How to Become a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of the total 2,982,280 Registered Nurses that were working across the US in 2019, 148,040 were helping people in Pennsylvania. There were also 697,510 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses working in the US in 2019, out of which 36,970 were working in Pennsylvania.

Nursing is a tough profession. Nurses have to work long hours and spend a lot of time on their feet. If you want to become a nurse, you should be able to handle the rigors of the job. If you think you have what it takes to become a nurse, then the following table will give you an idea of what you need to do to become one.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

As per estimates by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses as well as censed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will enjoy stellar job growth between 2018 and 2028. RNs are expected to experience an increase of 12% in employment opportunities whereas LPNs and LVNs will enjoy 11% job growth. The average job growth for all other occupations is around the 5% mark.

1. 1. Complete the Required Education

If you want to become a nurse, the starting point has to get the right educational credentials. Educational requirements for RNs and LPNs are different. RNs need to have at least a bachelor’s degree to start their careers whereas, for LPNs, a postsecondary nondegree award is enough.

2. 2. Clear the NCLEX

Both Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses have to pass the NCLEX test. RNs have to sit through and clear the NCLEX-RN, whereas LPNs have to pass the NCLEX-PN. Without clearing this step, you will not be allowed to apply for the license.

3. 3. Get the License

After you clear the above mentioned steps, you will have to apply for the relevant state board/authority to get your license. You will also have to submit your fingerprints and clear a background check to get your license. Once you get your license, you can start applying for jobs.

If you want to become a Registered Nurse, it will take you anywhere between 4 to 6 years to complete all the requirements and start looking for a job. The duration to become a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse is 1 to 2 years.

The requirements are:

In 2019, Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania earned $71,410 in annual mean income. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $49,200 in Pennsylvania in 2019. These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.