[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses in PA can find salaries in the top 25% and the nation’s fifth-highest employment level of registered nurses (RNs), according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). U.S. News & World Report also ranks two nursing schools in PA among the country’s best for graduate degrees: University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for information about [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]how to become a nurse[/hen-ui-link] in Pennsylvania, expected salaries, and projected employment growth rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pennsylvania RNs complete nursing programs in PA to receive degrees in the field. Graduates are prepared to pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm” target=”_blank”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and qualify for state RN licensing. The steps below outline the process of becoming an RN in Pennsylvania, along with career advancement strategies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pennsylvania Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Pennsylvania [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]State Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] protects the health and safety of Pennsylvanians through regulation, licensure, approving nursing colleges in PA, and enforcing practice standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The board’s website offers a comprehensive [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-diagnosis-guide/”]guide to nursing[/hen-ui-link] licensure in the state. The website provides licensing information for new nurses and existing RNs from other states. The board also posts meeting minutes covering pending legislation such as enabling the state to join the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC), which allows nurses in compact states to practice under multistate licenses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Pennsylvania nursing board offers two options for becoming [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Nursing-Guide.aspx” target=”_blank”]licensed RNs[/hen-ui-link]: licensure by examination for new nurses and licensure by endorsement for licensed out-of-state nurses. The board offers tips for aiding licensing applications, such as advising new RNs to apply while in nursing school to begin the criminal history check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section outlines the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Nursing-Guide.aspx” target=”_blank”]licensure by endorsement[/hen-ui-link] process for RNs who hold licenses in another state and wish to practice in Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review the nursing board’s nursing licensure guide.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit an online application to the nursing board through the Pennsylvania Licensing System and pay the $120 application fee.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete three hours of continuing education in child abuse reporting from a board-approved provider.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit a criminal background check from every state in which you have lived, worked, or attended school during the past 10 years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide official transcripts from the institution(s) where you completed your RN education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit to the PA nursing board a verification of licensure from your current state(s).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated timeline: The nursing board advises allowing 11-14 weeks from application submission to licensure decision.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/pennsylvania/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals must renew PA nursing license every two years. Online applications typically open 30-60 days before the expiration date. Licensees submit renewal applications through the Pennsylvania Licensing System. The state requires a $122 fee for each two-year renewal period.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each nurse renewing a PA nursing license must complete 30 continuing education hours from board-approved providers, such as professional nursing or accredited graduate nursing programs, accredited hospitals and healthcare facilities, and federal or state agencies. In addition, a renewal applicant must complete a board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting course for each two-year cycle.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing board averages three days to issue renewal licenses after receiving completed applications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS ranks Pennsylvania RN salaries in the top 25% of U.S. states. RNs in PA make a mean salary of $74,170 as of May 2020. Statewide, RNs earn less than the national mean of $80,010. As the following table indicates, nurses working in the Reading metropolitan area make a little more than the national average, with a mean salary of $81,980. Philadelphia-based RNs fare better than the state average and earn $79,980.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pennsylvania’s projected employment growth rate for 2018-2028 is 12.5%, according to Projections Central, exceeding the national projected growth rate of 7%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]New York — Newark — Jersey City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$94,920[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Reading[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$81,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Philadelphia — Camden — Wilmington[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$79,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chambersburg — Waynesboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$78,590[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Harrisburg — Carlisle[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$76,580[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”best-hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. News & World Report ranks hospitals based on [hen-ui-link href=”https://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-hospitals/articles/faq-how-and-why-we-rank-and-rate-hospitals” target=”_blank”]two subcomponents[/hen-ui-link]: specialty rankings of patients with rare or life-threatening conditions and ratings for patients with more common ailments. The table below lists U.S. News’ top five Pennsylvania hospitals and provides a starting point for your job search.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/penn-hospitals” target=”_blank”] Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This vast hospital network based in Philadelphia includes top-ranked Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, which have received Magnet status for nursing excellence.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/shadyside” target=”_blank”] University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Shadyside Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] UPMC Shadyside employs nearly 20,000 nurses and maintains Magnet status, offering 50 nursing specialty roles.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://hospitals.jefferson.edu” target=”_blank”] Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health employs nearly 3,000 nurses caring for patients in specialty areas that include cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, geriatrics, and neurology and neurosurgery.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://lancastergeneralhealth.org” target=”_blank”] Lancaster General Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This Lancaster-area hospital maintains an affiliation with Penn Medicine and Lancaster General Health to offer nursing specialties in critical care, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Milton S. Hershey Medical Center[/hen-ui-heading] This Hershey-based Magnet hospital employs 3,200 nurses and offers a collaborative working environment, which empowers nurses to lead in patient safety, professional development, and performance improvement.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”] Pennsylvania Department of State – Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The state nursing board confers licenses to eligible licensed practical nurses, RNs, and NPs. The board also regulates the nursing profession and approves nursing programs in PA. Its website posts updates on COVID-19 and the opioid crisis, nursing education guidance, and telemedicine information, along with forms and resources for licensees.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.psna.org/” target=”_blank”] Pennsylvania State Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Aiming to serve PA nurses and their patients, PSNA offers continuing education resources like a board-approved child abuse reporting course. PSNA promotes advocacy, networking opportunities and events, and a nursing journal for practitioners. The organizations Young Nurse Professionals group provides a community for new RNs.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursesofpa.org/” target=”_blank”] Nurses of Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This group of frontline nurses advocates for quality patient care, safe staffing levels in hospitals and nursing homes, and giving nurses a voice in the profession. Its website provides access to a survey of 1,000 nurses across the state detailing the dangers to patient care due to chronic understaffing and high turnover.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ponl.net/” target=”_blank”] Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] PONL members in five regions throughout Pennsylvania benefit from events, career listings, and resources targeted for nurse leaders. PONL advocates to the state and posts position papers on nurse staffing ratios, full practice authority for NPs, and telemedicine access. Nurses with fewer than two years of leadership experience can join at a reduced rate.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I get a PA nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To get a PA nursing license, you must earn an ADN or a BSN from a state board-approved, accredited nursing school and pass the NCLEX-RN exam and background checks. An RN licensed in another state can apply for PA licensure by endorsement with proof of licensure, RN training, and a criminal background check in their state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much is it to renew an RN license in PA?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs pay $122 for their renewal licenses every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/things-nurses-should-know-about-continuing-education/”]continuing education[/hen-ui-link] from a state nursing board-approved provider and completion of a child abuse reporting course, which may carry additional costs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Pennsylvania a Nurse Compact State?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. Pennsylvania is not yet an NLC state, but the state introduced legislation to join the NLC in 2019. If passed, this will allow PA nurses to practice in other NLC states. This compact would also permit RNs from other NLC states to practice in PA under multistate licenses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How many times can you take the NCLEX in PA?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of times a candidate can take the NCLEX-RN. Examinees can apply to retake the exam at any time, but the time between examination dates spans about 46 days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Pennsylvania RN-to-MSN Programs” href=”/state/pennsylvania/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Pennsylvania Online Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2021″ href=”/state/pennsylvania/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top LPN Programs in Pennsylvania” href=”/state/pennsylvania/lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Philadelphia Practical Nurse LPN Programs” href=”/state/pennsylvania/philadelphia-lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]