Continuing education for advanced practice nurses.

Continuing education (CE) enables the advanced practice nurse (APN) to be apprised of practice issues and meet recertification requirements. Opportunities for obtaining CE program credits for APNs have expanded, yet uncertainty exists regarding specific program requirements for obtaining state and national certification. To obtain accurate information related to state requirements for CE for APNs, all 50 state boards of nursing were contacted by telephone in July 1998. Responses were received from all 50 states by telephone or facsimile transmission. This article outlines information related to CE for APNs including state renewal and national recertification requirements. Factors to consider when deciding on CE offerings in advanced practice nursing are also discussed.