State of Massachusetts
Massachusetts.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
15
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Massachusetts requires registered nurses to complete 15 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.
Nursing in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has approximately 130,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 7 million. Boston is home to world-renowned academic medical centers including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The concentration of teaching hospitals makes Massachusetts a leader in nursing research and specialty practice.
Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Massachusetts has specific requirements for training in pain management and the identification of human trafficking. The state accepts CE from providers accredited by national nursing organizations.
Common practice settings
Academic Medical Centers
Boston's teaching hospitals offer nurses access to specialty practice, research opportunities, and advanced education.
Community Health Centers
Massachusetts has a strong network of community health centers serving diverse urban and rural populations.
Long-term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies serve the state's aging population.
Renewal tips
01
Complete 15 contact hours before your biennial renewal deadline.
02
Finish mandatory training in pain management and human trafficking recognition.
03
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
04
Keep certificates for at least 4 years for potential audit.
The requirements, by license
Every license type,side by side.
Hours, cycles, mandatory topics, exemptions. Switch between RN, LPN, APRN and the four advanced-practice specialties.
License
RN
Registered nurse.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 7.5 hours must be in practice area.
- Courses must be from approved providers.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 7.5 hours must be in practice area.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for APRN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for NP renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNS renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNM renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
15
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CRNA renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional requirements
In context. Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, New Hampshire requires more (30 hours), while Vermont has no general CE requirement. Massachusetts is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses need a separate license to practice here.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Verify before relying on this