In Pennsylvania, family nurse practitioners are recognized as primary care providers and can work in hospitals, health centers, clinics, and doctors’ offices. They can also prescribe medication but must enter a collaborative agreement with a physician to do so.
Nurses hoping to pursue an FNP degree in Pennsylvania have more than fifty options. Whether you have an associate’s degree or want to complete your doctorate, there is a Pennsylvania NP program for you.
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Pennsylvania RN to FNP Programs
RN-to-FNP programs cater to nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma and extensive professional experience. Rather than completing a separate BSN program, the BSN and MSN coursework is integrated into a single program, as in the below offering from Georgia State University.
Bloomsburg Commonwealth University
- Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Online or hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 93
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $516 per credit + fees for residents; $774 per credit hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Bloomsburg Commonwealth University offers an FNP option for RNs that allows them to get a BSN and MSN in a condensed time frame. Students have the option of taking classes online or in person, with all in-person classes on the Bloomsburg and Dixon Center campuses. The BSN curriculum and the core MSN components are available online. The full-time option takes four years from start to finish.
Saint Francis University
- Loretto, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 97
Clinical Hours: 702
Tuition: $625 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The RN to BSN to FNP option at Saint Francis University is designed for working nurses. The program combines asynchronous online learning, on-campus residency days, and in-person clinical experiences. The BSN to MSN portion of the program requires two on-campus visits, but the MSN to FNP portion has additional required residency days.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $729 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
In the RN to FNP program at Wilkes University, RNs can complete an MSN program in as little as three years without obtaining a BSN degree. Clinical placement and support costs are built into the program, so students don’t have to worry about finding their own site. All coursework can be completed online, and no campus visits are required.
Pennsylvania BSN to FNP Programs
Nurses with a BSN have many ways to pursue an FNP in Pennsylvania. The programs below offer various options, including online programs and those that allow students to complete a DNP.
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Online or Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $918 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Carlow University offers two options for baccalaureate-prepared nurses: a BSN to FNP hybrid program or a BSN to FNP online program. Hybrid classes meet in person twice monthly at the Oakland campus. Based on enrollment, courses may also be offered at Carlow’s satellite campuses in Cranberry or Greensburg. These degrees take about 28 months to complete, and students can start during the fall or spring semesters. Carlow University also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate FNP program for nurses with an MSN in another area. This 36-hour program includes 600 clinical hours completed in and around the Pittsburgh area and can take as few as 27 months to complete. Students can attend classes either in person or online.
Cedar Crest College
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus immersions and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 728
Tuition: $670 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Classes for the BSN to MSN program at Cedar Crest are delivered in an online synchronous format with in-person clinical and a mandatory on-campus immersion in the school’s state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center. The program takes 2.5 years to complete. Cedar Crest also offers a BSN to FNP DNP, with 80 credits and 728 clinical hours, and a Post-Graduate Certificate FNP, with 25 credits and 728 clinical hours.
Bloomsburg Commonwealth University
- Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with minimal on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: 920
Tuition: $516 per credit + fees for residents; $774 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Bloomsburg Commonwealth University offers asynchronous online core classes. Clinical courses are also online but use a synchronous format and may have minimal on-campus requirements. This program can be completed in 2.5 years full-time; part-time options are also available.
DeSales University
- Center Valley, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus specialty courses and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 50
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $975 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
DeSales University’s BSN to FNP program is offered through a hybrid format. Core classes are available entirely online, advanced classes may have on-campus requirements, and specialty clinical courses meet on campus one night a week from 5 pm to 9 pm. Students must also complete 75 clinical hours. Full-time students can complete the program in two calendar years; part-time students can complete it in three. A Post-Graduate Certificate FNP is also available for nurses with an MSN in another area. The requirements of this program depend on a gap analysis but can be between 23 and 41 credits with a minimum of 500 clinical hours.
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 63
Clinical Hours: 1,149
Tuition: $1,115 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Drexel’s BSN to FNP program features online courses with mandatory on-campus intensives consisting of simulations, evaluations, and other learning experiences. These visits occur two to three times a year during the clinical portion of the program and generally last from two to three days. There are also mandatory quarterly on-campus visits. This program is only offered on a part-time basis to accommodate the schedules of working nurses. An MSN to FNP Post-Graduate certificate, with 38 credits, is also available, and most coursework is completed online.
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: 700
Tuition: $1,765 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Duquesne University features online classes with some on-campus requirements, including 25 lab hours. What is most notable about this program is that Duquesne boasts a 100% pass rate for the AANPCB Family Nurse Practitioner for 2018 through 2021. This university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP, consisting of 33 credits and 700 clinical hours over 2.5 years.
Gannon University
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $900 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Gannon University’s BSN to FNP track is a part-time program that takes about 2.5 years to complete. All courses are online and asynchronous, so working nurses can complete their coursework at a time that suits their schedules. Gannon also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate FNP program that is 33 credits. Although classes are all online, students in either FNP program are welcome to come to campus to take advantage of the facilities at any time.
Immaculata University
- Immaculata, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-pearson clinical
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: 825
Tuition: $710 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Immaculata University offers hybrid classes, blending the convenience of online learning with the support of face-to-face instruction and the technology of on-campus simulation labs. The university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate FNP between 11 and 35 credits to complete, depending on previous degrees and work experience.
LaSalle University
- Philadelphia, PA
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 692
Tuition: $975 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
LaSalle University’s BSN to FNP program offers online courses in an accelerated format so nurses can fit their coursework around their busy schedules. The program offers multiple start dates every year, so you don’t have to wait too long to start after you’ve been accepted. LaSalle also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP for nurses who already have a master’s degree in another specialty.
Messiah University
- Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 86
Clinical Hours: 1,215
Tuition: $940 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to DNP program from Messiah University provides a pathway for bachelor’ s-prepared nurses to pursue a DNP degree. Courses are mostly online, with two on-campus three-day summer sessions required. Full- and part-time options are available. Courses are offered in six-, eight-, 12-, and 16-week sessions, and the program can be completed in as little as three years. This program also boasts a 100% pass rate on the national exam.
Misericordia University
- Dallas, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 68
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $870 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Misericordia University’s BSN to DNP program lets students seamlessly transition from a BSN to a DNP. The part-time program takes ten semesters or three years and one summer to complete. Most of the class work is completed in an online, asynchronous format, but there are two on-campus intensive sessions, one before clinical begins and another in the second year. There is also a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option that consists of 50 credits and 630 clinical hours.
Moravian University
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 650
Tuition: $999 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Moravian University’s BSN to FNP program is in-person and uses a cohort model, so students take courses with the same group of people throughout the program. In addition to the 650 required clinical hours, this program also has 30 lab practice hours. Moravian also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. Courses and clinical hours will vary depending on the gap analysis conducted by the program director.
Neumann University
- Aston, Pennsylvania
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 840
Tuition: $860 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP option at Neumann University offers online classes with hands-on clinical experiences with preceptors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This program boasts a 100% pass rate for the Nurse Practitioner National Certification in 2022. A 34-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option is also available.
Pennsylvania State University
- State College, Pennsylvania
- Various
Modality: Various
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Pennsylvania State University offers a variety of FNP programs for nurses interested in pursuing the next level of their careers. Penn State World is the University’s online school and offers a BSN to FNP program and Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP that can be completed mostly online with in-person clinicals. The University also offers a BSN to FNP program at its Scranton campus in the northeastern part of the state.
Pennsylvania Western University
- Various Cities, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 518
Tuition: $9,155 per term + fees for residents; $12,178 per term + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Penn West University offers classes mostly online, with some on-person skills workshops at one of its three campuses, Edinboro, California, or Clarion. This university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. Both of these programs focus on primary care.
Robert Morris University
- Moon Township, Pennsylvania
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 86
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,060 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
This BSN to DNP FNP option at Robert Morris University is an on-campus program that can be completed within 3.5 to four years. Each student will get an individual plan of study developed with their academic advisor to consider previous experience and education and meet each student’s particular needs.
Saint Francis University
- Loretto, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 702
Tuition: $625 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Saint Francis offers a BSN to FNP program that is designed for working nurses. The program mixes asynchronous online learning, on-campus residency days, and in-person clinicals to give students well-rounded, flexible experiences. The school also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program that is also 48 credits and 702 clinical hours.
Saint Joseph’s University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 53
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $954 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Both the BSN to FNP and Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP programs at Saint Joseph’s University offer flexible online classes. Those with a BSN can complete the program in as little as two years by completing clinical requirements and taking only eight online classes. The certificate program requires 500 clinical hours and four to six online classes. This university currently has a 100% pass rate for the AACN/ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) exams.
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $1,298 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Thomas Jefferson University, the BSN to FNP program takes between two and five years to complete. Students can take more than two classes per term, and every student will create an individual plan of study. This university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program, which is 18 credits with required in-person clinical experience.
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 14
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $6,392 per course unit
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at the University of Pennsylvania is technically considered an in-person program, but some courses may be offered in an online format to accommodate students’ work schedules. Clinical experiences take place on Penn’s campus or in affiliated sites. This program can be completed full-time or part-time. Full-time study begins every August and lasts 16 months.
University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,231 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Pittsburgh has multiple campuses and multiple options for those wishing to pursue a DNP as an FNP. The BSN to DNP FNP in-person option is offered at Pitt’s Main Campus in Pittsburgh. The program is 92 credits with extensive clinical requirements and can be completed full- or part-time. There is also a BSN to DNP FNP Distance Option, where students can take some classes online from home and attend classes at satellite locations around the state.
Villanova University
- Villanova, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 730
Tuition: $1,050 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Villanova University, nurses can compete in a hybrid format in the BSN to FNP program. Core and support courses can be completed in person or online, while clinical courses are completed in person in either Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New Jersey. The university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program with 32 credits and 730 clinical hours. Support courses can be completed online or on campus.
Widener University
- Chester, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Nurses have two options at Widener University: a BSN to FNP or BSN to DNP FNP program. The MSN program has 45 credits with 525 clinical hours, and the DNP program has 73 credits with 1,310 clinical hours. Widener also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program that is 24 credits with 525 clinical hours. In-person courses can be completed at either the Chester or Harrisburg campuses.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus visits and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 584
Tuition: $729 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Wilkes University offers classes completely online with minimal required campus visits. It takes as little as two years to complete and offers multiple start dates every year. Wilkes also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program that’s 30 credits with 584 clinical hours. Clinical placement services are built into both programs’ costs, so students do not have to worry about finding their own clinical sites.
York College of Pennsylvania
- York, Pennsylvania
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 784
Tuition: $695 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
York College of Pennsylvania’s BSN to FNP program can be completed in as little as two years. Most classes are available online, though on-campus visits may be required. This program offers multiple start times a year, so students can apply throughout the year and won’t have to wait long to start their program after they’ve been accepted.
Online FNP Programs
While all of these programs require in-person clinical, many online programs have on-campus requirements. These programs usually require students to be on campus a few days a year for labs, intensives, clinical preparation, or evaluations.
There are a few programs, though, that do not require on-campus visits. If you’re looking for an online program that only requires in-person clinical, consider the programs at Gannon University, LeSalle University, and Neumann University.
Best FNP Programs in Pennsylvania
The best FNP programs in the state highly depend on what you are looking for. Pennsylvania offers more than 50 FNP programs, so there will likely be something for everyone.
Some programs with high certification exam pass rates include Duquesne University, Messiah University, Neumann University, and Saint Joseph’s University. Neumann University, LeSalle University, and Gannon University don’t have on-campus requirements, so that they may be more flexible.
MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certificates
MSN to FNP programs are for nurses with a master’s degree in another area, like education or informatics, who want to expand their skills and work as FNPs. Many of these programs allow for a gap analysis when the college or university evaluates the student’s past education and experience to see if they meet the criteria for any of the course requirements. Many programs listed above offer these certificates and other FNP options, but La Roche University offers only a post-graduate certificate for people interested in this field.
La Roche University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: 800
Tuition: $868 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
La Roche University in Pittsburgh offers a Post-Graduate MSN to FNP program comprising 30 credits and 800 clinical hours, which can be completed in two years. Some of the coursework may be able to be completed online, but on-campus work is also required. In addition to clinical hours, certificate students must complete 15 hours in the university’s simulation center, focusing on normal and abnormal findings.
Pennsylvania’s Most Affordable FNP Programs
Because there are so many programs to choose from in PA, you will find a wide range of prices. Some of the most affordable options include Bloomsburg Commonwealth University, Saint Francis University, Cedar Crest College, York College of Pennsylvania, and Wilkes University.