As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), your state may require your participation in continuing education (CE) that is required to maintain your right to practice. However, accredited continuing education units (CEUs) may not only be mandatory for your LPN license renewal, but can empower you with information and skills that keep your nursing practice current and relevant.
Where to Obtain Continuing Education
Ensure your LPN CEU provides instruction from a CE approved provider and may be completed from several sources such as:
- Low cost online courses in pdf format
- Free in-services offered by your employer
- Download home study courses
- Classroom presentations in vocational/technical schools
- Attending seminars in colleges that vary in costs and fees
Which State Require CEUs for LPN Renewal
Not all states require CEU for LPN license renewal; however, the nursing profession is synonymous with a commitment to lifelong learning as part of your dedication to providing the best patient care. As a practicing nurse, you need to know the latest research findings related to patient care, disease and viral epidemics that affect you and your patients’ health and the current complications and protocols of surgical interventions.
Many licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and LPNs take CEUs that are not required by their state board of nursing to keep up to date and knowledgeable in nursing.
LPN/LVN CE Requirements by State
California
The California State Board of Vocational Nursing requires 30 LVN CEUs that are state-approved and completed every 24 months for license renewal. All CEUs must be from an approved provider that presents certificates of completion.
Texas
Texas LVNs are required to complete 20 continuing competency hours every 24 months for the application renewal process. All CEUs must be approved by the board and be related to the LVNs area of practice such as maternal nursing, long-term care or medical surgical nursing.
Florida
Florida LPN’s are required 24 CEUs every two years for license renewal and must be from approved CE vendors. 20 hours on general topics may be taken in a classroom or as home study courses. Two CEUs are required in information on medical errors and two CEUs in domestic violence are mandatory. In addition, two CEUs in nursing laws and rules are scheduled for 2015 and will be counted as general CEU hours.
New Jersey
Licensed nurses in New Jersey must complete 30 CEUs as part of their license renewal application. CEUs must be of quality and from a state-approved provider. The New Jersey board also accepts CEUs from taking approved nursing courses, authorship of a published article and other areas related to nursing.
Alaska
LPNs in Alaska may complete two of the following methods to satisfy their requirements for license renewal every two years:
- Complete 30 contact hours of approved CEU education
- Perform 30 hours of professional nursing activities
- Work and report at least 320 hours of nursing employment
New York
LPNs in New York are required to complete three CEUs every four years that cover infection control education and barrier protection that pertains to your area of care.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Board of nursing requires nurses to complete 20 CEUs within 24 months to meet the requirements for LPN license renewal every two years.
Illinois
Beginning in 2013, all LPNs in Illinois are required to complete 20 hours of approved CEs the 24-month renewal cycle in 2015. Ensure your CEs provide certificates of proof and are taken from a state- board approved provider.
Ohio
LPNs in Ohio are expected to complete 24 CEs to be eligible for license renewal every two years. At least one CE must be in a class that furthers your nursing career, a specialty area or builds a skill related to your nursing practice and is approved by the Ohio Board. Starting from 2014, all LPNs are required to renew licenses online.
Rhode Island
LPNs in Rhode Island renew their license every 24 months and are required 10 CEs for license renewal. CEs must be provided by an approved educational organization and meet the requirements of subject matter.