CE Course Comparison for Travel Nurses

CE Requirements for Travel Nurses: What You Need to Know

Continuing education (CE) requirements vary by state, and as a travel nurse working across multiple states, you need to stay on top of each one. Most states require between 20 and 40 contact hours per renewal cycle (typically every two years), but some states have specific topic mandates that you must fulfill.

Compact License and CE Credits

If you hold a Compact Nursing License (eNLC), your CE requirements are determined by your home state — the state where you maintain your primary residence. However, it is wise to also complete any mandatory topics required by the states where you take assignments, as facilities may require proof of specific training (such as infection control, domestic violence recognition, or opioid prescribing).

How to Choose a CE Provider

When comparing CE providers as a travel nurse, prioritize these factors:

• Accreditation: Make sure the provider is accredited by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and accepted by your home state Board of Nursing. California (CA BRN) and Florida (FL BON) have their own approval requirements.
• Format: Self-paced online courses are the best fit for most travelers since you can complete them between assignments or on days off. Live webinars can count for states that require "live" contact hours.
• Speed: Some platforms let you test out quickly if you already know the material, while others have mandatory seat times. If you are catching up on credits before a renewal deadline, speed matters.
• Price: Free options exist (Medscape, some agency-provided programs), but paid platforms often offer better organization, certificate management, and state-specific course bundles.
• Certificate Management: Look for platforms that store your certificates digitally and let you download or share them easily. This saves headaches when agencies or facilities request proof of CE completion.

Tips for Staying Ahead on CEs

The best strategy is to spread your CE hours throughout your renewal cycle rather than cramming at the end. Many travel nurses block out a few hours each month to knock out 2-3 courses. This keeps you compliant, maintains clinical knowledge, and avoids the panic of an approaching deadline.

Keep a dedicated folder (digital or physical) for all CE certificates. When you start a new assignment, your staffing agency and the facility will often request copies — having them organized saves time and demonstrates professionalism.

State-Specific Requirements to Watch

Several states have mandatory CE topics that every nurse must complete, regardless of specialty:

• California: Requires coursework on implicit bias (AB 1407) as of 2023.
• Florida: Requires courses on human trafficking, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and medical errors.
• New York: Requires coursework on infection control and child abuse identification.
• Texas: Requires a Jurisprudence Exam as part of renewal — not a CE course but still mandatory.
• Ohio: Requires 1 hour of Category A CE (Ohio-specific law and rules).

Always verify your state's current requirements with the Board of Nursing website, as CE mandates can change between renewal cycles.