Mandatory topics
For RNs, 20 hours is the total CE requirement. No mandatory topics are listed for RNs in Nebraska. Confirm topic requirements with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Nursing (NE DHHS Nursing) before the renewal cycle.
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Nebraska cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Accepted credit
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ANCC Contact Hour max 4 hrs | maximum 4 contact hours. Life support courses (ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC): hours listed on certificate or 4-hour default. Internet/home-study courses: no cap. Academic coursework: 1 semester hour = 15 contact hours (a 3-credit course = 45 contact hours).SourceNebraska DHHS Nurse Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education page |
Board-approved credit | CE must be from nursing-related content designed to maintain or enhance nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Provider must be nationally recognized, accredited, or otherwise approved.Source172 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 101 |
Documentation & audit
RNs are responsible for retaining CE documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Waivers & exemptions
New graduates within 2 years of graduation
Recent graduates (2–5 years post-graduation)
Specialty certification pathway
Portfolio pathway
Refresher course pathway
Active military service members
FAQ
How many CE hours do Nebraska RNs need for license renewal?
Nebraska does not have a single CE hour requirement — it uses a continuing competency model with multiple pathways. For most experienced RNs (graduated 5+ years ago), the standard pathway is 500 hours of practice within the past 5 years plus 20 CE contact hours within the past 2 years. RNs who graduated 2–5 years ago need only 20 CE contact hours. New graduates within 2 years need no CE. Alternative pathways include specialty certification, a refresher course, or a professional development portfolio.
Are there mandatory CE topics for Nebraska RN renewal?
No. Nebraska does not require CE in specific topic categories for the general RN population. CE must be from nursing-related content designed to maintain or enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes for nursing practice, but nurses have broad flexibility in choosing CE topics. Opioid prescribing CE is required for NPs and other prescribers under § 38-145 (see NP page), but this does not apply to RNs who do not prescribe controlled substances.
Is Nebraska part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
Yes. Nebraska is an NLC compact member. Eligible Nebraska-licensed RNs hold a multistate license for practice in all compact member states. Nebraska-resident nurses renew under Nebraska's continuing competency framework. The Nebraska compact statute is available at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/compactstat.pdf.
When do Nebraska RN licenses expire?
Nebraska RN licenses expire on October 31 of each even-numbered year (e.g., 2026, 2028, 2030). LPN licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years. Nurses can renew online at https://nebraska.mylicense.com/ or by submitting a paper renewal application.
Where can I renew my Nebraska RN license and get help with CE questions?
Nebraska RNs renew online at https://nebraska.mylicense.com/. The Nebraska DHHS Nurse Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education page at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing-Renewal-and-Continuing-Education.aspx provides CE pathway information. For questions, contact DHHS at (402) 471-4376 or dhhs.nursingoffice@nebraska.gov.