Continuing Education

People who pursue a career in nursing know that their education doesn’t end with graduation. In fact, the learning never actually ends. New scientific discoveries and technological advancements are made on a regular basis, and this means you must remain up to date on the latest practice standards in your field. As such, you have to obtain continuing education in nursing in order to retain a license. The articles in this section offer an overview of the kinds of providers, classes, and state requirements for nursing professionals.

Continuing nurse education is overseen by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC is responsible for certifying nurses and granting accreditation to healthcare organizations that provide nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) — formerly known as continuing education (CE) and continuing nursing education (CNE). Certification reinforces your specialty skills and training, which are necessary for success.

Your requirements for continuing education in nursing depend on your job title and where you work. For example, CNAs must have a minimum of 12 hours of annual NCPD, but states may require additional hours and/or specific areas in which you must be trained.

Additionally, there are different methods by which you can obtain NCPD contact hours. For example, you can take ANCC continuing education courses both online and in person, and you can also attend conferences that are accredited providers of NCPD.

This section also covers extensive credentialing, certification, and licensing topics that apply to nurses and healthcare professionals. Whether you need to transfer your license to a different state, are curious about compact states and license reciprocity, or want to know more about nursing boards and associations, you’ll find useful information in these articles.

Continuing education in nursing is a lifelong commitment that benefits the entire healthcare system. By staying abreast of new information, you’ll be better suited to provide optimal care to the patients and residents with whom you interact.