[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing is a constantly changing profession, and nurses must commit to being lifelong learners so patients receive the best care possible. Most states require continuing education (CE) for nurses to maintain their licenses and stay up to date with best practices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check with your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] to determine the number and types of nursing CE credits or units (CEUs) you need to renew your license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the required continuing education for nurses, different types of continuing education, and how to pay for or find free nursing CE courses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Continuing Education for Nurses Explained[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing continuing education is an ongoing learning activity typically required by state nursing boards to maintain your nursing license and ensure you’re keeping up with the latest knowledge in your field. These educational credits or hours may include formal courses, peer-reviewed content, workshops, conferences, and online programs. Nursing CE helps ensure high standards of nursing practice and helps nurses to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can find appropriate CE opportunities through professional nursing associations, nursing schools, course directories, or peer-reviewed publications. Choose CE programs based on subject matter, wider career goals, and learning preferences. Many nursing CE credits require you to pass a test at the end of the learning module.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most states require CE to maintain your license, but the number of credits or hours vary. Some states also require CEUs for specific topics. Check with your state board of nursing to find the nursing continuing education requirements in your state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Required Nursing CEs Based on Your Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of CE hours required to renew your nursing license can range from zero in several states, including Arizona, up to 24 hours of CE in Washington, D.C. Nursing CE requirements may also vary by license or certification level — [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link], for example.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In one U.S. jurisdiction — Washington, D.C. — LPNs, RNs, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)[/hen-ui-link] must renew their licenses every two years. LPNs must complete 18 CE hours, and RNs must finish 24 CE hours. LPNs and RNs must complete two CE hours specifically devoted to LGBTQ topics and three hours devoted to public health. APRNs must complete 24 hours of CE, including 15 related to pharmacology and related topics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a national certification, you may need more CEUs than your state requires. And, some of your CEs will likely need to be in your speciality. Check the websites of the national and state agencies that manage your certification for details.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Continuing Education for Nurses Is Important[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing CE provides the necessary education and knowledge to apply the latest developments in nursing care. Advancements in healthcare technology, cultural competence, and an increased focus on wellness and prevention are widening the healthcare system, which requires an increasing knowledge base to improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education for nurses also protects healthcare institutions from legal liability. Additionally, you can use CE hours to help you develop skills for your next career move.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CE courses for nurses can cover similar topics in nursing school, including health promotion, communication, leadership, and legal and ethical aspects of nursing. Whatever your current or aspired position, CE can help develop your expertise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Who Provides Continuing Education for Nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are various nonprofit and for-profit organizations that develop accredited continuing education courses to further nursing knowledge and competence.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://anhi.org/education/course-catalog#sort=relevancy&f:languagefacet=[en]&f:countryfacet=[us]” target=”_blank”]Abbott Nutrition Health Institute Courses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This nonprofit provides free continuing education for nurses through online courses on nutrition, including infant nutrition, nutrition after surgery, and related topics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://nurse.com” target=”_blank”]Nurse.com[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse.com hosts free continuing education courses for nurses on career topics and nursing practice. Most provide one or 1.5 hours of credit.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ijhn-education.org/” target=”_blank”]The Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing Courses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Johns Hopkins offers free and paid online courses on particular conditions, such as HIV, multiple sclerosis, and general nursing practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://nurseceu.com” target=”_blank”]NurseCEU.com[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This website publishes lists of continuing education units, including a section on free continuing education for nurses. You can search the listings by topic.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://rn.org” target=”_blank”]RN.org[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This site offers unlimited CEU courses for an annual fee of $19.95. Topics include preparing for bioterrorism, medical errors, and smoking cessation; they also cover specific health conditions or concerns.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursingcecentral.com/” target=”_blank”]Nursing CE Central[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state board of nursing has approved the CEs offered by Nursing CE Central. After selecting your state, you receive a renewal package, including unlimited access to the CE library and courses required by the state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Nursing Continuing Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education prices range from free to several hundred dollars. Many employers pay or share the cost of continuing education for nurses. Some large hospitals, especially academic medical centers, may be CE providers or subscribe to services that deliver online CE credits. Other employers will reimburse your expenses. Many nursing associations and other nonprofits provide nursing scholarships when employers do not pay for CE.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Alternative Ways to Fulfill Nursing Continuing Education Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some states — but not all — have alternative methods you can consider. Although one of the following programs may state it carries CE credit, be sure to check with your Board of Nursing to ensure it is approved.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Academic courses:[/hen-ui-text] Higher education coursework may count toward nursing CE credits when they meet the state criteria.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification programs:[/hen-ui-text] Specialty certification tests may include continuing education credits.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]In-Service Training:[/hen-ui-text] In-service training by employers may carry continuing education for nurses when the employer has the program accredited.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Publishing:[/hen-ui-text] Publishing in a professional journal may earn continuing education credits in some states.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Volunteering:[/hen-ui-text] Certain volunteer activities involving public health initiatives or public education may qualify, depending on your state.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Continuing Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like nursing school accreditation, CEU accreditation confirms that continuing education courses for nurses provide reliable, evidence-based information and are delivered in an appropriate format.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can find accredited programs from state-approved providers and professional associations. Qualifying education must be accredited by one of several nursing organizations, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State Nursing Boards[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://accme.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education [/hen-ui-link](ACCME)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nln.org/” target=”_blank”]National League for Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (NLN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Various other professional nursing associations, including the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association of Critical-Care Nurses[/hen-ui-link] (AACN) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ena.org/” target=”_blank”]Emergency Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link] (ENA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”not-prose pt-8 border-b-2 border-primary-700 pb-2″]Nursing Continuing Education Requirements by State[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each state holds different continuing education requirements for nurses. Below describes the number of contact hours each state requires for continued licensing. Many states include additional requirements or accept alternate forms of education, such as a refresher course. Check your state board of nursing for specifics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Alabama:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Alaska:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Arizona:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Arkansas:[/hen-ui-text] 15 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]California:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Colorado:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Connecticut:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Delaware:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Florida:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Georgia:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Hawaii:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Idaho:[/hen-ui-text] 15 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Illinois:[/hen-ui-text] 20 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Indiana:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Iowa:[/hen-ui-text] 36 contact hours every three years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Kansas:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Kentucky:[/hen-ui-text] 14 contact hours every year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Louisiana:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Maine:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Maryland:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Massachusetts:[/hen-ui-text] 15 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Michigan:[/hen-ui-text] 25 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minnesota:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Mississippi:[/hen-ui-text] 20 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Missouri:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Montana:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nebraska:[/hen-ui-text] 20 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nevada:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]New Hampshire:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]New Jersey:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]New Mexico:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]New York:[/hen-ui-text] Infection control every four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]North Carolina:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]North Dakota:[/hen-ui-text] 12 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ohio:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Oklahoma:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Oregon:[/hen-ui-text] One-time 7 hours requirement of pain management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pennsylvania:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Rhode Island:[/hen-ui-text] 10 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]South Carolina:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]South Dakota:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tennessee:[/hen-ui-text] 5 contact hours every two years and other evidence of additional learning[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Texas:[/hen-ui-text] 20 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Utah:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Vermont:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Virginia:[/hen-ui-text] 30 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Washington D.C.:[/hen-ui-text] 24 contact hours every two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Washington:[/hen-ui-text] 45 contact hours every three years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]West Virginia:[/hen-ui-text] 12 contact hours every year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Wisconsin:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Wyoming:[/hen-ui-text] No state requirement for nurses working full-time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.netce.com/ce-requirements/nursing/” target=”_blank”]NetCE[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Education for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is CE in nursing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education (CE) is the ongoing learning nurses must complete throughout their careers to maintain their nursing license. CE helps nurses stay current with advancing scientific and clinical knowledge, technology, techniques, cultural competence, and more. You can obtain CEs in online courses, workshops, conferences, reading materials, and more.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the purpose of continuing education for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The purpose of CE credits is to ensure nurses stay knowledgeable in the changing healthcare environment to provide care that meets best practices. Continuing education for nurses supports professional development and fulfills state licensure requirements in most states. By staying current, nurses can better adapt to change and contribute to improved patient safety.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are some examples of continuing education for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Examples of CE for nurses include webinars and online courses on specialized topics and hands-on workshops. In some states, academic programs, specialty certifications, and publishing in professional journals may also qualify for CE hours. Presentations at professional events are another valuable way to earn credits and stay updated in your field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What counts as CEUs for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education requirements for nurses include educational offerings accredited by nursing organizations and approved by your state Board of Nursing. If you attend out-of-state conferences and seminars, check with your state board to ensure the CEs are approved. An accrediting body must also approve academic coursework related to nursing and self-study programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”my-8″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed August 8, 2024[/hen-ui-text]