If you hold a Rhode Island LPN license, the Rhode Island Department of Health requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, including at least 2 hours related to substance abuse and a one-time 1-hour Alzheimer's disease course — both counting toward the total. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
10 hours / 2 years
Ten contact hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Substance abuse
At least 2 of the 10 hours must relate to substance abuse.
Alzheimer's (one-time)
A one-time 1-hour Alzheimer's disease course.
Biennial renewal
Rhode Island LPN licenses expire March 1.
How many CE hours Rhode Island LPNs need
Rhode Island requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every two years, including the mandated substance abuse and one-time Alzheimer's hours below, which count toward the total.
Mandated subject requirements
- Substance abuse: at least 2 of the 10 hours each cycle.
- Alzheimer's disease: a one-time 1-hour course.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Rhode Island LPN licenses renew biennially and expire March 1. A six-month hardship extension may be granted for the CE requirement.
Know exactly what CME you need.
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal date. We map your required hours, the state-mandated topics, and your deadline — a clear, personalized plan for a flat $99.
View pricingRhode Island Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) CME at a glance
- Substance Abuse2 hrs · each cycle
At least 2 of the 10 contact hours must be related to substance abuse each cycle.
- Alzheimer's Disease1 hr · one time
A one-time 1-hour course on Alzheimer's disease; counts toward the 10-hour total in the cycle completed.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Rhode Island LPNs complete 10 contact hours of continuing education each biennium, including at least 2 hours related to substance abuse and a one-time 1-hour Alzheimer's disease course (both count toward the 10). Licenses expire March 1. A six-month hardship extension may be granted.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Rhode Island Department of Health before relying on these figures.
Source: Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Licensed in more than one state?
Nurse Licensure Compact: active. Active. One multistate RN/LPN license from the home state authorizes practice in member states; practice-state requirements (including CE) may still overlay.
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
Also licensing in Rhode Island or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Rhode Island LPN CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Rhode Island LPNs need?
+
10 contact hours every two years.
What mandated topics apply in Rhode Island?
+
At least 2 hours on substance abuse each cycle, plus a one-time 1-hour Alzheimer's disease course.
When do Rhode Island LPN licenses renew?
+
Every two years, expiring March 1.
Related
Need help meeting your Rhode Island LPN CE before renewal?
Tell us your license type and renewal month and we'll map the fastest compliant path — required hours, mandated topics, and your deadline — for a flat $99.
- Flat $99 per plan
- Every license type
- All 50 states
Get my CME plan
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal — we'll map exactly what you need.