Nursing CE Requirements in Washington D.C (2023)

In Washington DC, nursing CE requirements can become a bit confusing.

The reason is that there are different CE requirements for different nursing licenses. Not one nursing license has the same requirements. 

So, we’re going to put all that straight in this article. 

Here, we’re going to detail all the nursing CE requirements in Washington D.C. And not just CE requirements, but the other prerequisites as well. 

You’ll know everything you need to know to renew that DC nursing license. 

Let’s begin!

Washington D.C. Nursing CE Requirements

The table below provides the essential information for all nurses in Washington D.C.

Let’s take a closer look at each nurse’s renewal requirements.

Washington D.C. CNA Continuing Education Requirements

Certified Nursing Assistants have a combination of practice and continuing education hours as part of their renewal requirements.

Let’s start with the easier pre-requisite — practice hours. You must have worked as a nursing aide for 8 hours within the renewal period. 

Remember that you must receive compensation for the work you did. Volunteer hours don’t count towards your renewal.

On top of that, Washington D.C requires continuing education. This will take up more of your time. 

CNAs must have 24 CE hours under their belt to qualify for renewal. Fortunately, these are all elective hours. It means you get to choose courses on topics you prefer.

Washington D.C. LPN Continuing Education Requirements

For LPNs, you only need to focus on earning 18 continuing education hours.

However, you can’t just study any course. 

Washington D.C.’s DOH has requirements for the topics you must cover. If you don’t comply, you may not get your license renewed.

Of the required 18 hours, 3 must be on a course covering the topic of AIDS / HIV. 

Additionally, 2 CE hours must be on cultural competency. You must ensure these focus on patients that are part of the LGBTQ community.

Lastly, 10% of your required CE hours must be on topics the DOH identifies as a public health priority. That translates to 1.8 contact hours.

For the rest of the hours, you can choose any topic you prefer. Just make sure that it is DOH-approved.

Washington D.C. RN Continuing Education Requirements

RNs have different renewal requirements, too. 

Like CNAs, these nurses have to complete 24 continuing education hours. But unlike CNAs, they no longer need to fulfill any practice hours. 

As for mandatory courses, it’s the same as LPNs’.

• 3 CE hours on AIDS / HIV
• 2 CE hours covering cultural competence related to the care of the LGBTQ community
• 10% of CE hours (2.4 hours) on DOH public health priorities. 

All these count towards your required 24 hours. Despite the mandatory topics, that still leaves you 16.6 elective hours.

You can take it as an opportunity to attend courses that you find most relevant in your current role.

Washington D.C. APRN Continuing Education Requirements 

Probably the most similar renewal requirements in DC are RNs and APRNs. 

Like RNs, you also need a total of 24 hours of continuing education for your renewal. 

However, most of these hours are mandatory.

So, there are the courses that LPNs and RNs have to complete. That is:

• 3 CE hours on AIDS / HIV
• 2 CE hours covering cultural competence related to patient care of the LGBTQ community
• 10% of CE hours on public health priorities listed by the DOH

Additionally, APRNs need to complete 15 hours of pharmacology. 

Remember, all of this counts towards your required 24 hours. Adding it up gives you a total of 22.4 hours already. All you need is another 2.6-hour course (or 3, to make it easier), and you’re good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions? Let’s take this time to answer some of the most asked ones.

When does my nursing license expire in Washington D.C?

All nurses need to undergo the renewal process every 2 years. 

LPNs’ licenses expire on June 30th of odd-numbered years. RNs and APRNs’ licenses expire on the same date but in even-numbered years.

How much does it cost to renew my nursing license in Washington D.C?

In Washington D.C., LPNs and RNs spend $145 each time they apply for renewal.

If you’re an APRN, the fee is higher. You’ll have to pay $263.

Are there other options to complete the renewal requirements?

Yes, you don’t have to earn continuing education hours if:

• You completed a course leading towards a nursing degree. It also applies to any program related to the field of nursing.
• You developed and taught a board-approved course. This option earns you 4 hours for each approved CE hour. However, these hours do not count if your employer requires you to teach.
• You authored a book chapter or a peer review article or edited a book. This option automatically earns you 24 CE hours.

What topics do the Department of Health consider a current public health priority?

These include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible opioid prescribing and effective pain management
• Prevention of obesity and nutrition
• Identifying and reporting abuse, neglect, human trafficking, and domestic violence
• Smoking, vaping, and tobacco
• Vaccinations

Click here for a full list of other topics included in the DOH’s list.

Conclusion

Because there are slight differences in each nursing CE requirement in Washington D.C, it can get quite confusing. 

But with this complete guide, you now know what requirements you should work on, whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or APRN. 

Now that you have the information you need about nursing CE requirements in Washington D.C, you’re in an excellent position to begin fulfilling it.

Good luck!