Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Pennsylvania
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Pennsylvania
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Pennsylvania is $62,010 per year, which is 0.5% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,890 |
| 25th | $56,350 |
| 50th (median) | $62,010 |
| 75th | $70,110 |
| 90th (experienced) | $76,890 |
Pennsylvania employs approximately 31,140 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Factors to consider: Pennsylvania's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.