Rhode Island
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Rhode Island Nursing CEU Overview
Rhode Island requires registered nurses to complete 10 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 Rhode Island Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Substance Abuse, Alzheimer's Disease. 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 Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education before enrolling.
Nursing in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has approximately 16,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 1.1 million. Lifespan, based in Providence, is the largest employer and operates Rhode Island Hospital, which is affiliated with Brown University. Rhode Island's small size means many nurses can easily access major medical centers regardless of where they live.
Rhode Island requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Rhode Island does not mandate specific course topics, allowing nurses flexibility in choosing education relevant to their practice areas. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in Rhode Island
Lifespan
The largest health system operates Rhode Island Hospital and other facilities throughout the state.
Brown University Affiliates
Teaching affiliations with Brown provide access to academic medicine.
Community Health Centers
FQHCs serve Rhode Island's diverse urban populations.
Rhode Island License Renewal Tips
Complete 10 contact hours before your biennial renewal.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
Consider cultural competency CE given Rhode Island's diverse population.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Rhode Island nurses to practice in other compact states, valuable for those who may work in nearby Massachusetts or Connecticut after those states implement compact membership.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
10
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease One-time requirement | 1 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Low CE requirement.
- Hours must relate to nursing practice.
- 2 hours substance abuse required each renewal.
- 1 hour Alzheimer's disease required one-time.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
10
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease One-time requirement | 1 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
10
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease One-time requirement | 1 | One-time |
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
10
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 2 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease One-time requirement | 1 | One-time |
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
10
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
10
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
10
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
Rhode Island requires 10 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Massachusetts requires more (15 hours), while Connecticut has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Rhode Island allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Rhode Island requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Rhode Island compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for Rhode Island nurses.
Read Guide →Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Rhode Island Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.