A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients about health conditions, and offering support to patients and their families. RNs in Pennsylvania diagnose and treat patients’ responses to health problems and execute medical regimens prescribed by physicians and other licensed providers. Achieving this status requires navigating precise educational, administrative, and testing requirements mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. This guide details the specific steps necessary to obtain licensure and begin practicing as an RN within the Commonwealth.
Educational Pathways to Becoming an RN in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing accepts graduates from three types of professional nursing education programs: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and hospital-based Diploma programs. The educational curriculum must meet the standards set forth in Pennsylvania statutes, governed by Title 49, Chapter 21 of the Pennsylvania Code.
While the ADN and Diploma pathways fulfill the minimum educational requirement for initial licensure, the BSN degree is increasingly preferred by many healthcare systems. The BSN program provides a more comprehensive foundation in leadership, research, public health, and complex patient care management, preparing graduates for a wider range of roles. Regardless of the degree chosen, the program must be formally approved by the PA State Board of Nursing before a student graduates.
The Board’s approval process ensures that the curriculum and clinical experiences adequately prepare students for competent practice. Schools must maintain a minimum pass rate of 80% for first-time examinees on the national licensure examination.
Applying for Licensure and Meeting Pre-Examination Requirements
Applying for licensure begins with submitting an application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The application verifies that the candidate has met all non-examination eligibility criteria.
A component of this pre-examination process is submitting official transcripts directly from the approved nursing education program to the Board. These transcripts must confirm the degree awarded, the date of program completion, and that the education meets state requirements. The Board cannot process the application until this official notice of program completion is received from the educational institution.
All new applicants must also complete a mandatory criminal background check, requiring fingerprinting for both state and federal screening. This FBI fingerprint-based check must be scheduled through the state’s designated vendor, IdentoGO, using a specific service code. Clearance of this background check is necessary before the Board issues the Authorization to Test (ATT), which grants permission to register for the NCLEX-RN.
Successfully Completing the NCLEX-RN Examination
Once the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing has processed the application, verified educational requirements, and cleared the background check, the candidate is granted the Authorization to Test (ATT). They can then register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through Pearson VUE. This examination assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe entry-level nursing practice.
The NCLEX-RN uses a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, which adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions based on the candidate’s performance. The exam continues until the candidate’s competency level is determined. A passing result on the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure in all U.S. states, including Pennsylvania.
Candidates who fail receive a Candidate Performance Report and must submit a re-examination application and fee to the PA Board of Nursing before re-registering with Pearson VUE. A waiting period of 45 days is required before a retake can be scheduled.
Receiving Official Pennsylvania RN Licensure
Once the candidate passes the NCLEX-RN, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing receives confirmation of the passing score directly from the testing vendor. The Board then reviews the candidate’s file to ensure all prior administrative requirements have been satisfied. This final review confirms verified education, a cleared criminal background check, and necessary documentation.
When all requirements are met, the Board officially grants the Registered Nurse license. The license number is issued and made active, allowing the individual to legally practice as an RN in the Commonwealth. New licenses often include a QR code linking to the online verification page on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), which confirms active status.
The time between passing the NCLEX and receiving the active license varies based on the speed of final administrative verification and the receipt of external confirmations.
Maintaining Your Active RN Status in Pennsylvania
After receiving the initial license, a Pennsylvania Registered Nurse must adhere to specific requirements to keep their license active. The renewal cycle for an RN license in Pennsylvania is biennial. Renewal deadlines are assigned by the Board and must be met.
The renewal process requires the completion of Continuing Education (CE) requirements. RNs must complete at least 30 contact hours of Board-approved CE during each two-year renewal period. The Board requires nurses to keep detailed records of their completed CE for a minimum of six years in case of an audit.
Pennsylvania mandates specific continuing education topics, including a required two hours of Board-approved training on Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting for every renewal. For initial licensure, candidates must have completed a three-hour course on this topic. These mandatory courses ensure that all licensed healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters.
Understanding Licensure by Endorsement and Accelerated Paths
Registered Nurses licensed in another U.S. state or territory can apply for a Pennsylvania license through Licensure by Endorsement. This process allows the RN to bypass the NCLEX-RN examination requirement, provided they hold an active license in good standing. Endorsement applicants must still meet educational and background check requirements, including the mandatory three hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting.
The Board also accepts accelerated nursing education paths for initial licensure, designed for individuals who have already completed a previous degree or have specialized experience. These paths include LPN-to-RN programs and second-degree BSN programs, which condense the nursing curriculum. As long as these programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, they satisfy the educational requirement for licensure.
Endorsement facilitates the transition of experienced nurses into the Pennsylvania workforce, while accelerated paths provide a faster entry point for career changers.