Ohio requires 24 CE hours for RNs and LPNs, with APRNs facing a significantly higher 48-hour requirement that includes advanced pharmacology. The state also has different renewal years depending on your license type. Here's your complete guide.
Ohio RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) requires Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle. APRNs must complete 48 total hours (24 RN + 24 advanced practice).
Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state (effective January 1, 2023), so nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What CE Hours Are Required?
For RNs and LPNs (24 hours total):
- 24 total contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- Ohio Nurse Practice Act & Rules (1 hour minimum) — must be from an OBN-approved provider headquartered in Ohio (Category A requirement)
- Human Trafficking / Sexual Assault Recognition (1 hour) — optional (may count toward your CE total)
- CE must be from ANCC-accredited or OBN-approved providers
For APRNs (48 hours total):
- 48 total CE hours — 24 hours for the RN license plus 24 hours for the APRN certificate
- Advanced Pharmacology (12 hours) — CNPs, CNSs, and CNMs must include at least 12 of the 24 APRN hours in advanced pharmacology
- All mandatory RN topics also apply to APRNs
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Ohio Nursing License
- Know your renewal year. RN and APRN licenses renew in odd-numbered years. LPN licenses renew in even-numbered years. The renewal window opens July 1 and closes October 31.
- Complete all CE hours and mandatory topics. Finish your 24 hours (RN/LPN) or 48 hours (APRN), including the Ohio NPA and human trafficking requirements.
- Log in to the Ohio eLicense Portal. Visit elicense.ohio.gov to start your renewal.
- Complete the renewal application. Update your personal information and affirm that all CE requirements have been completed.
- Pay the renewal fee. The current fee is $65 for RNs/LPNs and $135 for APRNs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing renewal years. RNs and APRNs renew in odd-numbered years while LPNs renew in even-numbered years. If you hold both, track both timelines carefully.
- Using the wrong Category A provider. The Ohio Nurse Practice Act hour must come from an OBN-approved provider headquartered in Ohio — not just any provider offering an Ohio law course.
- APRNs not meeting pharmacology hours. Of the 24 APRN hours, CNPs, CNSs, and CNMs must include at least 12 in advanced pharmacology. Generic advanced practice CE won't satisfy this.
- Expecting a grace period. Ohio has no formal grace period. If you fail to renew by October 31, your license lapses on November 1 and you cannot practice until reinstated.
- Trying to carry over hours. Extra CE hours earned in one renewal period cannot be carried over to the next in Ohio.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Start early in the July 1 window. Don't wait until October to begin the renewal process. Complete CE and submit your application well before the October 31 deadline.
- First-time renewals may be exempt. If you obtained your license by examination, you may be exempt from CE for your first renewal period. Check with OBN.
- Keep records for 6 years. Ohio conducts random audits and you must produce CE documentation within 60 days of a request. RenewRN helps you track and store all your CE records in one place.
- Take advantage of NLC benefits. As a compact state, your Ohio multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses.
Track Your Ohio CE Requirements with RenewRN
With different renewal years for different license types and a strict no-grace-period policy, staying organized is critical. RenewRN tracks your CE hours, monitors mandatory topics, and sends reminders so you never miss a deadline.