Looking for nursing CE requirements in Minnesota — simplified?
You’ve come to the right place.
We understand that you probably have a lot on your hands, so reading through long blocks of text and going from one page to another might not be ideal.
This is why, in this article, we’re going to make it easy for you to understand ALL the CE requirements in the state, whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or APRN.
So we won’t delay you any longer, let’s get to the requirements!
Minnesota Nursing CE Requirements
Need a quick answer?
Check out the table below.
| CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) | No CE required! You must work at least 8 hours as a paid nursing assistant every 24 months. |
| LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | 12 CE hours every renewal period of 2 years |
| RN (Registered Nurse) | 24 CE hours every renewal period of 2 years |
| APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) | Must maintain national certification APRNs who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances must complete 2 hours of CE on: – best practices on prescribing opioids and controlled substances – non-pharmacological and implantable device alternatives for the treatment of pain and ongoing pain. |
If you want more information, then keep on reading!
Minnesota CNA Continuing Education Requirements
Like most states, Minnesota does not require continuing education requirements for Certified Nursing Assistants.
However, to remain in the Nursing Assistant Registry, you must complete at least 8 hours of paid work every 24 months (2 years). You must provide proof by accomplishing a Nursing Assistant Registry Update Form and submitting it to the MDH (Minnesota Department of Health).
Processing usually takes at least 30 business days.
Minnesota LPN Continuing Education Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurses in Minnesota must complete 12 CE hours in 24 months.
Now, there are no mandatory courses, so you get to choose your own topics that are closely related to your field. Just make sure that the provider is state-certified.
Sample CE courses for LPNs are Tickborne Diseases, Substance Abuse and Addiction, and Infertility.
If not CE courses, you can also renew your LPN license by:
- Obtaining a current nursing specialty certificate
- Participating in CE activities offered by CE providers
- Participating in certain professional activities
Minnesota RN Continuing Education Requirements
Registered Nurses in Minnesota must complete 24 hours of continuing education over the registration period, which is 24 months.
Programs that satisfy the state’s CE requirements are offered by ANCC-accredited providers. And again, there are no mandatory courses, so you get to decide which will help you most in your field. Courses may include Intensive Care Unit Part 1, Foodborne Diseases, etc.
And, like LPNs, if you complete any of the following you no longer need to study 24 hours of CE courses:
- Obtain a current nursing specialty certificate
- Participate in continuing education activities offered by a certified provider
- Participate in professional activities closely related to your field
Minnesota APRN Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your APRN license, you must have an active RN license. And the licensee must renew both licenses at the same time.
To maintain national certification, the board of nursing must receive verification of your certification status from the certifying body.
Beginning January 1, 2020, the board of nursing requires APRNs who prescribe opioids and controlled substances to take 2 hours of continuing education on:
– best practices on prescribing opioids and controlled substances
– non-pharmacological and implantable device alternatives for the treatment of pain and ongoing pain.
Click here for more information on the opioid continuing education requirement.
Nursing CE Requirements in Minnesota FAQs
Have some questions? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
What happens if I fail to renew my nursing license in Minnesota?
If you miss your deadline and fail to renew your RN and/or APRN registration, the board will not allow you to practice your profession. If your registration expires, you will need to reregister. You may also need to pay penalties as well as take refresher courses.
When does my nursing license expire in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, nursing licenses expire every 2 years.
As for the date, it expires on the last calendar day of your birth month. For instance, if you were born on October 12th, your current license will expire on October 31st.
To keep you on track, the Minnesota Board of Nursing sends an email reminder that your license is about to expire.
You can also use this link to check when your license expires.
How to renew my nursing license in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota no longer accepts paper applications. You can renew your license online using this portal. This way, it’s super easy and convenient for nurses in the state.
Do I need to submit proof of completion of nursing CE requirements during renewal in Minnesota?
Submission of proof of completion of continuing education requirements is not mandatory in Minnesota. However, you will still need to keep your records for audit purposes. If randomly selected by the board of nursing, you must provide the relevant documents.
What is a Nursing Specialty Certificate?
A nursing specialty certificate may be for either certification or recertification. It must be issued by a current national professional or medical organization that has standards, including periodic CE requirements.
Here is a list of certifying organizations in Minnesota.
What examples of professional activities satisfy the nursing CE requirements in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Board of Nursing accepts the following professional activities as continuing education activities:
- Publishing an article or book about nursing or healthcare-related issues
- Writing a professional paper about nursing or healthcare
- Serving as a principal or co-investigator for a research study
- Serving as a member of a national panel addressing nursing or health-care-related issues
You must complete the activity during your renewal period. Moreover, you must keep a record of the professional activity for at least 2 years after using it for renewal.
How much are the renewal fees for nurses in Minnesota?
The renewal fees for nurses in Minnesota costs about $85, which are non-refundable.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The complete 2023 guide on nursing CE requirements in Minnesota.
As you can see, it isn’t as complicated as you might have thought. Just make sure that your provider is ANCC-accredited.
And, the best part, you can now renew your nursing license online.
Right, If your renewal period is fast approaching, you should definitely get started right away!
Last updated: March 30, 2023 (Requirements taken from Minnesota BON website)