What Are CEUs in Nursing?

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are credits earned by nurses when they complete educational activities aimed at developing or enhancing their professional skills. Most states in the U.S. require RNs and LPNs to complete a certain number of CEUs to renew their licenses.

One CEU typically equals 10 contact hours of participation in an approved continuing education program. However, nursing CEUs are more commonly tracked using "contact hours," where 1 contact hour = 60 minutes of learning activity.

Why Choose ANCC-Approved CEUs?

ANCC is part of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and is one of the most respected accrediting bodies for nursing education in the U.S. CEUs approved by ANCC are:

• Widely recognized by state boards of nursing

• Trusted by employers and healthcare organizations

 

 Who Needs CEUs?

Most nurses across the U.S. are required to complete CEUs, including:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, and Clinical Nurse Specialists

Each state’s board of nursing determines the specific number and type of CEUs required for license renewal. For example, California requires 30 contact hours every two years, while Florida mandates 24 contact hours plus additional topic-specific training.

Benefits of Free ANCC-Approved CEUs

Free CEUs allow nurses to:

• Stay compliant with licensing requirements

• Save money

• Improve clinical knowledge

• Boost resumes and professional development

Finding free and ANCC-approved CEUs can be challenging, which is why this guide focuses on the best verified sources available.

Top Free ANCC-Approved CEU Providers in 2025

1. Nurse.com

• Website: https://www.nurse.com/free-ceus

• Offers a variety of ANCC-approved free CEUs

• Covers topics like pain management, patient safety, diversity, and infection control

• Account creation is required to access and track courses

2. Medscape Nurses

• Website: https://www.medscape.org/nurses

• Provides free, ANCC-accredited CEUs across specialties

• Includes pharmacology, mental health, pediatrics, and critical care

• Free registration required; certificates available upon course completion

3. RN.com

• Website: https://www.rn.com

• Offers both free and premium CEUs

• Includes core nursing competencies, legal-ethical issues, and specialized care

4. CDC TRAIN

• Website: https://www.train.org/cdctrain

• Offers free public health-related CEUs

• ANCC-approved and government-endorsed

• Includes infection control, emerging diseases, and emergency preparedness

5. Alabama Public Health (ADPH Learning Management System)

• Website: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov

• Offers free CE courses approved by ANCC through state funding

• Includes maternal health, public health nursing, and community care

6. NursingCE.com (Limited Free Courses)

• Website: https://www.nursingce.com

• Offers occasional free ANCC-accredited courses

• Great for trial users or those exploring paid options

How to Verify if a CEU is ANCC Approved

To ensure a CEU is ANCC-accredited:

1. Look for the ANCC accreditation logo on the course page.

2. Check for the provider’s name in the ANCC Provider Directory.

3. Review the certificate of completion—it should clearly state ANCC approval.

4. Contact the course provider directly if unsure.

Tips for Earning and Tracking CEUs

• Create a CEU portfolio: Keep digital copies of all certificates.

• Log dates and hours: Document when and where you completed each course.

• Know your state’s requirements: Check renewal timelines and mandatory topics.

• Plan early: Avoid last-minute scrambling before license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are free ANCC CEUs really accepted by all states?
Yes, as long as the course is accredited by ANCC, it’s accepted by most U.S. state boards of nursing.

2. Can student nurses take CEUs?
Yes, although they don’t need them for licensure, student nurses can still benefit from CEUs in preparation for their careers.

3. Do CEUs expire?
The course certificates typically don’t expire, but most boards only accept CEUs earned within a specific timeframe—usually during the current renewal cycle.

4. Are ANCC-approved CEUs accepted internationally?
Yes, ANCC is a globally respected credentialing body, though you should check with your local nursing council or regulatory agency.

5. Are free CEUs as good as paid ones?
Absolutely. Many free CEUs are high quality and evidence-based. The difference often lies in course volume or specialty options.

Nurses have a professional responsibility to continue learning throughout their careers. Fortunately, ANCC-approved free CEUs make it easier and more affordable to do so. Whether you're preparing for license renewal or aiming to expand your knowledge, there are excellent resources available at no cost.

Always ensure the provider is ANCC-accredited, and keep documentation of your completed hours. Taking advantage of free, high-quality CEU resources is a smart move for both your patients and your professional growth.

📅 FREE CEU COURSES FOR NURSES

1. Nurse.com

• Popular Free Courses:

  • Implicit Bias Training

  • Pain Management

  • Infection Control & Prevention

• Why Choose: High-quality, ANCC-accredited courses with instant certificates.

• Website: https://www.nurse.com/free-ceus

2. Medscape Nurses

• Popular Free Courses:

  • Diabetes Case Reviews

  • Heart Failure: New Guidelines

  • COVID-19 Safety Protocols

• Why Choose: Trusted medical source. Courses are updated regularly.

• Website: https://www.medscape.org/nurses

3. RN.com

• Free CEUs Available:

  • Cultural Competency

  • Sepsis Early Detection

• Why Choose: Easy platform, downloadable certificates.

• Website: https://www.rn.com

4. CDC TRAIN

• Provider: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Popular Topics:

  • Emergency Preparedness

  • Public Health Threats

• Why Choose: Ideal for public health nurses and community health workers.

• Website: https://www.train.org/cdctrain

5. Ohio Nurses Association (ONA)

• Sample Free CEUs:

  • Workplace Safety

  • Legal Nursing Practice

• Website: https://ce4nurses.org

6. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

• Free CEUs Topics:

  • Maternal & Infant Care

  • Health Equity

• Website: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov

💲 PAID CEU COURSES FOR NURSES

1. NursingCE.com

• Cost: $39.99/year (unlimited access)

• Topics Include:

  • Geriatric Nursing

  • NICU Essentials

  • Cardiac Life Support

• Website: https://www.nursingce.com

2. CEUfast.com

• Cost: $39/year

• Why Choose:

  • Over 200 topics

  • Interactive exams

• Website: https://www.ceufast.com

3. NetCE

• Free & Paid Options:

  • HIV/AIDS Training

  • Pediatric Behavioral Health

• Website: https://www.netce.com

4. Western Schools

• Why Choose:

  • Courses in Pain Management, Critical Care, Case Management

  • High-quality specialty tracks

• Website: https://www.westernschools.com

5. Elite Learning

• Subscription: ~$49/year

• Topics Include:

  • Workplace Violence Prevention

  • LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care

• Website: https://www.elitelearning.com/nursing/

📚 Specialty Areas Covered by CEUs

CEU providers often cover the following specialties:

• Geriatrics

• Pediatrics

• Emergency & Trauma Nursing

• Neonatal & OB/GYN

• Hospice & Palliative Care

• Psychiatric/Mental Health

• Oncology Nursing

• Telehealth & Informatics

✅ How to Choose the Right CEU Course

• Check Accreditation: Always choose ANCC-accredited or state-approved providers.

• Confirm Relevance: Select courses that meet your state board’s or employer’s requirements.

• Document Completion: Keep copies of certificates for license renewal audits.

🔹 FAQ: CEUs for Nurses

Q1: Can I complete all my CEUs online? Yes. Most CEU providers offer 100% online modules.

Q2: Are free CEUs valid for license renewal? Yes, as long as they are ANCC-accredited or approved by your state board.

Q3: Do new nurses need CEUs right away? Typically no, but check your state-specific requirements.

Q4: How do I report my CEUs to the board? Keep records and submit during your license renewal process if required.

💬 Need Help Completing or Organizing Your CEUs?

At NursingWritingServices.com, we support nurses with:

• CEU course reflections

• CEU summaries and assessments

• Continuing education tracking

• Guidance on selecting CEU programs

📧 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
📞 WhatsApp: +1 (567) 269-1073

Let us help you grow professionally while saving time!

CEUs are more than a renewal formality—they’re an opportunity to grow as a professional and deliver better patient care. Whether you're looking for free CEUs or want premium access to specialized content, many resources are now available at your fingertips.

Choose wisely, track your completions, and stay prepared for license renewals with confidence.

References

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc

• Nurse.com Free CEUs – https://www.nurse.com/free-ceus

• Medscape Nursing CEUs – https://www.medscape.org/nurses

• CDC TRAIN – https://www.train.org/cdctrain

• Alabama Department of Public Health – https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov