Nursing CE Requirements in Montana (2023)

Are you looking to renew your nursing license but aren’t sure how? 

Do you want a simplified explanation of your nursing CE requirements in Montana?

If so, this article is for you. 

Here, we’ll go over the nursing renewal process and requirements in the state. By the end of this article, you will have everything you need to know. 

So let’s get right to it. 

Montana Nursing CE Requirements 

We get that nurses don’t have much time on their hands, so here is a very quick summary of CE requirements in Montana:

We’ll talk about further details and requirements below. So keep on reading! 

Montana CNA Continuing Education Requirements 

Like most states, there are no continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Montana. 

That said, CNAs must still renew their certification every 2 years. 

To be eligible for renewal, CNAs must have rendered paid services in the last 24 months. 

As for the renewal process, it is pretty easy. CNAs simply need to accomplish and submit a renewal form online through the BOUNDS portal. 

Lapsed CNA certificates need to be reinstated. 

Montana LPN Continuing Education Requirements

LPNs in Montana must complete 24 hours of continuing education in order to renew their license. 

Once completed, you can renew your license online. You need to submit a renewal form and a fee of $100. 

If you fail to meet your renewal deadline, you can still renew it for up to 2 years. However, you will be charged a late renewal fee. 

For licenses that have expired for more than 2 years, the licensee must reapply for licensure. 

Montana RN Continuing Education Requirements

Just like LPNs, RNs also need to complete 24 CE hours in order to be eligible for license renewal. 

The renewal process is also the same. Go to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry website, make an account (if you haven’t already), and submit your renewal form and the $100 fee. 

And again, don’t worry if you fail to meet the deadline. You can still renew it for up to 2 years. You just need to pay an extra fee. 

Montana APRN Continuing Education Requirements

As with LPNs and RNs, APRNs in Montana also need to complete 24 CE hours to renew their licenses. 

And, if you hold prescriptive authority, 12 out of 24 hours must be in the area of pharmacotherapeutics. No more than 2 contact hours must be directly related to the study of herbal or complementary therapies.

And again, you can renew it online by submitting your renewal form and paying the renewal fee of $50 on the MT Department of Labor & Industry website.

In October 2018, the board split the license renewal period for all nurses in Montana. Half of the licensees renew on even-numbered years while the other half renew their licenses on odd-numbered years. 

FAQs

Now, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions. This way, you can know even more about the CE requirements in Montana. 

What are accepted forms of continuing education in Montana?

The Montana Board of Nursing does not set strict requirements on accepted forms of continuing education. As long as the hours are awarded by an accrediting agency or organization, the activity will qualify as continuing education. 

Continuing education hours completed through online or in-person courses are allowed. College classes to advance your nursing degree are also accepted. 

Note: with one-semester credit, you earn 15 CE hours. 

Activities that are not acceptable forms of continuing education include reading a journal, participating in clinical research, community or volunteer services, and serving as a member of a professional organization. 

What are the Montana Board of Nursing online education modules?

You can earn FREE CE hours online by visiting the board’s teachable modules. 

Below are the online courses you can take with their corresponding contact hours:

Do I need to submit proof of completion of continuing education hours to renew my Montana nursing license?

No. However, you will need to keep your certification of completion within 2 years from renewal in case of an audit. 

Do Montana APRNs have to complete the continuing education requirements for their RN license as well?

No, nurses who hold dual licenses only need to meet the CE requirements for the most advanced level of licensure. However, both licenses must be renewed and kept active. 

Are new grads required to complete nursing CE hours in Montana?

The Montana Board of Nursing deems it necessary for new grads to complete contact hours. However, the continuing education requirements will be prorated based on how long the new grad has been licensed.

For instance, if the new grad initially received their license on July 1st and the license expires on December 31st of the same year, they only need to complete 6 CE hours, that is, 1 hour for every month licensed.

Can I complete the nursing CE requirements in Montana all at once?

Yes. The Montana Board of Nursing does not specify rules on how many hours you can complete in a certain period. 

So you can complete the required CE hours in a day or over a few months. It’s up to you.

Should you have any more questions, below are the contact details of the Montana Board of Nursing:

Montana Board of Nursing

Address: 301 S. Park Ave. 4th Floor PO Box 200513 Helena, MT 59620-0513

Phone number: 406-444-6880 (for licensing questions)

Phone number: 406-841-2380 (for questions related to practice, rules, and education)

Email: nurse@mt.gov 

Conclusion

So, now you know the requirements and process of renewing your Montana nursing license. 

And, if your deadline is coming up soon, then you should start with your CE requirements straight away.

Good luck!

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