How to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania
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Editor & Writer
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Pennsylvania will soon be in dire need of nurses, so now may be as good a time as any to explore a nursing career in the state.
Nursing is a great profession for people interested in helping patients in a healthcare setting but without the many years of education needed to become a doctor. Nurses are responsible for assessing their patients, taking vital signs, assisting providers, carrying out ordered tests, and administering medication.
While nurses don't get paid as much as doctors do, nursing degrees in Pennsylvania take less time than medical school and can lead to a career that pays comfortable wages in the state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
3 Steps to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania
The degree required to be a nurse in Pennsylvania depends on what type of nurse you hope to become.
Registered nurses (RNs) typically need an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, a passing NCLEX-RN exam score, and state certification. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can practice with an associate degree and a license. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, need a graduate degree to earn licensure and practice.
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1
Earn a Nursing Degree
Most aspiring nurses in Pennsylvania must first acquire a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or associate degree in nursing (ADN). These degrees equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to provide competent care to patients. An ADN typically takes two years to complete, whereas a BSN takes four years. BSN programs typically cover a broad range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory. In addition, they offer hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings. -
2
Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning a BSN, your next step is to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam assesses your knowledge and ability to provide safe and effective entry-level nursing care. You must pass the NCLEX-RN to become an RN in Pennsylvania. -
3
Obtain a Nursing License
After you've passed the NCLEX-RN, you'll be ready to apply for a nursing license. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing will review your application, verify your education, and conduct a background check before issuing your license. Having a nursing license allows you to legally practice nursing in Pennsylvania.
Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, to become a registered nurse (RN) you must finish an accredited nursing course and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Prior experience is not a requirement to obtain the initial license.
To earn your license, you'll need to complete a three-hour child abuse recognition and reporting course approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
You will have to renew your license every two years if you intend to continue practicing as a nurse in Pennsylvania. The renewal process requires 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours of child abuse recognition and reporting courses.
Costs to Become a Licensed Nurse in Pennsylvania
Nursing degrees in Pennsylvania have varying costs depending on the type of nursing program you choose and the institution you get your degree from. The average cost of nursing school for a four-year degree was $17,251 annually for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Moreover, there is an additional cost for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is $200. You must also pay a fee when applying for your nursing license: The initial licensing fee is $95 for in-state graduates and $115 for out-of-state graduates in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Costs to Remain a Licensed Nurse in Pennsylvania
Maintaining your nursing license in Pennsylvania requires a renewal fee of $122 every two years.
In addition, nurses may incur costs associated with various courses or programs in order to meet the 30-hour continuing education requirement for license renewal. It's important to budget for these ongoing costs to ensure you're able to keep your license active.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania
The demand for RNs in Pennsylvania is projected to grow 8.9% from 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That leaves the state near the middle of the pack in terms of states with the most anticipated demand for RNs moving forward.
Demand for RNs is projected to grow 6% across the U.S.
Pennsylvania is expected to struggle with a nursing shortage going forward. A 2021 market report from Mercer projects that Pennsylvania will have a larger gap in the number of needed RNs than any other state in the U.S. The report anticipates a 20,000 shortfall of nurses by 2026.
Salaries for Nurses in Pennsylvania
Registered nurses in the state had a median annual salary of $82,780 in May 2023, according to BLS. That is slightly lower than the national median salary for RNs of $86,070.
Registered nurse salaries vary by region. For example, RNs in the Philadelphia area earn a median salary about $10,640 more than the national median for RNs. Meanwhile, nurses working in the Johnstown metropolitan area earn less than the national average.
| Area Name | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $96,710 |
| Reading, PA | $91,410 |
| Lebanon, PA | $86,740 |
| Williamsport, PA | $82,690 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $82,190 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $82,160 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $82,040 |
| State College, PA | $81,890 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $81,530 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $81,160 |
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Specialties for Nurses in Pennsylvania
There are several nursing specialties you can pursue for your career. These specialties allow you to focus on a specific area of healthcare, and each specialty may have its own educational, certification, and licensing requirements.
Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency room (ER) nurses provide immediate care to patients facing critical conditions or injuries. They are skilled in rapidly assessing patient conditions, initiating life-saving interventions, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team to manage patient care.
ER nurses in Pennsylvania must have a BSN, an RN license, and additional certification in trauma care and life support.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses care for newborns who are born prematurely or with complications. They provide specialized nursing care, administer medications, and work closely with neonatologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
To become a neonatal nurse in Pennsylvania, you must have a BSN, an RN license, and additional certification in neonatal care.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) provide comprehensive care to women with a special focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological and reproductive health.
CNMs in Pennsylvania must have a master's degree in midwifery or a related field, RN licensure, and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses, also referred to as mental health nurses, work with patients diagnosed with mental health conditions. They play a crucial role in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Psychiatric nurses in Pennsylvania must have a BSN, an RN license, and additional certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists, or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), provide anesthesia services to patients undergoing surgical, obstetrical, and trauma care procedures. They are APRNs with specialized education and training in anesthesia care.
CRNAs must have a master's degree or higher in nursing, RN licensure, and certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide comprehensive healthcare services similar to those of a physician. They can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. However, they cannot operate their own practice.
NPs must have a master's degree in nursing, RN licensure, and certification in their specialty area from a recognized national certifying body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Degrees in Pennsylvania
How much does an RN license cost in Pennsylvania?
The cost for an RN license in Pennsylvania is $95 for in-state graduates and $115 for out-of-state graduates if applying by examination. For licensure by endorsement, the fee is $120. These fees could change, so it's important to check the Pennsylvania Department of State website for the most recent information.
How long does it take to become an RN in Pennsylvania?
The time to become an RN in Pennsylvania ranges from 2-5 years for education, plus an additional wait of 30-60 days post-graduation to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. After passing the exam, expect to wait about six weeks to receive the official results and complete your nursing license application.
Is Pennsylvania a compact nursing state?
Pennsylvania is a compact nursing state, meaning RNs and LPNs with an active multistate license (MSL)from another compact state can practice there. However, Pennsylvania nurses must meet specific preconditions, such as an FBI background check, before they can obtain an MSL to work in other compact states.
Is Pennsylvania a good state to work in as a nurse?
Pennsylvania is a favorable state for nurses, offering one of the highest employment levels in the country and a median salary of $82,780, above the national median salary for all occupations. However, make sure that working and living in Pennsylvania is the right choice for you: factors like work-life balance, weather, and employer can impact your experience as a nurse in Pennsylvania.
