NYS Nursing CEU Requirements
What every RN and LPN at NYP-LMH actually has to take to keep your license active. Plain English, no fluff.
This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the NYS Office of the Professions. Rules can change between registration cycles.
Infection Control & Barrier Precautions
- When
- Every 4 years
- Hours
- Approx. 4–6 contact hours
- Who
- All RNs and LPNs licensed in NY
Required under Title 8 of the NYS Education Law. Must be taken from a NYSED-approved provider. Most nurses complete this online — the Department lists approved providers on their site.
Child Abuse Identification & Reporting
- When
- One-time, at initial licensure
- Hours
- 2 contact hours
- Who
- All nurses applying for an initial NY license
Required once before your first NY license is issued. You generally don't have to retake it. Keep your certificate — DOH or your employer may ask to see it.
Mandated Reporter Training
- When
- One-time (recently updated)
- Hours
- 2 contact hours
- Who
- All mandated reporters, including RNs and LPNs
NYS rolled out an updated mandated reporter course in 2023. If you last took the old version, check with your employer or NYSED whether a refresher is required for your role.
Continuing Education (the "3 contact hours")
- When
- Every 3-year registration cycle
- Hours
- 3 contact hours minimum
- Who
- All RNs and LPNs registering on or after July 1, 2023
New NYS rule: every nurse must complete at least 3 contact hours of continuing education each triennial registration cycle. The Education Department audits a sample of nurses each cycle — keep certificates for at least 6 years.
Workplace Violence Prevention (employer training)
- When
- Annually
- Hours
- Varies
- Who
- Healthcare workers in NY hospitals
Required under PHL §2803-q. Your employer must provide this on paid time. If you haven't received it this year, that's a contract and a labor-law issue — call your delegate.
Quick Tips
- Save every CEU certificate as a PDF in a cloud folder. NYSED can audit up to 6 years back.
- Free CEUs are available through CWA, Medscape, and most major nursing journals.
- Hospital-mandated trainings (HealthStream, fit-testing, etc.) are paid time. If they're not, that's a grievance — file a staffing complaint or contact your delegate.
- Registration renews every 3 years — set a calendar reminder 60 days before your expiration date.