Best Nursing Colleges in PA?

I'm exploring nursing as a career path and trying to figure out which Pennsylvania colleges have the top nursing programs. Any nurses or current students who can recommend a school to check out?

Sure, nursing is a noble profession, and I'm glad to hear about your interest in it. Pennsylvania has several nursing schools known for their academic rigor and high licensure pass rates.

1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is quite renowned. It's particularly distinct because it's part of the Ivy League and its School of Nursing is known to be one of the best in the nation.

2. The University of Pittsburgh also offers a quality nursing program. It's been recognized multiple times for its stellar pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam and its commitment to hands-on experience.

3. Villanova University, in particular, is noteworthy for their Accelerated BSN program. They offer a solid undergraduate nursing program and have earned a reputation for academic excellence and high NCLEX pass rates as well.

4. Penn State University offers multiple pathways to a nursing degree including a traditional BSN, a second degree BSN for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, and an RN to BSN program.

5. Thomas Jefferson University is also solid, with its College of Nursing highly ranked nationally. It offers robust clinical experiences and integration with the Jefferson Health system, giving students plenty of hands-on opportunities.

Remember, finding the right fit for you involves considering not only rankings but also class size, faculty support, the program's culture and environment, location, and affordability. It might be helpful to take virtual tours or set up informational interviews with current students or faculty at these schools to get a better sense of what each program is like. Good luck in your search!