Pennsylvania Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$120
Renewal: $122 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
CE Required
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Pennsylvania is an NLC member; nurses holding multistate licenses with primary residency outside PA can practice immediately under compact privilege without applying for PA licensure. However, establishing PA as primary residence during assignment triggers mandatory license application and compact privilege termination.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Pennsylvania assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Pennsylvania residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Pennsylvania license through endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Pennsylvania uses an apply online via PALS (https://www.pals.pa.gov/) endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $120 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application online via PALS
- Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Pennsylvania requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $120 |
| Renewal | $122 (every 2 years) |
| Temporary License | $70 |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $245–$295 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Pennsylvania issues temporary nursing licenses valid for Up to 1 year from date of issuance, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Processing Time
Pennsylvania registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks if application is complete, home state verification is immediate, no disciplinary history, and submitted before board cutoff.
Common sources of delay:
- PALS system verification delays from home state board, especially from states with manual verification processes that may take 2-4 weeks
- Board monthly meeting cycle; applications submitted after cutoff date wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
- Criminal background check and disciplinary history verification occur during standard processing window; any prior discipline triggers escalated review adding 3-8 weeks
Pennsylvania does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
Pennsylvania requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: child abuse recognition and reporting — 2 hours every biennial renewal
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Pennsylvania may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring April 30 of even years — $122 via Pennsylvania BPOA portal
- CE topics: child abuse recognition and reporting — 2 hours every biennial renewal
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Pennsylvania license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: February 5, 2026. Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing's official website.
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