State of Nebraska
Nebraska.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
20
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Nebraska requires registered nurses to complete 20 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 Nebraska.
Nebraska has approximately 30,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 2 million. Omaha is home to Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which gained national attention for its biocontainment unit. Rural Nebraska faces significant nursing shortages, with some counties lacking any healthcare providers.
Nebraska requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Nebraska accepts CE from providers accredited by national nursing organizations. The state does not mandate specific course topics, allowing nurses flexibility in choosing education relevant to their practice.
Common practice settings
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The academic medical center offers specialty care and is known for its infectious disease capabilities.
Rural Critical Access
Western Nebraska's small communities rely on critical access hospitals facing ongoing staffing challenges.
Agricultural Health
Nebraska's farming economy creates demand for nurses familiar with agricultural injuries and exposures.
Renewal tips
01
Complete 20 contact hours before your biennial renewal deadline.
02
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
03
Keep certificates for at least 5 years.
04
Consider telehealth and rural health topics for practice in western Nebraska.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Nebraska
Nebraska is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, or Wyoming.
Read the compact license guide→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
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
20
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
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional requirements
In context. Nebraska requires 20 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, South Dakota has no general CE requirement, while Iowa requires more (36 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Nebraska allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Nebraska Board of Nursing.
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