For Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (A-H), click here.
For Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (I-Q), click here.
Pursuing one of the Master’s in Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania is a great first step in obtaining a position as an advanced practice nurse. A master’s degree in nursing allows nurses to accept leadership or nurse practitioner positions in Pennsylvania, as well as accept positions in midwifery, teaching, nurse anesthesa, community health, nurse anesthesia, psychiatric mental health or gerontological nursing. Earning a master’s degree provides more options for specialization over other nursing degree since bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees typically result in the nurse being qualified as a generalist. The following institutions offer accredited master’s in nursing programs in Pennsylvania.
Robert Morris University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
At Robert Morris University, the Nursing and Health Sciences department offers programs in Health Service Administration, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education and Simulation Leadership Certificate. All programs except the mental health nurse practitioner certificate program are offered exclusively online. The online format is designed so that busy professionals have the opportunity to complete their degrees while still working full time and meeting family obligations.
Master in Nursing Programs
Robert Morris University offers two options for earning a MSA. The first is a Nursing Education track, which is an exclusively online program. The university boasts a highly competitive tuition cost for this program, at $480 a credit hour. The program’s curriculum combines interdisciplinary support courses in both education and information science in order to help nurses develop a strong foundation for using teaching methods that incorporate technology.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate can be added to another MSN program, but is not offered as a stand-alone program. This program is designed to have one day of classes per week, with individualized practicum experiences. Like the Nurse Educator track, the PMHNP program takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. This program, however, is designed for certified nurse practitioners that would like to be certified in the area of psychiatric mental health.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Robert Morris University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
Robert Morris University
6001 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
800-762-0097
http://www.rmu.edu/Graduate/programs
Thomas Jefferson University
Jefferson School of Nursing
The Jefferson School of Nursing, together with the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, offers one of the top-ranked nursing programs in both the state, and the nation as a whole. The school of nursing offers a full range of fully accredited nursing programs, from the baccalaureate through the doctoral program. There is an undergraduate program for non-nurses that includes a dual-admission option with local community colleges and an advanced admission option for high school seniors. There is also an undergraduate program for current nurses and second degree college students, a master’s degree program that includes a dual-degree with nursing and public health, and a DNP option.
Master in Nursing Programs
The MSN programs at Thomas Jefferson University offers several flexible options for busy nursing professions, including accelerated programs, online programs and evening classes. Each program also offers individualized plans of study for each enrolled students, as well as credit for prior education and experience. Each course in the MSN program also includes 16 hours of clinical experience per week, as well as access to a wealth of information and resources at the Scott Memorial Library. Students in the MSN program have a large variety of specialization options to choose from: Adult-Gerontology: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology: Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology – Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Systems Administration, Community Systems Administration – Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Community Systems Administration – Nursing Informatics (CSA/NI), Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, MSN/MPH Dual Degree, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Nursing Informatics (NI), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health – Gender Related Nurse Practitioner.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
Thomas Jefferson University
Edison Building
130 S. Ninth Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890
[email protected]
http://www.jefferson.edu/university/nursing/academic-programs/graduate.html
University of Pennsylvania
Penn Nursing Science: University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania is unique in the field of nursing education in that its primary focus is on the science of nursing. A world leader in nursing research, the research conducted by the university has changed the field of healthcare around the world. In return, the students at the university are taught and mentored by some of the world’s leaders in the field. The school of nursing offers undergraduate programs for high school seniors and transfer students, accelerated BSN, second degree and BSN-PhD programs, a PhD and DNP programs, and well over two dozen options for master’s level specialization and minors. The University of Pennsylvania is also unique in offering minors for master’s level students rather than just for bachelor’s students, giving professional nurses additional opportunities to specialize.
Master in Nursing Programs
The University of Pennsylvania is the perfect school for professional nurses who want a variety of specialization choices. In the nurse practitioner program, MSN students can choose from the following specializations:
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
Adult Gerontology PNP
Family NP
Neonatal NP
Pediatric Acute NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP
Pedatric Acute Care NP with Acute/Chronic specialization
In the advanced practice specialist program, specialization options include:
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Neonatal CNS
Nurse Anesthesia
Nurse Midwifery
Pediatric CNP
In the administration program, MSN students can choose from health leadership or healthcare administration.
Finally, additional options and minors include:
Adult Oncology
Forensic Science
Global Nursing and Health Care
Health Informatics
Integrated Nursing Care of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nursing Administration
Palliative Care
Quality Improvement and Safety Processes
Transformative Nursing Education
Women’s Health Studies
Accreditations
The nursing program at University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Contact
University of Pennsylvania
School of Nursing
Claire M. Fagin Hall
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academic_programs/
University of Pittsburgh
Pitt Nursing
Pitt Nursing is the University of Pittsburgh’s school of nursing. The school was founded in 1939, and since then, it has quickly become one of the nation’s leading nursing schools. It is fifth in the nation for National Institute of Health research dollars awarded and is one of the top ten best graduate programs according to the US News and World Report. The school is divided into three departments: Acute/Tertiary Care, Health and Community Systems, and Health Promotion and Development. In 1987, the Center for Research and Evaluation was established in order to meet the research needs of the nursing school.
Master in Nursing Programs
At the University of Pittsburgh, MSN students have the option of specializing in nursing administration, clinical nurse leadership, nursing informatics, neonatal nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia. All options can also be completed with a minor in nursing education or nursing research. Many of the programs are available online, including the clinical nurse leader, nursing administration and nursing informatics programs. The online environment is designed to be interactive, allowing for discussion, debate, critical thinking, networking, research, active learning and community building.
Accreditations
The nursing program at University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Contact
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
3500 Victoria Street
Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
1-888-747-0794
[email protected]
University of Scranton
The College of Graduate and Continuing Education (CGCE)
The focus of the University of Scranton’s The College of Graduate and Continuing Education (CGCE) is to serve non-traditional students in a way that allows them to meet their personal and professional goals. All of the programs are rigorous and career-focused, and graduate students focus on their own field of specialization, guided by world-renowned leaders in the field. The department offers both campus-based and online graduate programs, in addition to certificate programs and gainful employment options.
Master in Nursing Programs
The University of Scranton offers four options for pursuing a MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Health Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia and a MSN for Certified Advanced Practice Nurses. All of the programs are designed around producing highly skilled advanced practice nurses. Graduates of the FNP program will be qualified to work with patients of all ages, from infancy through late adulthood. FNPs are also able to work with a variety of situations, from health promotion and the treatment of minor conditions to providing end-of-life care. Adult Health Nursing is similar, but focuses on adulthood, including late adulthood. The Nurse Anesthesia program is a highly demanding program designed to produce nurses that are highly qualified and competent nurses.
Accreditations
The nursing program at University of Scranton is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
University of Scranton
Office of Admissions
800 Linden St.
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON
Villanova University
College of Nursing
The Villanova University College of Nursing strives to provide a high level of education to nurses, within the framework of Christian beliefs according to the Order of St. Augustine. Nursing is seen as a healing ministry, with a focus on love, service and care for others. Nurses are trained to emphasize concern for the spiritual and emotional wellbeing, in addition to the physical wellbeing. The college offers a BSN for high school seniors, adults, transfer students, second degree learners and current RNs, a MSN program, a post-master’s program, a DNP, a PhD and a continuing education program.
Master in Nursing Programs
At Villanova University, master’s degree students can specialize in adult gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse education and healthcare administration. At the master’s level, all programs focus on both advanced knowledge and skill excellence. The nursing role is assimilated into all courses, providing advanced practice opportunities that go along with the academic curriculum. Some programs are available online, making them flexible options for busy professional nurses that would like to increase knowledge, skill strength, leadership potential and earning power.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Villanova University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
Contact
Villanova University
800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4500
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing/programs/graduate.html
Waynesburg University
Graduate & Professional Studies
The Graduate and Professional Studies department offers several academic options: a Bachelor of Management and Leadership, a Master of Arts in Counseling, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Educaiton, several graduate programs in nursing and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Waynesburg University prides itself on small class sizes designed to encourage interaction, discussion and collaboration between students and faculty members. In addition, the university also has competitive tuition rates that make the university a financially responsible option for many students.
Master in Nursing Programs
At Waynesburg University, MSN students have the option of specializing in nursing administration, nursing education and nursing informatics. All of the programs allow clinical hours to be transferred into the program, with 200 hours being allowed in the nursing informatics program. Nursing training occurs at the Monroeville, Seven Fields, Southpointe and Waynesburg academic centers, in addition to several area hospitals. All programs are year-round, with classes starting every eight weeks. All students also receive free writing, math and computer skills support and nursing staff mentors. Courses are offered as both face-to-face courses between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM one night a week and online learning components.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Waynesburg University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
Waynesburg University
51 West College Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
1.800.225.7393
https://www.waynesburg.edu/academics/departments/nursing/graduate-programs/master-science-nursing
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences at West Chester University offers several unique and sought-after programs, including health, nutrition, nursing, communication sciences and disorders, sports medicine and kinesiology. One of the most unique programs is the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research, which promotes conservation of the Amazon area through education, research and support. Other specialized programs include the Center for Healthy Schools, the Mind/Body Institute, Centers for Contemplative Studies, and the Heat Illness Evaluation, Avoidance and Treatment Institute.
Master in Nursing Programs
The Master of Science in Nursing recently restructured, and beginning in the fall of 2014, two options will be available: a MSN in Nursing Education and a MSN in Adult Gerontology CNS. Both programs can be completed on either a full time or a part time basis, but all program requirements must be completed within six years. Both programs use a hybrid combination of online and campus-based courses, with the campus-based programs occurring late afternoons or during the evenings. The Nursing Education program includes 41 credit hours, while the AGCNS program is 43 credit hours, including 504 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Accreditations
The nursing program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
700 South High St
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-2219
[email protected]
Widener University
School of Nursing
While many universities claim to offer small class sizes, Widener University makes good on that promise, with many nursing programs having an 8-1 student-faculty ratio. This allows for individualized learning experiences, dynamic classroom discussions and the formation of close professional and academic relationships with faculty and mentors. The programs at Widener are also flexible, with many programs utilizing online learning platforms or evening and weekend classes.
Master in Nursing Programs
At Widener University, students in the MSN program can specialize in Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator or Executive Nurse Leader. All of the programs are designed to allow nurses to transition into leadership roles in a variety of settings. The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice program for registered nurses wishing to specialize in working with the adult and elderly populations. The Family Nurse Practitioner is for those that would like to not only work with adults and the elderly, but also newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The Nursing Education program is for those that would like to teach at a college or university nursing program, or train members of the community. Finally, the Executive Nurse Leadership program is for nurses that want to take on middle or top leadership positions in the healthcare industry.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Widener University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
Widener University
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013
1-888-WIDENER
https://www.widener.edu/academics/graduate-studies/nursing-msn
Wilkes University
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing offers an accelerated baccalaureate in nursing, a MSN and a DNP program designed to prepare nurses for a wide variety of situations and challenges. All program is designed for professional nurses looking to advance in the field, and thus, classes across all programs are designed with the busy professional in mind. Flexible class options, including online learning programs, and accelerated programing help nurses meet their academic and professional goals without sacrificing full time employment or family commitments.
Master in Nursing Programs
The MSN program at Wilkes University offers four specialization options: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive and Nursing Education. All programs are designed to engage students in lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Students develop competence in academic and practical skills, administration and scientific inquiry, as well as leadership skills and interprofessional collaboration.
Accreditations
The nursing program at Wilkes University is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
1-800-WILKES-U
[email protected]
York College of Pennsylvania
The Stabler Department of Nursing
The The Stabler Department of Nursing at York College of Pennsylvania strives to be a community of scholars and clinicians that collaborate and work together in order to prepare beginning and professional nurses to enjoy long careers in the nursing field. One of the biggest benefits the program offers is access to some of the top clinical sites in Pennsylvania, in addition to a strong curricula and a large dedicated faculty. The department offers a BSN program for professional nurses, as well as one for traditional college freshmen, four MSN programs and a DNP program.
Master in Nursing Programs
At York College, MSN students can specialize as a nurse educator, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and a adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist. All of the programs are designed to lead professional nurses to take on leadership roles, increase earning potential and secure a variety of job opportunities. Most of the programs are campus-based, but all programs offer part time or evening classes in order to offer professional nurses flexibility in completing their degrees. All of the programs can be completed in two to three years, with all but the nurse anesthetist program being offered only on a part-time basis.
Accreditations
The nursing program at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Contact
York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403-3651
717.846.7788
http://www.ycp.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/
Nursing can be a very challenging, yet very rewarding career choice. An advanced degree can allow nurses to take on exciting new specialist roles, giving back to the field of nursing as a teacher or manager. The above Master’s in Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania all offer accredited, rigorous degree programs in several unique and in-demand fields.