Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
Massachusetts requires registered nurses to complete 15 contact hours of continuing education within the 2-year period before their license renewal date. RNs renew on their birthday in even-numbered years. First-time renewals are fully exempt from CE requirements.
Mandatory topics include domestic and sexual violence training at each renewal (no specific hour count mandated) and a one-time Alzheimer's disease and dementia care course at initial licensure or first renewal. Both count toward the 15-hour total. The Board does not maintain a list of approved CE programs — it is the nurse's responsibility to select programs that meet regulatory requirements under 244 CMR 5.00.
Notably, CPR courses cannot count as CE, and re-certification of ACLS or PALS is not accepted (though initial certification is). Required workplace in-services also do not qualify. Academic credit converts at 15 contact hours per semester credit and 10 contact hours per CEU.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic and Sexual Violence Training | — | Every renewal | Required at each renewal per Chapter 260. Included in the 15 contact hours total. Specific hour count not mandated by the board. |
| Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care | — | One-time | One-time requirement at initial licensure or first renewal. Training on diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Included in the 15 contact hours total. |
First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal
Exemptions
- First Renewal Exemption — You do not have to complete any CE requirements for your first renewal.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
The Board does not have a list of approved CE programs. It is the nurse's responsibility to select a CE program that meets the Board's regulatory requirements as defined in 244 CMR 5.00. Programs approved by a professional review process or by other jurisdictions' boards of nursing generally satisfy Massachusetts CE requirements. CME, AMA, or other professionally recognized credit may satisfy the requirement.
Tips for Massachusetts RNs
- Only CE hours earned within the 2 years before your renewal date count — there is no carry-over. Plan your coursework within the active renewal window.
- The Board does not pre-approve providers, so choose courses from professionally recognized organizations (ANCC-accredited, other state boards, or accredited institutions) to ensure compliance.
- CPR and ACLS/PALS re-certification do not count toward your 15 hours. Only initial ACLS and PALS certification qualifies.
- Maintain CE records for at least 4 years (2 consecutive renewal periods). You attest to compliance under penalty of perjury at renewal.