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Pennsylvania Regulations for Public Nursing Schools

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing establishes guidelines for the approval and operation of all public and private nursing education programs for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs). The state board also handles nursing licensure and disciplinary action. Chapter 21 of the Pennsylvania Code lists the regulations for public and private registered nursing schools.

  1. Board Approval

    • Public nursing schools must obtain the approval of the state board to operate. The board grants initial approval to new nursing education programs while the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores are calculated. The board grants full approval to public nursing programs after their first graduating class achieves an acceptable passing rate on the NCLEX. Nursing programs that do not achieve the required passing rate get provisional approval and have up to two years to achieve full approval status.

    NCLEX Performance

    • Prior to October 2009, the acceptable NCLEX passing rate was 60 percent. On October 1, 2009, the acceptable passing rate on the NCLEX increased to 70 percent. The acceptable NCLEX passing rate is scheduled to increase again to 80 percent on October 1, 2010.

    Program Establishment

    • Nursing education programs are developed under the leadership of a registered nurse. Nursing programs developed at a regionally accredited university or college are designated as degree granting programs. Public nursing schools must complete a feasibility study, identify available clinical resources and plan out the nursing education program.

    Curriculum

    • The curriculum at Pennsylvania public nursing schools should include coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and physics with complementary lab work. The curriculum should present current theory and clinical experience in the care of men, women, and children in various age groups. The nursing faculty must develop a plan to periodically review the nursing curriculum. All nursing programs must align their curriculum with a clearly outlined philosophy and statement of purpose.

    Organizational Requirements

    • Public nursing schools grant associate and/or bachelor's degrees; the nursing program should be organized as a department, school, or division of the associated accredited institution.

    Administration, Faculty, Staff

    • Public nursing schools must have a full-time nurse administrator; the administrator is subject to state board approval, must have a Ph.D. or plan to get one within five years, and must have nursing practical experience. Faculty members must have have a master's degree, a current Pennsylvania nursing license, and nursing expertise. Faculty assistants must have a bachelor's degree with a plan in place to get a master's degree, and a current Pennsylvania nursing license.

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