Washington
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Washington Nursing CEU Overview
Washington requires registered nurses to complete 8 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The Washington Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Suicide Prevention, Health Equity. 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 Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission before enrolling.
Nursing in Washington
Washington has approximately 90,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 7.8 million. Seattle is home to major academic centers including UW Medicine and Swedish Medical Center, while MultiCare and Providence operate facilities throughout the state. Washington's strong nurse practice act provides broad scope for APRNs.
Washington requires 8 contact hours of continuing education every year (or equivalent over a longer period). Washington mandates suicide prevention training for certain nurses. The state's requirements ensure ongoing competency while allowing flexibility in course selection.
Common Practice Settings in Washington
Seattle Health Systems
UW Medicine, Swedish, and Virginia Mason provide academic and specialty care opportunities.
Tech Industry Clinics
Major tech companies in the Seattle area operate employee health clinics.
Rural Eastern WA
Communities east of the Cascades face healthcare shortages and access challenges.
Washington License Renewal Tips
Complete 8 contact hours annually.
Include suicide prevention training if required for your role.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Consider telehealth CE for serving rural populations.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Washington
Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Idaho or Oregon.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial licensure
Notes
- Annual renewal with low hour requirement.
- 6 hours one-time suicide prevention required.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 4 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Annual renewal.
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 4 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Annual renewal.
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 4 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Annual renewal.
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 4 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Annual renewal.
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
8
Renewal Cycle
1 year
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention One-time requirement | 6 | One-time |
Health Equity Required each renewal (new 2024) | 2 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 4 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 1 year of initial certification
Notes
- Annual renewal.
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
- 2 hours health equity required each renewal (new 2024).
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Washington requires 8 contact hours every 1 year for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Oregon has no general CE requirement, while Idaho has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Washington allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Washington requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Washington compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Washington Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.