Navigating CE Requirements for RNs in Colorado

Continuing education (CE) is essential for registered nurses (RNs) in Colorado and serves as a cornerstone for maintaining licensure and ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare.

This article provides an overview of the CE requirements for RNs in Colorado, details the license renewal process, and highlights important deadlines.

CE requirements for nurses in Colorado

Colorado is one of the states that doesn’t require RNs to complete continuing education hours as a prerequisite for license renewal. However, nurses are strongly encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advancements in the healthcare field and to maintain the highest standards of nursing practice.

Despite the lack of state-mandated CE requirements, many employers in Colorado may still instruct their nursing staff to complete certain CE. Additionally, nurses who hold certifications in various specialties are often required by their certifying bodies to complete specific CE credits to maintain those credentials.

License renewal process

Colorado nurses can renew their licenses online through the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ (DORA) online services portal. Here is the streamlined procedure:

•  Access the DORA Online Services Portal: RNs should log in to their account on the Colorado DORA website.
• Complete the renewal application: Fill out the necessary sections of the application, which include updating personal information and answering a few questions about practice and disciplinary history.
• Pay the renewal fee: The renewal fee for RNs in Colorado is currently $43, but fees are subject to change.

Nurses must keep their contact information up to date in the DORA system, as the Colorado Board of Nursing (BON) communicates primarily through email regarding licensure and renewal.

Timelines and important dates

In Colorado, nursing licenses must be renewed every two years, all RN licenses expire on September 30 of odd- or even-numbered years depending upon the issuance date.

To avoid any lapse in licensure, nurses should begin the renewal process several months before their license expires. The Colorado BON sends out renewal notices about four to six weeks before the expiration date, but nurses are advised to be proactive and not rely solely on these notices.

While Colorado doesn’t require RNs to complete CE hours for license renewal, staying engaged in professional development activities will help them maintain competency and deliver the best patient care. Nurses should consider their own needs for skill enhancement and potentially seek out relevant courses or certifications that align with their career goals and specialties. 

Nurses who understand the renewal process and keep track of their licensure status are more likely to remain in good standing with the board and can continue their practice without interruption.