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. Pennsylvania became a Full Practice Authority state in 2025 under Act 68, removing this requirement after a three-year collaborative period.
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.
Pennsylvania FNP Programs Quick Facts
- Universities Offering FNP Programs in Pennsylvania: 27
- CCNE Accredited FNP Programs in The State: 24
- ACEN Accredited FNP Programs in the State: 3
- Average Tuition Costs: $22,000 to $44,000
FNP Programs Accepting Pennsylvania Applicants
Pennsylvania RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (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 is offered by the three universities below.
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:
Saint Francis’s RN to BSN to FNP is designed for working nurses, combining asynchronous online learning, on-campus residency days, and in-person clinicals. The BSN-to-MSN portion requires two on-campus visits; the MSN-to-FNP portion adds further residency requirements. Fits central PA nurses without a BSN who want to continue in the same program through FNP certification.
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:
Wilkes’s RN to FNP lets RNs skip the standalone BSN and complete the MSN in as little as three years. Clinical placement and support costs are built in, so students don’t source their own preceptors. All coursework is online with no required campus visits — one of the most flexible RN-to-MSN paths in PA.
Pennsylvania BSN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Nurses with a BSN have many ways to pursue an FNP in Pennsylvania. There are many top-ranked FNP programs in the state, including those offered by the University of Pennsylvania and Duquesne.
Those looking for efficiency should consider Cedar Crest College, Bloomsburg Commonwealth University, or Gannon University, as their programs can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. Meanwhile, those looking for affordable CCNE-accredited programs can go to either Bloomsburg Commonwealth University or York College.
Below are various FNP 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 offers both a hybrid and fully-online BSN-to-FNP pathway. The BSN to FNP hybrid meets in person twice monthly at the Oakland campus (with satellite options at Cranberry and Greensburg). The BSN to FNP Online delivers the same curriculum fully online. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate FNP. Carlow is the Pittsburgh Catholic liberal-arts option.
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:
Bloomsburg’s direct BSN to FNP uses asynchronous online core classes plus synchronous online clinical courses with minimal on-campus requirements. The program finishes in 2.5 years full-time with part-time options 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’s BSN to FNP delivers core classes fully online, advanced classes with occasional on-campus requirements, and specialty clinical courses one evening per week on campus from 5 to 9 pm. The program adds 75 clinical hours on top of standard requirements. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate FNP.
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 runs online coursework with mandatory on-campus intensives (simulations, evaluations, and hands-on learning) two to three times a year during the clinical portion, typically two to three days each. Additional quarterly on-campus visits may be required. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certificate.
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:
Duquesne’s BSN to FNP runs online coursework with some on-campus requirements including 25 lab hours. Duquesne reports a 100% pass rate on the AANPCB FNP exam for 2018-2021 — a standout credential signal in PA. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP.
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’s part-time BSN to FNP finishes in about 2.5 years with fully asynchronous online courses. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the 33-credit Post-Graduate Certificate FNP. Gannon’s fully asynchronous delivery makes it one of the most schedule-flexible PA FNP options.
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Mercy University offers an online MSN-FNP program through its Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing. The CCNE-accredited program prepares students to provide primary care across the lifespan and includes 585 hours of precepted clinical practice. The program can be completed in approximately two years and is available fully online, making it accessible for working nurses throughout Pennsylvania.
Holy Family University
Holy Family University in Northeast Philadelphia offers an MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner track consisting of 33–39 credits. The asynchronous online program allows working nurses to complete their FNP on a flexible timeline, with some tracks finished in as little as two years. Holy Family also offers a post-master’s FNP certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN degree.
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:
Immaculata’s BSN to FNP runs hybrid classes that combine online delivery with face-to-face instruction and on-campus simulation labs. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate FNP at 11 to 35 credits based on gap analysis.
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’s BSN to FNP runs online coursework in an accelerated format with multiple start dates per year, so applicants don’t have to wait for traditional fall or spring terms. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. LaSalle is the Philadelphia Christian Brothers option with strong accelerated-pace scheduling.
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:
Messiah’s BSN to DNP FNP provides BSN-prepared nurses a direct path to the doctorate, with mostly online coursework plus two required three-day on-campus summer sessions. Full- and part-time options are available in 6-, 8-, 12-, and 16-week course formats. The flexible course sequencing fits central PA nurses who need to pace through the doctorate around work.
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’s BSN to DNP FNP track supports a BSN-to-doctorate transition over ten semesters (three years plus one summer). Most coursework is asynchronous online with two required on-campus intensives — one before clinicals begin, one later in the program. Misericordia is the Northeastern PA Catholic pick for the terminal FNP degree.
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’s BSN to FNP runs in-person cohort-model delivery, with students moving through the program together. The program adds 30 lab practice hours on top of the 650 required clinical hours. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP, with course and clinical load set by gap analysis.
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:
Neumann’s BSN to FNP delivers online coursework with clinical preceptor placements across PA, NJ, and DE. The program reports a 100% pass rate on the NP National Certification in 2022. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the 34-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP.
Pennsylvania State University
- State College, Pennsylvania
- Various
Modality: Various
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Penn State runs FNP options through both World Campus (online) and Scranton. The online BSN to FNP program and Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP deliver mostly-online coursework with in-person clinicals. The Scranton campus offers an in-person BSN to FNP for nurses who prefer a traditional campus setting in Northeastern PA.
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:
PennWest’s BSN to FNP runs mostly-online coursework with on-campus skills workshops available at the Edinboro, California, or Clarion campuses. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. Both tracks are primary-care focused, serving Western PA working nurses.
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:
Robert Morris’s BSN to DNP FNP is an on-campus program finishing in 3.5 to 4 years. Each student develops an individualized plan of study with their academic advisor based on prior experience and education. Robert Morris is the Pittsburgh-area DNP-first FNP pick.
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:
Saint Joseph’s runs both master’s and post-master’s FNP tracks with flexible online scheduling. The BSN to FNP finishes in as little as two years with eight online classes plus clinical requirements. The Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP requires 500 clinical hours and four classes.
Temple University
Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health offers a BSN-to-DNP program with a Family-Individual Across the Lifespan (FIAL) concentration, which prepares graduates as family nurse practitioners. The 68-credit curriculum includes 1,000 clinical hours and is available as a three-year full-time or four-year part-time program. Graduates are eligible to sit for FNP certification through ANCC or AANP.
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:
Penn’s BSN to FNP is technically in-person, with select courses offered online to accommodate working schedules. Clinical experiences run on Penn’s campus or at affiliated Penn Medicine sites. Full-time and part-time options are available. Penn is the Philadelphia academic medical center FNP pick, with access to one of the top research-intensive clinical networks in the Northeast.
University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,231 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Pitt offers FNP doctoral pathways across multiple delivery modes. The BSN to DNP FNP in-person option at the Main Campus is 92 credits with extensive clinical requirements, completable full- or part-time. The BSN to DNP FNP Distance Option delivers coursework remotely for applicants outside Pittsburgh. UPMC connections provide clinical placements across Western PA.
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton offers a CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP program through the Panuska College of Professional Studies. The 36-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with weekly on-campus sessions and can be completed in 21 months. Scranton’s FNP program boasts a 100% first-time certification pass rate since 1997 and greater than 90% job placement within six months of graduation.
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:
Wilkes’s BSN to FNP delivers fully-online classes with minimal required campus visits, completable in as little as two years with multiple start dates per year. MSN-prepared nurses can cross-train through the 30-credit, 584-clinical-hour Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. Clinical placement support is built in.
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.
Pennsylvania Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Every FNP program in PA requires in-person clinical hours because family primary care depends on supervised patient encounters. Classroom delivery is where programs split. The options with fully-online coursework (no mandatory on-campus visits outside clinicals) are Gannon University, LaSalle University, and Neumann University — all three fit working RNs who can’t commit to regular campus attendance. Most other PA FNP programs run hybrid with a small number of on-campus dates per semester or year. Clinical preceptors must be secured locally regardless of the school’s physical location.
FNP Salary in Pennsylvania
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania earn a mean annual wage of approximately $124,590. The national median salary for NPs is $129,210. Pennsylvania employs roughly 15,080 nurse practitioners statewide, with FNPs making up the largest share. Salaries vary by region, with the Philadelphia metro area typically offering higher compensation than rural parts of the state. With Pennsylvania now a Full Practice Authority state, FNPs may see expanded job opportunities and earning potential.
Best FNP Programs in Pennsylvania
PA has one of the deepest FNP catalogs in the country with 30+ options, so best fit depends heavily on what you’re optimizing for. For certification exam pass rates, Duquesne University, Messiah University, Neumann University, and Saint Joseph’s University report strong outcomes. For flexibility with minimal on-campus requirements, Neumann University, LaSalle University, and Gannon University lead. For academic medical center training, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh run the most research-intensive programs with clinical networks tied to Penn Medicine and UPMC respectively. For Catholic liberal-arts programs with values-driven curricula, Villanova University and Duquesne University are the traditional choices.
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 PA has so many FNP programs, per-credit tuition spans a wide range. By published per-credit rates, the most affordable options include Bloomsburg Commonwealth University, Saint Francis University, Cedar Crest College, York College of Pennsylvania, and Wilkes University. Each program layers its own fees and the total depends on residency status, pace of completion, and whether clinical placement assistance is included. Non-residents at the public-affiliated schools in particular should compare total program cost across options — a lower per-credit rate doesn’t always mean the lowest total bill.
Compare FNP Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Degree Type | Online Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomsburg Commonwealth University | MSN | Yes | |
| Carlow University | MSN | Yes | |
| Cedar Crest College | DNP | Yes | |
| DeSales University | MSN | Hybrid | |
| Drexel University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| Duquesne University | MSN | Yes | |
| Gannon University | DNP | Yes | |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | MSN | Online | ~2 Years |
| Holy Family University | MSN | Online | ~2 Years |
| Immaculata University | MSN | Hybrid | |
| La Roche University | MSN | Hybrid | |
| LaSalle University | MSN | Yes | |
| Messiah University | DNP | Yes | |
| Misericordia University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| Moravian University | MSN | Hybrid | |
| Neumann University | MSN | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania State University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania Western University | MSN | Yes | |
| Robert Morris University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| Saint Francis University | MSN | Yes | |
| Saint Joseph’s University | MSN | Yes | |
| Temple University | BSN-to-DNP | Hybrid | 3–4 Years |
| Thomas Jefferson University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSN, DNP | Hybrid | |
| University of Pittsburgh | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| University of Scranton | MSN | Hybrid | 21 Months |
| Villanova University | MSN | Yes | |
| Widener University | MSN, DNP | Yes | |
| Wilkes University | MSN | Yes | |
| York College of Pennsylvania | MSN | Yes |
Pennsylvania offers NP programs in several other specializations. Explore AGNP programs, PNP programs, and DNP programs in the state, or see the full list on our Pennsylvania nurse practitioner programs page.
Frequently Asked Questions About FNP Programs in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania FNP program has the highest pass rate for the national certification exam?
Several universities have achieved a 100% passing rate in the last few years. They include Villanova University, Duquesne University, and Gannon University.
Question: What financial aid and scholarships for FNP are available to Pennsylvania residents?
- Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Scholarships
- Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarships
- NEPA Healthcare Foundation Scholarship
- Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Nursing Scholarships
- Professional Nurses of Southwestern PA Scholarship Fund
- Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program Fellowship (University of Pennsylvania)
How many FNP programs are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 26 accredited universities offering FNP programs. Most offer MSN-level FNP tracks, and several also provide DNP pathways. Many programs offer online or hybrid formats for working nurses.
What is the average salary for an FNP in Pennsylvania?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania earn a mean annual wage of approximately $124,590. FNP salaries vary by region and experience, with metropolitan areas like Philadelphia typically offering higher compensation.
Can FNPs practice independently in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania became a Full Practice Authority state under Act 68 of 2022, which took effect in 2025. After completing a three-year collaborative agreement period, FNPs can practice independently without physician oversight.