Continuing education (CE) is a vital part of every nurse practitioner’s (NP) professional journey. It helps you stay current with the latest advancements, meet licensing requirements, and expand your skill set to provide the best patient care. With so many CE options available, finding the right resources can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best CE courses, certification updates, and must-know resources for NPs in 2025.
Whether you’re looking to fulfill your state licensing requirements or grow your expertise in a specific specialty, these CE options have you covered!
Why Continuing Education Matters for Nurse Practitioners
• Licensure Renewal: Most states require a set number of CE hours to renew your NP license every two years.
• Certification Maintenance: Organizations like the AANP and ANCC require CE credits for certification renewal.
• Specialization: CE courses allow you to deepen your knowledge in areas like telehealth, women’s health, and behavioral medicine.
• Professional Growth: Staying updated with new evidence-based practices enhances your confidence and patient outcomes.
Top Continuing Education Courses and Platforms for NPs in 2025
1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP CE Center)
• Best For: Comprehensive, high-quality CE courses across all specialties
• Highlights:
• Offers live webinars, on-demand modules, and in-person events
• Free CE credits for AANP members on select courses
• Specialty tracks such as family practice, acute care, and women’s health
• Certification Requirements Met: AANP-approved CE credits meet state board requirements and certification renewal.
Pro Tip: Attend the annual AANP conference for access to exclusive CE opportunities and networking with other NPs.
2. Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE)
• Best For: In-depth, evidence-based CE focused on primary care and pharmacology
• Highlights:
• Pharmacology-intensive courses to meet prescriptive authority requirements
• On-demand video learning options for busy schedules
• Live, interactive conferences for those who prefer in-person learning
Hot Tip: Look for NPACE bundles that offer discounts on pharmacology hours—a must for your renewal process.
3. Medscape CE
• Best For: Free CE courses covering a wide range of medical topics
• Highlights:
• User-friendly platform with courses in multiple specialties (psychiatry, family medicine, cardiology, etc.)
• CE credits approved by ANCC and AANP
• Case studies and expert panels that keep you up to date with real-world scenarios
Bonus: Medscape’s CE tracker automatically keeps a record of completed courses, making it easier to submit your hours for licensure renewal.
4. Fitzgerald Health Education Associates
• Best For: Board exam prep and pharmacology-focused CE
• Highlights:
• Known for comprehensive NP certification prep courses
• Offers CE courses designed to strengthen diagnostic and treatment skills
• Includes interactive practice exams to boost confidence
If you’re preparing for recertification, this resource is invaluable for brushing up on clinical guidelines.
5. CME Outfitters
• Best For: Interactive CE experiences and clinical updates
• Highlights:
• Offers live virtual events with Q&A opportunities
• Focuses on specialties like mental health, neurology, and chronic disease management
• Provides free and low-cost CE options
6. State-Specific CE Resources
Every state has unique CE requirements. Some states mandate pharmacology-specific CE, while others require training in pain management or telehealth.
Popular State Resources:
• California BRN: Specific CE for NPs prescribing controlled substances
• Texas BON: Courses on human trafficking and opioid management
• Florida BON: Mandatory CE for domestic violence and HIV/AIDS education
Pro Tip: Bookmark your state board of nursing’s website to stay updated on changes to CE requirements.
Key Certification Updates for NPs in 2025
1. Full Practice Authority States: If your state recently updated its regulations, additional CE hours may be needed for expanded prescriptive authority.
2. Telehealth Certification: With telehealth services becoming standard, CE courses focused on virtual care best practices are highly valuable.
3. Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine: Due to the increasing demand for mental health services, courses in psychiatric care are in high demand.
4. Cultural Competency: Many states now require cultural competency training to address health disparities and improve patient communication.
Continuing Education Requirements for NP Recertification
AANP Certification Renewal Requirements:
• CE Hours: 100 hours of CE every 5 years
• 25 hours must be focused on pharmacology
• Practice Hours: If not completing enough CE, NPs must provide proof of 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
ANCC Certification Renewal Requirements:
• CE Hours: 75 hours of CE every 5 years
• 25 pharmacology hours required for some specialties
• Additional Options: Publication, precepting, and presenting at conferences can count toward your CE hours.
Additional CE Resources for Nurse Practitioners
• UpToDate CME: Earn CE credits by reading updated clinical guidelines and reviewing research articles.
• Healio CME: Specialty-focused CE courses covering dermatology, gastroenterology, and more.
• AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses): Ideal for NPs working in critical care or acute care settings.
Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Your CE Requirements
1. Plan Ahead: Track your renewal dates and spread out CE courses over the year to avoid a last-minute rush.
2. Combine CE with Conferences: Attend conferences where you can earn multiple CE credits in a short time.
3. Use CE Bundles: Many providers offer CE bundles that fulfill specific requirements like pharmacology and specialty hours.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your NP Career with the Right CE Resources
Continuing education is more than a requirement—it’s an opportunity to grow your expertise, boost your confidence, and provide exceptional care. By taking advantage of high-quality CE platforms like AANP, NPACE, and Medscape, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and meet your licensing needs with ease.
Whether you’re preparing for recertification or looking to broaden your skill set, investing in the right CE courses will keep you at the forefront of patient care in 2025 and beyond.
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