Nebraska
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Nebraska Nursing CEU Overview
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.
Nebraska 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 Nebraska Board of Nursing before enrolling.
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 in Nebraska
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.
Nebraska License Renewal Tips
Complete 20 contact hours before your biennial renewal deadline.
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
Keep certificates for at least 5 years.
Consider telehealth and rural health topics for practice in western Nebraska.
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.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
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
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
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
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
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
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- 500 hours practice in lieu of 10 CE hours allowed.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Nebraska requires 20 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, 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.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Nebraska requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Nebraska compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Nebraska Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Nebraska Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.