# Top Nursing Schools Offering BSN Programs in Allentown, PA

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- Published: 2024-03-08
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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As healthcare needs rise across Pennsylvania, demand for qualified nurses continues outpace supply. Allentown specifically faces a shortage of bachelor‘s prepared nurses to fill advanced roles in diverse care settings. This guide profiles the top-ranked nursing schools in the Greater Lehigh Valley offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways.

## Why Allentown Needs More BSN Nurses

Allentown anchors Pennsylvania‘s thriving Lehigh Valley, home to over 800,000 residents. As the population grows and ages, demand for healthcare services increases across the region‘s hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and more.

Nurses represent vitally important frontline care providers. However, analysis shows the Lehigh Valley currently faces a shortage of nurses prepared at the bachelor‘s level. BSN programs equip nurses with enhanced clinical judgement, leadership abilities and healthcare knowledge to deliver higher-quality, coordinated care.

As healthcare reform expands access in Pennsylvania, qualified nurses help ensure effective, efficient and equitable care delivery. Allentown specifically needs more BSN graduates to fill advanced nursing roles across diverse settings – from patient bedsides to care coordination teams.

## Ranking Methodology

Numerous nursing schools offer BSN pathways serving the Allentown area. This guide identifies standout programs based on the following ranking factors:

- **Accreditation** – Nationally recognized nursing accreditors CCNE and ACEN
- **Affordability** – Competitive tuition and financial aid opportunities
- **Reputation** – Regional and national program rankings
- **Outcomes** – Graduation, licensure exam pass and job placement rates
- **Curriculum** – Clinical hour requirements, specializations and delivery formats

Giving balanced weight to these quality indicators yields the top recommended nursing schools detailed below. Each offers a proven BSN pathway launching graduates into rewarding, high-need nursing careers.

| School | Accreditor | Format | Est. Clinical Hours | Avg. Tuition |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cedar Crest College | CCNE | Traditional | 500+ | $44,950 |
| DeSales University | CCNE | Traditional | 500+ | $47,000 |
| Penn State – Lehigh Valley | CCNE | Online/Hybrid | Flexible | $15,612* |
| Moravian University | CCNE | Traditional | 500+ | $46,840 |
| Cedar Crest College | CCNE | Traditional | 500+ | $44,950 |

**Table Notes:** *RN-to-BSN program pathway for licensed RNs. Traditional program tuition listed otherwise.

## Top Nursing Schools in Allentown, PA

### 1. Cedar Crest College

Founded in 1869, Cedar Crest holds the distinction of establishing Pennsylvania‘s first BSN program in 1942. It continues to rank among the top regional nursing schools, known for close-knit cohorts and abundant clinical experience.

Over 75% of students complete the BSN program option, which integrates 500+ hours of clinical rotations across diverse care settings. Cedar Crest also partners with major health systems to arrange practicums and healthcare exposure for nursing students.

Faculty experts guide small groups of budding nurses through rigorous coursework, assessments and simulations. Cedar Crest‘s high-fidelity simulation labs feature advanced manikins, hospital beds and technology mimicking real clinical environments.

The curriculum covers essentials like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and more alongside nursing-specific concepts – from health assessments and mental health to complex care coordination. Students also benefit from regular peer-to-peer learning activities.

Cedar Crest BSN graduates have achieved stellar licensure exam pass rates exceeding 85% on the NCLEX. Many secure nursing roles nearby at institutions like St. Luke???s Hospital thanks to the program‘s esteemed reputation and job search guidance.

### 2. DeSales University

Since its 1964 founding, this Catholic-affiliated institution has delivered values-focused nursing education emphasizing ethical practice. DeSales‘ excellent academic options include a traditional four-year BSN with an abundance of supervised patient care experience.

The program immerses students in over 500 hours of clinical rotations across the senior year to apply course learnings in real-world practice. These intensive practicums fine tune care competencies while strengthening relationships with regional health partners.

DeSales students also gain cultural competency via opportunities like medical missions abroad. All nursing candidates receive dedicated faculty mentors guiding them through the selective BSN pathway from admissions to job search.

Rigorous academics prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX exam on their first attempt at an impressive 95% rate. DeSales nurses are highly recruited for their empathy, integrity and advanced capabilities by providers like St. Luke???s, Geisinger, LVHN and more.

### 3. Penn State Lehigh Valley

Penn State operates one of PA‘s largest university systems, facilitating extensive resource sharing and connections. The Lehigh Valley campus leverages this network to deliver an accredited online RN-to-BSN program serving working nurses locally and beyond.

Curriculum pacing and scheduling adjusts to accommodate existing work and life commitments for nurse trainees while aligning to clinical sites. Students transfer up to 72 nursing credits, completing upper level BSN courses fully online or via hybrid delivery.

The flexible pathway emphasizes concepts like population health, leadership and healthcare technology amid evolving care models. Content interweaves with individualized clinical intensives at nurses‘ own healthcare employers.

Penn State‘s selective admissions and rigorous coursework prepare nurses for advancement. Graduates praise the affordable tuition and faculties‘ practical industry insights. Many leverage Penn State‘s brand recognition when securing new nursing roles.

### 4. Moravian University

Situated in Historic Bethlehem, Moravian University dates back over 275 years. The private institution offers an excellent traditional BSN pathway integrating simulated hospital training with hands-on patient care at regional hospitals and clinics.

Moravian nursing students work directly with leading local providers, including St Luke???s. These 500+ supervised clinical hours allow trainees to deliver care across diverse settings while networking with prospective regional employers.

The program‘s selective admissions standards result in focused 10:1 student-faculty ratios. Small cohorts foster abundant personalized guidance, peer collaboration and access to resources like advanced simulation tech.

Graduates consistently report strong first-time NCLEX pass rates thanks to the rigorous preparatory curriculum. Moravian‘s career outcomes reflect close healthcare industry ties – many nurses launch their vocations at renowned Lehigh Valley health systems.

## Meeting Allentown‘s Nursing Shortage

The BSN programs profiled above provide proven pathways to address Lehigh Valley nursing workforce demands. Their balance of academic rigor, supervised clinicals and career development support prepares qualified nurses for in-demand roles.

As Pennsylvania expands healthcare access, nurses serve integral functions across the care continuum – especially those holding four-year Bachelor‘s degrees. Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley need more of these highly trained nurse leaders to continue delivering quality care alongside an aging population.

Purusing an accredited, outcomes-focused BSN program positions graduates to secure advanced nursing jobs. They also gain a strong foundation to pursue specializations like Nurse Practitioner through Master‘s education – an increasingly popular choice.

These top-ranked nursing schools offer the essential stepping stone to rewarding nursing careers. Reach out with any questions on selecting the right BSN pathway to achieve your professional nursing goals!

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