How To Become A Continuing Education Provider For Nurses - FAQs

FEBRUARY 07, 2023 / TERESA SANDERSON, RN, CCM

In this blog post Teresa Sanderson answers the most frequently asked questions she receives from aspiring nursing continuing education providers. From what the requirements are to become a provider to what type of content qualifies as nursing continuing education, you'll find answers here to the most common questions about how to become a continuing education provider for nurses!

Once I am an approved nursing continuing education provider do I need to send every course I create to the board?

As an approved continuing education provider for nurses, you may not be required to send every course you create to the board for approval. However, it's important to check the specific requirements set by your state's board of nursing as they can vary. Some states may require pre-approval for all courses while others may only require approval for certain types of courses. It's important to follow the guidelines set by your state's board of nursing to ensure compliance and maintain your approved status as a continuing education provider.

If I become an approved nursing continuing education provider by a state board of nursing will CE credit from my courses be accepted by all states?

CE credit from your courses as an approved nursing continuing education provider by a state board of nursing may not be automatically accepted by all other states. The acceptance of continuing education credits varies by state and it's important to check the specific requirements of each state where you plan to offer your courses. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states, meaning that CE credits earned in one state are recognized in another. However, this is not always the case and it's important to research the specific requirements of each state you plan to offer courses in. To ensure that your courses are recognized by as many states as possible, consider obtaining accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting organization.

What kind of courses can I teach as a nursing continuing education provider?

As a nursing continuing education provider, you have the opportunity to offer a wide range of courses to your target audience. Some of the most popular topics include:

Clinical skills and best practices - Courses focused on updates in clinical practices, new procedures and techniques, and evidence-based medicine.
Leadership and management - Courses aimed at helping nurses develop their leadership skills and prepare for management positions.
Patient safety and quality improvement - Courses focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing errors and adverse events, and promoting safe care practices.
Legal and ethical issues - Courses exploring the ethical and legal implications of nursing practice and the impact on patient care.
Cultural competence and diversity - Courses aimed at helping nurses understand and appreciate diversity, cultural differences and the importance of cultural competence in patient care.

It's important to keep in mind the specific needs and interests of your target audience when developing your course offerings. Consider conducting market research to understand what type of courses your target audience is interested in taking.

What are some of the benefits to my business of becoming an approved nursing continuing education provider?

Becoming an approved nursing continuing education provider can bring several benefits to your business:

Increased visibility and credibility - Approval by a state board of nursing demonstrates your commitment to quality and professional standards, which can help you establish a strong reputation and increase your visibility in the industry.
Access to a large market - As a continuing education provider, you will have the opportunity to reach a large and growing market of nurses who are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.
Revenue generation - Offering continuing education courses can provide a new source of revenue for your business, as nurses are willing to pay for high-quality and relevant continuing education courses.
Career growth - By becoming an approved provider, you will have the opportunity to expand your business and explore new markets, as well as the potential to collaborate with other continuing education providers and organizations.
Professional development - Creating and delivering continuing education courses can also provide opportunities for your own professional growth and development, as it keeps you up-to-date with the latest developments in your field.
To learn more about how to become a nursing continuing education provider or how to add CE credit to your course,click here to schedule a complimentary CE Consultation.