Oregon
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Oregon Nursing CEU Overview
Oregon does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
While Oregon does not require general CE hours, there are specific requirements for certain nurses. Topics include Pain Management, Cultural Competency. Check the requirements below for details on who must complete these topics.
Nursing in Oregon
Oregon has approximately 55,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 4.2 million. Portland is home to Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health, and Legacy Health. Oregon has expanded nurse practitioner scope of practice, making it a favorable state for advanced practice nursing.
Oregon requires evidence of continued competency, which can be met through various methods including completing 7 hours of pain management education and at least one additional way to demonstrate competency. Options include CE courses, practice hours, teaching, or certification. This flexible approach allows nurses to demonstrate competency through various professional activities.
Common Practice Settings in Oregon
OHSU
The academic medical center provides specialty care and nursing education opportunities.
Portland Health Systems
Providence and Legacy health systems operate numerous facilities in the Portland metro.
Rural Oregon
Eastern and coastal Oregon face healthcare access challenges and nursing shortages.
Oregon License Renewal Tips
Complete 7 hours of pain management education as required.
Choose at least one additional competency method from available options.
Document your competency activities thoroughly.
Consider rural health topics if practicing outside the Portland area.
Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Oregon does not require general CE for RN renewal.
- One-time pain management for DEA holders only.
- 2 hours cultural competency required each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Oregon does not require general continuing education for LPN renewal.
- 2 hours cultural competency required each renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
- 2 hours cultural competency required each renewal.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management One-time requirement for DEA holders | 7 | One-time |
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Oregon does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Washington requires 8 hours, while Idaho also has no general CE requirement. Oregon 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 Oregon requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Oregon compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Oregon State Board of Nursing
(971) 673-0685
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Oregon Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.