Ohio
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Ohio Nursing CEU Overview
Ohio 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.
The Ohio Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Category A. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Ohio Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Ohio
Ohio has approximately 205,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 11.8 million. Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and UC Health are among the major employers. Ohio's healthcare industry is a significant economic driver, with Cleveland Clinic alone employing over 70,000 people.
Ohio requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Ohio mandates at least 1 hour in specific topics including Category A courses (law and rules). The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Common Practice Settings in Ohio
Cleveland Clinic
World-renowned for cardiac care, Cleveland Clinic offers nurses access to specialty practice and innovation.
Academic Medical Centers
OSU, University of Cincinnati, and Case Western hospitals provide teaching opportunities.
Rural Appalachia
Southeastern Ohio faces healthcare shortages and high rates of chronic disease and opioid use.
Ohio License Renewal Tips
Complete 24 contact hours, including at least 1 hour of Category A content.
Use Ohio Board-approved or nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 6 years.
Consider opioid-related CE given Ohio's substance use challenges.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Ohio
Ohio is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, or Michigan.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must include 1 hour Category A education each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Category A Ohio law, rules, nursing or related field | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Ohio requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Michigan requires more (25 hours), while Indiana has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Ohio allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Ohio requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Ohio compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Ohio Board of Nursing
(614) 466-3947
17 S High Street, Suite 660, Columbus, OH 43215
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Ohio Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.