Massachusetts
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Massachusetts Nursing CEU Overview
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.
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing before enrolling.
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 in Massachusetts
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.
Massachusetts License Renewal Tips
Complete 15 contact hours before your biennial renewal deadline.
Finish mandatory training in pain management and human trafficking recognition.
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years for potential audit.
Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 7.5 hours must be in practice area.
- Courses must be from approved providers.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 7.5 hours must be in practice area.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
15
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN base license.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, 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.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Massachusetts requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Massachusetts compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
(617) 973-0900
239 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Massachusetts Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.