Colorado
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Colorado Nursing CEU Overview
Colorado does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
Colorado has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Colorado
Colorado has approximately 85,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.9 million. The state's healthcare landscape includes major systems like UCHealth, SCL Health, and Centura Health, with significant concentration in the Denver metropolitan area. Colorado's growing population and expanding healthcare industry have created strong demand for nursing professionals, particularly in specialty areas.
Colorado does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state Board of Nursing relies on initial licensure standards and employer-based competency assessments. This approach gives Colorado nurses flexibility to pursue education relevant to their specific practice areas without state-mandated requirements.
Common Practice Settings in Colorado
Mountain Resort Communities
Ski resort areas like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge have hospitals and clinics that see seasonal surges in trauma and emergency cases.
Military and VA Facilities
Multiple military installations and VA facilities in Colorado employ civilian nurses and offer unique practice opportunities.
Behavioral Health
Colorado has expanded mental health services significantly, creating opportunities for psychiatric nursing practice.
Colorado License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not required, most employers expect ongoing professional development.
Specialty certifications have their own CE requirements you must maintain.
Document any education you complete for your professional portfolio.
Consider altitude-related health education if practicing in mountain communities.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Colorado
Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses residing in Colorado can obtain a multistate license, which is particularly useful for those working in border areas near Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, or New Mexico.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Colorado does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Colorado does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Colorado does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Wyoming also has no general CE requirement, while Nebraska requires 20 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Colorado allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Colorado requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Colorado compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Colorado Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Colorado Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.