Mandatory topics
For RNs, 24 hours is the total CE requirement. No mandatory topics are listed for RNs in Minnesota. Confirm topic requirements with Minnesota Board of Nursing (MNBON) before the renewal cycle.
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Minnesota cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Accepted credit
Minnesota Board of Nursing (MNBON) accepts ANCC Contact Hour toward the CE requirement for RNs, along with other credit it approves.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ANCC Contact Hour | CE activities must have written learning objectives, instructor name and qualifications, assigned contact hours, activity dates and title, and a statement of participation or certificate of completion. Activities taught by someone other than the licensee.SourceMinn. R. 6310.2800, subp. 3 |
Board-approved credit | current nursing specialty certification issued by a national professional nursing or medical organization (satisfies entire 24-hour requirement if current at time CE report is submitted); professional activities including peer-reviewed publications, professional papers, national nursing panel service, and nursing research studies. Activities must be completed during the licensee's CE participation period.SourceMinn. R. 6310.2800, subp. 4a, item C; subp. 5 |
Documentation & audit
Documentation retention: 2 years after CE activities are reported to the Board. Do not submit CE documentation with the renewal application unless specifically instructed; documentation is required only if selected for audit.
Registration expiration date is tied to the licensee's birth month and year. RNs renew biennially based on their birth month and year.
Waivers & exemptions
Military/overseas employment exemption
Deferred hours for insufficient CE
FAQ
How many CE hours do Minnesota RNs need for license renewal?
Minnesota RNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during a 24-month registration period under Minn. Rule 6310.2800. This equals one contact hour per month of registration. The 24-month participation period runs immediately before the renewal application deadline, which is anchored to the licensee's birth month and year. Holding a current nursing specialty certification from a national professional nursing or medical organization satisfies the entire 24-hour CE requirement.
Are there mandatory CE topics for Minnesota RN renewal?
No. Minnesota does not require specific CE topic categories for the general RN population. The state eliminated its infection control CE mandate effective July 3, 2000, and no replacement mandatory topics have been enacted. CE content must enhance nursing practice ability, but nurses have broad flexibility to select topics aligned with their practice specialty and professional development goals.
What counts as CE for Minnesota RN renewal?
Minn. Rule 6310.2800 accepts three pathways: standard CE activities (workshops, conferences, lectures, online courses with written objectives and documentation), professional activities (peer-reviewed publications, professional papers, national panel service, nursing research), and current nursing specialty certification (satisfies the entire 24-hour requirement). Activities must be at least 0.25 contact hours (15 minutes) in duration and must be completed during the CE participation period. Documentation must be retained for 2 years after the activities are reported.
Is Minnesota part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
No. Minnesota is not an NLC compact member as of 2026. All nurses practicing in Minnesota must hold a Minnesota-issued license. There is no multistate license available through Minnesota, and nurses relocating from compact states must obtain a separate Minnesota license before practicing. Minnesota nurses can verify license status and renewal information through the Minnesota Board of Nursing website at https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/.
Where can I check my Minnesota RN license renewal date?
Minnesota RNs can look up their license information through the Minnesota Board of Nursing's online license verification portal. Renewal dates are tied to the licensee's birth month and year. The Board's renewal FAQ at https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/license-renewal/renewal-faq.jsp provides guidance on the renewal process, and the main Board website at https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/ lists contact information for licensing questions.