CEU credits while in school?

[denicola.c]

Hi all,

In May of 2015 I received my associates degree and in June became a registered nurse. That following September I began my bachelor degree program, which is another two years- set to graduate in May 2017. Its come time to renew my license, and I'm wondering if I still need to complete all 30 CEU credits, even though I was full time in school? As of the day the renewal is due I'd have had 13 college credits that were nursing classes as well as an additional 6 that were science related... Do I need to still do 30 credits of the continuing education course, or do my college credits count towards that at all? No one at my school seems to know, I've heard mixed answers as well. I don't want to be audited and not have anything to back up my credits! My license is active in Pennsylvania, if anyone has any knowledge about their laws.

Thanks!

[Cat365]

I would contact your board of nursing. It varies from state to state. If they do say you need continuing education there is often a way to submit your class syllabus to them to be evaluated for credit. That might at least reduce the number you have to obtain.

[chare]

From the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing FAQs on Mandatory Continuing Education (CE) for Registered Nurses:

Academic nursing credits are as follows:

• 1 trimester unit=12 CE hours

• 1 quarter unit=10 CE hours

• 1 semester unit=15 CE hours

For academic purposes, one unit is equivalent to one academic course. CE hours are per course, not per the number of credits given for the course. These academic CE hours are the same regardless of whether you are a full time, part time, Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters or Doctorate level student. Any academic courses taken must pertain to nursing. CE hours will be accepted for academic courses completed within your biennial renewal period.