LA
Louisiana Continuing Education Requirements
Details about continuing education and license renewal in Louisiana. Jump straight to your profession below.
The state of Louisiana might be known best for its world-famous jazz music and delicious Cajun food, but in the nursing world, the state became part of something much larger and more universal: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Louisiana was one of the latest states to implement the NLC, a multi-state license for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN). This licensure also allows RN’s and LPN’s to practice within the home state, as well as other NLC states physically, electronically, and/or telephonically, according to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
Louisiana enacted the NLC back in May of 2018, but it was wasn’t fully implemented until July 1, 2019, which allowed them to join 30 other states who have implemented this compact deal. One of the larger benefits to having this license, according to the state board, is that it allows nurses to service patients located across the country without having to obtain additional licenses. It also allows for nurses to be readily available to cross states lines and work if there was ever an emergency situation that called for it, such as helping those in need after a natural disaster has occurred.
While Louisiana was one of the latest states to join the 30 other NLC states, three more states (Alabama, Indiana, and New Jersey) have enacted the license and are awaiting implementation, and three other states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts) are still pending NLC legislation.
Louisiana Registered Nurse (RN)
30
hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Multiple options to renew for this profession and state.
RNs shall either complete thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education or provide proof of completing a minimum of 900 practice hours every two years for licensure renewal.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Phone225-755-7500
Fax225-755-7584
WebsiteVisit Site
EmailContact the board
Address
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3767
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3767
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.
Louisiana Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
30
hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Thursday, August 28, 2025
APRNs shall earn thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal.
Special Requirements
CNSs and APRNs whose role and population focus does not provide for certification/recertification (commensurate requirements) shall submit proof of the following to LSBN prior to annual licensure renewal:
In addition, CNSs and APRNs shall:
- A minimum of 300 practice hours annually in advanced practice registered nursing as defined in R.S. 37:913.3.a.[verified by clinical manager] AND
- A minimum of 2 college credit hours per year of relevance to the advanced practice role; OR
- A minimum of 30 continuing education (C.E.) nursing contact [credit] hours approved by the Board each year.
In addition, CNSs and APRNs shall:
- Maintain an active RN license.
- CNSs and APRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain Six (6) contact hours (every year) of CE in pharmacotherapeutics in their advanced nursing role and population foci.
- Note that since renewal occurs every two years, CNSs and APRNs with prescriptive authority who are selected for the audit must provide 12 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics since the rule requires six annually.
- CNSs and APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe or distribute controlled substances shall complete three (3) hours of continuing education approved by the board on controlled substance prescribing practices.
- Approved continuing education shall include instruction relating to drug diversion training, best practices regarding prescribing of controlled substances, and appropriate treatment for addiction.
- An CNS and APRN authorized to prescribe controlled substances shall maintain an active Louisiana controlled dangerous substance license and Drug Enforcement Administration registration.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Phone225-755-7500
Fax225-755-7584
WebsiteVisit Site
EmailContact the board
Address
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge 70810
Baton Rouge 70810
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.
Louisiana Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
CEs not required.
LPNs are not required to complete continuing education courses. All renewal of licenses for LPNs will be completed through your Nurse Portal account. The renewal link will only appear during the active renewal period which is November 1st through January 31st.
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
Phone504-838-5791
Fax504-838-5279
WebsiteVisit Site
EmailContact the board
Address
131 Airline Drive, Suite 301
Metairie 70001
Metairie 70001
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.
Louisiana Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Last Updated: Thursday, August 28, 2025
CEs not required.
A CNA is required to work at least 8 hours during every 24-month period (2 years) after becoming certified. The work must be "nursing or nurse related" and must be in an approved setting. The approved settings include:
Please check with your facility/employer to ensure your continuing education courses are accepted.
- Health care providers licensed by the LDH including: nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, personal care attendant agencies, assisted living programs, hospice agencies, respite agencies, supervised independent living agencies, adult day health care programs and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled (ICF/DD) programs.
Please check with your facility/employer to ensure your continuing education courses are accepted.
LA Nurse Aide Registry
Phone225-342-0138
Fax225-342-4549
WebsiteVisit Site
EmailContact the board
Address
PO Box 3767
Baton Rouge 70821-3767
Baton Rouge 70821-3767
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.
Louisiana Medical Assistant (MA)
Last Updated: Thursday, August 28, 2025
CEs not required.
Some states license Medical Assistants (MAs) and Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs); however, as with the majority of states Louisiana does not.
As such, this category of health care personnel is not licensed by the LSBME or any other agency in this state.
MAs/CMAs may be trained by a physician, complete a formal or military training program and some may earn certification (CMA) from a national organization.
In Louisiana, as in many other states, an unlicensed individual such as a MA/CMA may perform services for which he or she has been adequately trained as long as the services are provided under physician supervision e.g., where the physician is physically present on the premises and immediately available at all times that they are performing duties as delegated by the physician.
As such, this category of health care personnel is not licensed by the LSBME or any other agency in this state.
MAs/CMAs may be trained by a physician, complete a formal or military training program and some may earn certification (CMA) from a national organization.
In Louisiana, as in many other states, an unlicensed individual such as a MA/CMA may perform services for which he or she has been adequately trained as long as the services are provided under physician supervision e.g., where the physician is physically present on the premises and immediately available at all times that they are performing duties as delegated by the physician.
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.
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