Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania 2026

<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>All aspiring nurses must earn a high school diploma or complete an equivalent level of education. All college-level nursing programs require this. </p><p>If you're still in school, consider taking advanced science courses in topics like biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. These classes will help prepare you for careers in healthcare. </p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>There are many different types of nursing programs. Examples include traditional associate and bachelor's degrees, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a>, LVN or LPN programs, and bridge programs. </p><p>The type of program you enroll in will depend on your career goals and current level of education. We'll explore each program type in greater detail below. </p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>Once you've completed your nursing education program, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn your nursing license. This exam is completed in person at a testing center in your local community. </p><p>You will sit for either the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN, depending on whether you are seeking licensure as a practical nurse or a registered nurse. Upon passing your exam of choice, you'll receive your license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. </p><h3 id="section---PennsylvaniaLicensureRequirements">Pennsylvania Licensure Requirements</h3><p>To pursue nursing licensure in Pennsylvania, you'll need to have completed a state-approved and accredited nursing program. You may need to show proof of completion of your program of choice. </p><p>Aspiring Pennsylvania nurses can pass either the NCLEX exam or the State Board Test Pool Exam to earn their license. They will also need to complete an application and submit an application fee, along with submitting a background check. </p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInPennsylvania">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania</h2><p>As noted, many different types of nursing programs can help students meet the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a>. Let's look at some of the programs with the fastest average completion times. </p><h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months </li></ul><p>LPN programs, also sometimes called LVN programs, train licensed practical nurses. These entry-level professionals provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and commonly work in nursing homes, home health settings, and other care facilities. </p><p>LPN programs typically consist of coursework, skills labs, and real-world clinical experiences. They are usually completed on-campus on a full-time basis. </p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year </li></ul><p>Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees are also called ABSN programs. They make it possible for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn a second degree and enter the healthcare field quickly. </p><p>These are intensive, full-time programs that require hands-on experiences through clinicals and labs. Students may complete coursework in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on availability. </p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>RN-to-BSN bridge programs are for students who have already completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma program to earn their RN license. They are accelerated completion degrees that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. </p><p>These programs often cater to busy working nurses by providing fully online coursework. In-person components may or may not be required. </p><h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>If you have already completed an LPN program and are licensed as an LPN, you can pursue enrollment in a LPN-to-RN bridge program. This type of program builds on LPNs' previous experience and education to help them earn an ADN or BSN quickly. </p><p>These bridge programs may be offered in full-time or part-time formats and may include online coursework options. Students must complete clinical rotations and labs as part of their training. </p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years </li></ul><p>Students who are just starting out with no previous college or healthcare experience can enroll in an ADN program. These programs are usually available through community colleges and may be offered in hybrid or in-person formats. They may lead to Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. </p><p>Students can pursue their education on a full-time or part-time basis; full-time learners can graduate within two years. Students will complete coursework, skills labs, and clinical rotations as part of their program. </p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInPennsylvania">Fastest Nursing Degrees in Pennsylvania</h2><p>If you're ready to begin your nursing career path, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top schools in Pennsylvania offering fast nursing programs. </p><h3 id="section---1.DrexelUniversity">1. Drexel University</h3><p>Drexel University is a private school located in Philadelphia. It offers one of the fastest ABSN programs available in Pennsylvania — students can graduate within 11 months. </p><p>Students must complete several prerequisite courses before entering the program. Most program coursework is completed in person, with some minimal online components. Courses and related activities run for four consecutive 10-week terms, requiring full-time participation. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $61,836 total </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 11 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.ThomasJeffersonUniversity">2. Thomas Jefferson University</h3><p>Thomas Jefferson University is another top private school in Philadelphia. Students can pursue a full-time ABSN program that takes 12 months to complete. </p><p>The program comprises 60 undergraduate and nine graduate credit hours, providing a fast track for students interested in becoming nurse practitioners by pursuing their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The program is completed in person at the Center City and Dixon campuses. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $55,588 total </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.PennsylvaniaCollegeOfTechnology">3. Pennsylvania College of Technology</h3><p>Pennsylvania College of Technology is a public school affiliated with Pennsylvania State University. Located in Williamsport, it offers a hybrid LPN-to-RN bridge program designed to be completed in three semesters of continuous study. </p><p>The program features primarily online coursework with one on-site visit per week. Students must also complete clinical rotations to fulfill educational requirements for their RN licenses. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $608 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.PennsylvaniaInstituteOfTechnology">4. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology</h3><p>Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is a private technical school located near Media. Students can complete an LPN program in 12 months through a full-time program of study. </p><p>The program is available on campus and requires prerequisites before entering. The program provides a comprehensive learning experience through lectures, lab work, and clinical rotations. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $505 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, ACEN </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.WilkesUniversity">5. Wilkes University</h3><p>Wilkes University is a private school in Wilkes-Barre. It offers various nursing degree programs, including a hybrid ABSN degree program that teaches essential nursing practice and critical thinking skills within 15 months. </p><p>The program offers greater flexibility than most ABSN programs by offering fully online coursework. Once students have completed this coursework, they participate in a two-week, hands-on residency on campus before transitioning to clinical experiences. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $15,569 per term </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We strive to choose top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the nursing programs above: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE, and the nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All of the schools have strong reputations for providing top-notch nursing education programs. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> The programs featured above represent some of the fastest nursing degrees and certificates available in Pennsylvania. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInPennsylvania">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in Pennsylvania</h2><p>If you still have questions about pursuing your PN or RN license quickly, you're not alone. Below, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>The amount of time you spend in nursing school depends on the type of program you enroll in. LPN, bridge programs, and ABSN degrees can be completed in one to two years or less. ADN programs last about two years, and traditional BSN programs take about four years to complete. Regardless of your program, choosing the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> can be highly beneficial as you complete your coursework. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>Tuition costs can vary widely depending on whether you attend a public or private school and the type of degree you're pursuing. The average costs among the schools featured above range from around $30,400 to more than $61,000. </p><p>Attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_pennsylvania.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> can help you save money and graduate on a budget. </p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>It is possible for current healthcare professionals or those with bachelor's degrees in any field to become registered nurses within a year. Those just starting college typically need about two to four years to complete their nursing education and get their RN license. </p><p>If you're looking to become an LPN, you can complete this training in as little as one year; this can help you get your foot in the door in various healthcare settings and gain entry-level experience as a new nurse. </p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to become part of a healthcare team as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today for more information on their programs and find the right one for you.</p>