Healthcare Resource
How to Get a CRNA License in Pennsylvania (2026)
In brief
Pennsylvania CRNA licensure 2026: PA SBN endorsement, NBCRNA verification, no compact, processing 8-12 weeks, $215-265K comp range.
Steps at a glance
Hold PA RN license (endorsement)
Pennsylvania is in the eNLC. If you hold a multistate compact RN, no separate endorsement needed for the RN portion. Otherwise apply for PA RN by endorsement first.
Verify graduation from COA-accredited CRNA program
PA SBN requires graduation from a COA-accredited CRNA program. Submit official transcript directly.
Submit NBCRNA verification
Request NBCRNA send your CRNA cert verification directly to PA SBN. Cert must be active and CPC-current.
Submit PA APRN-CRNA application + fees
File the APRN application (CRNA category) via the PA Licensing System portal. Fee: $115.
Background check
PA criminal background check (PATCH) + FBI fingerprinting. ~$50.
License issuance
Once all components in, PA SBN typically issues in 8-12 weeks.
In this article
Pennsylvania is a competitive CRNA market with strong UPMC + Penn Medicine + Geisinger demand. Endorsement timeline: 8-12 weeks total. PA is in the eNLC for the underlying RN license, which speeds the overall process.
Quick facts
- Issuing board: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (SBN)
- Title: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Compact (RN): Yes, eNLC member
- Average processing: 8-12 weeks
- Total fees: ~$170 ($115 application + ~$50 fingerprinting)
PA CRNA compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-on |
|---|---|---|
| UPMC + Penn Medicine + Jefferson (academic) | $215,000 | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Geisinger + community hospitals | $235,000 | $30,000-$60,000 |
| ASC (Philadelphia / Pittsburgh metro) | $225,000 | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Rural PA (Lehigh Valley, Erie, Scranton) | $265,000 | $50,000-$85,000 |
Related: Florida CRNA License, Texas CRNA License, New York CRNA License, CRNA Salary by State 2026.
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