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Kentucky

Kentucky Continuing Education Requirements

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Below are details about continuing education and license renewal in Kentucky. You can skip to your profession by selecting it from the drop down list above.

Kentucky Registered Nurse (RN)

Kentucky Requires
14 Hours
Every year
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Approved Provider
#7-0085
Kentucky requires
14 hours Every year
Kentucky
Approved Provider #7-0085
Last Updated: Friday, August 4, 2023
Renewal requires ONE of the following for annual renewal:
 
  • Proof of earning fourteen (14) approved contact hours; OR
  • Proof of earning seven (7) approved contact hours, PLUS a nursing employment evaluation that is satisfactory for continued employment. Evaluation must be signed by the nurse's supervisor and include the employer's name, address, and phone number. The evaluation must cover at least six (6) months of the earning period (November 1 - October 31); OR
  • Current national certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role in effect during the entire period, or initially earned or renewed during the period (does not include clinical certifications such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc...); OR
  • Successful completion of a post-licensure academic course at a college, university, or post-secondary vocational institution. Must be relevant to nursing practice (e.g. nursing course designated by a nursing course number and beyond the prelicensure curriculum) OR an academic course applicable to the nurse's role and beyond the prelicensure curriculum. The course must have been completed during the earning period with an awarded grade of "C" or better, or a grade of "pass" on a pass-fail grading system. Calculation of contact hours: One (1) semester or trimester hour of academic credit = 15 contact hours; One (1) quarter hour of academic credit = 12 contact hours. May request course review for approval of applicable nursing content pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215 Section 7; OR
  • Participation as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee. Must be for at least 120 hours, have a one-to-one relationship with student or employee, may precept more than one student during the 120 hours. Preceptorship shall be evidenced by written documentation from the educational institution or preceptor’s supervisor; OR
  • Publication of an article in a peer-reviewed, health-related journal; OR
  • A nursing continuing education presentation that is designed and developed by the presenter, presented to nurses or other health professionals, is evidenced by a program brochure, course syllabi, or a letter from the offering provider identifying the licensee as the presenter of the offering; and offered by a provider approved pursuant to 201 KAR 20:220. The number of contact hours earned shall be twice the number of contact hours offered to presentation attendees; OR
  • Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director. Must be qualitative or quantitative in nature, utilize research methodology, and increases knowledge resulting in improved outcomes or changes in behavior. Submission must include a project abstract and a summary of the findings.
Special Requirements
  • 1.5 contact hours "Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma" or "Shaken Baby Syndrome" (One-time only requirement). (ONLY applies to nurses educated outside of Kentucky.) Retain documentation until retirement.
  • 3 contact hours of Domestic Violence (One-time only requirement). Retain documentation until retirement. (ONLY applies to nurses seeking reinstatement, licensure by endorsement from another state, and examination candidates educated outside of Kentucky.)
  • Effective January 13, 2022 Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215 Continuing competency requirements all RNs, LPNs, and APRNs must complete the following contact hours:
    • Suicide Prevention (2)
    • Implicit Bias (1.5)
    • Nurses who hold an active license on July 1, 2022 must complete the hours by July 1, 2023.
      Nurses who obtain a license by examination, endorsement, or reinstatement after July 1, 2022 must complete these hours within 3 years of licensure.
    • These are one-time requirements and will not need to be repeated. RNs and LPNs may apply these contact hours to their annual CE requirements for the earning period in which they are completed. APRNs will not be able to apply these hours to their annual CE requirements, as they do not include pharmacology content.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Special Requirements:
  • 5 contact hours Sexual Assault Forensic Medicine OR Domestic Violence from KBN approved providers each licensure period. These hours may count as part of the required 14 contact hours of CE needed for renewal of the RN license. Retain documentation for at least 5 years.
SANE Renewal Period:
November 1 - October 31
Required Courses
Required Courses Not Provided by CEUfast
  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
  • LPN Scope for IV Therapy
Get one year unlimited RN CEUs $39
Sign Up
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: 502-429-3300 Fax: 502-429-3311 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Ste. 300
Louisville, KY  40222-5172

Kentucky Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

3 Required Courses
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Approved Provider
#7-0085
Instant Reporting to
(3 + 1) Required Courses
Kentucky
Approved Provider #7-0085
Instant Reporting to CE Broker
Last Updated: Friday, August 4, 2023
Multiple options to renew for this profession and state.
Renewal requires ONE of the following for annual renewal:
 
  • Proof of earning fourteen (14) approved contact hours; OR
  • Proof of earning seven (7) approved contact hours, PLUS a nursing employment evaluation that is satisfactory for continued employment. Evaluation must be signed by the nurse's supervisor and include the employer's name, address, and phone number. The evaluation must cover at least six (6) months of the earning period (November 1 - October 31); OR
  • Current national certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role in effect during the entire period, or initially earned or renewed during the period (does not include clinical certifications such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc...); OR
  • Successful completion of a post-licensure academic course at a college, university, or post-secondary vocational institution. Must be relevant to nursing practice (e.g. nursing course designated by a nursing course number and beyond the prelicensure curriculum) OR an academic course applicable to the nurse's role and beyond the prelicensure curriculum. The course must have been completed during the earning period with an awarded grade of "C" or better, or a grade of "pass" on a pass-fail grading system. Calculation of contact hours: One (1) semester or trimester hour of academic credit = 15 contact hours; One (1) quarter hour of academic credit = 12 contact hours. May request course review for approval of applicable nursing content pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215 Section 7; OR
  • Participation as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee. Must be for at least 120 hours, have a one-to-one relationship with student or employee, may precept more than one student during the 120 hours. Preceptorship shall be evidenced by written documentation from the educational institution or preceptor’s supervisor; OR
  • Publication of an article in a peer-reviewed, health-related journal; OR
  • A nursing continuing education presentation that is designed and developed by the presenter, presented to nurses or other health professionals, is evidenced by a program brochure, course syllabi, or a letter from the offering provider identifying the licensee as the presenter of the offering; and offered by a provider approved pursuant to 201 KAR 20:220. The number of contact hours earned shall be twice the number of contact hours offered to presentation attendees; OR
  • Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director. Must be qualitative or quantitative in nature, utilize research methodology, and increases knowledge resulting in improved outcomes or changes in behavior. Submission must include a project abstract and a summary of the findings.
Special Requirements
An APRN's board certification satisfies the fourteen (14) contact hour requirement needed for RN licensure renewal (national certification), as long as the APRN certification was initially attained during the licensure period, has been in effect during the entire licensure period, or has been renewed during the licensure period. If these requirements are met, APRNs do not need to earn 14 contact hours of CE to renew their RN licenses.
  • Pharmacology CE: Five (5) contact hours of approved pharmacology CE must be earned by all APRNs each licensure period. CE Certificates should reflect specific pharmacology contact hours awarded. To qualify as pharmacology, content shall include drug-specific information, safe prescribing practices, safe medication administration, prescribing methodologies, new regulations, or similar topics.
  • APRNs with a CAPA-CS: Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215(5)(b), of the five (5) approved pharmacology contact hours required for APRN licensure renewal, one and one-half (1.5) of these approved contact hours must be in the dual subject of pharmacology and either pain management, or addiction disorders each licensure period. Effective January 13, 2022, CE in the use of KASPER will no longer satisfy an APRNs CAPA-CS pharmacology requirement. It may be used to satisfy other CE requirements. Courses must include pharmacology to meet the APRNs annual requirement for completion of five (5) contact hours in pharmacology. This will be in effect beginning with the November 1, 2021 – October 31, 2022 earning period. (Amendments to regulations 201 KAR 20:215 and 201 KAR 20:065 are being reviewed and pending.)
  • APRNs with a DEA-X Registration: On December 29, 2022, the President signed the omnibus appropriations bill and the requirement that healthcare providers possess a DEA X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder was eliminated. Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215(5)(1)(c) and 201 KAR 20:065,an APRN who had a DEA-X registration to prescribe Buprenorphine prior to December 30, 2022, shall complete a total of four (4) contact hours in addiction disorders, and 1.5 contact hours in the dual subject of pharmacology addiction disorders annually. Hours earned in pharmacology addiction disorders may be applied to the five (5) pharmacology hours required for all APRNs. (Amendments to regulations 201 KAR 20:215 and 201 KAR 20:065 are being reviewed and pending.)
As of 7/27/23: The deadline for the one-time Continuing Education requirement on Implicit Bias was July 1, 2023. If you have not obtained the training at this time, please note you will no longer be required to do so. Licensees will still be required to obtain all other applicable CE training.
Required Courses
Required Courses Not Provided by CEUfast
  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: 800-305-2042 Fax: 502-429-3311 Website: Visit Site Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Ste. 300
Louisville  40222-5172

Kentucky Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Kentucky Requires
14 Hours
Every year
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Approved Provider
#7-0085
Instant Reporting to
Kentucky requires
14 hours Every year
Kentucky
Approved Provider #7-0085
Instant Reporting to CE Broker
Last Updated: Friday, August 4, 2023
Multiple options to renew for this profession and state.
Renewal requires ONE of the following for annual renewal:
 
  • Proof of earning fourteen (14) approved contact hours; OR
  • Proof of earning seven (7) approved contact hours, PLUS a nursing employment evaluation that is satisfactory for continued employment. Evaluation must be signed by the nurse's supervisor and include the employer's name, address, and phone number. The evaluation must cover at least six (6) months of the earning period (November 1 - October 31); OR
  • Current national certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role in effect during the entire period, or initially earned or renewed during the period (does not include clinical certifications such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc...); OR
  • Successful completion of a post-licensure academic course at a college, university, or post-secondary vocational institution. Must be relevant to nursing practice (e.g. nursing course designated by a nursing course number and beyond the prelicensure curriculum) OR an academic course applicable to the nurse's role and beyond the prelicensure curriculum. The course must have been completed during the earning period with an awarded grade of "C" or better, or a grade of "pass" on a pass-fail grading system. Calculation of contact hours: One (1) semester or trimester hour of academic credit = 15 contact hours; One (1) quarter hour of academic credit = 12 contact hours. May request course review for approval of applicable nursing content pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215 Section 7; OR
  • Participation as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee. Must be for at least 120 hours, have a one-to-one relationship with student or employee, may precept more than one student during the 120 hours. Preceptorship shall be evidenced by written documentation from the educational institution or preceptor’s supervisor; OR
  • Publication of an article in a peer-reviewed, health-related journal; OR
  • A nursing continuing education presentation that is designed and developed by the presenter, presented to nurses or other health professionals, is evidenced by a program brochure, course syllabi, or a letter from the offering provider identifying the licensee as the presenter of the offering; and offered by a provider approved pursuant to 201 KAR 20:220. The number of contact hours earned shall be twice the number of contact hours offered to presentation attendees; OR
  • Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director. Must be qualitative or quantitative in nature, utilize research methodology, and increases knowledge resulting in improved outcomes or changes in behavior. Submission must include a project abstract and a summary of the findings.
Special Requirements
  • 1.5 contact hours "Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma" or "Shaken Baby Syndrome" (one time only requirement). Retain documentation until retirement.
  • 3 contact hours of Domestic Violence (one time only requirement). Retain documentation until retirement. (ONLY applies to nurses seeking reinstatement, licensure by endorsement from another state, and examination candidates educated outside of Kentucky.)
  • Effective January 13, 2022 Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:215 Continuing competency requirements all RNs, LPNs, and APRNs must complete the following contact hours:
    • Suicide Prevention (2)
    • Implicit Bias (1.5)
    • Nurses who hold an active license on July 1, 2022 must complete the hours by July 1, 2023.
      Nurses who obtain a license by examination, endorsement, or reinstatement after July 1, 2022 must complete these hours within 3 years of licensure.
    • These are one-time requirements and will not need to be repeated. RNs and LPNs may apply these contact hours to their annual CE requirements for the earning period in which they are completed. APRNs will not be able to apply these hours to their annual CE requirements, as they do not include pharmacology content.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Special Requirements:
  • 5 contact hours Sexual Assault Forensic Medicine OR Domestic Violence from KBN approved providers each licensure period. Retain documentation for at least 5 years.
SANE Renewal Period:
November 1 - October 31
Required Courses
Required Courses Not Provided by CEUfast
  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
  • LPN Scope for IV Therapy
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: 800-305-2042 Fax: 502-429-3311 Website: Visit Site Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Ste. 300
Louisville  40222-5172

Kentucky Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Friday, November 3, 2023
CEs not required.
You must provide proof of employment that you performed nursing or nursing related functions for at least eight (8) hours for pay as a nurse aide during the past twenty-four (24) months.
 
  • Proof of employment may be a copy of a pay stub, a W-2 form, or a letter from an employer.  The name of the facility must be imprinted on the proof of employment.
  • Renewal notifications are mailed two (2) months prior to the expiration date of active status to the address listed in the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (KNAR) database.
A nursing facility will provide and document that at least 12 hours of ongoing staff development training is given annually to each nurse aide who:
  • is employed by the facility; and
  • has satisfactorily completed the nurse aide training and competency evaluation program.
Please check with your facility/employer to ensure CEUFast courses are accepted. 
Special Requirements

 
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: 800-305-2042 Fax: 502-429-3311 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Ste. 300
Louisville  40222-5172

Kentucky Home Health Aid (HHA)

ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Friday, August 4, 2023
CEs not required.
Special Requirements

 
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: 800-305-2042 Fax: 502-429-3311 Website: Visit Site Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Ste. 300
Louisville  40222-5172

Kentucky Physical Therapist (PT)

Kentucky Requires
30 Hours
Every two years
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
30 hours Every two years
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Thursday, July 20, 2023

Physical Therapists must complete 30 hours of continued competency activities prior to renewing their credentials biennially.  

**CEUFast courses are approved by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Association.  Your state authorizes courses approved by another state board.

Special Requirements
 1. A minimum of 18 hours must be in Category 1
2. The Jurisprudence Exam must be completed by March 31 of every renewal cycle (within the 2 year licensure period (biennium), and will count 2 contact hours towards the total continued competency requirement.
Required Courses Not Provided by CEUfast
  • Jurisprudence Exam
Get one year unlimited PT CEUs $39
Sign Up
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
Phone: 502-429-7140 Fax: 502-429-7142 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: 312 Whittington Parkway Suite 102
Louisville  40222

Kentucky Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Kentucky Requires
20 Hours
Every two years
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
20 hours Every two years
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Thursday, July 20, 2023

Physical Therapist Assistants must complete 20 hours of continued competency activities prior to renewing their credentials biennially.

**CEUFast courses are approved by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Association.  Your state authorizes courses approved by another state board.

Special Requirements
1. A minimum of 10 hours must be in Category 1. 
2. The Jurisprudence Exam must be completed by March 31 of every renewal cycle (within the 2 year licensure period (biennium), and will count 2 contact hours towards the total continued competency requirement.
Required Courses Not Provided by CEUfast
  • Jurisprudence Exam
Get one year unlimited PTA CEUs $39
Sign Up
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
Phone: 502-429-7140 Fax: 502-429-7142 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: 312 Whittington Parkway Suite 102
Louisville  40222

Kentucky Occupational Therapist (OT)

Kentucky Requires
12 Hours
Every year
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
12 hours Every year
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
CEUfast Meets All Requirements
Last Updated: Thursday, March 31, 2022
A licensee applying for license renewal shall complete a minimum of 12 CCUs of qualified activities for maintaining continuing competence during the preceding annual renewal period.
Special Requirements
 At least once every six (6) years from date of initial license issue or from date of last completed training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management that is preapproved by the board, each licensee shall complete a training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management that is pre-approved by the board.
Required Courses
Get one year unlimited OT CEUs $39
Sign Up
Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
Phone: 502-564-3296 Fax: 502-564-4818 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: PO Box 1360
Frankford  40602

Kentucky Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)

Kentucky Requires
12 Hours
Every year
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
12 hours Every year
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
CEUfast Meets All Requirements
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
A licensee applying for license renewal shall complete a minimum of 12 CCUs of qualified activities for maintaining continuing competence during the preceding annual renewal period.
Special Requirements
(5) At least once every six (6) years from date of initial license issue or from date of last completed training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management that is preapproved by the board, each licensee shall complete a training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management that is pre-approved by the board.
Required Courses
Get one year unlimited OTA CEUs $39
Sign Up
Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
Phone: 502-564-3296 Fax: 502-564-4818 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: PO Box 1360
Frankford  40602

Kentucky Athletic Trainer (AT/AL)

Kentucky Requires
60 Hours
Every three years
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
60 hours Every three years
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Friday, August 4, 2023
An athletic trainer shall complete six (6) CEUs during each three (3) year renewal cycle. 

CEU means the completion of ten (10) hours of educational courses approved by the:
  1. Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure; or
  2. Board of Certification, Inc.
Special Requirements
Upon initial licensure or within the first three (3) year renewal cycle from initial licensure, each licensee shall complete an educational course approved by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on the transmission, control, treatment, and prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus HIV/AIDS. 
Get one year unlimited AT CEUs $39
Sign Up
Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
Phone: 502-429-7932 Fax: 502-429-7158 Website: Visit Site Email: Contact Address: 310 Whittington Parkway
Suite 1B
Louisville  40222

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Kentucky Requires
24 Hours
ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
Kentucky requires
24 hours
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Thursday, August 29, 2019
CEUFast is unable to provide continuing education at this time.

 
A minimum of twenty-four (24) continuing education units shall be accrued by each person holding mandatory certification during the two (2) year certification period for renewal. The certification period shall be January 1 of one (1) year through December 31 of the following calendar year. Note: (This is for CEU submission only. Licensure expiration will remain Jan. 30th.)

CEU Changes:
PEARS has been added to the standardized ceu list and is now worth 7 ceus
Beginning with the 2021 renewal the following change has been made:
  • ACCS for the first time takers will be worth 4 ceus
Special Requirements
The CEUs offered by a provider online, must have been approved by the AARC or by the KBRC. (If you do not see it listed as approved by the AARC or the KBRC, then it needs to be approved by the KBRC. All courses approved by the AARC or by the KBRC have specific course numbers.) Contact the board if you have questions about CEU acceptance.

 
Get one year unlimited RT CEUs $39
Sign Up
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Phone: 859-246-2747 Fax: 859-246-2750 Website: Visit Site Address: 2365 Harrodsburg Rd., B350
Lexington  40504-3386

Kentucky Medical Assistant (MA)

ANCC
Approved Provider
#P0274
ANCC
Approved Provider #P0274
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
CEs not required.
In Kentucky, certifications are not required for medical assistants to be employed but it is recommended by most employers.
Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
Phone: 502-429-7150 Website: Visit Site Address: 310 Whittington Parkway Suite 1B
Louisville  40222