Nursing in Pennsylvania: Requirements, Licensing, and Salary Outlook
Prospective nurses in Pennsylvania have the opportunity to secure salaries within the top 25% nationally, accompanied by the fifth-highest employment level of registered nurses (RNs), as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognizes two esteemed nursing schools in the state, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, among the best for graduate degrees.
For comprehensive information on how to embark on a nursing career in Pennsylvania, including anticipated salaries and projected employment growth rates, continue reading. The nursing landscape in Pennsylvania offers robust employment prospects and avenues for career progression. This guide delves into details about nursing schools in the state, licensure requirements, and highlights the top hospital employers.
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Degree and License Requirements
– Degree Required: ADN or BSN
– License Required: Registered Nurse License
– Fees: License – $95-$120, Renewal – $122
– Job Outlook: 12.5% growth from 2018-2028
How to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania
Aspiring RNs in Pennsylvania undergo nursing programs to earn degrees, preparing them for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and subsequent state RN licensing. The steps outlined below elucidate the process of becoming an RN in Pennsylvania, accompanied by strategies for career advancement.
1. Apply to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
– RNs qualify for licensure with either a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. Admission requirements typically include high school transcripts, prerequisites in science and math, and SAT or ACT scores.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam to Receive RN Licensure
– Graduates usually sit for the NCLEX-RN about a month after completing their program. The NCLEX-RN assesses both nursing knowledge and skills.
3. Apply for Jobs at Local Hospitals
– The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry notes that hospitals are the most common employers for nurses.
4. Advance Your Career With a Graduate Degree or Certification
– Pursuing a graduate nursing degree or obtaining specialty certification can open up more career opportunities and lead to higher pay. For instance, master’s-level nurse practitioners (NPs) often earn an additional $30,000 per year.
5. Maintain and Renew Licensure and Certifications
– Pennsylvania RN licenses renew every two years and require 30 hours of continuing education per renewal period, along with a renewal fee.
Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and safety of Pennsylvanians through regulation, licensure, approval of nursing colleges, and enforcement of practice standards.
The board’s website serves as a comprehensive resource for nursing licensure in the state, offering information on licensing for new nurses and existing RNs from other states. Meeting minutes are also available, covering pending legislation, such as joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), facilitating multistate licenses for nurses in compact states.
How to Get Your Nursing License in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania nursing board provides two pathways for RN licensure: licensure by examination for new nurses and licensure by endorsement for out-of-state nurses. The board offers guidance for licensing applications, recommending that new RNs apply while in nursing school to initiate the criminal history check process.
Licensure for New Nurses
This section outlines eligibility requirements and licensing steps for new nursing graduates who have never held an RN license in any state.
– RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements
– ADN or BSN from an accredited, board-approved nursing school or RN training program
– Passing score on the NCLEX-RN
– Criminal history record check
– $95 application fee
– Three hours of continuing education in child abuse reporting from a board-approved provider
– Steps to Apply for an RN License
– Review the nursing board’s licensure guide and tips for faster application processing.
– Register for the NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson VUE.
– Submit an online application to the nursing board through the Pennsylvania Licensing System.
– Alongside the criminal history check, submit background checks from every state lived, worked, or attended school in the previous 10 years.
– Estimated timeline: The nursing board recommends allowing 12-15 weeks from submitting the application (after nursing program completion) to issuing the license.
Licensure for Nurses From a Different State
This section outlines the licensure by endorsement process for RNs holding licenses in other states who wish to practice in Pennsylvania.
– Steps to Apply for RN License
– Review the nursing board’s licensure guide.
– Submit an online application to the nursing board through the Pennsylvania Licensing System and pay the $120 application fee.
– Complete three hours of continuing education in child abuse reporting from a board-approved provider.
– Submit a criminal background check from every state lived, worked, or attended school during the past 10 years.
– Provide official transcripts from the institution(s) where RN education was completed.
– Submit to the PA nursing board a verification of licensure from the current state(s).
– Estimated timeline: The nursing board advises allowing 11-14 weeks from application submission to licensure decision.
How to Renew Your Nursing License in Pennsylvania
Healthcare professionals are required to renew their nursing license in Pennsylvania every two years. The online application process typically becomes available 30-60 days before the license expiration date. Renewal applications are submitted through the Pennsylvania Licensing System, with a mandatory fee of $122 for each two-year renewal period.
Nurses seeking to renew their Pennsylvania nursing license must fulfill the requirement of completing 30 continuing education hours from board-approved providers. These providers include professional nursing or accredited graduate nursing programs, accredited hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as federal or state agencies. Additionally, applicants must complete a board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting course during each two-year cycle.
The processing time for renewal licenses is approximately three days, with the nursing board issuing them after receiving completed applications.
Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks among the top 25% of U.S. states for registered nurse (RN) salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of May 2020, the mean salary for RNs in Pennsylvania is $74,170, which is slightly below the national mean of $80,010. In specific metropolitan areas, such as Reading, nurses earn more than the national average, with a mean salary of $81,980. Philadelphia-based RNs also surpass the state average, earning $79,980.
Projections Central forecasts a 12.5% employment growth rate for nurses in Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2028, exceeding the national projected growth rate of 7%.
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| New York — Newark — Jersey City | $94,920 |
| Reading | $81,980 |
| Philadelphia — Camden — Wilmington | $79,980 |
| Chambersburg — Waynesboro | $78,590 |
| Harrisburg — Carlisle | $76,580 |
Source: BLS
Best Hospitals for Nursing Employment in Pennsylvania
U.S. News & World Report evaluates hospitals based on specialty rankings and overall patient ratings. The following are the top five hospitals in Pennsylvania, providing a starting point for nurses in their job search:
1. Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania:
This Philadelphia-based network includes Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, both recognized for nursing excellence with Magnet status.
2. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Shadyside Hospital:
UPMC Shadyside, located in Pittsburgh, employs nearly 20,000 nurses and holds Magnet status, offering various nursing specialty roles.
3. Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals:
Based in Philadelphia, Jefferson Health employs nearly 3,000 nurses specializing in areas such as cancer, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, neurology, and more.
4. Lancaster General Hospital:
Located in Lancaster, this hospital, affiliated with Penn Medicine and Lancaster General Health, offers nursing specialties in critical care, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.
5. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:
Based in Hershey, this Magnet hospital employs 3,200 nurses and fosters a collaborative working environment, empowering nurses in patient safety, professional development, and performance improvement.
Resources for Nurses in Pennsylvania
– Pennsylvania Department of State – Board of Nursing:
The state nursing board issues licenses, regulates the nursing profession, and approves nursing programs in Pennsylvania. The website provides updates on COVID-19, opioid crisis information, nursing education guidance, and resources for licensees.
– Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA):
PSNA offers continuing education resources, advocacy, networking opportunities, events, and a nursing journal for practitioners. The Young Nurse Professionals group provides a community for new RNs.
– Nurses of Pennsylvania:
This group advocates for quality patient care, safe staffing levels, and nurses’ voice in the profession. The website features a survey detailing the impact of chronic understaffing and high turnover on patient care.
– Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL):
PONL offers events, career listings, and resources for nurse leaders. The organization advocates on issues such as nurse staffing ratios, full practice authority for NPs, and telemedicine access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get a PA nursing license?
To obtain a PA nursing license, earn an ADN or a BSN from a state board-approved, accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and undergo background checks. RNs 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.
2. How much is it to renew an RN license in PA?
RNs pay $122 for license renewal every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education from a state nursing board-approved provider and completion of a child abuse reporting course, which may have additional costs.
3. Is Pennsylvania a Nurse Compact State?
No, Pennsylvania is not yet part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). However, the state introduced legislation in 2019 to join the NLC, which would allow PA nurses to practice in other NLC states and permit RNs from other NLC states to practice in PA under multistate licenses.
4. How many times can you take the NCLEX in PA?
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, with approximately 46 days between examination dates.
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