How to Earn Continuing Education Credit for Nurses

For many nurses throughout the United States, continuing education is mandatory in order to renew a nursing license.  Nurses may earn this credit in a variety of ways including taking college courses, attending seminars and working with patients.  If you are a nurse or you are considering the nursing field, it is important to learn how to earn continuing education credits.

1. Contact the Board of Nursing in your particular state.  Every state has different requirements.  Only 26 states actually mandate that nurses must have a certain number of continuing education credits in order to renew a license.  In many states, mandatory credits are based on the nurse’s specialty.  It is important to know what is required from you in your particular field and state.


2. Understand how credits are calculated.  Most credits are based on contact hours or continuing education units.  A contact hour is 60 minutes and may earn more credit than an educational unit, which is 10 hours.  Each state will have a specific way for nurses to earn the necessary continuing education credits.


3. Work only with Board certified credentialing agencies, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Board of Nursing recognizes these programs.  They offer a variety of seminars, courses, workshops and conferences.  Only accredited courses will count toward your continuing education credits.


4. Record all continuing education credits earned.  It is the sole responsibility of the licensed nurse to make sure he or she has earned the required number or credits in order to renew a license.