Iowa RN CE Courses (2026)
To renew your RN license in Iowa you need to satisfy the Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing)'s continuing education (CE) requirement — about 36 hours per 3-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.
What Iowa requires for RN renewal
| CE hours required | 36 hours per cycle |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | 36 months |
| Governing body | Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) |
36 contact hours of CE over the three-year period (related to nursing practice). Nurses caring for children or dependent adults are mandatory reporters and must hold current abuse-reporting training (renewed every 3 years; each course counts 2 contact hours toward the 36). Documentation is kept for audit.
Full RN renewal guide for Iowa (deadlines, fees & CE) →
Iowa RN CE course providers
- Nurse.com CE
Large catalog of accredited nursing CE, including state-mandated topic courses.
- Elite Learning — Nursing CE
State-specific RN CE packages bundled around each state's renewal requirements.
- CEUfast
ANCC-accredited unlimited-CE subscription accepted in most states.
- Wild Iris Medical Education
Individual accredited nursing CE courses, including pharmacology and ethics.
- Western Schools
RN CE course bundles organized by state renewal rules.
Iowa RN CE courses: frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do I need to renew my RN license in Iowa?
Iowa requires about 36 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. 36 contact hours of CE over the three-year period (related to nursing practice). Nurses caring for children or dependent adults are mandatory reporters and must hold current abuse-reporting training (renewed every 3 years; each course counts 2 contact hours toward the 36). Documentation is kept for audit.
Do online RN CE courses count in Iowa?
Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.
Where do I report my Iowa RN CE?
Iowa generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing).
Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.
Official Iowa Board of Nursing (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) site →