Healthcare Resource
Pennsylvania NP License 2026: CRNP Certification, Collaborative Agreement, Salary
In brief
Pennsylvania CRNPs require a collaborative practice agreement for prescribing. PA State Board of Nursing processes applications in 8-12 weeks. Average salary $107,000/year.
Steps at a glance
Complete NP program and national certification
Graduate from a PA State Board-approved NP program and pass ANCC or AANP certification for your specialty population focus.
Submit PA CRNP application
Apply to the PA State Board of Nursing for CRNP certification. Fee: $35 initial application + $100 CRNP fee. Submit transcripts, national certification, and RN license information.
Establish Collaborative Practice Agreement
Pennsylvania CRNPs must practice under a collaborative agreement with a physician or CRNP supervisor for prescribing. The agreement must be maintained on-site (does not need to be filed with the Board).
Register with DEA and Pennsylvania PDMP
Register with the DEA for Schedule II-V prescribing. Register with Pennsylvania's PDMP (Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) before prescribing controlled substances.
In this article
Pennsylvania nurse practitioners hold the title CRNP (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner). Pennsylvania is a reduced practice authority state, collaborative agreement required for prescribing. Average NP salary in Pennsylvania is $107,000/year in 2026, with Philadelphia academic systems reaching $120,000+ for specialty CRNPs.
Pennsylvania CRNP Practice Authority
Pennsylvania CRNPs may diagnose and treat patients independently. Prescriptive authority requires a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician or another CRNP approved to supervise. The agreement defines the CRNP's scope and must be available for inspection. Pennsylvania has not moved to full practice authority as of 2026.
CRNP Application Requirements
- Active Pennsylvania RN license
- Graduation from accredited NP program approved by the PA State Board of Nursing
- National certification from ANCC, AANP, NCC, PNCB, or other Board-approved body
- CRNP application: $35 initial + $100 CRNP certification fee
- Official transcripts submitted directly to the Board
Processing Timeline
PA CRNP applications typically process in 8-12 weeks. Status tracking available through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
NP Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $120,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $113,000 |
| Allentown / Lehigh Valley | $106,000 |
| Harrisburg | $103,000 |
| Scranton / Wilkes-Barre | $99,000 |
| Erie | $98,000 |
Top PA Health Systems for CRNPs
- Penn Medicine, Philadelphia academic system; top specialty CRNP salaries
- Jefferson Health, Philadelphia; aggressive NP hiring across primary and specialty care
- UPMC, Pittsburgh academic flagship; largest employer in western PA; strong CRNP integration
- Geisinger Health System, Danville/Scranton; rural PA health system with strong APP culture
- Main Line Health, Philadelphia suburbs; competitive total compensation
What We See at Ava Health
Pennsylvania CRNP candidates are in strong demand across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for primary care, hospitalist, and specialty NP roles. Geisinger's rural Pennsylvania footprint creates consistent FNP openings in central PA with competitive loan repayment packages.
Related: NP License Illinois 2026, NP License New York 2026, RN Salary Pennsylvania 2026.
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