Wisconsin
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Wisconsin Nursing CEU Overview
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has approximately 90,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.9 million. Major health systems include UW Health, Advocate Aurora Health, and Froedtert Health. Wisconsin's strong manufacturing sector also creates demand for occupational health nurses in industrial settings.
Wisconsin does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and employer-based competency. This approach gives Wisconsin nurses flexibility to pursue education relevant to their specific practice areas.
Common Practice Settings in Wisconsin
UW Health
The academic health system in Madison provides specialty care and research opportunities.
Milwaukee Health Systems
Froedtert and Aurora operate major facilities in the Milwaukee area.
Rural Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin communities face healthcare access challenges.
Wisconsin License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
Consider manufacturing health topics if working in industrial settings.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, or Illinois.
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
- Wisconsin does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Wisconsin does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
16
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
16
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
16
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
16
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
16
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Wisconsin does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Michigan requires 25 hours, while Minnesota requires 24 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Wisconsin allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Wisconsin requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Wisconsin compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.