5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Pennsylvania 2025

Many nursing programs throughout Pennsylvania help students start careers as registered nurses (RNs). Some have tough admission standards, while others make enrollment easier by accepting more students. Are you ready to start a nursing career in the state but worry that you can't gain admission? Keep reading to discover some of the easiest nursing schools to get into in Pennsylvania.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania?

The competitiveness of nursing schools in Pennsylvania varies. Programs at schools like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh are more selective. If you're seeking less selective schools, community colleges that offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are good options.

Would you like to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or earn a hospital-based diploma in Pennsylvania? Quality programs are available that aren't as selective. When searching for the easiest nursing degrees, consider programs that have higher acceptance rates. Also, look for schools that don't require test scores or ask for lower prerequisite GPAs.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Pennsylvania Nursing Schools?

There are no standard admission requirements for PA nursing programs. Each school sets its guidelines; however, top programs align their standards with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Here are a few of the more common nursing school requirements that students should expect to meet or complete:

• minimum GPA
• high school or college transcripts
• prerequisite courses with a minimum letter grade
• minimum ACT/SAT score
• minimum TEAS score

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Pennsylvania

Are you looking for the easiest nursing programs to get into in Pennsylvania? Explore the best nursing schools for students seeking a simpler path to admission.

1. Gwynedd Mercy University

At Gwynedd Mercy University, students can choose from several BSN programs. This school, which has a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of over 91%, offers a traditional BSN, transfer option (no TEAS scores required), hybrid weekend BSN, and hybrid accelerated BSN (ABSN).

Students who want to enroll as transfer students with fewer than 45 credits should have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs can be admitted to the school's Health Studies program. After earning a 3.0 in this program, students will gain full admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $732 to $878 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 94% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. Duquesne University

Duquesne University offers several graduate programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options. Learners interested in bachelor's degrees can also find two on-campus BSN programs (traditional and second degree) with 100% NCLEX pass rates.

Admission to each BSN program requires a 3.0 GPA. The traditional BSN's SAT and ACT scores have been waived for freshmen. Prospective students of the second-degree program need grades of C or better in prerequisite coursework to enroll.

• Estimated tuition cost: $32,974 to $51,068 for fall and spring semesters (in-state); $32,974 to $51,068 for fall and spring semesters (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 79% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. UPMC Jameson School of Nursing

The UPMC Jameson School of Nursing, which offers 16-month full-time RN and LPN-RN bridge hospital-based diploma programs, has a reputation for quality nursing programs with high NCLEX pass rates. Nursing courses teach mental health nursing, pediatric patient care, NCLEX test concepts, and more. The program also provides real-world, hands-on clinical experiences.

To enroll, students must submit a current high school transcript with prerequisite courses. A TEAS score of 58.7% is required for select students. All UPMC colleges of nursing have rolling admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $422 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 74%
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. UPMC Mercy School of Nursing

The UPMC Mercy School of Nursing is a hospital-based diploma school of nursing for students interested in becoming RNs. The school offers two programs for future nurses: the 16-month and the 24-month option. In these programs, learners take fundamental and advanced classes and can start working with patients during the program's first semester.

To apply, students create an account and submit an online application. Admission requirements include being a high school graduate, completing prerequisite courses, and having a TEAS score of 58.7%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 74%
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

Learners at the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing can pursue a full-time, 16-month RN program that begins each fall and spring. The nursing school also offers a 32-month RN program for students who want to learn part-time in the evenings and weekends.

The admission process for the Shadyside SON is similar to other UPMC campuses. Students complete an online application and include their high school transcripts, TEAS scores, prerequisite courses, and other details.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Accreditation: ACEN

How We Rank Schools

Our team closely vetted the schools in this ranking list to ensure each has met the criteria for providing a quality learning experience below:

• Accreditation: All programs in this list are accredited by the CCEN or the ACEN.
• Acceptance rates: We picked schools that offer quality nursing programs with higher acceptance rates.
• Program reputation: Nursing programs in this list have good reputations, with most having high NCLEX pass rates.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Nursing programs prepare students for careers as nurses at different levels. For instance, an ADN or BSN teaches concepts like mental health nursing, critical care, and fundamental nursing practice. In these programs, students also get hands-on experience through clinicals.

Learners who want to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, earn a master's degree in nursing. These programs teach advanced nursing coursework. Students also complete clinical rotations to secure licensure.

At many schools, nursing programs are offered on the college campus. But you can also find online nursing programs that provide virtual courses. In these programs, learners complete clinicals in their local region.

Coursework in all nursing programs can be challenging, but with hard work, students can complete their studies, obtain a license, and enter the job market with confidence.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

Are you ready to pick a nursing program? Review the FAQs below to learn more about the easiest nursing schools to get into.

Is Nursing School Hard?

For students who struggle with math, nursing school can be tough. Most schools require high school math as a prerequisite to admission. Many programs also include college algebra or a similar math course in their nursing coursework.

Alongside challenging classes, students must work up to 12 hours each week in a healthcare setting once clinicals begin. While juggling school and work can be tough, most students agree that snagging their dream job makes the effort worth it.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Whether an online nursing school is easier than a traditional school depends on the student. Some love the flexibility of online learning. Others find that visiting the campus to take classes in person is best.

One perk of online learning at some schools is the ability to speed up degree completion. This option is common for students seeking a BSN who already work as RNs. If you're looking for the easiest RN to BSN program online, consider schools that let students access courses and complete studies in their own time.

Can I Get Into Nursing School With a Low TEAS Score?

While a low TEAS score isn't ideal, it doesn't mean your hopes of becoming a nurse are over. Some schools have a holistic review process that looks at GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and prerequisite courses, alongside the TEAS. You can also find schools that don't require TEAS scores (e.g., Gwynedd Mercy University's BSN transfer option).

When searching for nursing programs, look for schools that accept lower TEAS scores or have no score requirements. If the school you want to attend requires a high TEAS score, you can always retake the test.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Pennsylvania?

Several programs in Pennsylvania help learners become nurses in just over one year. For example, the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing offers 16-month RN programs. The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing and the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing also have 16-month options.

Picking a fast-track nursing program is just one way to start an RN career. You can also take self-paced nursing prerequisites online that help you meet program admission requirements in less time.

What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania?

The nursing career outlook for RNs nationwide is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 6%, with nearly 195,000 new openings each year through 2033. In Pennsylvania, the most recent job data from the BLS reveals annual employment for RNs of 144,100.

What Is the Hardest Nursing Class?

It's normal for students to have a class that gives them more trouble than others. But a common consensus among nursing students is that Anatomy and Physiology, or A&P, is the hardest nursing class in most programs. But it's not the only course students find difficult. Learners say pharmacology and health assessment are also harder than most classes found in nursing programs.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

Take the next step toward a rewarding career in nursing by exploring the degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.