Guide · Online learning
Online CE, done right.
Get the most from your online nursing continuing education.
Why online CE works.
Flexible scheduling
Complete courses on your schedule — nights, weekends, or between shifts.
Learn anywhere
Study from home, during travel, or on break at work.
Self-paced
Take time with complex topics or move quickly through familiar material.
Choosing quality providers.
Look for these accreditations:
ANCC
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Gold standard for nursing CE accreditation.
State BON
State Board of Nursing
Direct approval from your state's board.
AACN
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Specialty accreditation for critical care.
ANA
American Nurses Association
Broad nursing CE acceptance.
Red flags to avoid:
No clear accreditation information displayed
Prices that seem too good to be true
No assessment or post-test required
Certificates missing key information
No contact information or customer support
Outdated content (check publication dates)
Maximizing your learning.
Before you start
Set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time
Have a notebook ready for key points
Ensure stable internet connection
Review learning objectives first
During the course
Take notes on clinical applications
Pause and reflect on complex topics
Look up unfamiliar terms immediately
Connect content to your practice
After completion
Download and save your certificate immediately
Log the course in your CEU tracker
Review notes periodically
Apply new knowledge in practice
Organization tips
Create folders by renewal period
Backup certificates to cloud storage
Keep a spreadsheet of completed courses
Set calendar reminders for deadlines
State restrictions on online CE
A few states limit the percentage of CE hours that can be completed online.
Certain mandatory topics may require live or hands-on components (e.g. BLS).
Some states require specific topics to come from state-approved providers only.
Always verify your state's specific requirements before starting courses.
Cost-effective options.
Free CE resources
Many professional organizations, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies offer free accredited CE courses. The CDC, FDA, and state health departments also provide free courses on topics like infection control and public health.
Employer-provided education
Check if your employer offers CE benefits, tuition reimbursement, or access to CE libraries. Many healthcare systems have partnerships with CE providers offering free or discounted courses to employees.
Subscription services
If you need many hours, unlimited CE subscription services can be more economical than pay-per-course options. Compare annual costs against your total required hours.
Track your online CE progress.
Use our free tracker to log completed courses and monitor your progress toward renewal requirements.