Getting a course CEU eligible

Does anyone know how you go about getting a course approved for CEU's?

Hi! I am a Clinical Eduacator for our Respiratory department and we send our applications for CEUs to the American Society of Respiratory Care. Before we used them, we were using nursing credits and went through the Georgia Nurses Association to get what is called GNA hours. So maybe your state association is who you need to go through. If you have attended any courses recently or in the past you can look on the certificate and it will tell you who granted the credits. Also we have coordinator for nursing CEU in our hospital so the application goes to her. Maybe you have someone like this in your Learning Center. Hope this helps.

If you are seeking Nursing CE accreditation, there are 2 routes.

1. If you are with an organization that has an accredited CE provider program, it is easier just to contact the directror of that program and ask for a copy of their guidelines. They will usually be more than happy to assist you. There may be a fee involved.
   
2. If #1 is not an option, you will need to work with your state nursing association. Go online and retrieve a copy of their CE application packet. It will have all the info you need.

If your program is going to be provided to multiple states, you probably will need to become accredited by ANA. You can get all the info on their web site.

Caveats -

• if you don't have an education background, find a nurse educator to assist you. A lot of the requirements can seem pretty strange if you are not used to the format and jargon.
  
• Make sure you have an established "planning committee" with all the right members. You'll have to provide their names, CVs and committee 'role' in the paperwork. Document all meetings and discussions - you will need this also.
  
• Be prepared to maintain all of the program records, including participant information - for a minimum of 5 years. You will have to provide duplicate certificates if participants request one. You will have to produce the program file if requested by the accrediting/approving organization.
  
• There will be fees & costs - make sure that you know what they are so you can cover it with registration fees if necessary.
  
• Start the process at least 3 or 4 months in advance.

Good luck!

Thanks guys! This information gives me good starting points.