Alabama
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Alabama Nursing CEU Overview
Alabama requires registered nurses to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The Alabama Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Nursing Jurisprudence. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Alabama Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Alabama
Alabama has approximately 85,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.1 million. The state faces nursing shortages in rural areas, particularly in the Black Belt region where healthcare access remains limited. Major employers include UAB Hospital in Birmingham, which is one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast, along with regional health systems like Huntsville Hospital and Mobile Infirmary.
The Alabama Board of Nursing requires 24 contact hours every two years to ensure nurses stay current with evolving healthcare practices. The state emphasizes jurisprudence education, requiring a one-time 4-hour course on the Alabama Nurse Practice Act. This requirement helps nurses understand their legal scope of practice and the regulations governing nursing in the state.
Common Practice Settings in Alabama
Rural Health Clinics
Alabama has over 200 rural health clinics where nurses often work with expanded responsibilities due to physician shortages.
Academic Medical Centers
UAB Hospital and other teaching facilities offer opportunities for nurses to earn CE through clinical precepting and research participation.
Long-term Care
With an aging population, Alabama nursing homes and assisted living facilities employ thousands of nurses requiring ongoing education in geriatric care.
Alabama License Renewal Tips
Keep certificates of completion for at least 5 years in case of audit.
Complete your jurisprudence requirement early if you are a new licensee.
Self-study courses are limited to 12 hours per renewal cycle.
Check that your CE provider is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing or a recognized national accrediting body.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Alabama
Alabama joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2002. Nurses with a multistate license can practice in Alabama without obtaining a separate state license. If Alabama is your primary state of residence, you are eligible to apply for a multistate license that allows you to practice in all other compact states.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- No more than 12 hours can be self-study.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- No more than 12 hours can be self-study.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- Maintain national certification.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- Maintain national certification.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- Maintain national certification.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- Maintain national certification.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Alabama Nurse Practice Act and rules | 4 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure
Notes
- Maintain national certification.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Alabama requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Florida has similar requirements (24 hours), while Georgia has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Alabama allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Alabama requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Alabama compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Alabama Board of Nursing
(334) 293-5200
RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 990, Montgomery, AL 36104
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Alabama Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.