Minnesota
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Minnesota Nursing CEU Overview
Minnesota requires registered nurses to complete 24 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.
Minnesota 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 Minnesota Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Minnesota
Minnesota has approximately 105,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.7 million. Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to major health systems including Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, Fairview Health, and HealthPartners. The Twin Cities area is a national leader in healthcare innovation, while rural Minnesota faces persistent nursing shortages.
Minnesota requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. The state mandates training in suicide assessment and intervention. Minnesota accepts CE from providers approved by the Board of Nursing and national accrediting bodies.
Common Practice Settings in Minnesota
Mayo Clinic
World-renowned for specialty care, Mayo Clinic in Rochester offers nurses access to cutting-edge practice and research.
Twin Cities Health Systems
Multiple large health systems compete for nursing talent in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Rural Critical Access
Rural Minnesota communities rely on critical access hospitals facing ongoing recruitment challenges.
Minnesota License Renewal Tips
Complete 24 contact hours, including mandatory suicide assessment training.
Use Board-approved or nationally accredited providers.
Keep CE certificates for at least 5 years.
Consider rural health education if practicing outside the metro area.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Minnesota
Minnesota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses in border areas near Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- All hours must relate to nursing practice.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
12
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- LPN requires 12 contact hours per 24-month period (1 hour per 2 months).
- All hours must relate to nursing practice.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Minnesota requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Wisconsin has no general CE requirement, while Iowa requires more (36 hours). Minnesota 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 Minnesota requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Minnesota compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Minnesota Board of Nursing
(612) 317-3000
1210 Northland Drive, Suite 120, Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Minnesota Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.