Nursing CE Requirements in Mississippi (2023)

Is your nursing license about to expire?

Are you looking for the complete requirements to renew it?

We’ve got you covered. 

Here, we’re going to simplify the nursing CE requirements in Mississippi this 2023. Not only that, we’re going to mention other requirements as well, if there are any. 

So let’s not delay any longer, let’s see what these requirements are! 

Mississippi Nursing CE Requirements 

In a hurry?

Then check out the summary table below to see the nursing CE requirements in Mississippi.

For more details and requirements, keep on reading!

Mississippi CNA Continuing Education Requirements

Good news! No continuing education is required for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mississippi. 

However, to maintain active in the registry, a CNA must complete a nurse aide registry renewal form and perform at least 8 hours of paid services. That should be completed within 24 months before certification renewal.

CNAs typically receive renewal notices 60 days before their certification expires. 

Nurse aide services may be done in any healthcare setting such as a nursing home, hospice, hospital, etc. 

Mississippi LPN Continuing Education Requirements

Mississippi LPNs must renew their licenses every 2 years to maintain an active status. 

The licensure renewal period begins on January 1st of each even-numbered year and ends on December 31st of an odd-numbered year. 

There are no CE requirements for LPNs unless they have not practiced their profession for more than 5 years.

If this is the case and you want to renew or reinstate your license, you will need to submit documentation of at least one (1) of the following:

• 20 CE hours completed within 2 years before applying for renewal or reinstatement
• A board-approved reorientation program completed within 5 years before the application
• 3 semester hours of nursing credit through a state-approved nursing program completed within 2 years before the application

Visit this page for more information on how to reinstate your nursing license in Mississippi.

Mississippi RN Continuing Education Requirements

In many states, the RN renewal requirements are the same as LPNs. The same is true in Mississippi. 

So, there are no CE requirements unless you haven’t practiced as an RN for more than five (5) years. The same options for renewal or reinstatement apply for RNs in this situation.

What is different, however, is the time of renewal. 

For RNs, your renewal period starts on January 1st every odd-numbered year, while it ends on December 31st for each even-numbered year. That’s the opposite of LPNs.

Mississippi APRN Continuing Education Requirements

An APRN is a nursing professional who also holds an active and current RN license. Likewise, its renewal period is the same as an RN — starts on January 1 in an odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 in an even-numbered year. 

Every Mississippi APRN must keep their national certification current. Here is a detailed guide on how to update the status of your national certification via the Nursing Gateway.

All APRNs must also complete at least 5 contact hours of CE directly related to controlled substances. This applies whether you have controlled substance prescriptive authority or not.

FAQs

To help you out even further, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about nursing CE requirements in Mississippi. 

Who is exempt from completing the nursing CE requirements in Mississippi?

Newly licensed nurses are exempt from completing the required contact hours during their initial licensure period. 

What is the difference between a contact hour and a semester credit hour?

A contact hour in nursing CE is equivalent to 60 minutes of instruction. On the other hand, a semester credit hour is equal to 15 contact hours. 

What are the accepted forms of nursing continuing education in Mississippi?

For all nurses in Mississippi, the board accepts continuing education acquired through any of the following:

• Classroom or online continuing education courses from accredited providers
• Correspondence, independent study, or professional journals

How much is the license renewal fee for nurses in Mississippi?

The nursing license renewal fee in Mississippi costs $100 for both RNs and APRNs, $60 for LPNs, and $26 for CNAs.

Can I renew my nursing license online in Mississippi?

Yes, you may renew your nursing license online via the Nursing Gateway. For new users, you simply need to create an account by using the Register Now button.

You can apply for renewal and pay the fee from September 1st to December 31st during odd-numbered years for LPNs and even-numbered years for RNs and APRNs.

Should you need to reach out to the Mississippi Board of Nursing, below are the board’s contact details:

Address: 713 Pear Orchard Road, Suite 300 Ridgeland 39157

Phone Number: 601-957-6300

Fax: 601-957-6301

Website: Mississippi Board of Nursing

Conclusion

And that’s it – all you need to know about renewing your nursing license in Mississippi. 

To recap:

• CNAs don’t have to complete any CE requirements. However, they have to work for at least 8 hours of paid services.
• LPNs and RNs need to complete 20 hours of continuing education. You can carry over at least 10 hours to your next renewal period
• APRNs need to complete 40 CE hours, as well as maintain national certification. Out of the 40 hours, 10 should be on controlled substances, and that is whether you prescribe medication or not. 
• CNA licenses expire every 2 years.
• LPN licenses expire every December 31st of odd-numbered years.
• RN and APRN licenses expire on December 31st of every even-numbered year.

So if your expiration date is quickly approaching, you should get started right away with your CE requirements. 

Good luck!

Last updated: March 30, 2023 (Requirements taken from Mississippi BON website)