How to Get Nursing CEUs
Maintaining an active nursing license requires ongoing professional development. Knowing how to get nursing CEUs is a fundamental part of your career management, but the process varies significantly depending on your state of licensure, your specific role, and your renewal cycle. Before beginning any coursework, consult your state Board of Nursing (BON) to confirm the exact number of contact hours required and the specific topics mandated for your renewal period.
Before totaling course credits, understand the difference between contact hours and CEUs. Match the credit statement on each certificate to the units accepted by the organization handling your renewal.
Start with the provider’s ANCC NCPD accreditation statement, then check your board’s accepted providers, topics, and certificate rules. Provider accreditation does not by itself guarantee acceptance for every license.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, it is important to distinguish between contact hours, continuing education units (CEUs), and professional development credits. State boards define requirements in “contact hours,” which are measured by the time spent in instruction. Always verify that your chosen provider is accredited by a body recognized by your state board, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
How to Find Accredited Course Providers
To earn nursing CEUs safely and effectively, you must ensure the provider is legitimate. Start by checking the list of approved providers on your state board’s official website. Accredited providers generally display their accreditation status clearly on their course materials and certificates of completion.
When searching for programs, look for organizations that maintain transparency regarding their accreditation status. Reliable sources include professional nursing associations, university nursing departments, and established educational platforms that specialize in healthcare training. Avoid providers that do not clearly state their accreditation source or that offer certificates without a verifiable assessment or attendance requirement.
Exploring Online Nursing CEUs
The most convenient online nursing CEUs are often found through digital platforms that allow you to complete coursework at your own pace. Many of these platforms offer subscription models or pay-per-course options. When selecting an online course, ensure the platform provides a secure way to download and save your certificates, as you are responsible for maintaining these records for audit purposes.
Before purchasing an online module, verify that the content is relevant to your scope of practice. Some states require specific topics, such as ethics, domestic violence, or pain management. Ensure the online platform allows you to filter or search for these specific requirements to avoid wasting time on courses that may not count toward your license renewal.
Practical Ways to Earn Nursing Contact Hours
Beyond traditional online modules, there are several ways to earn nursing contact hours that may better suit your professional goals. Many nurses fulfill their requirements through:
- Professional Conferences: Attending regional or national nursing conferences often provides a high volume of contact hours in a single event.
- Academic Coursework: Some state boards allow you to count college-level nursing or health-related courses toward your CE requirement.
- Certification Exams: Achieving or renewing a specialty certification, such as the CCRN, may sometimes be used to satisfy a portion of your CE requirement, depending on state regulations.
- Precepting Students: Certain jurisdictions grant contact hours for acting as a clinical preceptor for nursing students.
Always document these activities thoroughly. Keep copies of certificates, transcripts, or letters of verification in a dedicated file, whether digital or physical, to ensure you are prepared for a potential audit by your Board of Nursing.
Maintaining Accurate Records
Documentation is the final, critical step in the process. Even if your state does not require you to submit your certificates at the time of renewal, you are legally obligated to retain them. If you are audited, you will need to provide proof of completion for every hour claimed.
Organize your records by renewal cycle. Include the name of the course, the provider, the date of completion, the number of contact hours awarded, and the accreditation information. If you complete courses through multiple providers, consider using a centralized tracking tool or a simple spreadsheet to keep your history clear and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CEUs and contact hours the same thing?
While often used interchangeably, they are technically different. A contact hour is a measure of instructional time. A CEU (Continuing Education Unit) is a specific unit of measurement where 1 CEU typically represents 10 contact hours. Always check your state board’s specific terminology to ensure you are meeting the correct requirements.
How do I know if a CE provider is legitimate?
A legitimate provider will clearly display their accreditation status, usually from the ANCC or a state-approved nursing board. You can verify this by checking the provider’s information against the list of approved organizations on your state’s Board of Nursing official website.
Do I need to send my CEU certificates to the Board of Nursing?
Most states do not require you to submit certificates during the renewal process. However, you are required to keep them in your personal records for a set period in case you are selected for a random audit. Check your state’s specific retention policy.
Can I use college courses to meet my CE requirements?
Many state boards allow academic coursework in nursing or related health sciences to count toward CE requirements. You will typically need to provide an official transcript as proof. Always confirm with your state board before assuming a college course will satisfy your specific renewal mandate.
About This Article
Written by the Nurse CE Hub Editorial Team. We base state requirements and certification details on official board of nursing and certifying-organization sources, linked within the article.
Rules and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with your state board of nursing or certifying organization before you renew or apply. This article is general information, not legal or professional advice. How we research our content
