Reviewed state guide · checked 2026-11-04
Pennsylvania nursing CE requirements
RN facts verified on the Pennsylvania Department of State RN licensure snapshot on 2026-11-04. Official page: Pennsylvania board(opens in new tab).
Short answer
Pennsylvania RNs renew every two years with 30 hours of continuing education, which must include 2 hours of approved training in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Beginning May 1, 2026, all RNs must also complete 2 hours of organ donation education one time within five years.
Requirements by license type
Registered nurse
Verified on official page
30 hours per biennial renewal, including child abuse training.
- 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Includes 2 hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training.
- From May 1, 2026: 2 hours of organ donation education, one time within five years.
- Initial licensure requires 3 hours of child abuse education.
Licensed practical nurse
Not summarized — check the board
LPNs have their own licensure snapshot. We have not reviewed it here.
- Check the PA LPN snapshot; do not apply the RN numbers above.
CRNP / CNS
Not summarized — check the board
Pennsylvania CRNPs have prescriptive authority education requirements. Review the board's CRNP pages.
- Maintain RN requirements.
- Review CRNP-specific pharmacology hours separately.
Child abuse training must be approved
Pennsylvania's 2-hour child abuse requirement must come from an approved provider. The Department of State maintains information about approved child abuse recognition and reporting providers; check it before purchasing.
Organ donation is new and one-time
The organ donation education requirement begins May 1, 2026 and is a one-time obligation within five years, not every renewal. Record its completion date so you can show it was completed in the window.
Compact status
NurseCompact.com shows Pennsylvania as Implemented. Compact status affects where you can practice, not which CE you need — renewal CE follows the license you hold. How the compact works.
Primary sources
Sources checked 2026-11-04.
Information only — not legal advice. The board's current rules control.