Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals

Illinois Registered Nurses must complete 1 hour of Alzheimer’s and dementia training during each license renewal cycle. This requirement applies to all RNs holding an Illinois license and must be completed through an approved continuing education provider.

Complete Your Required Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

What is required for Illinois Registered Nurses?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation mandates that all Registered Nurses complete one hour of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia education as part of their continuing education requirements. This mandate ensures that healthcare professionals have current knowledge about dementia care, including recognition, communication strategies, and evidence-based interventions.

The training must be completed during each renewal period, which occurs every two years for Illinois RNs. The course counts toward your total CE hours required for license renewal and must be obtained from an approved provider that meets state standards. The official regulation specifies that completion certificates must be maintained for audit purposes.

This requirement applies to all Registered Nurses licensed in Illinois, regardless of practice setting, specialty area, or employment status. Whether you work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, clinics, or administrative roles, you must complete this training. Failure to complete Alzheimer’s and dementia education can result in renewal delays or disciplinary action from the licensing board.

Complete Your Required Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

What does the Alzheimer’s & Dementia training cover?

The Alzheimer’s and dementia course provides comprehensive education on understanding, recognizing, and caring for individuals with cognitive impairment. The curriculum addresses both the medical aspects of dementia and practical strategies for providing compassionate, effective care.

  • Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia
  • Recognition of early warning signs and symptoms of cognitive decline including memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior or personality
  • Evidence-based communication techniques for working with individuals who have dementia, including validation therapy and therapeutic approaches
  • Strategies for managing challenging behaviors such as agitation, wandering, sundowning, and aggression in dementia patients
  • Person-centered care approaches that maintain dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals living with dementia
  • Caregiver support and family education including stress management, respite care resources, and advance care planning discussions

Complete Your Required Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

How to complete your Illinois Alzheimer’s & Dementia requirement

  1. Verify your license renewal date with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to ensure timely completion
  2. Select an approved continuing education provider that offers IDFPR-recognized Alzheimer’s and dementia training
  3. Complete the one-hour course through the online platform at your own pace
  4. Pass any required assessments or knowledge checks within the course
  5. Download and save your completion certificate immediately upon finishing
  6. Maintain the certificate in your records for at least five years in case of audit
  7. Report the completed hour when submitting your license renewal application

Common questions about Illinois Alzheimer’s & Dementia CE

Can I take the course in the same renewal period I complete other CE hours? Yes, the one hour of Alzheimer’s and dementia training counts toward your total continuing education requirements and can be completed alongside your other CE courses during the same renewal cycle.

What happens if I renew my license without completing the training? Your license renewal may be denied or delayed until you provide proof of completion. The Illinois IDFPR enforces this mandate strictly and may require additional documentation if you attempt to renew without meeting this requirement.

Is there an exemption for Registered Nurses who do not work with dementia patients? No, all Illinois RNs must complete this training regardless of practice setting or patient population. The requirement applies to all active license holders because dementia knowledge is essential for all nursing professionals given the prevalence of cognitive impairment across healthcare settings.

Complete Your Required Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

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