How to Become an RN in PA: 4 Steps
If you’re seeking a career that offers stability and growth opportunities in Pennsylvania and beyond, you might consider becoming a registered nurse (RN). In this article, we’ll cover how to become an RN in PA and the many benefits of this career path.
Pennsylvania boasts a high quality of life and plenty of opportunities for RNs — the state is projected to need more than 20,000 nurses in the next few years. Nurses in the Keystone State can work in prestigious research institutes, teaching facilities, cutting-edge hospitals, and more.
RN licenses are overseen by state regulatory organizations such as the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The BON in each state determines the licensure, renewals, and disciplinary process for nursing professionals. Figuring out how to become a registered nurse in Pennsylvania is similar to other states, with some key differences.
What Does an RN in Pennsylvania Do?
As an RN in Pennsylvania, you’ll provide essential care and services to PA residents. Depending on where you work, you’ll be responsible for performing head-to-toe assessments, educating patients, communicating with the healthcare team, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
What Do RNs in PA Make?
The average annual salary for RNs in PA is $87,530. You might make more or less than this average depending on your employer, where you live, the specialty you work in, your experience, and any additional credentials you pursue.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in PA?
There are two ways to become an RN — a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While the ADN path is faster, the BSN is the preferred degree among many hospitals and nursing leadership organizations because it encompasses more professional skills like leadership.
You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX and apply for licensure (usually in your final semester), which can take an additional few weeks or months. Want to learn how to become an RN in PA quickly? Watch our video on the fastest way to become a nurse.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
What do you need to be an RN in PA? To start your journey, you’ll need to complete a prelicensure nursing program. Whether you pursue an ADN or BSN, nursing school will build your baseline knowledge of patient care skills, improve your critical thinking, and help you gain experience through clinical rotations. Expect challenging classes like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.
While you’re searching for nursing schools in Pennsylvania, be sure you choose a program that is approved by the BON. This will ensure you’re qualified for licensure after you graduate.
Pennsylvania is home to several renowned nursing schools, such as the following:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Duquesne University
- Villanova University
- University of Scranton
- La Roche University
If you’re seeking a two-year degree, you’ll also have many options in PA, including:
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Mount Aloysius College
- Northampton Community College
- Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
- Butler County Community College
Looking for more hands-on experience during school? Student nurse externships are a great way to further explore a specialty area and build your confidence. Additionally, you can work as a CNA during school, which can help you pay for nursing school and gain experience. Find CNA jobs in Pennsylvania.
Seeking student aid or funding for nursing school? Check out the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund and the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania. For more financial aid opportunities, check out our list of 50 scholarships for nursing students.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX
Completing nursing school means you’ve overcome a major hurdle, but now you’ll need to apply for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your license. Students typically apply for the exam in their final semester of nursing school and take it soon after graduation.
To get started, make an account with the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), where you’ll find a checklist of items you’ll need to apply. This includes a mandatory reporting course, criminal history check, and education verification. You’ll receive an email to schedule your test with Pearson Vue once your application goes through.
How much does a PA RN license cost? You’ll need to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $95 to sit for the exam. PA also allows graduate nurses to work while waiting to take the exam. This requires an interim permit, which costs an additional $70.
You can retake the NCLEX as many times as you want in PA, but you’ll need to wait 45 days between test attempts and pay the fee again for every retest. After you sit for the exam, you should receive your unofficial test results in two business days, and your official results will come from the PA BON within six weeks.Once you pass and your license is posted on the state website, congratulations! You’ve joined the more than 242,000 RNs in the state of PA.&
Pennsylvania is not a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), so you’ll need to apply for a compact or state-specific license if you move or pursue travel nursing. Learn more about getting licensed in NLC states.
Step 3: Start Your Job Hunt
Where will your Pennsylvania RN license take you? Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in PA, your skills are in demand. Will you find fulfillment in the fast-paced world of critical care or the emergency department? Or perhaps a specialty like pediatric nursing or labor and delivery is for you.
New graduate nurses may find opportunities in med-surg units, where they can build essential clinical skills. Working in a general unit can help you lay a baseline of knowledge and skill before you move into a specialty area.
Are you open to relocation? If you’re not sure where you’d like to live in Pennsylvania, check out the largest cities by population:
Nurses in Pennsylvania can also work in acute care hospitals and healthcare networks, such as the following:
- Allegheny Health
- Tower Health
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Indiana Regional Medical Center
Not looking for a hospital job? Pennsylvania also has skilled nursing facilities, outpatient centers, and nursing roles outside of the healthcare sector.
Step 4: Keep Your PA RN License Up to Date
How long is a PA RN license good for? Your nursing license is valid for two years, after which you’ll need to complete a renewal application and submit a fee. You’ll get an email when it’s time to renew, and licenses expire either April 30 or October 31, every other year. To learn more, follow our three-step guide for nursing license renewals in PA.
Find RN Jobs in Pennsylvania
With a Pennsylvania nursing license, you can begin a career in a state with historic charm and major growth opportunities. Now that you know how to become an RN in PA, you might be curious about open roles in your area. Find out how IntelyCare can connect you with the latest nursing jobs in your area.