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Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
Processing time
1–3 weeks
Fees
License: $120
Renewal: $122
Compact state
Partial compact implementation
Individuals holding valid multi-state licenses from an outside state can work in Pennsylvania with them. However, this state is not yet issuing its own multi-state licenses
Application links
Credentia application
Biennially, every two years based on initial license issuance
The Board will assign registered nurses to one of the following license expiration dates:
April 30 in the EVEN-numbered years
October 31 in the EVEN-numbered years
April 30 in the ODD-numbered years
April 30 in the ODD-numbered years
No
30 hours of Continuing Education required within a 2-year licensing period
Two continuing education hours are required on the topic of child abuse recognition and reporting
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$120
Renewal: $65
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
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.
Pennsylvania uses a mail/pdf application 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.
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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $120 |
| Renewal | $65 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $175–$225 |
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.
Pennsylvania does not issue temporary nursing licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
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:
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.
Pennsylvania requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
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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