Top Healthcare Employers for Nurse Practitioners in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is home to over 13 million residents, making it the fifth most populous state in the US. With 19.5 percent of those people being 65 or older, it is a state where there is a high demand for healthcare—as well as unique opportunities for nurse practitioners.

Pennsylvania offers both rural and urban settings, with several historic cities (including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) between stretches of farmland and suburban communities. Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, State College, and Erie offer all of the amenities of mid-sized American cities, alongside several top hospital systems and healthcare facilities for nurse practitioners to work.

Pennsylvania currently employs over 16,000 practicing Nurse Practitioners (NPs), according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. Nurse-led initiatives within the state have led to the adoption of new measures with the goal of attracting even more nurse practitioners to work in Pennsylvania. Higher pay, flexible scheduling, more time off, and better health benefits are just a few of the incentives that some employers are offering to nursing candidates.

Pennsylvania NPs are expected to be in high demand in the foreseeable future. As nurses advance, they position themselves for even more opportunities–in Pennsylvania and beyond. Nurse practitioners especially can expect a bright outlook with a much faster job growth rate of 40 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To compare, the average growth rate is four percent for all U.S. occupations.

Let’s take a look at the emerging opportunities in Pennsylvania for nurse practitioners.

What are some of the top employers for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania?

There are several world-class hospitals and hospital systems located in Pennsylvania. These hospitals rank highly in various adult and pediatric specialties, including cancer treatment, gerontology, mental health, and cardiology.

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), which make up over 65 percent of NP certifications, frequently work for hospital systems. FNPs may work for the hospital or health system to deliver primary care for individuals in an outpatient setting. Their primary focus is preventative or primary care for stable patients. Highly-ranked hospitals in Pennsylvania include:

• St. Luke’s University Hospital-Bethlehem Campus
• UPMC Harrisburg
• Lancaster General Hospital
• Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
• UPMC Passavant
• Doylestown Hospital
• Allegheny General Hospital
• St. Luke’s Anderson Campus
• Allegheny Valley Hospital

FNPs are qualified to treat patients of all ages, which makes them equipped to deliver primary care in places like Pennsylvania, where the population skews older and providers are in short supply.

FNPs in the hospital settings collaborate with a licensed physician and can provide:

• Health assessments and physical exams
• Patient education and advocacy
• Care coordination with other members of a patient’s care team
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Creation and implementation of treatment plans

What are the specialty and psychiatric hospitals where nurse practitioners can get jobs in Pennsylvania?

The demand for advanced practice nurses in psychiatric healthcare settings is also on the rise in Pennsylvania. According to data collected by Mental Health America, 19.7% of adults in Pennsylvania have a mental health condition, Of those people, just about half—51.9% —do not receive mental health treatment. That’s more than one million people in the state.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) greatly impact at-risk individuals, families, and communities by providing mental health care. According to the U.S. News and World Report, there are less than 1,000 PMHNPs licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. On a wider scale, there is also a need for these practitioners nationwide, as only eight percent of NPs have PMHNP certification.

PMHNPs are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse disorders, prescribe medications as needed, manage treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, and educate patients and loved ones about mental health conditions. Pennsylvania does not yet offer full scope of practice for PMHNPs and other NPs, but there is a strong legislative movement underway that may change that policy in the immediate future.

PMHNPs work in hospital systems, outpatient mental health care facilities, and even in remote healthcare settings. Some highly- ranked psychiatric hospitals in Pennsylvania include:

• Belmont Behavioral Hospital
• UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
• WellSpan York Hospital
• Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard
• Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital

What are the top nursing home facilities for nurses working in Pennsylvania?

Of course, healthcare facilities aren’t just limited to hospitals. Rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and physician’s offices also need nurse practitioners.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNPs), who make up over eight percent of NP certifications, are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of adult patients. With expertise in addressing the complex needs of the elderly, AGPCNPs are in high demand in long-term care settings and rehabs.

Pennsylvania is home to at least 675 nursing homes. Over 72,000 people reside in these long-term care facilities, and numbers are expected to rise with the aging population. For nurses interested in making a difference in these types of facilities, recent data suggests some of the best nursing homes in the state include:

• Valley View Retirement Community (Belleville)
• The Lutheran Home at Topton (Topton)
• Valley View Rehab and Nursing Center (Montoursville)
• Southwestern Veterans Center (Pittsburgh)
• Glen Hazel Community Living Center (Pittsburgh)
• Southeastern Veterans’ Center (Spring City) St.
• Paul’s Senior Living Facility (Greenville)
• Horsham Center for Jewish Life (North Wales)
• Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village (Mechanicsburg)
• The Glen at Willow Valley (Lancaster)
• Masonic Home at Elizabethtown (Elizabethtown)

There are also several excellent long-term care and rehab hospital facilities in Pennsylvania. Some well-known long-term care hospitals include:

• Good Shepherd Penn Partners Hospital (Philadelphia)
• Kindred Hospital (Philadelphia)
• PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre)
• Select Speciality Hospital (Erie)
• Select Specialty Hospital (Johnstown)
• Select Specialty Hospital (McKeesport)
• Select Specialty Hospital UPMC (Pittsburgh)

What do nurse practitioners need to do to be certified to work in Pennsylvania?

If you’re looking to advance your nursing career, understanding the next steps is essential. To become certified as a nurse practitioner, RNs must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an accredited nursing program, earning a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Obtain advanced practice certification by passing a nationally recognized certification examination in your chosen specialty
• Apply for your advanced practice license through the state of Pennsylvania licensing board
• Submit a clean background check and a licensing fee

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania?

Many online MSN programs share similar goals, but have different routes to get there. Some offer bridge programs for nurses with associate degrees (RN-MSN), while others are for those with bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN-MSN).

Wilkes University’s online MSN programs are built for today’s nurses who want to evolve into nurse practitioners. Wilkes’ online pathways include RN-MSN tracks, BSN-MSN, and post-graduate/APRN certification (for master’s or doctoral degree holders). Below is an outline of each program’s time to completion:

• RN-MSN: 36 months
• BSN-MSN: 24 months
• Post grad/APRN: 12 months

Wilkes’ online MSN program also offers in-demand NP specializations, such as:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)

Although program completion time varies, nurses will also need to sit for their NP certification exam, so additional time should be factored in. Fortunately, Wilkes’ online MSN programs offer built-in support for graduates consistently showing above-national-average exam pass rates.

Expand your nursing impact in Pennsylvania

At Wilkes, you’ll gain the confidence to thrive in nursing while becoming part of our vibrant community. With deep roots in Pennsylvania, over 40 years of experience supporting and guiding new nurses, Wilkes has established strong partnerships with some of the top hospitals for nurses in the state.

With competitively priced tuition, personalized student support—including clinical placement assistance—and multiple NP tracks to choose from, Wilkes’ online MSN programs are designed to help you advance your career and make a lasting impact.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about Wilkes’ online MSN programs.