Georgia
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia Nursing CEU Overview
Georgia 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.
Georgia has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Georgia
Georgia has approximately 130,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 11 million. Atlanta serves as the healthcare hub of the Southeast, home to Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, WellStar, and the CDC headquarters. The state faces significant nursing distribution challenges, with rural south Georgia experiencing persistent shortages.
Georgia does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and professional responsibility. This approach recognizes that many Georgia nurses work for employers that mandate ongoing education and that specialty certifications require CE maintenance.
Common Practice Settings in Georgia
Emory Healthcare
The largest academic health system in Georgia offers nurses access to cutting-edge research and specialty practice.
Rural Critical Access Hospitals
South Georgia's rural hospitals face staffing challenges and often offer incentives to attract nurses.
CDC and Public Health
CDC headquarters in Atlanta employs nurses in epidemiology, research, and emergency preparedness roles.
Georgia License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
Maintain specialty certifications and their associated CE requirements.
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
Consider public health CE given Atlanta's role as a healthcare hub.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Georgia
Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Georgia nurses to practice in other compact states, which is particularly useful for those working in border areas near Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Florida.
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
- Georgia does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
- Must meet competency requirements through practice.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Georgia LPNs require 20 contact hours per renewal cycle.
- Note: RNs do not have CE requirements in Georgia.
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
Georgia does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Florida requires 24 hours, while Alabama requires 24 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Georgia allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Georgia requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Georgia compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Georgia Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Georgia Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.