READING, PA — Reading Area Community College’s Nursing Program has been ranked number two in Pennsylvania by RegisteredNursing.org in their 10th annual rankings of the best nursing schools for 2026.

This recognition shines a spotlight on the dedication, expertise, and passion of the outstanding nursing faculty and staff. Their commitment to academic excellence, hands-on training, and student support has created one of the top nursing programs in the state. Most importantly, it reflects the hard work of RACC students, who graduate fully prepared to begin their nursing careers with confidence and compassion.

Pennsylvania has more than 80 approved public and private nursing programs, offering a wide range of degrees from Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificates to doctoral degrees, with sources indicating 84 institutions offering associate's or certificate programs and 63 offering bachelor's degrees.

The outlook for nurses in Pennsylvania is promising, with projections showing a steady demand for nursing professionals in the coming years. Choosing the right nursing school is crucial for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

Registerednursing.org has developed comprehensive rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the primary evaluation metric. These rankings help students identify top-performing programs that maximize their chances of successfully completing the NCLEX licensure exam.

RACC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program provides an exceptional pathway for future nurses, boasting impressive NCLEX pass rates consistently near 100% in recent years. The comprehensive two-year program offers flexible day and evening class schedules, emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences and advanced simulation labs. 

“I want to extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the faculty and staff of the nursing program for this well-deserved honor. Their efforts not only elevate RACC but also strengthen the healthcare community across our region,” says RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney.

Students benefit from rigorous coursework covering essential nursing processes, patient care techniques, and professional skill development. The curriculum is strategically designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry-level nursing positions and smooth transitions into RN-BSN programs. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of prerequisite courses, and successful navigation of a selective admission process. With experienced faculty and strong clinical affiliates in the Reading area, students receive robust preparation for their nursing careers.

The features of RACC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program include:

• Day and evening class options
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Simulation labs
• Easy transfer to RN-BSN programs
• Experienced faculty support
• Clinical affiliates in Reading area
• High school diploma or GED required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Selective admission process

To learn more about career opportunities in nursing at RACC, visit racc.edu/academics/nursing-program, or contact an enrollment specialist at admissions@racc.edu, 610.607.6224.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu