Virginia
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Virginia Nursing CEU Overview
Virginia 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.
Virginia has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Virginia
Virginia has approximately 115,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 8.6 million. Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington DC creates a highly competitive market, while the Hampton Roads area has military and naval healthcare facilities. Major health systems include Inova, Sentara, and VCU Health.
Virginia requires varying CE based on practice status. Active licensees need 15-30 contact hours depending on their status and specialty. Virginia mandates training in specific topics including substance use disorders and cultural competency. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in Virginia
Northern Virginia
Proximity to DC creates demand for nurses in hospitals, federal facilities, and private practices.
Military Facilities
Multiple military installations and VA hospitals employ civilian nurses.
Hampton Roads
Naval Station Norfolk and surrounding area has significant healthcare needs.
Virginia License Renewal Tips
Determine your specific CE requirement based on your license category.
Complete mandatory topic training as required.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 5 years.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Virginia
Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses in the DC metro area who may work across state lines in Maryland or DC.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Virginia does not require general CE.
- Must meet one of several competency requirements.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Virginia does not require general CE.
- Must meet one of several competency requirements.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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 |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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 |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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 |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Virginia does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Maryland also has no general CE requirement, while West Virginia requires 12 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Virginia allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Virginia requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Virginia compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Virginia Board of Nursing
(804) 367-4515
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Virginia Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.