Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in North Carolina must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active nursing license.
Maintaining your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in North Carolina requires staying current with continuing education (CE). The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) mandates that all LPNs complete 30 contact hours of approved continuing education every 2 years as a condition of license renewal.
Continuing education serves several critical purposes for LPNs in North Carolina:
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North Carolina LPNs can complete continuing education through various approved formats:
In addition to general nursing continuing education, North Carolina requires LPNs to complete specific mandatory topics as part of their 30-hour requirement. These courses address critical areas identified by the state board.
NCBON-approved continuing education
15 CE hours + 640 practice hours
Choosing the right CE provider is crucial. Below are trusted, board-approved providers offering courses that meet North Carolina LPN requirements. These providers offer complete packages, affordable pricing, and convenient online access.
When selecting a CE provider for your North Carolina license renewal, consider:
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Proper documentation of your continuing education is essential. The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) may audit your records, so maintaining accurate documentation is critical for compliance.
Download and save completion certificates as soon as you finish each course. Store them in both digital and physical formats (print copies as backup).
Maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking: course name, provider, date completed, hours earned, certificate number, and topic category (mandatory vs. elective).
Many providers offer built-in tracking dashboards. CEBroker is also used in North Carolina to automatically report CE completion to the board.
At least 30-60 days before your renewal deadline, review your CE log to ensure you've completed all 30 required hours, including mandatory topics.
Keep all CE documentation for at least 4 years (or longer, as required by North Carolina). The board may audit your records during renewal or afterward.
Renewing your North Carolina LPN license involves completing your CE requirements and submitting your renewal application to the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).
Finish all required continuing education, including mandatory topics, before the renewal deadline: Last day of birth month every 2 years.
Compile all CE certificates and ensure your records are organized. You may not need to submit them during renewal, but must have them ready for potential audit.
Visit the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) website (https://www.ncbon.com) and log in to the online license renewal system.
Answer all questions truthfully, including attestations about CE completion, criminal history, and disciplinary actions.
Submit the renewal fee of $80 via credit card or other accepted payment methods. Late renewals may incur additional fees.
After processing (typically 1-3 business days), you'll receive confirmation and your renewed license. Verify all information is correct.
North Carolina LPNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew their license.
General Nursing CE (30 hours), Alternative Option (15 hours). The remaining hours can be general nursing topics of your choice.
Yes! The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) accepts online CE courses from approved providers. Most North Carolina LPNs complete their entire 30-hour requirement online for convenience.
The average cost for 30 hours of CE in North Carolina ranges from $150-$300, depending on the provider and course format. Some employers offer free CE benefits.
North Carolina LPN licenses must be renewed Last day of birth month every 2 years. The renewal fee is $80. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.
Typically, no. You attest to completing the required CE hours during renewal, but you must keep all certificates on file for at least 4 years in case of audit by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).
No. CE hours completed outside the current 2 years renewal period cannot be used. All 30 hours must be earned within the period immediately preceding your license expiration.
If you fail to complete the required 30 hours, your license will lapse or expire. You may be able to apply for late renewal with penalties, but practicing on an expired license is illegal.
For questions about CE requirements, license renewal, or compliance issues, contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON):
Don't wait until the last minute! Start your 30 hours of continuing education today and renew your license with confidence.