Louisiana
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Louisiana Nursing CEU Overview
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana 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 Louisiana State Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Louisiana
Louisiana has approximately 62,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 4.6 million. New Orleans is home to major academic centers including Ochsner Health and LSU Health, while the state faces persistent challenges in recruiting nurses to rural parishes. Louisiana's unique cultural heritage influences healthcare delivery, particularly in patient communication and end-of-life care.
Louisiana requires at least 5 contact hours of continuing education annually for RN license renewal, with at least one hour being a face-to-face practicum. Louisiana mandates specific courses in recognizing and reporting domestic violence, human trafficking, and implicit bias. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in Louisiana
Ochsner Health System
Louisiana's largest non-profit health system operates throughout the state and provides extensive nursing education.
Chemical Industry
The petrochemical corridor along the Mississippi River creates demand for industrial and occupational health nurses.
Rural Parishes
Many Louisiana parishes face healthcare access challenges and nursing shortages.
Louisiana License Renewal Tips
Complete at least 5 contact hours annually, including 1 hour of face-to-face practicum.
Finish mandatory courses in domestic violence, human trafficking, and implicit bias.
Use CE providers approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Keep CE documentation for at least 5 years.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Louisiana
Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses in border areas near Texas, Mississippi, or Arkansas who may work across state lines.
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
- Biennial renewal - 30 contact hours per 2-year period.
- Courses must be approved by LSBN.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Louisiana does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
- LPNs are licensed through the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prescriptive Authority For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prescriptive Authority For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs - 20 contact hours per 2-year renewal.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prescriptive Authority For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs - 20 contact hours per 2-year renewal.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prescriptive Authority For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs - 20 contact hours per 2-year renewal.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prescriptive Authority For prescriptive authority holders | 10 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs - 20 contact hours per 2-year renewal.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Louisiana requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Texas requires fewer (20 hours), while Arkansas requires fewer (15 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Louisiana allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Louisiana requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Louisiana compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Louisiana Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.