Pennsylvania nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Pennsylvania license by endorsement: the application fee ($120 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $120 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $120 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprint-based FBI check via IdentoGO required for all new applicants; not required at renewal. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary practice permit, up to 365 days. For nurses licensed in another state; valid until Board decides on application or 1 year, whichever is first; $70 fee. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $122 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. 30 hours per biennium, including 2 hours child abuse recognition and reporting; 2 hours organ and tissue donation CE once within 5 years of licensure. |
How to get your Pennsylvania license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Pennsylvania without applying again. If you move your residence to Pennsylvania, you apply for a Pennsylvania license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary practice permit valid up to 365 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $120 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Pennsylvania
- Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting CE; provider reports completion to the Board.
- Board must receive licensure verification from each state of licensure; Nursys is used if the state participates.
- RN applicants for a temporary practice permit must show English proficiency (education in English or approved exam).
What RNs earn in Pennsylvania
The BLS median for registered nurses in Pennsylvania is $42.12 per hour, about $87,610 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Pennsylvania.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $47.70 | $99,210 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $46.69 | $97,110 |
| Lebanon, PA | $46.52 | $96,770 |
| Reading, PA | $46.31 | $96,330 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $43.57 | $90,620 |
| Williamsport, PA | $41.36 | $86,020 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- pa.gov/agencies/dos/resources/professional-licensing-resources/lic (endorsement application, background check, state notes)
- pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode (fees, renewal fee)
- pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode (fees)
- pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions (Nursys verification)
- pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode (temporary license, state notes)
- pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions (renewal)
- pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Pennsylvania nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $120 for an RN and $120 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Pennsylvania a nurse licensure compact state?
Pennsylvania is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Pennsylvania while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary practice permit, valid up to 365 days. For nurses licensed in another state; valid until Board decides on application or 1 year, whichever is first; $70 fee. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Pennsylvania nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. 30 hours per biennium, including 2 hours child abuse recognition and reporting; 2 hours organ and tissue donation CE once within 5 years of licensure. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania license?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Pennsylvania licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
Moving to Pennsylvania? See what RNs get paid near you.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
1,100+ Registered Nurse roles in Pennsylvania, sent free by email
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your RN pay reportPennsylvania · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Veterans Health AdministrationPhiladelphia, PA · 9 postings$55.73/ hr$31–$74
- Robert Packer HospitalSayre, PA · 2 wage offers$46.56/ hr$39–$54
- Select MedicalLatrobe, PA · 12 postings$46.08/ hr$34–$54
- Acadia HealthcareReading, PA · 6 postings$45.50/ hr$41–$50
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer published or reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
53 RN postings with published pay in Pennsylvania, 44 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 53 RN roles
- Registered Nurse (Cardiac Catherization)Permanent$81k–$155k/ year
- Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental HealthPermanent$81k–$155k/ year
+ 51 more in your report. Each one has pay, shift and start date.