Key Takeaways
- Continuing education courses must be accredited by professional nursing organizations, government agencies, or academic institutions to qualify for credits.
- Employer workshops, non-nursing college classes, and conference attendance usually don't qualify for CEU credits.
- Nurses seeking continuing education should verify state-specific CEU rules, track contact hours precisely, and leverage free or employer-reimbursed accredited courses when possible.
Your nursing education does not end after you get licensed. Nursing requires lifelong education to maintain your license and job and to ensure overall patient care quality. Continuing education units (CEUs) also let you build skills in a nursing specialty. Each state has specific criteria about what qualifies as continued education —and what doesn't.
Discover what counts as , how much courses costs, and where to find free online programs.
Continued Education Explained
Nurses complete CEUs after graduating from a formal nursing program. They take workshops, read peer-reviewed academic journals and complete accompanying exams, or attend state-approved seminars and conferences. Topics cover similar subjects studied in nursing school. These courses may operate live and in person or online through recorded webinars.
Nurses can also use this opportunity to become certified (or recertified) as a nurse midwife, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse practitioner.
State nursing boards set requirements for nursing CEs and course topics — some boards may require courses in specific subjects like prescription opioid drugs or pain management. For example, nurses in Texas need to complete 20 contact hours every two years, while nurses in Tennessee need five contact hours.
For nursing CEs to count they must be accredited by a reputable nursing organization such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or a school.
Five Things to Know About Nursing CEU
Nurses usually seek out CEUs that satisfy requirements for maintaining their employment, state licensure, or specific certifications. The cost of these courses varies, with free or low-cost options available.
Keep in mind the following guidelines when choosing nursing CEU courses.
- CEUs must be accredited by a professional organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or an approved provider. However, state boards of nursing hold the final say on which accredited courses they accept.
- Before enrolling in any CEU course, make sure that it is accredited, and then check with the state board to ensure that the course meets state-specific requirements. Each state establishes its own requirements about contact hours and acceptable course formats.
- In addition to understanding state requirements, nurses should choose CEUs appropriate to their level. CEU courses accepted for maintaining a licensed practical nurse license may not apply for registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.
- Because continuing education provides the opportunity to expand skills and promote career advancement, nurses may want to choose a course that interests them but is not accredited or approved by their state board. Nurses can go ahead and take these courses for professional development and personal growth, although they won't count toward fulfilling their CEU requirements.
- The cost of CEU courses ranges from free to $100 or more. Some healthcare employers offer free classes, or they may reimburse expenses for CEU training. Nursing professional associations, academic medical centers, and universities often offer free or low-cost CEU opportunities.
What Doesn't Count as Nursing CEU Courses?
Nurses have the option to earn CEUs in many topics and formats —some states even provide credit if you publish an article on nursing. While ecourses may seem like they fulfill continuing education for nurses, that may not be the case. Additionally you must take courses from an accredited association or school for it to count.
What Does Count as Nursing CEU Courses?
Regional nursing boards set criteria for CEU requirements, so be sure to check with your state. Generally qualified continuing education for nurses must be accredited by a professional nursing organization or college. Nurses can find free and paid CEU courses. In many cases, employers reimburse nurses for their CEU courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing CEUs
