Licensed Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. For initial licensure, applicants must complete 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition and reporting, and 2 hours for biennial renewal. Pennsylvania is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with multistate licenses from other compact states to practice in Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania LPNs can apply for a multistate license if their primary residence is in Pennsylvania.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $95 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 2.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure. For renewal, 2 hours of this training are required. A criminal background check is also required. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk