Why Penn State Nursing at New Kensington?

The RN to BSN program is designed for individuals who hold a valid United States RN license and graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or AS program. As a student, you can expect the following:

  • Flexible scheduling of courses to accommodate a working RN, including:
    • Part-time or full-time study;
    • Hybrid, in-person, and web-based classes;
    • Flexible course schedules; and
    • Independent study opportunities
  • "Credit by Portfolio Assessment" enables students to receive credit for certain prescribed nursing courses based on their RN licensure (up to 33 credits).

  • We accept transfer courses from accredited colleges or universities to meet curriculum requirements (C or better required, must provide official transcripts); most students enter the BSN program with 57 credits.

  • Option to complete an experiential learning assessment on your nursing and life experiences instead of integrated studies classes

  • Only 45 hours of clinical time required

  • Advising/guidance is provided throughout the program.

  • Tuition deferment for RN’s who receive employer tuition reimbursement

  • The benefits of a large research University with a small community feel

  • You’ll get the Penn State experience, and upon graduation, join the largest alumni network in the country.

Tuition Reduction

RNs employed at the following health systems receive a 25% per credit tuition reduction:

  • Allegheny Valley Hospital
  • Armstrong County Memorial Hospital
  • Butler Memorial Hospital
  • Indiana Regional Medical Center
  • St. Margaret Hospital

RNs who graduated from one of the following nursing programs receive a 25% per credit tuition reduction:

  • Butler County Community College

  • Citizens School of Nursing

  • Community College of Allegheny County

  • St. Margaret School of Nursing

  • Westmoreland County Community College