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Pennsylvania RN Certification and Schools - PA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 19th, 2010

Registered nurses play a key role in patient care.  Becoming a registered nurse appeals to those interested in healthcare because it allows hands on jobs without excessive education.  Pennsylvania currently has a large need for registered nurses. Nursing is expected to generate almost 587,000 new jobs in the United States between the years 2006 and 2016, making it a solid career choice.  About 67% of nursing jobs are in hospitals.  The best paying nursing jobs are also found in hospitals. 

Advancement Opportunities

Most registered nurses begin their career in healthcare as a staff nurse in a hospital.  They establish work experience in this manner.  Then, if their performance is good they can move on to other settings or are promoted to more responsible positions in the hospital.  Nurses can advance to management positions including unit managers, head nurses or even senior-level administrative roles.  While entry-level jobs require a bachelor degree earned through Pennsylvania RN schools, management roles require strong leadership skills, good communication, above average negotiating skills, and good judgment. 

Additionally, the more education received through Pennsylvania RN schools, the more likely they are to be moved up the salary and benefit scale. 

Pennsylvania RN Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing issues a two year nursing license.  Applications for renewal can be found on the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing website.  It is $45 to file your renewal application. 

Currently there are no continuing education requirements for the renewal of a registered nursing license in the state of Pennsylvania.  However, beginning in 2010, The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing will be requiring 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education per each renewal period of two years. 

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie, Pennsylvania may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Albert Einstein Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospitals and Temple University Hospital.