RI

Rhode Island Continuing Education Requirements

Details about continuing education and license renewal in Rhode Island. Jump straight to your profession below.

Registered Nurse (RN) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Home Health Aid (HHA) Medical Assistant (MA)

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in size in the United States, but its population is nearly the same as some rural states that are double and triple its size. The state is an entire 1,214 square miles in size, but a little over a million people live there, making it also one of the most densely populated states in the country.

What makes it a popular destination? The entire southern part of Rhode Island, which is about 37 miles long, neighbors the Atlantic Ocean, giving it one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. And believe it or not, there is scientific-based research that people benefit more when they live or are generally near a body of water.

When working a stressful job, let’s say as a registered nurse at the hospital, it’s better to work somewhere that’s close to the water. Researchers believe that the beach, and other large bodies of water, tend to give people better psychological and overall health outcomes. Generally, people are more active near the water, which helps reduce physical health problems, such as diabetes and other weight-related problems. Plus, it helps with reducing stress and slowing down the heart rate, which in return, boosts mental health.

 

Rhode Island, also nicknamed the “Ocean State”, has plenty of opportunity for its residents and visitors to get a healthy dosage of “Vitamin Sea”, which has been proven to give more health benefits than some may believe.

Rhode Island Registered Nurse (RN)

10 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

RNs shall earn ten (10) contact hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal.

Special Requirements

  • Two (2) of the ten (10) required contact hours must be related to substance abuse.
  • Effective August 1, 2019, every nurse has to complete one (1) hour (per career) of CEU training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Phone401-222-5960
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 105 Cannon Building, Three Capitol Hill
Providence, RI  02908
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.

Rhode Island Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

10 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Thursday, August 15, 2024

10 contact hours every 2-year renewal period related to nursing practice.

Special Requirements

2 of the 10 required contact hours must be related to substance abuse.

Effective August 1, 2019, every nurse has to complete one hour (per career) of CEU training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
For new or renewing DEA licenses, as per the US Congress requirement, at least 8 hours of education on the treatment or management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders is required.
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Phone401-222-5700
Fax401-222-6683
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 105 Cannon Building, Three Capitol Hill
Providence  02908-5097
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.

Rhode Island Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

10 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

LPNs shall earn ten (10) contact hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal.

Special Requirements

  • Two (2) of the ten (10) required contact hours must be related to substance abuse.
  • Effective August 1, 2019, every nurse has to complete one (1) hour (per career) of CEU training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Phone401-222-5960
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 105 Cannon Building, Three Capitol Hill
Providence  02908
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.

Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
CEs not required.
Must have been employed as a nursing assistant for at least eight (8) hours within the prior twenty-four (24) months and have completed twelve (12) hours of in-service training per year at the facility where employed; or have completed a nursing assistant training and testing program within the past twenty-four (24) months.

Please check with your facility/employer to ensure your continuing education courses are accepted. 
Rhode Island Department of Health Professionals
Phone401-222-5960
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 3 Capitol Hill
Providence  02908
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.

Rhode Island Home Health Aid (HHA)

Last Updated: Wednesday, June 14, 2023
CEs not required.
Must complete 20 hours of initial training and annual in-services training on abuse and neglect.
Rhode Island Department of Health Professionals
Phone401-222-5960
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 3 Capitol Hill
Providence  02908
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.

Rhode Island Medical Assistant (MA)

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
CEs not required.
Rhode Island does not require that medical assistants earn a certification, and the state does not issue licenses to these professionals.
State of Rhode Island Department of Health
Phone401-222-5960
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 3 Capitol Hill
Providence  02908
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.

What do RI nurses earn?

Average pay by profession and region.

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