Every nurse knows the drill: to maintain your license, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements. But with each state having different rules, understanding what you need can be confusing—especially if you hold licenses in multiple states or are considering relocation.
This comprehensive guide covers nursing continuing education requirements across the United States, helping you stay compliant and keep your license active.
Understanding Nursing Continuing Education
Why Continuing Education Matters
Continuing education isn’t just a requirement—it’s essential for:
- Staying current with evolving medical knowledge
- Learning new technologies and treatments
- Maintaining competency in clinical skills
- Patient safety
- Professional growth and career advancement
CE vs. CEU vs. Contact Hours
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions:
- Contact Hours: 60 minutes of organized learning activity
- Continuing Education Unit (CEU): 10 contact hours = 1 CEU
- CE Credit: General term for continuing education credit
Most state boards refer to “contact hours” in their requirements.
State-by-State Requirements Overview
States with NO CE Requirements
Some states don’t mandate continuing education for RN license renewal:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Note: Even without requirements, continuing education is highly recommended for professional development.
Common CE Requirements
Most states requiring CE fall into these ranges:
- 20-30 contact hours per 2-year renewal period (most common)
- Annual requirements in some states
- Specific topic mandates (varies by state)
States with Specific Topic Requirements
Many states mandate education on specific topics:
Common Mandated Topics:
- Opioid prescribing and pain management
- Domestic violence/abuse recognition
- HIV/AIDS
- Infection control
- Cultural competency
- Human trafficking
- Implicit bias
- Suicide prevention
Detailed State Requirements (Selected States)
California
- Hours Required: 30 contact hours per 2-year renewal
- Special Requirements: One-time implicit bias course
- Provider Requirements: Must be from approved provider
Texas
- Hours Required: 20 contact hours per 2-year renewal
- Special Requirements: 2 hours nursing jurisprudence, 2 hours human trafficking (one-time)
- Provider Requirements: Approved providers only
Florida
- Hours Required: 24 contact hours per 2-year renewal
- Special Requirements: 2 hours medical errors prevention, 1 hour human trafficking, 2 hours opioids
- Provider Requirements: Approved by Florida Board
New York
- Hours Required: 3 contact hours on infection control per 4-year period
- Special Requirements: One-time child abuse reporting course
- Note: NY has minimal CE requirements compared to most states
Pennsylvania
- Hours Required: 30 contact hours per 2-year renewal
- Special Requirements: 2 hours child abuse recognition (one-time), 2 hours opioids
- Provider Requirements: Approved providers
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Considerations
If You Hold a Compact License
The Nurse Licensure Compact allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license. For CE purposes:
- You must meet CE requirements of your home state (where you hold the compact license)
- You may need to meet additional requirements for states where you practice
- Some states honor your home state’s CE completion
- Always verify with each state board
Where to Complete Continuing Education
Approved Providers
Most states require CE from approved providers. Common accrediting bodies:
- ANCC: American Nurses Credentialing Center
- State Nursing Associations
- State Boards of Nursing approved providers
- Specialty Organizations: AACN, ENA, etc.
Types of CE Activities
- Online courses: Convenient and often self-paced
- Conferences: Networking plus education
- Webinars: Live or recorded sessions
- Journal articles: With accompanying tests
- Academic courses: College credit may convert to CE
- Employer-provided education: In-services and training
Free CE Resources
Many organizations offer free continuing education:
- CDC Training
- Medscape Nursing
- State nursing associations
- Professional specialty organizations
- Many healthcare employers
Tips for Managing CE Requirements
Stay Organized
- Keep all certificates in one place (digital folder recommended)
- Track hours and topics throughout the renewal period
- Don’t wait until the last minute
- Check requirements early in your renewal period
Be Strategic
- Choose topics relevant to your practice
- Complete mandatory topics first
- Use CE to explore new specialties or interests
- Take advantage of employer-provided education
Verify Before You Pay
- Confirm the provider is approved in your state
- Verify the course meets specific topic requirements if needed
- Check if your employer offers reimbursement
What Happens If You Don’t Complete CE?
Consequences for non-compliance vary but may include:
- Inability to renew your license
- License lapse or inactive status
- Fines or penalties
- Required completion before reinstatement
- Additional fees for late compliance
Don’t let this happen—plan ahead!
Conclusion
Continuing education is part of being a professional nurse. Understanding your state’s requirements, staying organized, and viewing CE as an opportunity rather than an obligation will serve your career well.
Check your state board of nursing website for the most current requirements, as regulations can change. When in doubt, complete more CE than required—your patients and your career will benefit.
