Kansas
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Kansas Nursing CEU Overview
Kansas requires registered nurses to complete 30 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.
Kansas does not require specific mandatory topics. Nurses have flexibility to choose CE courses that align with their practice area and professional development goals.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Kansas State Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Kansas
Kansas has approximately 48,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 2.9 million. The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City is the largest employer, while Wichita serves as a secondary healthcare hub. Kansas faces nursing shortages in its western rural counties, where some communities lack any local healthcare providers.
Kansas requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. The state accepts CE from providers approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and national nursing accrediting bodies. Kansas does not mandate specific course topics, allowing nurses flexibility in their education choices.
Common Practice Settings in Kansas
University of Kansas Health System
The academic medical center is the state's only NCI-designated cancer center and largest employer.
Rural Critical Access
Western Kansas critical access hospitals serve agricultural communities with limited healthcare resources.
Aviation Industry Health
Wichita's aerospace manufacturing sector creates demand for occupational health nursing.
Kansas License Renewal Tips
Complete 30 contact hours before your renewal deadline.
Use Board-approved or nationally accredited CE providers.
Keep CE certificates for at least 5 years.
Consider rural health topics if practicing in underserved areas.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Kansas
Kansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses in Kansas City can benefit from this when working across the state line in Missouri, and western Kansas nurses may practice in neighboring Colorado or Nebraska.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must relate to nursing practice.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must relate to nursing practice.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Kansas requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Nebraska requires fewer (20 hours), while Missouri has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Kansas allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Kansas requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Kansas compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Kansas State Board of Nursing
(785) 296-4929
900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1051, Topeka, KS 66612
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Kansas Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.