How LPN CE works
State boards of nursing license both RNs and LPNs/LVNs, and most apply the same CE rules to both. A few states use a different LPN baseline or accept practice hours in lieu of CE — check your state board.
LPN Renewal
CE for LPN License Renewal
A practical guide to continuing education for LPN and LVN license renewal — how much you need, which topics matter, and where to find approved hours.
Topics with the most practical value
- Pharmacology and medication safety
- Wound and skin care
- Dementia and behavioral health
- Infection prevention and control
- End-of-life and hospice care
- Diabetes management
Mandatory topics (when your state requires them)
- Opioid and pain management
- Human trafficking recognition
- Implicit bias / cultural competency
- Child or elder abuse recognition
- Suicide assessment (Washington)
Where to find approved LPN CE online
- ANCC-accredited specialty societies (NAPNES, NFLPN)
- State-approved CE portals (CE Broker in FL/GA/KY/MS/NM/SC/WV/DC)
- Hospital and SNF system CE
- Federal sources (CDC TRAIN, AHRQ)
Steps to renew without stress
- Confirm your state's hour total and cycle
- Download certificates immediately as PDFs
- Track in a single folder or CE Broker
- Renew 30+ days before expiration
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do LPNs and LVNs have the same CE requirements as RNs?
In most states, yes — LPNs/LVNs follow the same contact-hour rules as RNs because they share a state board of nursing. A few states differentiate; verify on your state board's site.
What CE topics matter most for LPNs?
Pharmacology, wound care, dementia and behavioral health, infection control, end-of-life care, and any mandatory state topics (opioid, human trafficking, abuse recognition).
Can LPNs use the same online CE providers as RNs?
Yes. ANCC-accredited and state-approved providers serve both RN and LPN audiences. Confirm the course is approved for LPN/LVN credit when listed separately.
Does LPN-to-RN coursework count as CE?
Often yes — many boards credit academic nursing coursework toward CE during the renewal cycle. Save transcripts as proof.