Table of Contents show
Nursing License in Pennsylvania FAQ
Q: Does Pennsylvania belong to the eNLC?
A: Yes, Pennsylvania is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license.
Q: Does Pennsylvania offer walk-through licenses?
A: No, Pennsylvania does not offer walk-through licenses.
Q: Does Pennsylvania offer temporary nursing licenses?
A: Yes, Pennsylvania offers temporary nursing licenses for up to six months.
Q: Does Pennsylvania belong to Nursys?
A: Yes, Pennsylvania is a member of Nursys, a national database for verifying nurse licensure and disciplinary history.
Q: What is the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing URL?
A: The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing website can be found at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx.
Q: What is the phone number of the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing?
A: The phone number for the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing is (717) 783-7142.
Q: What is the address for the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing?
A: The address for the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing is 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Q: What is the fee for Pennsylvania endorsement application?
A: The fee for Pennsylvania endorsement application is $100.
Q: What is the fee for temporary nursing license in Pennsylvania?
A: The fee for a temporary nursing license in Pennsylvania is $35.
Q: What is the fee for fingerprint card (if out-of-state)?
A: The fee for fingerprint card (if out-of-state) varies and is determined by the vendor.
Q: What is the time frame for obtaining a permanent license in Pennsylvania?
A: The time frame for obtaining a permanent license in Pennsylvania varies, but the processing time can take up to 12 weeks.
Q: What is the time frame for obtaining a temporary license in Pennsylvania?
A: The time frame for obtaining a temporary license in Pennsylvania varies, but the processing time can take up to six weeks.
Nursing License in Pennsylvania
Are you considering a career in nursing? Have you been researching how to get your nursing license in Pennsylvania? If so, this blog post is for you! We’ll cover the requirements, steps, and resources available to help you become a licensed nurse in the Keystone State.
What Are The Requirements For Becoming A Nurse In Pennsylvania?
In order to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Pennsylvania, applicants must first complete an approved nursing program.
There are numerous in-state options available at the diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) levels.
After completing the program, applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN examination and submit a criminal background check.
Additionally, RNs must renew their licenses every two years and complete 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) for each license renewal period.
For those who wish to transfer their license to Pennsylvania from another state, they may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
How Do I Apply For A Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
To apply for a nursing license in Pennsylvania, applicants must first submit an application online in the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal and pay the fee.
The fee for RN licensure by endorsement (without examination) is $120. If applicants have ever held a Maryland license, then they must follow the RN/LPN Licensure by Endorsement Process.
New graduates must take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam and apply for a temporary practice permit if they wish to practice professional nursing.
Lastly, applicants who graduated from an approved licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or registered nurse (RN) program may also be eligible to obtain a permanent license.
What Are The Steps To Getting A Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
There are two primary ways to obtain a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania: by exam or by endorsement.
To obtain a license by endorsement, applicants must submit an online application in the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal and pay a fee of $120.
Those applying for licensure by examination must take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
The state of Pennsylvania is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses licensed in other states may apply for endorsement into Pennsylvania.
Additionally, those who wish to practice nursing in other NLC states may do so with a temporary permit valid for one year.
For those without a valid NJ Nursing license, they can apply for RN and LPN licensure through an online resource.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain A Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
The cost of obtaining a nursing license in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of nurse you are.
For example, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will need to pay an application fee of $90 and a biennial renewal fee of $50.
A Registered Nurse (RN) will need to pay an application fee of $80 and a biennial renewal fee of $45.
In addition to these fees, there may be other costs associated with obtaining and renewing a nursing license such as a criminal background check and/or continuing education fees.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is important to stay informed about the most current fee structure from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
Obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) license in Pennsylvania by either examination or endorsement can take up to 70 business days upon receipt of all required materials.
Generally, applications for RN licenses by examination are processed within seven weeks on average.
However, delays may occur depending on the complexity of an application and other factors.
Endorsement applications take approximately 10-15 business days after receipt of the application. It is important to note that applicants must first determine if they are going to apply for a license by examination or endorsement as these are the two primary pathways for obtaining a Pennsylvania RN license.
To qualify for a Pennsylvania RN license, applicants must have completed a Board approved RN nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam.
What Is The NCLEX Exam, And How Do I Prepare For It?
The NCLEX exam is a computerized adaptive test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for aspiring nurses to obtain licensure.
The NCLEX-RN is tailored to the test-taker based on their knowledge of the material, so no two tests are identical.
Before registering for the exam, applicants must submit an application for licensure/registration to the nursing regulatory board in the state of their choice.
Once registered, there are several steps to take in order to adequately prepare for the NCLEX-RN.
Test-takers should take advantage of study guides and practice tests, review course materials, and create a study plan that fits their needs.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the testing format so that you can be well prepared on exam day.
What Happens If I Fail The NCLEX Exam?
If you fail the NCLEX Exam, you can apply to retake it after a lapse of approximately 46 days.
The NCSBN requires that an individual wait a full 45 days from the date of their first test before retaking the exam.
After you retake the exam, you will receive your official results through your NRB approximately six weeks later.
You will also receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which is an individualized document that shows how a candidate performed on each section of the exam.
It can be easy to get overconfident and set your books aside, but unless you have passed the NCLEX, you cannot be licensed as a nurse in Pennsylvania.
Therefore, it is important to thoroughly prepare for the exam and make sure that you have all of the necessary qualifications, including completing your nursing education program and application for licensure/registration with a participating board of nursing/regulatory body (BON/RB).
How Do I Maintain My Nursing License In Pennsylvania?
To maintain a nursing license in Pennsylvania, there are certain requirements that must be met.
This includes completing continuing education hours, renewing your license biennially, and obtaining a fingerprint background check.
Nurses must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education approved by the Board during the biennial period immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.
Nurses must renew their licenses either on April 30 or October 31 – check your license for details.
Additionally, applicants will need to obtain a fingerprint background check in order to obtain a nursing license.
For those who have moved to Pennsylvania from another state, or those with a non-compact state as their primary residence, they may either take the NCLEX exam or apply for licensure by endorsement to transfer their license to Pennsylvania.
Licensure by Endorsement: Transfer My License to Pennsylvania
Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows individuals who are already licensed to practice nursing in another state to transfer their license to Pennsylvania.
This process requires applicants to submit an application online in the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal and pay a fee of $120.
Applicants must also provide information about their current nursing license as well as any additional qualifications they may have.
Additionally, applicants must pass the NCLEX exam and meet all of the other requirements for licensure in Pennsylvania.
Once the application is approved and all qualifications are met, the individual will receive a permanent license to practice nursing in Pennsylvania.
How To Verify Nursing License in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has made it easier to verify nursing licenses. The Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) now offers an online portal that enables nurses to quickly and securely check the status of their professional license.
The portal, called the Professional License Verification System (PLVS), is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To use the system, nurses must create an account and provide their license number, name, and date of birth.
Once the information is verified, nurses will be able to view their license status and expiration date.
Additionally, the portal allows nurses to print out a certification of their license. This system is designed to help protect the public from unqualified or unlicensed individuals.
The Pennsylvania Department of State encourages all licensed nurses to create a PLVS account and use the portal to verify their license status.
List Resources for Nursing License in Pennsylvania
RNCareers.org Staff
RNCareers.org Staff Writers are nurse educators, nurse practitioners, RN and LPN freelancers and part time writers. They are passionate about sharing their nursing expertise and helping nurses like you.
If you are in a position to help nurses with your writing, and you’d like to find out more about contributing to our site, reach out using the contact us form.