Navigating CE Requirements for RNs in Arizona

Continuing education (CE) is crucial for registered nurses (RNs) in Arizona aimed at maintaining high standards of patient care and professional practice.  

This article outlines the CE requirements for RNs in Arizona, describes the license renewal process, and highlights important deadlines for maintaining licensure. 

CE Requirements for Arizona RNs 

Arizona requires RNs to complete continuing education as part of their professional development, although specific CE hours are not mandated for all nurses for license renewal.  

Instead, the Arizona State Board of Nursing expects nurses to fulfill one or more of the following requirements every four years to demonstrate continued competence: 

• Completion of an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past five years 
• Completion of 960 hours of active nursing practice in the past five years 
• Graduate from a nursing program and obtain a nursing degree within the past five years. 
• Obtain an advanced degree in nursing (example: LPN to RN or RN to BSN etc.) 

These options provide flexibility for nurses to choose a path that best suits their career goals and work circumstances. 

License renewal process 

License renewal for RNs in Arizona is conducted online through the Arizona State Board of Nursing’s online system. Here’s the general process: 

• Log in to the Nurse Portal: Nurses should access the online system to begin the renewal process. 
• Complete the renewal application: Update personal information, answer questions related to nursing practice and legal issues, and confirm the fulfillment of the continuing competence requirements. 
• Pay the renewal fee: The renewal fee for RNs in Arizona is $160. 

It is essential for nurses to renew their licenses every four years, and they should ensure that their contact information is current in the Board's system to receive all necessary communications regarding licensure. 

Record keeping 

Nurses are responsible for maintaining documentation that supports their fulfillment of the continuing competence requirements. This documentation should be retained for at least five years and must be available for review if the nurse is audited by the Board. 

Timelines and important dates 

Nursing licenses in Arizona must be renewed every four years, visit nursys.com to check the renewal date for your specific license. The Board of Nursing sends renewal notifications approximately 60 days before the expiration date.  

To avoid any lapse in licensure, nurses are advised to start the renewal process early, preferably several months before the expiration date. 

Continuing competence is a critical component of nursing practice in Arizona. By adhering to one of the pathways for demonstrating competence, RNs not only comply with regulatory requirements but also enhance their skills and maintain their eligibility to practice.  

Effective planning and timely renewal of their license ensure that nurses in Arizona can continue to provide high-quality care without any disruptions in their professional status.