Healthy Communities

ASBN - Continuing Education

Continuing education for license renewal and reinstatement was mandated by Act 86 of the 2001 Arkansas legislative session. The regulations were put into effect beginning July 1, 2003. Random audits for compliance with the continuing education requirements are conducted.

Active licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses must complete the continuing education requirement by one of these methods prior to each bi-annual renewal.  (1) 15 contact hours of appropriately accredited practice-focused activities, OR (2) Hold a current nationally recognized certification/recertification, OR (3) Completed a minimum of one college credit hour course in nursing with a grade of C or better during licensure period. Reinstatement from inactive status/late renewals of less than five years must complete 20 contact hours of appropriately accredited activities.

APRNs: For each renewal, advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority must complete an additional five contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics related to their specialty certification. Additional Advance Practice Registered Nurse continuing education information is located under the ASBN-APRN link to the left. 

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing offers different avenues for continuing education.  Select one of the links below for a complete listing of all options that are offered.  For questions regarding continuing education information, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions above.    

Continuing Education Opportunities
Workshops
Online Courses

Public Health Accrediation Board
Arkansas Department of Health
© 2017 Arkansas Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. www.healthy.arkansas.gov
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
1-800-462-0599