Do you need to renew your Connecticut nursing license soon?
We’ve got your back!
In this article, we’re going to talk about all the CE requirements for all types of nurses in Connecticut.
We’re talking about the CE requirements for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs. It might get lengthy, so please, take your time to digest the information that will be presented to you below.
Let’s get started!
Connecticut Nursing CE Requirements
Here’s a treat for the busy bees!
A short and sweet rundown of the nursing license requirements in the state of Connecticut:
| CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) | No nursing CE is required! CNAs in Connecticut must only work in an 8-hour paid nursing job within a 2 year period to be eligible for license renewal. |
| LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | Once every 6 years, LPNs are required to complete 2 contact hours of training on: 1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression, and grief 2) suicide prevention training |
| RN (Registered Nurse) | Once every 6 years, LPNs are required to complete 2 contact hours of training on: 1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression, and grief 2) suicide prevention training |
| APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) | APRN applying for license renewal for the first time is exempt from CE requirements! For succeeding renewals: 50 contact hours every 2 years including: 5 hours of training/education in pharmacotherapeutics 1 hour of training in each of the following topics – HIV/AIDS training, risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency, substance abuse/prescribing controlled substances, and pain management Every 3rd renewal (6 years): 2 hours of mental health conditions common to army veterans and family members of veterans |
There you go!
Wasn’t so bad, right?
Probably not for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. We can’t really say the same for APRNs as they have a lot more stuff to worry about.
But just because CNAs, LPNs, and RNs don’t have CE requirements doesn’t mean they don’t have to take these courses.
We advise that you still do your part in keeping up with the fast-paced advancement of technology and medicine.
Now let’s talk about a few more details below.
Connecticut CNA Continuing Education Requirements
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are not required to submit any CE requirements.
However, you need to have worked on an 8-hour shift of paid employment for at least 2 years.
Connecticut LPN Continuing Education Requirements
Previously, there were no CE renewal requirements for LPNs and RNs.
But starting on January 1, 2022, LPNs and RNs are required to complete 2 contact hours of training on:
1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression, and grief; and
2) suicide prevention training.
These CE requirements are only needed once every 6 years.
Connecticut RN Continuing Education Requirements
RNs and LPNs have the same CE renewal requirements in Connecticut.
Every 6 years, RNs are also supposed to complete 2 contact hours on screening for mental health conditions and suicide prevention training.
Connecticut APRN Continuing Education Requirements
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, on the other hand, have quite a few CE requirements to submit.
APRNs are required to renew their license every 2 years. But if you are applying for license renewal for the first time, you are exempt from continuing education requirements.
As for the succeeding renewals, you will need:
- 50 contact hours of continuing education in your area of practice
- At least 5 contact hours of training for pharmacotherapeutics
- At least 1 contact hour of training/education of the following:
- Diseases (AIDS and HIV)
- Risk management
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Cultural competency
- Substance abuse, prescribing controlled substances, and pain management
- For your 3rd renewal period (6 years), at least 2 contact hours of training/education on the topic of mental health, mental health conditions among army veterans, mental health conditions among family members of veterans, screening for conditions like:
- PTSD
- Risk of suicide
- Depression
- Grief
- Suicide prevention training
FAQs
Are all nursing courses accepted as CEUs?
No. So always make sure to ask the school or course providers if their services are accredited in your state.
What does CEU mean?
CEU means continuing education units. It is often used interchangeably with contact hours, but they are not the same.
One CEU is equivalent to 10 contact hours.
For example, if a course offers one CEU, then this course provides about 10 hours of instruction.
Do all nursing practices have CE requirements in Connecticut?
No. CNAs, LPNs, RNs, do not need to submit any CE requirements in Connecticut. However, APRNs do (after their first renewal).
How do I reinstate my CNA license in Connecticut?
If you missed your renewal date or do not qualify for the 8 consecutive hours of CNA employment within the required 2 years, you have to reinstate your certification to resume working as a CNA.
All you have to do is to retake and pass the CNA exam, and your license will be reinstated for a small fee.
How do I transfer my CNA license to Connecticut?
If you have a CNA license in another state, you can apply to have your certification transferred to Connecticut through the Department of Public Health.
You will then complete an application for reciprocity of your CNA certification
Will I need to take an exam or attend a seminar if I transfer my CNA certification to Connecticut?
If your application for reciprocity was approved by the Department of Public health, then you will not need to attend any training programs or retake the certification exam.
Where can I find accredited continuing education activities and courses in Connecticut?
Here are a few places where you can get accredited CE courses in Connecticut:
- American Nurses Association
- Connecticut Hospital Association
- Connecticut Nurses Association
- Connecticut League of Nursing
Conclusion
Well, there you have it!
If you’re a CNA, RN, or LPN, lucky you! You won’t need to worry about submitting CE requirements on time because you don’t have to!
But that does not mean your employers won’t have their own requirements.
It’s also good to brush up on your skills or learn new ones. It makes you a more attractive candidate.
Plus, it helps open up more doors for better opportunities in your nursing career!
We hope we were able to list down all you need to know about your CE requirements.
Best of luck!
Last updated: March 28, 2023 (Requirements taken from Connecticut’s DPH website)