Nursing Requirements by State

When you go into nursing, one of the first choices you need to make is what type of job title to pursue. The education and training differs based on whether you decide to become a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, nursing assistant, or something else. After you’ve got your degree in place and your license secured, you’re ready for the workforce.

And just as your educational foundation differs according to your job, so do your nursing requirements when it comes to your continuing education. Because of the nature of healthcare, where new discoveries and medical advances are made regularly, you are legally obligated to stay up to date in order to provide the best care to patients. These requirements differ not only based on your job title but also on the state in which you practice.

Most states have some type of continuing educational requirements for nursing that must be satisfied every two to three years in order to maintain your license. Even the state in which you live has no education requirements for license renewal, you might have a specific certification or work for an employer that has their own requirement that must be upheld.

The articles and information in this section can help you figure out what the nursing requirements look like for you based on your geography and job title. If you have any questions , be sure to check with your board of nursing or association to get clarity.