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What continuing education does an RN or LPN need to renew in Nebraska?

A Nebraska RN or LPN first licensed in the current renewal period needs no CE hours for that first renewal. Other RNs and LPNs can renew with 20 hours of nursing CE in the previous 2 years. If you were first licensed over 5 years ago, that route also needs 500 practice hours in the previous 5 years.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
20 hours of nursing CE in the previous 2 yearsA nurse who graduated and was first licensed in the last 2 years meets the requirement through that graduation.
Verified. dhhs.ne.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
No CE hours at the first renewal if first licensed within the renewal periodThe waiver can apply to exam and endorsement applicants alike. You answer yes to the waiver question.
Same source and date as above
Practice hours
500 practice hours in the previous 5 years if first licensed over 5 years agoThe FAQ pairs them with 20 hours of CE in the previous 2 years.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Licenses expire October 31 (LPN odd years, RN even years)All RN and LPN licenses share this date, in alternating years.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check where you stand. If your first Nebraska license was issued in the current renewal period, you answer yes to the waiver question and owe no CE hours at that first renewal. After that, the CE rules apply.

  2. Step 2. Pick nursing CE from an accrediting body or a provider that body has approved. Employer in-service may or may not qualify, so ask your employer whether it was approved for contact hours.

  3. Step 3. If you renew with CE, finish 20 hours in the previous 2 years. If you were first licensed more than 5 years ago, the FAQ pairs that with 500 practice hours in the previous 5 years.

  4. Step 4. You do not need to send certificates with your renewal. Keep them, because a percentage of licensees is picked at random for audit afterward and must send proof.

Before you pay

Before you pay, ask whether an accrediting body, such as ANCC or a State Board of Nursing, approved the course or its provider.

Questions

Can I take all the hours online?

Yes. There is no limit on hours from the Internet or other home-study courses.

How many CPR or BLS hours count?

No more than 4 hours from CPR and BLS combined. Other life support courses such as ACLS, NALS and PALS are not limited.

Does a refresher course replace the hours?

Yes. Finishing the refresher course within the last five years meets the continuing competency requirement for that renewal.

What counts as a practice hour?

Practice hours are the time you spend working in nursing, whether paid or volunteer.

Does an RN to BSN program count as a recent graduation?

No. It will not let an already licensed nurse renew as graduated within the last 2 years. The program can count for CE, but not for practice hours.

What to do next

Start with the Nebraska DHHS nurse licensing FAQs. Ask who approved a course before you pay for it.

dhhs.ne.gov

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