The web is chock-full of convenient online continuing education units (CEUs) courses you can take to progress towards meeting your renewal requirements. Many medical professionals have opted for these courses due to their flexibility and ease of access. That said, when the time comes to submit assignments to licensing boards, these CEU courses can – and do – get rejected.
So, why does this happen?
The fact of the matter is that the state boards definitely do care where you get your CEUs. Just because you’ve passed a course doesn’t automatically mean that it will contribute towards your license requirements in a specific state. Plus, if you don’t meet your state-specific CEU requirements, you could face delays in your license renewals or even a temporary pause in your ability to practice. This, of course, is a major challenge for travel nurses and any medical professionals working on strict contract timelines.
These risks are why it’s so important to understand your state board’s rules and requirements when it comes to continuing education units.
We’re here to explain the variation in these requirements, why they matter, and how you can make sure you meet your board’s requirements every time.
CEU Accreditation in Focus
When searching for CEU courses to meet your licensing requirements, accreditation is an essential consideration. Accredited courses and units have been formally reviewed and approved by a recognized authority after being measured against strict educational standards for quality and relevance.
For nurses, as well as physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, and other licensed healthcare providers, accredited CEUs offer assurance that the learning content is credible and up to date. Because these courses meet established standards, they’re widely accepted by most state nursing boards and certification bodies, helping to ensure your continuing education credits count toward your license renewal without issue.
Accreditation and State Approval
Accreditation from certain organizations does carry far more weight. In the US, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is arguably the ‘gold standard’ for nursing CEU accreditation. If a course provider carries a stamp of approval from the ANCC, you can generally trust that their courses are based on the latest research and industry best practice, and have been extensively vetted for quality.
ANCC certification aside, many state boards have their own processes for approving medical professionals’ CEUs. Every state has its own requirements for license renewal, and any course you take needs to meet these state-specific rules to contribute towards your renewal.
How Do State Board Requirements Differ?
Each state’s license renewal requirements also take different factors and educational topics into account. There are differences in the total number of hours you need, as well as the nature of the courses you take.
For instance, in California, registered nurses need to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education to renew their licenses. Additionally, they need to put at least one hour into an approved course on implicit biases.
New York only requires 4 hours, but initial applicants must complete 2 hours of child maltreatment education, and if you’re renewing, you must complete 4 hours of state-approved education on infection control and HIV/AIDS.
For physical therapists, the state requirements also differ. For example, California’s CEU requirements for license renewal include 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years, and there’s no limit on how many of those hours can be completed online. Mandatory courses must be completed, too, including 4 hours of Basic Life Support and 2 hours of Ethics, Laws, and Regulations.
Yet in Florida, only 24 hours are required, but only 12 of those hours can be completed online. The mandatory courses also differ. Licensees must take a 2-hour Medical Errors course during each biennial renewal period and a 1-hour HIV course during the first renewal of their license.
Unfortunately, even if your CEU courses are accredited, if you haven’t covered your state’s mandated topics of focus, you won’t be eligible for your renewal.
How to Meet Your State Board’s CEU Requirements
Choosing your CEU courses strategically is key to ensuring you can apply for (and renew) your license when the deadline approaches. Before you begin choosing courses, make sure that you fully understand your state’s application requirements.
Make note of any courses that can only be done through one of your state board’s approved providers, and which courses will be approved as long as they are accredited by a trusted body like the ANCC. Once you know these requirements in and out, picking courses that will count towards your license renewal becomes simple.
State-Specific CEU Course Packages
If you’re in a state that requires state-specific CEUs, seeking out state-specific courses and packages can make the process significantly easier. State-specific bundles have already been chosen in line with the requirements you need to meet to renew your license in your state.
They both fulfill the number of hours you need and cover any essential focus topics that your state board mandates. You absolutely can study these courses online or in person, as long as they align with your board’s rules.
Do Your Homework on Approved Courses
Also, bear in mind that just because one state accepts a certain CEU course doesn’t mean that others will. This is why it’s vital to check your state board’s official website before you sign up for a course. Each board’s site will have a list of approved CEU courses that count towards your license renewal requirements.
Plus, accredited courses typically have clear statements in their course descriptions that tell you that they are approved by specific state boards of nursing. You can use these as a guide to be sure you’re making the right investments in your future.
Working Towards Hassle-Free Renewal
Renewing your license and keeping up with your continuing education doesn’t have to be stressful. While state boards do care about where you’ve earned your CEUs, with some research and preparation, you can easily fulfill your board’s requirements.
Focusing on accredited courses, choosing state-specific CEU bundles, and verifying course approval numbers before you get started will ensure your license is renewed without delay. This means you can focus on what matters most: advancing your career and continuing to deliver top-notch care to your patients.
Note: This is a guest post provided by Flex CEUs. Since 2010, Flex Therapist CEUs has provided licensed clinicians with physical therapy continuing education online, offering a fast, flexible, and fully accredited CE experience for PTs and PTAs nationwide.