPN-to-RN program are guaranteed clinical placements at top healthcare facilities in Pennsylvania. Through scheduled and supervised clinical practicums, you will work alongside expert faculty and preceptors to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills in real-world settings.
Why Choose This Program
• At Saint Joseph’s University, you will learn in the school’s Center for Excellence in Practice Simulation Center. The state-of-the-art simulation center, the first and only one of its kind in the area, is designed to provide realistic simulation experiences that mirror real-life patient care experiences.• Saint Joseph's University has more than 70 years of nursing education history. The nursing program is known for its high-quality and for educating and preparing students for careers as nurses in a variety of settings.
2. Montgomery County Community College - Blue Bell
Program Details: Montgomery County Community College offers an excellent LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. With three start dates per year, you can choose a schedule that is best suited for your lifestyle. LPNs who qualify for advanced standing must complete the program in six semesters.
Lectures are classroom-based and held at the Blue Bell Campus. Additionally, students gain experience at the school's Simulation and Skills Suite and in various clinical settings. The program features a 67-credit curriculum comprised of general education and major nursing courses. Classes encompass a broad range of subjects, including Microbiology & Immunology, Care of Adults with Acute & Chronic Illnesses, Caring for Children & Childbearing Families, and Clinical Decision Making.
The School of Nursing has several clinical partners. You will complete clinical practicums at affiliated agencies, including acute care facilities, sub-acute care facilities, skilled nursing units, and community health partner agencies.
Why Choose This Program
• Montgomery County Community College's large network of alumni, corporate donors, and community members are committed to creating educational opportunities for everyone. Together, they offer several Foundation Scholarships, which could help offset the expenses related to earning your degree.• Graduation is not the final step at Montgomery County Community College. Career Coaches are available to help you with a variety of services, including online career assessment, resume review and cover letter preparation, job searches, and interviewing skills.
3. Pennsylvania College of Technology - Williamsport
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania College of Technology is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses with real-world experience to succeed as registered nurses. The program features an accelerated, hybrid format consisting of distance learning classes and on-site visits once per week. Once prerequisite and general education courses are complete, it takes three semesters to complete the program.
To earn the associate in applied science degree, you must accomplish at least 69 credits. Upon verification of your current unrestricted LPN license, you will be awarded seven of the required credits. The school offers advanced learning labs where you will gain hands-on skills using state-of-the-art equipment, including high -fidelity patient simulators.
Clinical courses such as Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nursing Care of Children, and Childbearing Nursing are complemented by clinical practicum experiences. You will complete a minimum of 400 clinical hours in the program.
Why Choose This Program
• At Pennsylvania College of Technology, you will have the benefit of small classes taught by expert faculty. With a low faculty-to-student ratio, you will have more individualized learning opportunities and attention from dedicated staff.• At PCT, you will work closely with an academic advisor throughout the program. Your advisor will guide you to ensure you stay on track to complete the program successfully and on time.
4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford - Bradford
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program offered at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is one of the best LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to be completed in four semesters. However, with your current LPN license and after completing prerequisite and general education courses, you may be able to complete the program in less time.
In the classroom, you will learn nursing theories and skills. Each course has a clinical component providing hands-on learning opportunities in acute care and community settings. In this program, you will complete a minimum of 66 credits. Upon completion of the program, you will have the advanced knowledge and skills needed to help provide patient-centered, evidence-based care in a variety of settings to patients of all ages.
Why Choose This Program
• In my years of experience working in nursing and allied health education, I have learned to value the results of post-graduation surveys. These surveys give graduates and faculty opportunities to rate a program’s quality and effectiveness in meeting goals. According to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the LPN-to-RN program is highly rated by both program graduates and faculty.• The school also reports excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates among first-time testers who graduate from the program.
5. Butler County Community College - Butler
Program Details: Butler County Community College offers a one-year LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to allow graduates of the Butler County Community College Practical Nursing Program to matriculate into the second year of the traditional associate degree nursing program. New classes are admitted three times per year, in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Students receive 48 advanced credits for completion of the LPN program, which are applied toward the 82 credits required to earn the associate of applied science degree in nursing. The curriculum will prepare you to provide direct care to individuals and families of all ages with various degrees of health or illness. Courses are delivered in a classroom setting by dedicated, experienced faculty. Clinical practicums occur in various settings, including acute care facilities, long-term and assisted care facilities, physicians' offices, and community health centers.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania at Butler County Community College consistently exceed state and national pass rates on the NCLEX-RN. Knowing a program’s NCLEX pass rates is important when choosing where to earn your degree, as NCLEX success indicates the strength of a program.• Butler County Community College reports graduates of its program have excellent job placement rates. Based on responses to graduate surveys, most graduates are employed as registered nurses within six months of program completion.
6. Mount Aloysius College - Cresson
Program Details: At Mount Aloysius College, you will find another excellent LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. The program offers start dates twice per year in the spring and fall semesters. After completing general education and nursing prerequisites, you can anticipate completing the program in four semesters.
The LPN-to-RN program is a 68-credit pathway that confers an Associate of Science in Nursing degree upon completion. Licensed practical nurses who meet articulation criteria for the program may be granted up to 12 credits toward earning the degree. In this program, you will study Adult Nursing, Nursing of the Family, Health Assessment, and Pathophysiology.
In addition to classroom lectures, you will have hands-on learning opportunities in the school’s Nursing Resource & Simulation Center. The center is a four-bed nursing simulation unit featuring life-like computerized mannequins and state-of-the-art simulation equipment. The program also incorporates diverse clinical practicums where you will provide patient care in various healthcare settings. Clinical practicums are arranged by program faculty and supervised by either clinical faculty or approved preceptors.
Why Choose This Program
• At Mount Aloysius College, graduates of the LPN-to-RN program can easily transition to the RN-to-BSN program and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with just three additional semesters of study.• The LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania at Mount Aloysius College boasts a dynamic team of faculty. You will learn from professional nurses with a broad range of clinical experience and expertise. Their knowledge and insight into the nursing profession will guide you as you prepare to transition from your role as an LPN to becoming a registered nurse.
7. Harrisburg Area Community College - Harrisburg
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN Transitional Program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to receive advanced standing in the associate degree nursing program. The program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options.
Classes are admitted two to three times per year, based on which pathway you choose to pursue. The full-time pathway is a daytime program. The part-time pathway is designed to accommodate working students and features day and evening classes. You can graduate in four semesters if you enroll full-time or in eight semesters if you pursue your degree part-time.
The program features a 67-credit curriculum consisting of 30 general education credits and 37 nursing credits. Licensed practical nurses receive some credit for having a current LPN license and may also earn credit for some required courses by passing the appropriate ATI Proctored Assessments. In addition to lectures in a classroom setting, you will have nursing simulation lab sessions on campus and off-site clinical practicums.
Why Choose This Program
• In their quest to help make education more accessible and offer more opportunities for students, Harrisburg Area Community College has articulation agreements with several four-year colleges and universities. Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania at HACC can pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing from educational partners, including Grand Canyon University, Central Penn College, Harrisburg University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.• Harrisburg Area Community College offers one of the best tuition rates among schools offering LPN-to-RN programs, making it easier for prospective students to afford to go back to school. Financial aid advisors will work with you to determine if you qualify for scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance.
8. Northampton Community College - Bethlehem
Program Details: The Advanced Placement RN program at Northampton Community College is another example of an excellent LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. The program is available in an evening/weekend format that begins in the fall of even-numbered years or a daytime format with start dates in the fall and spring of each year. Once you complete general education and support courses, you can complete the program in three semesters.
General education courses are available in a traditional classroom setting or online. Once general education and prerequisites are complete, students enrolled in nursing courses attend lectures, skills labs, and simulation experiences on campus and clinical learning experiences off campus in various healthcare settings.
To earn the associate in applied science degree in nursing, you must complete a total of 71 credits. As a licensed practical nurse, you have the opportunity to receive advanced standing for up to eight credits by testing. The curriculum features classes, including Integrated Concepts for Nursing Practice, Care of Mental Health Patients, and Microbiology for Allied Health. Weekly clinicals begin in the second semester of the program and continue until program completion.
Why Choose This Program
• If you are searching for an LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania that offers flexibility, Northampton Community College is an excellent choice. The program offers day, evening, and weekend classes, making it easy for you to choose a schedule that aligns with your life.• The LPN-to-RN program at NCC incorporates real-world training throughout the entire program. Many classes involve weekly clinical hours that provide extensive hands-on practice. This training is designed to prepare you for success as a registered nurse!
9. Lock Haven University - Lock Haven
Program Details: The LPN-RN Advanced Placement Advisement Pathway at Lock Haven University is one of the best LPN-to-RN programs in Pennsylvania. The program admits students for the fall semester annually. Lectures and labs are delivered face-to-face on campus, and clinical experiences occur off-campus at designated clinical affiliate sites.
The program is a 67-credit pathway. Upon completion of required prerequisites and NACE exams, licensed practical nurses may receive up to 16 nursing credits, which are applied to the requirements for the first year of the curriculum.
Clinical practicums are a crucial part of the curriculum for this LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania and are designed to give you diverse opportunities to provide hands-on patient care. Clinical placement assignments are prepared by nursing instructors and supervised by faculty or approved preceptors.
Why Choose This Program
• Lock Haven University has a wide variety of financial aid options, including honorariums, full tuition waivers, and scholarships available to students in the LPN-to-RN program. The school believes every prospective student should have opportunities to learn without the worry of how to pay for their education.• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania at Lock Haven University have excellent records of success taking the NCLEX-RN! The school reports nearly all graduates pass the exam on their first attempt!
10. Community College of Allegheny County - Pittsburgh
Program Details: The Community College of Allegheny County is home to another featured LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. Licensed practical nurses with a current, unrestricted LPN license in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for this Advanced Standing pathway. Once you complete non-nursing coursework, it takes three semesters to complete the program. New classes are admitted in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.
The program features a 68-credit curriculum. Upon acceptance to the program, LPNs receive eight credits toward the total required credits. In this LPN-to-RN program, you will study Professional Nursing Issues, Complex Health Concepts for Nursing Practice, Family Health Concepts for Nursing Practice, and Leadership & Management Concepts. Additionally, the program incorporates approximately 500 hours of clinical practicum.
Why Choose This Program
• The Community College of Allegheny County offers a diverse, student-centered learning environment. As a student in the LPN-to-RN program, you will find support from peers and dedicated faculty who are committed to your success!• The LPN-to-RN program features a concept-based curriculum coupled with active lab and clinical engagements to prepare you for success in the program and as a registered nurse after graduation!
11. Luzerne County Community College - Nanticoke
Program Details: Luzerne County Community College offers an excellent option for an LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania. The program is available in both day and evening class schedules. Day classes begin yearly in the fall semester. Evening classes admit students every other year in even-numbered years. The program is formatted to be completed in four semesters, including the prerequisite semester.
The LPN-to-RN program is a 73-credit pathway. The curriculum is designed to incorporate classroom learning that includes a wide variety of in-class activities, skills labs, and simulations with diverse clinical practicums. At Luzerne County Community College, you will take classes, including Nursing Concepts, Pharmacology & Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals, and Contemporary Concepts in Nursing. Clinical practicums are held in various healthcare facilities, including acute care, mental & behavioral health, and community settings, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Why Choose This Program
• Luzerne County Community College reports, based on recent surveys, that graduates have an excellent record for job placement. The school reports that employment surveys are sent to students at six months and three years following graduation and that former students indicate they have not only found jobs easily but maintain employment as registered nurses for the long term.• The college reports exceptional NCLEX pass rates, with nearly 100% of first-time testers passing the exam! As a nurse educator, I always advise prospective students to research NCLEX pass rates for any nursing program they are considering. This is an important factor to consider, as the NCLEX tests your knowledge and ability to function in entry-level RN positions, and a school with good pass rates indicates a strong program.
If You're Eyeing LPN-To-RN Programs In The State Of Pennsylvania, Here's Advice From Darby Faubion.
If you are considering an LPN-to-RN program in Pennsylvania, there are several factors to consider. The first advice I offer is to make sure you choose an accredited program. Pennsylvania is home to several excellent accredited LPN-to-RN programs like the ones featured in this article. As you research the programs that are of most interest to you, look for information on the retention and completion rates for the program and NCLEX-RN pass rates for graduates. Additionally, because you plan to transition from an LPN to an RN, your role will be more advanced. You should choose a program that offers clinical opportunities in various types of healthcare settings. Perhaps the most important advice I can give you is to choose a program that has goals and outcomes that align with what you hope to accomplish academically and professionally. Nursing is an awesome career with endless opportunities, and Pennsylvania is an excellent place to earn your next nursing degree!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Starting LPN VS. RN Salary In Pennsylvania: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| RN Average Starting Annual Salary | LPN Average Starting Annual Salary | Difference | |||
| Number | % | ||||
| $64,820 | $47,020 | +$17,800 | +37.86% | ||
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
2. Experience-Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In Pennsylvania: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| Level of Experience | RN | LPN | Difference | ||
| Number | % | ||||
| Entry-Level | $64,820 | $47,020 | +$17,800 | +37.86% | |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $76,320 | $51,090 | +$25,230 | +49.38% | |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $82,780 | $59,650 | +$23,130 | +38.78% | |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $100,620 | $63,530 | +$37,090 | +58.38% | |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $109,740 | $72,270 | +$37,470 | +51.85% | |
| Average Salary | $87,530 | $58,800 | +$28,730 | +48.86% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
3. Metro Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In Pennsylvania: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| Metro | RN Average Annual Salary | LPN Average Annual Salary | Difference | ||
| Number | % | ||||
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $88,660 | $58,900 | +$29,760 | +50.53% | |
| Altoona | $79,140 | $54,440 | +$24,700 | +45.37% | |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $78,660 | $54,600 | +$24,060 | +44.07% | |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $87,440 | $57,460 | +$29,980 | +52.18% | |
| East Stroudsburg | $82,440 | $56,720 | +$25,720 | +45.35% | |
| Erie | $79,070 | $54,200 | +$24,870 | +45.89% | |
| Gettysburg | $80,390 | $56,790 | +$23,600 | +41.56% | |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $86,480 | $58,720 | +$27,760 | +47.28% | |
| Johnstown | $75,360 | $51,520 | +$23,840 | +46.27% | |
| Lancaster | $83,770 | $57,650 | +$26,120 | +45.31% | |
| Lebanon | $89,480 | $59,070 | +$30,410 | +51.48% | |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $94,850 | $63,870 | +$30,980 | +48.50% | |
| Pittsburgh | $82,220 | $57,530 | +$24,690 | +42.92% | |
| Reading | $91,090 | $60,690 | +$30,400 | +50.09% | |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton | $79,680 | $56,360 | +$23,320 | +41.38% | |
| State College | $81,170 | $55,450 | +$25,720 | +46.38% | |
| Williamsport | $86,520 | $54,090 | +$32,430 | +59.96% | |
| York-Hanover | $85,250 | $56,480 | +$28,770 | +50.94% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
4. LPN VS. RN Job Outlook In Pennsylvania: Is The Job Outlook For RN Better Than LPN?
| Occupation | Employment | New Employment Growth (2020-2030) | |||
| 2020 | 2030 | Number | % | ||
| RN | 147,280 | 160,380 | +13,100 | +8.89% | |
| LPN | 37,620 | 41,950 | +4,330 | +11.51% | |
| Difference | +109,660 | +118,430 | +8,770 | -2.62% | |
| (Source: Careeronestop.org) | |||||
5. LPN VS. RN Job Openings In Pennsylvania: Are There More Job Openings For RN Compared To LPN?
| Occupation | New | Replacement | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) | ||
| RN | 1,310 | 7,970 | 9,280 | ||
| LPN | 433 | 3,007 | 3,440 | ||
| Difference | +877 | +4,963 | +5,840 | ||
| (Source: Careeronestop.org) | |||||
6. Average LPN-To-RN Salary In Pennsylvania VS. Average LPN-To-RN Salary In The Nation: Who Earns More?
| Average Pennsylvania LPN-to-RN Annual Salary | Average National LPN-to-RN Annual Salary | Difference | |||
| Number | % | ||||
| $87,530 | $94,480 | -$6,950 | -7.36% | ||
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.