Nursing WA

Nursing License Renewal in Washington State: Requirements and Continuing Education

Nurses in Washington are required to renew their licenses every year to maintain active status. This process ensures that nurses stay up-to-date with current practices and maintain their competency. Washington's nursing renewal requirements include meeting specific continuing education (CE) standards.

Who Needs to Renew Their License? The Washington State Board of Nursing requires all Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) to renew their licenses annually. If you are a nurse practicing in Washington, staying compliant with these regulations is essential to continue providing care.

Continuing Education Requirements Washington RNs and LPNs

The Continuing Competency requirement in Washington involves both practice hours and continuing education. Here's what you need to know:

  • Continuing Education Hours: Washington Nurses must complete within a 12-month period prior to the renewal of licensure a minimum of 8 hours of nursing continuing education, at least 2 hours of which cover health equity.
  • There is a one-time requirement of 6 hours of suicide prevention training at initial licensure.
  • Starting January 1, 2024, RNs and LPNs are required at least 2 hours of health equity training every annual renewal period, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the provider's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice. These hours are included in the total required for renewal. Additional hours may not be rolled over to the following renewal year. Your first compliance deadline is your 2026 license renewal date, or second full CE reporting period after initial licensure, whichever is later.

 

Washington State ARNP Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your ARNP license in Washington, you must fulfill specific continuing education (CE) requirements every two years:

  1. Maintain an Active RN License & Certification. All ARNPs must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license and maintain national certification in their area of specialty. Learn more about renewing your national certification Here
  2. 30 Hours of Specialty Contact Hours Every two years, ARNPs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education in their area of specialty. These hours ensure you remain current with the latest developments in your field. Renew Now CE offers a 30-hour CE package Here
  3. Additional Pharmacotherapeutics CE for Prescribers. If you are authorized to prescribe, you are required to complete an additional 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics. Renew Now CE offers ANCC accredited pharmacology hours Here
  4. Opioid Prescribing Best Practices. ARNPs authorized to prescribe opioids must meet a one-time requirement of 4 contact hours in opioid prescribing best practices. This training ensures responsible opioid management, reducing the risk of misuse and addiction.
  5. Suicide Prevention Training. All ARNPs, except certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), must fulfill a one-time requirement of 6 contact hours in suicide prevention.
  6. Pain Management Continuing Education. ARNP pain management specialists who serve as consultants for chronic opioid therapy must complete 18 hours of continuing education in pain management every two years, unless they hold a WA NCQAC-approved certification.

New DEA Registration CE Requirements

As of June 27, 2023, all DEA-registered nurse practitioners, excluding DVM-only license holders, must complete 8 contact hours of training in the treatment and management of opioid or substance use disorders. This requirement only needs to be completed once and ensures ARNPs are equipped with the latest knowledge on treating substance use disorders. Hours in Renew Now CE’s 25 Pharmacology CE ANCC package can be used to satisfy this requirement.

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Medical Cannabis Education for Washington Nurse Practitioners

If you are an ARNP authorizing practitioners under the Medical Cannabis Program, you must complete at least 3 contact hours of continuing education related to medical cannabis. This includes proper use, pharmacology, effects, and risks associated with cannabis use.

Renew Now CE offers a 

3 hour CE course covering Cannabis

Stay Compliant with Washington ARNP License Renewal Requirements

Ensure your Washington ARNP license stays current by completing all required continuing education. Renew Now CE offers comprehensive online CE courses tailored to Washington ARNP license renewal, including opioid prescribing, pharmacology CE, and specialty contact hours. Our courses are convenient, nationally accredited, and meet the latest Washington state regulations.

Nursing Continuing Education Online in WA

For those seeking flexible options, Nursing Continuing Education Online WA courses offer the convenience to meet these requirements. Accredited online platforms, such as Renew Now CE, provide a variety of courses that satisfy the Washington State Board's standards, including key topics such as implicit bias training and cultural competency, which are becoming increasingly emphasized in the healthcare field​.

 

Steps to Renew Your Washington Nursing License

Follow these simple steps to ensure your nursing license remains active:

  1. Complete the Continuing Education Requirement: Ensure you have completed at least 8 hours of CE. (2 of these must be in health equity)
  2. Submit Your Renewal Application Online: You can renew your license through Washington’s Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal.
  3. Pay the Renewal Fees: Fees vary depending on your license type. Registered Nurses, LPNs, and ARNPs each have specific fees associated with the renewal process.
  4. Track Your Renewal Deadline: The renewal deadline is your birthday each year. Be sure to complete all requirements before this date to avoid penalties.

 

Why Choose Renew Now CE for Nursing Online Continuing Education?

Online continuing education for Washington nurses offers several advantages:

  • Flexible Scheduling: Nurses can complete courses at their own pace, allowing them to balance work and study.
  • Cost-Effective Options: Many providers offer affordable courses that meet Washington's CE requirements.
  • Wide Range of Courses: Topics include general clinical updates, patient safety, ethics, and emerging fields like health equity and implicit bias training​.

Approved CE Providers

Washington accepts CE credits from approved providers, ensuring that all courses meet the state’s competency standards. Be sure to select accredited CE providers like Renew Now CE, which offers specific courses for Nursing License Renewal WA requirements.