Michigan Nursing CE Requirements (2026): 25 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
Michigan requires registered nurses to complete 25 contact hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle. Two mandatory topics are built into the total: at least 2 hours in pain and pain symptom management, and 2 hours of implicit bias training (minimum 1 hour per year). The implicit bias requirement, effective since 2022, applies to all Michigan health professionals and must be completed in interactive or live format — self-study does not qualify.
In addition to the 25 hours, all RNs must complete a one-time human trafficking identification module. This module is separate from and does not count toward the 25-hour CE requirement. New graduates are exempt from CE until after their first renewal.
Michigan accepts CE from a broad range of approved providers including ANCC, AANA, AANP, ACCME, and other national organizations. Academic coursework converts at 5 hours per semester credit or 3 hours per quarter credit. Specialty certification may substitute for up to 25 hours, and publication may count for up to 10 hours per renewal period.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain and Pain Symptom Management | 2 | Every renewal | At least 2 of the 25 hours must be in pain and pain symptom management. Counts toward the 25-hour total. |
| Human Trafficking Identification | — | One-time | A one-time human trafficking continuing education module is required. Does not count toward the 25 hours required for renewal. |
| Implicit Bias Training | 2 | Every renewal | Minimum 1 hour per year of license cycle (2 hours per 2-year cycle). Initial licensure requires minimum 2 hours within 5 years before issuance. Must be interactive/live training. Required for all Michigan health professionals starting 2022. |
First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal
Exemptions
- First Renewal Exemption — New graduates are not required to begin earning CE until after first renewal.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Michigan CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Michigan that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Carry-over — No carry-over provision found. Hours must be earned within the 2-year period preceding renewal.
- Maximum 12 CE credit hours may be earned in a 24-hour period for online or electronic media.
- Academic coursework may be converted: 5 hours per semester credit, 3 hours per quarter credit (must be nursing-related).
- Specialty certification may count for up to 25 hours of CE credit.
- Publication may count for up to 10 hours per renewal period.
- Conference presentation may count for up to 6 hours per period (3 hours per 60 minutes of presentation).
- Nursing preceptorship: 120 hours = 1 contact hour (max 5 hours per period).
- Licensees must maintain CE records for a minimum of 4 years.
- The Board conducts random audits after each renewal period.
- Implicit bias training must be interactive/live format.
Provider Requirements
ANCC, AANA, AANP, ACCME, ACNM, AOA, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, NAPNES, NLN, other state or provincial boards of nursing, approved nursing education programs.
Tips for Michigan RNs
- The implicit bias training must be interactive or live — online self-paced courses do not satisfy this requirement. Confirm the course format before enrolling.
- Complete the one-time human trafficking module early in your career. It is separate from the 25-hour total but still required for renewal.
- Michigan limits online CE to 12 credit hours per 24-hour period. Avoid cramming all your CE into a single day.
- The Board conducts random audits after each renewal period. Keep CE records for at least 4 years and retain certificates in an organized digital folder.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Michigan Board of Nursing
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
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