Free CE for Nurses / Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania RNs must complete 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years, including 2 hours of child abuse recognition training and, effective May 1, 2026, a one-time 2-hour organ and tissue donation course.
✓ Verified against the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing on July 30, 2026
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse recognition and reporting (Act 31, DHS-approved provider) | 2 | every renewal; counts within the 30; required even at the otherwise CE-exempt first renewal |
| Organ and tissue donation and recovery process | 2 | one-time, within 5 years of initial licensure or of a renewal (effective May 1, 2026) |
Required by Act 58 of 2006 and 49 Pa. Code § 21.131. First-time licensees are exempt from the 30 hours at their first renewal except the child abuse training. Hours cannot carry over between periods. The Board accepts CE from national nursing organizations, accredited nursing programs and health care facilities, regionally accredited colleges, and providers approved by other states' boards — ANCC-accredited provider CE is accepted under these categories. Opioid CE applies to prescribers only, not RNs.
Yes — Pennsylvania accepts continuing education from nationally accredited providers, so courses from an accredited provider like the ones on Pulse count toward your renewal.
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/nursing/registered-nurses-licensure-snapshot
Requirements change. Confirm all figures on the board site above before relying on them.
Pulse offers free, accredited CE for RNs and LPNs. Local healthcare organizations cover the cost — you pay nothing, and the hours apply toward your Pennsylvania requirement (subject to the board rules above).
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