Top RN Schools in Philadelphia

If you aspire to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and live near Philadelphia, or if you simply want to attend school there, you can take your pick from dozens of accredited nursing programs. Whether you are just beginning your education to become a Registered Nurse or would like to earn an advanced degree to open up more career opportunities, the greater Philadelphia area has plenty of options. Learn about the top RN schools in Philadelphia below to find the right fit for your goals and needs.

Which Philadelphia RN school is right for you? That depends on your career objectives, financial needs, and other factors. Chances are that one of the following five programs will be up your alley:

1. Temple University

Located right in downtown Philadelphia, Temple University's College of Public Health offers an array of educational options for RNs. With an average annual tuition of around $13,500, this is an affordable yet effective option to consider. To earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, you must first complete your General Education requirements. Upon completing the mandatory 21 nursing courses and various clinical requirements, you will receive your degree and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

2. University of Pennsylvania

When it comes to prestigious nursing programs, UPenn is tough to beat. This Ivy League school's School of Nursing is widely regarded as a leader in nursing education. The school boasts a state-of-the-art simulation center featuring lifelike mannequins. Clinical work is completed at a variety of renowned hospitals, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The average annual tuition exceeds $43,000, but numerous scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available.

3. Villanova University

Villanova's College of Nursing is a great choice for aspiring RNs and currently employed nurses alike. As an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, the school offers BSN programs for traditional and adult transfer students. A BSN completion program is also available, so if you only have your associate degree, you can quickly earn your bachelor's here. The school also offers an array of post-graduate degrees, including Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.

4. University of Delaware

Located in Newark, NJ, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, UD is a terrific option for aspiring RNs who want more affordable tuition rates and exceptional training. The NCLEX passing rate for first-time exam takers is 93 percent and 98 percent overall. UD's School of Nursing offers BSNs, and a popular RN to BSN program is available too. If you already have your BSN, you might consider pursuing your Master of Science in Nursing or PhD in Nursing Science here. The average annual tuition is below $12,000, making this an affordable choice.

5. Drexel University

With its location in downtown Philadelphia, Drexel University is a convenient choice for aspiring RNs who want a variety of flexible higher education options. The university's College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a traditional BSN program as well as an accelerated BSN program. You can also complete the RN to BSN program to advance from an associate degree. The RN to MSN program is also very popular and provides a quick, easy way to earn an advanced degree that's sure to open up many exciting career opportunities.

If you are ready to pursue a career as an RN, or to move beyond your current position, earning a degree from a Philadelphia RN school is the way to go. With some additional research, you should be able to find a program that suits your needs perfectly.