Saint Joseph’s University Lancaster Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
On January 3, 2024, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences merged into Saint Joseph’s University. Nursing at the Lancaster campus—850 Greenfield Road—now operates as Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing and Allied Health. This guide reflects that change and cites official Pennsylvania NCLEX data and Saint Joseph’s 2025–26 Lancaster tuition.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The former Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences lives on as Saint Joseph’s University in Lancaster: a health-sciences-focused campus with the Center for Excellence in Practice simulation center, guaranteed clinical placements publicized by the university, and deep ties to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and other regional systems.
Overview & Why Students Choose Lancaster Nursing
For more than a century, the Lancaster General nursing lineage evolved into Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences before its January 3, 2024 merger into Saint Joseph’s University. Today, applicants work with Saint Joseph’s University in Lancaster for the same health-sciences mission: pre-licensure ASN and BSN degrees anchored in simulation and clinical placements across central Pennsylvania, plus online RN-to-BSN completion and hybrid MSN nurse-practitioner tracks based in Lancaster.
If you are researching “PA College” for nostalgia or SEO, know that records, admissions, and brand identity now roll up to Saint Joseph’s; use the Lancaster pages on sju.edu/lancaster and the School of Nursing and Allied Health as your primary sources.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s 2024–2025 RN NCLEX five-year spreadsheet (first-time testers), the Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025 column (leftmost data column) lists St. Joseph University — BSN at 97.67% (42 passed of 43 tested) and St. Joseph University — ADN at 92.39% (267 of 289)—Pennsylvania uses the ADN label for the associate pre-licensure row while Saint Joseph’s markets ASN in Lancaster. Older columns on the same rows show different cohorts (for example a 92.86% BSN period with 52/56). The BSN line may aggregate Philadelphia and Lancaster testers. Confirm the newest workbook on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing nursing education page and with Saint Joseph’s.
Reasons students consider the legacy PA College campus
Simulation-forward curriculum
The Center for Excellence in Practice offers about 20,000 square feet of ICU-style rooms, debrief space, and high-fidelity simulators used across nursing and allied-health programs.
Guaranteed clinical placements
Saint Joseph’s advertises guaranteed clinical placements for Lancaster pre-licensure students, with ASN materials promising placements within the first year.
Lancaster General / Penn Medicine pipeline
Merger communications highlight continued collaboration with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health for tuition benefits, workforce pipelines, and clinical education.
Multiple entry points
Students can enter via ASN (including an LPN assessment bridge), a four-year BSN, the 100% online RN-to-BSN, or graduate MSN-NP pathways.
Nursing Programs Offered
These pathways are confirmed on Saint Joseph’s Lancaster degree pages and the School of Nursing and Allied Health hub as of this review. Non-nursing allied health degrees (sonography, radiography, etc.) exist at Lancaster but are outside this nursing-focused guide.
Pre-licensure (undergraduate)
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Pre-licensure associate RN program on campus with concept-based curriculum, five-semester sequencing options, and an LPN Assessment Bridge Module for qualified LPNs. Requires TEAS (except applicants who already hold a bachelor’s or higher). ACEN-accredited per Saint Joseph’s ASN page.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Lancaster
Four-year pre-licensure BSN with required nursing courses that carry program-specific clinical tuition on listed NUR courses—$2,825 per applicable course in 2025–2026 and $2,250 in 2026–2027 per Saint Joseph’s Lancaster tuition table. CCNE-accredited at the baccalaureate level per university materials.
Post-licensure & graduate
RN to BSN
100% online completion program for licensed RNs holding an associate in nursing; marketed from Lancaster and university-wide channels.
MSN–Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)
Hybrid MSN-NP with Lancaster location per degree directory listings; prepares advanced practice nurses with NP-focused coursework.
Post-Master’s NP certificates
Saint Joseph’s lists Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Family/Individual Across the Lifespan PMC options with Lancaster hybrid delivery.
Doctoral nursing programs that may have appeared under the former PA College brand should be verified on the current SJU catalog; this guide lists only pathways confirmed on Saint Joseph’s public program pages at publication.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Commonwealth publishes first-time RN NCLEX outcomes by program for Pennsylvania schools. The institution now reports under St. Joseph University (the Board’s spelling) rather than the legacy Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences name.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN — first-time pass rate (Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025) | 97.67% (42 passed / 43 tested) for St. Joseph University BSN per Pennsylvania Department of State RN NCLEX five-year spreadsheet (leftmost column). |
| Associate (ADN row / ASN at SJU) — same period | 92.39% (267 passed / 289 tested) for St. Joseph University ADN. |
| Older BSN column (example, same workbook row) | 92.86% (52 passed / 56 tested)—illustrates a different reporting column; confirm headings in PDF. |
| Source | 2024–2025 RN NCLEX five-year spreadsheet (PDF) via Pennsylvania Board of Nursing — Nursing Education Programs. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and Saint Joseph’s. |
Published tables combine university-level reporting; they do not isolate Lancaster-only cohorts if Philadelphia campus testers share the same program line. ASN outcomes may differ from BSN even when both are strong—compare program lines separately.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster materials summarize expectations for students educated outside the United States. Use this list as a planning tool—not legal advice—and confirm every item with Lancaster admissions and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
- Visa / residency status: Lancaster undergraduate pages note that non–U.S. citizens must show proof of permanent resident visa status.
- English-language proficiency: Saint Joseph’s cites TOEFL minimums (for example 79 internet-based) for international applicants; students from English-speaking countries may instead submit SAT/ACT per Lancaster nursing pages.
- Transcript evaluation: Foreign transcripts typically require evaluation (Saint Joseph’s references evaluators such as WES).
- Pennsylvania Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure must follow Board rules for credential review, English competency, and NCLEX eligibility even after completing a U.S. program.
- Clinical clearance: Clinical agencies may impose additional immunization, background, or staffing requirements affecting placement.
Policies change without notice; verify with the Lancaster admissions team and Pennsylvania’s Board of Nursing before you apply.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster uses holistic review for nursing pathways. ASN applicants must submit ATI TEAS scores unless they already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. BSN–Lancaster emphasizes high school (or college) coursework in math/science; confirm optional vs. required testing for your cohort. Transfer applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring terms.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-year nursing (general) | Applications open August 1 before senior year | Saint Joseph’s encourages timely submission; see Lancaster admission calendar. |
| Transfer (ASN / BSN) | Rolling | Fall and spring starts per Lancaster transfer policy. |
| LPN bridge module | Seasonal (fall evening/weekend; spring daytime) | Must complete listed prerequisites before the bridge per ASN page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (general guidance) | Saint Joseph’s cites 2.5 cumulative GPA minimum for many Lancaster programs; competitive nursing pathways may expect more. |
| TEAS | Required for ASN; bachelor’s-or-higher holders exempt. Confirm BSN pathway policy on the Lancaster BSN page. |
| Holistic factors | ASN/BSN materials list class rank, science/math performance, community service, and healthcare service. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster posts per-credit tuition by academic year plus program-specific clinical-course charges for pre-licensure nursing; housing, health insurance, clinical travel, and equipment are extra.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ASN & BSN per-credit tuition | $697/credit (2025–2026) · $732/credit (2026–2027) for undergraduate (100–400-level) courses per Lancaster tuition & fees table. |
| BSN program-specific clinical courses | $2,825 per applicable course (2025–2026) · $2,250 (2026–2027) on listed NUR courses (170, 271, 275, 295, 355, 405)—see SJU table. |
| ASN program-specific & software fees | Program-specific tuition on listed ASN NUR courses ($1,635 → $1,486 per applicable course by year on the same page) plus Nursing and Allied Health Software Fee $300/$400 per semester (2025–26/2026–27). |
| Graduate nursing (MSN-NP) | Master’s per-credit rates $1,002 (2025–26) and $1,052 (2026–27) on the Lancaster tuition page; confirm your track. |
| Source | Saint Joseph’s Lancaster — Tuition & Fees; BSN–Lancaster; ASN. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Outcome data should always be read in context: NCLEX is a licensure exam outcome, while employment reflects regional markets and graduate timing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (BSN line, PA DOS left column) | 97.67% first-time (42/43), Oct 2024–Sep 2025. |
| NCLEX-RN (ADN row / ASN at SJU) | 92.39% first-time (267/289), same column. |
| ASN completion (example) | Saint Joseph’s reported 70.3% ultimate program completion for 2022–2023 on the ASN page—confirm updated consumer disclosures. |
| Employment / salary | Not independently verified for this guide; consult Saint Joseph’s consumer information and the BLS Registered Nurse profile for general labor-market context (figures and years vary). |
| Source | Pennsylvania NCLEX spreadsheet; Saint Joseph’s ASN outcomes statements. Confirm current rates with the Board and school. |
Is the Lancaster Campus the Right Fit for You?
Choosing nursing school is as much about geography and clinical networks as it is about rankings. The former PA College footprint suits learners who want a dedicated health-sciences campus with strong Lancaster–Philadelphia health system ties—not a traditional liberal-arts quad experience on Hawk Hill.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value immersive simulation labs and guaranteed clinical placement messaging from the university.
- Plan to work in south-central Pennsylvania after graduation (Penn State Health, WellSpan, UPMC mid-state, Penn Medicine LG Health, etc.).
- Want ASN, BSN, or MSN-NP options housed in a healthcare-only learning environment.
- Need an LPN-to-RN bridge or an online RN-to-BSN completion pathway.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect the college to remain a standalone “PA College” brand without engaging Saint Joseph’s admissions systems.
- Require the lowest possible published tuition among Pennsylvania programs (private per-credit pricing plus fees adds up).
- Want a large research university main campus experience rather than a healthcare professional school setting.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Lancaster County anchors one of Pennsylvania’s busiest community hospital networks. Saint Joseph’s publicly partners with flagship employers that also serve as clinical sites:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital | Tertiary hub for Lancaster County; highlighted in merger materials and BSN clinical listings. |
| Penn State Health (Hershey, Lancaster, Reading) | Multiple campuses appear on Saint Joseph’s Lancaster BSN clinical partner list. |
| UPMC Harrisburg / Lititz / York | Examples of UPMC regional sites used for Lancaster student rotations. |
| WellSpan Health | York, Ephrata, Lebanon, and Philhaven mental-health settings referenced by the university. |
| Lebanon VA Medical Center | Federal system site named among Lancaster BSN affiliates. |
Sites rotate by cohort capacity; confirm your semester map with clinical education staff.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster occupies the Cooper Building at 850 Greenfield Road, with dedicated classrooms, study spaces, and dining geared around health professions students. The signature experience is the Center for Excellence in Practice, where nursing students drill emergencies alongside peers in radiography, respiratory care, and surgical technology—mirroring the interprofessional reality of hospital floors. Student life is narrower than a large residential university because most learners commute or live locally; however, Saint Joseph’s still offers open houses, Hawks community branding, and access to university-wide services such as veterans support.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Lancaster, PA (Saint Joseph’s University — Lancaster)
- Address
- 850 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, US
- Telephone
- 717-947-6003 (Lancaster admissions—verify on sju.edu)
- Contact
- Lancaster admission contact form
- Website
- sju.edu/lancaster
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the official merger announcement so you understand how transcripts and branding moved to Saint Joseph’s.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS, HESI, or other entrance exam. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences close?
It merged into Saint Joseph’s University on January 3, 2024. Nursing and health sciences at the Lancaster site continue under Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing and Allied Health at 850 Greenfield Road. Applicants should use sju.edu/lancaster and Saint Joseph’s admissions—not the former pacollege.edu standalone brand.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Saint Joseph’s University BSN and ASN programs?
Pennsylvania’s 2024–2025 RN NCLEX spreadsheet lists St. Joseph University BSN at 97.67% first-time (42/43) and the ADN row at 92.39% (267/289) for Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025 (leftmost column). Older columns can show different denominators. The BSN row may include Philadelphia and Lancaster cohorts together—confirm the latest PDF on the Commonwealth nursing education programs hub.
How much is Lancaster nursing tuition at Saint Joseph’s?
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster table lists $697/credit (2025–2026) and $732/credit (2026–2027) for undergraduate courses, plus program-specific clinical charges (for example four-year BSN clinical courses at $2,825 then $2,250 per applicable course by year) and per-semester nursing software fees—see sju.edu/lancaster/tuition-fees.
Does the Lancaster campus require the TEAS for nursing?
Saint Joseph’s requires TEAS scores for admission to the ASN program; applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are exempt from TEAS per the ASN program page. BSN–Lancaster materials emphasize prerequisites and holistic review—confirm whether TEAS applies to your pathway with Lancaster admissions.
Does Saint Joseph’s Lancaster offer an LPN-to-RN option?
Yes. The ASN program includes an LPN Assessment Bridge Module (evening/weekend or daytime formats) that, when completed successfully, allows advanced placement into semester three; see the ASN program page for prerequisite coursework and repeat rules.
What accreditations apply to Lancaster nursing programs?
Saint Joseph’s states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate nursing program and ACEN continuing accreditation for the Associate in Science in Nursing. Confirm current status with CCNE, ACEN, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Where do Lancaster BSN students complete clinicals?
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster BSN page lists partners such as Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center locations, UPMC facilities in the region, WellSpan Health, Lebanon VA Medical Center, Lancaster Pediatric Specialty Hospital, and Select Specialty Hospital. Sites can change by term.
Are international students admitted to Lancaster nursing programs?
Saint Joseph’s Lancaster materials describe proof of permanent resident visa status for non-citizens, TOEFL minimums (for example 79 internet-based), and foreign transcript evaluation (e.g., WES). Policies change; verify with the Lancaster admissions office and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for licensure eligibility.
What graduate nursing programs are offered in Lancaster?
Saint Joseph’s lists a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing–Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks (including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Family/Individual Across the Lifespan) with Lancaster location. Tuition and entry terms are on each program page.
References
- Saint Joseph’s University — Lancasterhttps://www.sju.edu/lancaster/
- School of Nursing and Allied Healthhttps://www.sju.edu/nursing-allied-health
- BSN — Lancaster (tuition, clinical partners)https://www.sju.edu/lancaster/degree-programs/nursing-bachelor-science-bsn
- Pennsylvania — Nursing Education Programs (NCLEX spreadsheets)https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/nursing/nursing-education-programs.html
- PA Dept. of State — 2024–2025 RN NCLEX five-year spreadsheet (PDF)PDF link
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for merger framing, Pennsylvania Board of Nursing NCLEX alignment, Saint Joseph’s Lancaster tuition citations, and program-list accuracy against sju.edu.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Saint Joseph’s University and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 31, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy