For RNs, 30 hours is the total CE requirement. No mandatory topics are listed for RNs in Louisiana. Confirm topic requirements with Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) before the renewal cycle.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) accepts ANCC Contact Hour toward the CE requirement for RNs, along with other credit it approves.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ANCC Contact Hour | LSBN accepts CE accredited by ANCC or approved by any US state board of nursing. ANCC-accredited CE is the most common qualifying source. 1 contact hour = 60 minutes. 1 CEU = 10 contact hours (certificates must show both CEU quantity and contact hour equivalent).SourceLa. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XLVII-3335[1] |
Board-approved credit | CE must be accredited by ANCC or approved by a specific US State Board of Nursing. The accreditation statement must appear on the certificate. CE from employers, non-accredited providers, or providers without ANCC/state board accreditation is not accepted. Academic courses (post-secondary, post-licensure, related to nursing practice) qualify. 1 semester hour = 15 CE contact hours.SourceLa. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XLVII-3335[1] |
CE records must be retained for 5 years. Certificates must include: provider company name, nurse's name, CE topic/title, contact hours awarded, date awarded, and accreditation statement (ANCC or specific US state board).
Initial Louisiana licenses are calendar year licenses renewed in the fall for a biennial (2-year) period. All licenses expire January 31 if not renewed; a late fee applies for January renewals.
RNs who were newly licensed — nurses issued a license by examination or endorsement are not required to obtain CE or practice hours in the calendar year in which they were initially licensed in Louisiana.
RNs who hold current active certification in a nursing specialty recognized by the board are exempt from the CE/practice hour requirement for renewal.
Practice hours pathway: a minimum of 900 nursing practice hours during the 2-year licensure period, as verified by the employer on a LSBN-provided form, satisfies the renewal requirement in lieu of 30 CE contact hours.
Academic courses in a post-secondary institution related to nursing practice or leading to an advanced nursing degree or certification may be used in lieu of CE contact hours.