Salary Trends and Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania - Wilkes MSN
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals who can work as primary care providers in the state of Pennsylvania. NPs are qualified to diagnose health conditions, create treatment plans, monitor and assess patients, and prescribe medication—among many other responsibilities. Nurse practitioner jobs require an MSN degree or a postgraduate nurse practitioner certificate.
In many states, including Pennsylvania, the healthcare infrastructure is becoming increasingly reliant on the skills of NPs. That’s why a series of targeted policy and public health efforts have been proposed to get more qualified, educated nurse practitioners into the Pennsylvania healthcare pipeline. Let’s take a closer look at how high demand is having an impact on nursing jobs, nursing education, and nursing salaries in Pennsylvania.
Does Pennsylvania need nurse practitioners?
Pennsylvania is home to more than 2.5 million people 65 or older, with a total population of 13 million. In recent years, the state has attracted a large number of retirees relocating from other states. These older individuals need more healthcare than a younger population would. For this reason, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNPs) are particularly needed in the state.
But the healthcare needs in Pennsylvania aren’t just about age. A significant portion of Pennsylvanians live in rural areas where it is notoriously difficult to attract qualified nursing candidates and care practitioners. These rural populations are also experiencing shortages of primary care providers who can serve patients across the lifespan. Since 80% of all NPs are educated to provide primary care, they are widely in demand in these areas. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), in particular, have emerged to meet the need for professionals who can diagnose conditions, implement treatment plans, and prescribe medication.
An acute need for NPs licensed to practice in the mental health space are also needed. More than 850,000 people in the state live in areas where there are not enough mental health care providers. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 32.8% of people in the state report symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder. Over the past decade, substance use disorder and overdose deaths have also increased from 18.3 deaths per 100,000 to 43.2 deaths per 100,000 residents. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) can work in both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment facilities.
Where do nurse practitioners work in Pennsylvania?
NPs in the state of PA are currently required to work in collaboration with a licensed physician. NPs are recognized as primary care providers in Pennsylvania, but the practicing physician regularly reviews the charts and records of patients under the care of an NP they are collaborating with. Proposed legislation to grant NPs full scope of practice in Pennsylvania has garnered wide support.
Pennsylvania is a state with several large cities that are dense with universities and teaching hospitals. It is the home of several well-respected hospital systems and health networks that hire nurse practitioners to supervise care for patients who are stable, including:
- Geisinger Health System
- St. Luke’s University Health Network
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Penn Medicine
How much do nurses with an MSN make in Pennsylvania?
Nurse practitioner salaries vary according to speciality and geographic location. However, recent data about NP salary trends has been promising.
In the United States, MSN-educated nurses earned an average salary of $129,480 per year. In Pennsylvania, the salary range for nurse practitioners is between $126,100 and $132,560 per year, as of 2023. Nurse practitioners living in the urban tri-state area of New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania earned an annual mean wage of $150,500. Nurse practitioners in the Philadelphia area earned an average of $131,680.
How do nurse practitioners get licensed in the state of Pennsylvania?
For RNs to become licensed as nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania, a candidate must already have, at minimum, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses with a BSN can pursue further education to begin the process of becoming licensed to practice as NPs in Pennsylvania.
- Complete an accredited education program that is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board—typically an MSN degree or a post graduate certificate. Popular, in-demand degree options include Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
- Take the appropriate certification exam.
Depending on the speciality you have chosen, you will be required to take a certification test offered by an accredited nursing board, such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). A robust and supportive MSN program will prepare you well for the challenge of your exam. - Complete a three-hour child abuse recognition and reporting course approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
This child protection training is not required by all states, but it is mandatory in Pennsylvania for nurse practitioners. - Apply for licensure in Pennsylvania.
The application process can begin before you take your national certification examination, if your accredited nursing education program will sign off on a form that states you have completed all your course work. There is a $100 fee for nurses to apply to become licensed nurse practitioners. Note that NPs must also pay for and maintain professional liability insurance before they can practice legally in the state.
Next steps for nurses working in Pennsylvania
The job outlook is strong for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania—but to be considered for the most competitive and well-paying positions, you will need a minimum of a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree.
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania, learn more about the MSN degree programs offered through Wilkes University. Wilkes has been educating nurses in the state for over 40 years and has a well-regarded and proven track record of success.
In-demand specialty options include:
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
These programs can be completed in as little as two years and clinical placement assistance within your community is available. Take the next step toward this career opportunity today!
