Iowa
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Iowa Nursing CEU Overview
Iowa requires registered nurses to complete 36 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The Iowa Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Abuse Identification. 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 Iowa Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Iowa
Iowa has approximately 52,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 3.2 million. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City is the largest employer, serving as a regional referral center for the Midwest. Iowa has invested significantly in nursing education, with multiple programs across the state addressing workforce needs.
Iowa requires 36 contact hours of continuing education every three years (equivalent to 12 hours annually) for RN license renewal. Iowa also requires licensees to complete a dependent adult abuse and child abuse mandatory reporter training course. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in Iowa
University of Iowa Hospitals
The academic medical center serves as a regional referral center and provides extensive specialty care and education.
Rural Health Clinics
Iowa's agricultural communities rely on rural health clinics where nurses provide primary care services.
Long-term Care
Iowa has a higher-than-average population over 65, creating demand for skilled nursing facility care.
Iowa License Renewal Tips
Complete 36 contact hours over your 3-year renewal cycle.
Finish the mandatory reporter training for dependent adult and child abuse.
Track your CE hours carefully over the 3-year period.
Keep certificates for at least 5 years for potential audit.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Iowa
Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses in border communities near Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, or Missouri who may work in multiple states.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
- Abuse education required each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
- Abuse education required each renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
36
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Iowa requires 36 contact hours every 3 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Minnesota requires fewer (24 hours), while Wisconsin has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Iowa allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Iowa requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Iowa compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Iowa Board of Nursing
(515) 281-3255
400 SW 8th Street, Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Iowa Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.