Massachusetts RNs, APRNs, and LPNs must complete fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education every two years.

If you are an RN or APRN, you need to renew your license on your birthday in the even numbered years. If you are an LPN, you need to renew your license of your birthday in the odd numbered years.

A course on the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is a one-time requirement for initial licensure. A course on domestic and sexual violence is required for re-licensure. APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete continuing education related to effective pain management, the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication, identification of patients at risk for substance use disorders, counseling patients about the side effects, addictive nature and proper storage and disposal of prescription medications, appropriate prescription quantities for prescription medications that have an increased risk of abuse, opioid antagonists, overdose prevention treatments and instances in which a patient may be advised on both the use of and ways to access opioid antagonists and overdose prevention treatments. Please Note: Massachusetts state law, M.G.L. c. 94C s.18(e), does not specify a number of continuing education hours to comply with this requirement.

For more detailed requirements, please visit the Massachusetts Nursing Board.