As a nurse, you’re constantly on the front lines, caring for patients and staying on top of the latest medical practices. But with healthcare evolving every day, staying up-to-date in your field requires ongoing education. That’s where Continuing Education Units (CEUs) come in. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CEUs, including the best places to earn them—whether you’re looking for flexible online courses or hands-on workshops.
What Are CEUs?
CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are a way for nurses to stay current, develop new skills, and ensure they’re providing the best care possible. They’re required by many state boards of nursing to maintain licensure, but beyond that, they offer an excellent way to enhance your career, explore new specialties, or sharpen existing skills. Think of CEUs as short, focused learning opportunities that keep your knowledge fresh without the need to commit to lengthy programs.
Why Are CEUs Important for Nurses?
Here are just a few reasons why CEUs matter:
- License Renewal: Most states require a certain number of CEUs for nurses to renew their licenses.
- Skill Enhancement: CEUs allow you to deepen your knowledge and build expertise in areas that interest you or are essential for your current role.
- Career Growth: Completing CEUs can qualify you for advanced roles, promotions, or specialty certifications.
- Staying Current: With medical practices evolving, CEUs keep you informed on new treatments, technologies, and best practices.
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How Many CEUs Do Nurses Need?
The number of CEUs required varies by state. Some states require 10 hours every two years, while others may require up to 30 hours. Make sure to check with your state’s nursing board for the exact number and approved providers. This ensures you stay compliant with state regulations and keep your nursing license in good standing.
Where Can You Earn CEUs?
Here’s where the fun part starts—finding the best CEU providers! Whether you prefer online flexibility or in-person learning, there are plenty of accredited options out there.
Top Online Platforms for CEUs for Nurses:
- Nurse.com
- Nurse.com offers a wide range of accredited online courses that you can complete at your own pace. Covering a variety of specialties, their courses are approved in all states.
- Best For: Flexibility and a vast course selection.
- ANA Free CEUs
- ANA periodically offers free webinars and CEU courses covering nursing ethics, leadership, and current healthcare trends. You can find a rotating list of free offerings on their website.
- CEUfast
- CEUfast provides affordable, unlimited CEUs for an annual subscription. With courses accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), it’s a budget-friendly choice.
- Best For: Low-cost subscription plans.
- Relias Academy
- With courses available 24/7, Relias Academy offers CEUs tailored to specialties such as hospice care and behavioral health.
- Best For: Specialty-specific CEUs with flexible access.
- Western Schools
- Known for evidence-based learning, Western Schools offers high-quality, accredited courses across many formats.
- Best For: Courses rooted in research and best practices.
- NetCE
- NetCE is an affordable option for self-paced CEUs, offering a variety of topics like ethics, pain management, and disease prevention.
- Best For: Self-paced learning with budget-friendly pricing.
Top Offline Facilities for CEUs:
- Hospitals and Healthcare Systems
- Many hospitals offer in-house CEU programs through workshops, seminars, and grand rounds.
- Best For: Earning CEUs at your workplace.
- American Nurses Association (ANA) Conferences
- The ANA hosts regional and national conferences, offering CEUs on a variety of nursing topics.
- Best For: Networking and learning from industry leaders.
- Local Nursing Schools
- Schools like Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing provide in-person courses, seminars, and workshops for nurses.
- Best For: In-person learning from renowned institutions.
- Nursing Conferences
- Organizations like National Nurses United (NNU) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) host conferences that combine CEUs with networking opportunities.
- Best For: Learning new skills while meeting other nurses.
- Continuing Education Centers
- Centers like the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (CNET) offer in-person courses that focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications.
- Best For: Face-to-face learning with practical applications.
What CEU Topics Are Available?
CEUs cover a broad range of topics to suit every nursing specialty. Popular topics include:
- Patient safety and infection control
- Ethics in nursing
- Mental health care
- Pharmacology updates
- Specialized care, such as pediatrics or geriatrics
- Emergency preparedness
This wide variety allows you to focus on areas relevant to your current practice or explore new fields that interest you. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are more than just a requirement—they’re an opportunity for you to enhance your career, explore new specialties, and provide even better care to your patients. Whether you choose the convenience of online learning or prefer the hands-on experience of in-person workshops, earning your CEUs ensures you stay at the forefront of nursing practice.
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Explore jobs and connect with recruiters from leading healthcare organizations.
Tips for Staying on Top of Your CEUs
- Track Your Progress: Keep records of your CEUs to avoid scrambling during license renewal time.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. Spread your courses throughout the year for manageable progress.
- Choose Relevant Courses: Select courses that align with your current job or help you transition into a new role.
- Look for Free Options: Many hospitals and online platforms offer free CEUs, saving you money while fulfilling your requirements.
Take a look at some of the top providers we’ve listed and start planning your next CEU journey today. Betterleap also offers valuable insights and resources for professionals looking to grow their careers in healthcare – check out our blog.
