North Dakota
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
North Dakota Nursing CEU Overview
North Dakota requires registered nurses to complete 12 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.
North Dakota 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 North Dakota Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in North Dakota
North Dakota has approximately 15,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 780,000. Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius are the major employers, with facilities in Fargo and Bismarck. North Dakota's rural communities face healthcare access challenges, particularly in western oil-producing regions.
North Dakota requires 12 contact hours of continuing education annually for RN license renewal. North Dakota accepts CE from providers accredited by national nursing organizations. The state does not mandate specific course topics.
Common Practice Settings in North Dakota
Sanford Health
The largest health system in the Dakotas operates facilities throughout North Dakota.
Oil Field Communities
Western North Dakota's energy industry creates demand for emergency and occupational health nursing.
Tribal Health
Several reservations have IHS and tribal health facilities serving Native American populations.
North Dakota License Renewal Tips
Complete 12 contact hours annually.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
Consider telehealth CE for serving rural populations.
Nurse Licensure Compact in North Dakota
North Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses in border areas near Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
12
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Low CE requirement.
- 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
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
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
North Dakota requires 12 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Minnesota requires more (24 hours), while South Dakota has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, North Dakota allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward North Dakota requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how North Dakota compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for North Dakota nurses.
Read Guide →North Dakota Board of Nursing
(701) 328-9777
919 S 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the North Dakota Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.