A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is renowned for its top-tier nursing schools and exemplary hospitals, making it an ideal location to start a nursing career. Nurses moving to the state will find their expertise to be valued and well-compensated. Here’s a detailed guide on securing your initial registered nurse license, renewing it, and applying for licensure by endorsement. This post will address:
- Acquiring your nursing license through examination - Securing licensure by endorsement - Renewing your Pennsylvania nursing license - Fees associated with licensure - Continuing education prerequisites - Contacting the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
Registered nurses licensed in other states can apply for endorsement in Pennsylvania if they graduated from an accredited U.S. or Canadian nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN or its equivalent. Generally, this process spans four weeks and involves a $120 application fee.
Pennsylvania requires all health licensees to complete at least 3 hours of DHS-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. Register for this course using the same information as your licensure application. The provider will send completion confirmation to the Board.
To apply, create an account and submit your application and fee online at www.pals.pa.gov. If you're a Pennsylvania resident, a Criminal History Records Check will automatically be sent to the Pennsylvania State Police when you apply. If you live or have lived out of state, obtain a recent Criminal History Records Check from the police or agency handling criminal records in each state you’ve lived, worked, or studied in the past decade.
Additionally, request that an official transcript from the RN educational program that qualified you for your initial RN license be sent directly to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. A Verification of Licensure from each state where you hold a nursing license must also be sent to the Board, confirming your valid status.
**Step 1: Apply for license renewal**
Pennsylvania mandates biennial renewal of registered nursing licenses. Even if you don’t receive a renewal notice, you must renew. Applications can be submitted online at www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/login. Nurses nearing license expiration should complete a Board-approved Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course in time, as providers may delay reporting to the Board.
**Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements**
Pennsylvania requires registered nurses to complete 30 hours of Board-approved Continuing Education for renewal. Company X offers free continuing education units for Pennsylvania-licensed nurses, with immediate certification, aiding in meeting these requirements. Retain documentation for five years in case of an audit, though submission at renewal is unnecessary.
**Step 3: Submit your renewal application**
Renewal applications should be filed online at www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/login with the required fee. Renewal licenses are issued within 3 days.
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania, whether you're new or relocating:
**Licensing fees by examination (for newcomers):**
- NCLEX exam fee: $200 - Application fee: $95
**Licensing fees by endorsement (for those already licensed):**
- Application fees: $120 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)
**License renewal fees:**
- Application fees: $122 (RN); $76 (LPN); $81 (APRN, $41 Rx authority)
Pennsylvania plans to join the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing multi-state practice.
**Continuing education requirements:**
- RN: 30 contact hours biennially, including 2 hours in child abuse training - LPN: 3 hours in child abuse training - APRN: 30 contact hours biennially, with 16 in pharmacology, 2 in child abuse training, and 2 in pain management or addiction identification.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing approves ANCC-accredited courses. For more details, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing:
- Nursing CE page for RNs - Nursing CE page for LPNs - Nursing CE page for APRNs
For contact information about the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, refer to their official line or website. Connect with nursing opportunities throughout Pennsylvania, tailored to your skills.
